John Paul Thompson, 93, of Ozark, MO, passed away September 7, 2022.  He was born in Newark, NJ to John and Isabell Thompson. Often going by his middle name, "Paul" lived life jubilantly--undertaking each task or adventure with a can-do attitude and enthusiasm. The term "Thompsonized" is still used by those who knew him—a word meaning to do a job in the very best way it can be done. And, Paul loved passing his skills, his wisdom, his laughter, and his creativity on to family and friends.

Paul's wife Tedye (d. 2018) and their three children, Douglas, Janet and Judye became a military family as Paul made the Air Force a 24-year career, retiring as Lt. Col. John Paul Thompson. At home he led his family with a mindset of work hard, play adventurously and save wisely for the future.  He rarely missed an opportunity for situational education—he had a story or a lesson or a mischievous antic for everything. In his later years Paul also grew in his love for God and enjoyed sharing that love with others. Paul had three children, Douglas (Cheryl), Janet (Michael) and Judye (Kevin); seven grandchildren Jennie, (John d.2021), Jason, Nicole, Travis, Christopher & Allison; and four great-grandchildren Mack, Jedidiah, Kenley and Nolan.