Van Everett Thompson, 84, of Highland, California, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025.
Born in Swamp City, Texas, to William Lawson “Bill” Thompson and Katy Mae Thompson, Van was the youngest of five brothers. He graduated from Gladewater High School in 1959, attended Kilgore Junior College where he was presented the American Petroleum Institute (API) Scholarship, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1963. He was recruited from A&M by General Dynamics, Pomona Division, a major defense contractor, and went on to earn his Master’s degree in International Marketing to expand his global career with them.
Van spent 30 years working as an Aerospace Engineer and International Defense Systems Expert for General Dynamics, designing jet fighters, integrated missile systems, weapons systems, and military tanks for our allies around the world, maintaining foreign relations with flawless tact and diplomacy. In addition to his engineering career, Van became a licensed Real Estate Broker, first as a hobby and later as a second profession. His happiest years however were those spent after retiring to Big Bear Lake, California where a daily dose of mountain views, fresh air, and evening walks contributed to his long, healthy life.
Throughout his life, Van remained deeply connected to his East Texas family and roots through letters, calls, and frequent visits and he was forever guided by the strong moral compass he acquired early at his mother’s side attending McCrary’s Chapel Methodist Church in Liberty City, Texas.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife and tireless caregiver Ikie Thompson; his devoted children, Charlotte Thompson Allen and her husband Michael of Kilgore, Texas; Gina Snyder and her husband Larry of Charlotte, North Carolina; Jennifer Main and her husband Tim of Rancho Cucamonga, California; and his son, Evan Casey Thompson, a United States Marine, and his wife Tish of San Bernardino, California. He was the proud grandfather of Kyle, Ryan, Daniel, Casey, Denver, Faith, and Jade, and the delighted great-grandfather of Evan and Jack Nations.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his four brothers, Billy, Carl, Kevin, and Marvin Thompson, who each wore the uniform of the United States Navy with pride and sacrifice.
Van was especially proud of his son Evan’s service in the United States Marine Corps, carrying forward the family’s long tradition of duty and honor.
A private family Celebration of Life was held on April 25 in Highland, California. Interment is to follow in Richland, Texas alongside his parents and brothers as was his lifelong wish.
