Ronald Wade Thompson, Sr.

Ronald W. Thompson Sr.(“Ron”, “Ronnie”, “Foot”, “Dog”), age 69, of New Market, passed away December 13, 2024 peacefully at home with Julia, his wife of 29 years, by his side as she has been throughout their marriage. For the past ten years Julia has also been Ron’s devoted caretaker. Julia and Ron met at work where Ron was known as “Dog” (and “Dog” was painted on the door of his work truck). Julia was then known as “Dogcatcher”. Think of everything that “Dogcatcher” brings to mind and then imagine the opposite of all those things. That is our Julia. For all of us who watched this love story unfold, we are forever grateful and indebted to Julia. Their love and devotion to each other was a gift that each treasured.

Julia is very appreciative of her support system, especially Mary Jo and Nancy. There are many more that she is forever grateful to – too many to list here but who will always be in her heart.

Born July 7, 1955, in Frederick, Maryland, he was by far the youngest son of the late Roy James and Mildred Miller Thompson. In fact, he was a student at the high school where his brother was the principal. Letters from this principal to his parents regarding some of Ron’s behaviors are reminiscent of those days gone by. At least Ron was in school, though. There are many stories of Ron never getting on the bus in his younger days and spending those days running through the fields and hanging out in the barn. After getting caught and being made to help with the dishes, he preached to his mother that he couldn’t go to school because “Dad really needs my help on the farm."

In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his son, Ron Thompson Jr. (Robin), stepson Patrick DeRosa, grandchildren Joseph Thompson (Erin) and Madalyn Andrew (Cameron) (and Joseph and Madalyn’s mother, Desiree), great-granddaughter Evelyn Thompson, siblings JamesThompson Jr., Mildred Brashears, and Nancy Wicks (Roger). Ron was preceded in death by brothers Roy James Thompson, Jr., Lewis (“Buzz”) Thompson, and John L. Thompson, Sr., brother-in-law Gene Brashears, sisters-in-law Elsie Thompson, Doris Thompson, and Betty Ann
Thompson, and nephews Tony and Larry. Ron is also survived by his in-laws Mary Jo LaFrance and family and Daniel Jokie Ryan.

“Uncle Ronnie” is also fondly remembered by Jack, David, Frank, Willie, Cheryl, Carol, Lennie, Joe, Jennifer, Jan, Terry, Marsha, Christine, Debi, Jimmy, Sue, Lance, Judy, Vicki, Suzanne and many great nieces and nephews. “Uncle Ronnie” was younger than some of his nephews and
nieces and was much more than an uncle – he was a best friend, a co-conspirator, a jokester, and a bit wild until Julia came into the picture. One nephew pleaded with his parents after one incident at the farm saying, “Being around Ronnie just makes me crazy!”

Ron was outgoing and made many friends throughout his life. He will also be remembered by these good, lifelong friends.

Many wish we had more pictures of all the good times with Ron. It is not surprising that we don’t. As another nephew said, “When you were with Ronnie you were just having too much fun to think about taking pictures”. Or, maybe it was that no one wanted there to be evidence of
what was happening. . .

His laugh made everyone around him laugh along, whether or not you knew what he was laughing about. How that laugh will be missed!

It could be said that Ron had an adventurous spirit – or it could just be said that he had no fear. Even as a grandfather, Ron was never one to sit quietly while life passed him by. One day when Julia left to run an errand for a few minutes, she came back and heard “Here comes Grandma!”
as she got out of her car. She quickly walked around the back of the house to find Ron and his grandson on the roof!

Ron was a devoted husband and provider. There was one winter when he was only home for 19 days out of the entire winter. Some of those days were only 8 hour days before he would have to be back at work. Instead of resting, showering, and eating on one of those days, Julia got home
to find him bringing in firewood so that she would have plenty to keep warm. Julia affectionately remembers that “he always put me first”.

He loved his country. He loved bald eagles. He loved our flag.

He loved his motorcycle. He loved the farm. He loved their home.

He loved dogs and all animals.

He loved crabs and beach trips with his family.

He loved Christmas. Julia decorated early this year so Ron could see all the decorations.

He loved Julia. He loved his family.

He loved life. He lived it to the fullest from the time he was born.

Watching what the disease took from Ron could make us bitter. We wanted Ron to always be that fun-loving brother, uncle, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, friend. Watching how Julia stood by him and how strong her faith has remained is a message. The beautiful scripture
from the book of Ruth that was read at Ron and Julia’s wedding is a testament to their marriage and to caretaking and to the love we need to have for each other. “Where you go, I will go. Where you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. . .
Not even death can separate us.”

Ron has been greeted by his Savior and his beloved family and friends that have gone on before. He is waiting with them to greet all of us. Live life to the fullest. Take care of and love each other.

The family will receive friends from 4–7 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. Come and share your stories about Ron. We know there are many more – and some that we have never heard!

The memorial service will be held January 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm.at Bush Creek Church of the Brethren, 4821 Green Valley Road, Monrovia. There will be a time of sharing during the service and there will be a meal afterwards when we can reminisce.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com .

In lieu of flowers (especially due to the delay until the memorial service), donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or at https://www.alz.org .