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Orval “Lowell” Thompson, age 89, went to be with the Lord on January 24, 2016. He was born on March 28, 1926, to Claus and Lola Thompson in Monte Vista, CO.
Lowell served in the Army towards the end of WWII and was in the Battle of the Bulge. Returning to the San Luis Valley, he joined forces with his father taking care of the family farm. In June of 1947, he married his first wife, Ardith Earnhart. They were married for 35 years. During this time, he farmed and inspected vegetables until he moved to Trinidad in 1968 to manage the Trinidad Lanes. At this time, Lowell was actively participating in bowling leagues and tournaments at local, state and national levels.
In 1973, Lowell and Ardith bought the Sears franchise in Trinidad and ran the store until her death in 1983. Lowell continued with the Sears store along with his second wife, Mary Helen Barnes. Mary passed away in 2013.
After he retired, he was a grounds keeper at Trinidad Lake for a couple of years. Lowell also, in his retirement, was very active in the local VFW. He especially enjoyed working with the local school children encouraging participation in the VFW programs Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen.
Lowell was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved gardening and his pets. He had a big garden in his yard until he moved to the Spanish Peaks Veterans Living Center in 2014. He lived here until his death.
He is survived by his sisters Janet and Janean, his brother Myron (Dot), daughters Laurel Tortorelli and Sharlyn Garduno (Gerald), son Roger Thompson (Darlene), 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Also surviving are two step daughters Sharin Barnes, Nonie Tapp (Dane) and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 2PM at First Christian Church in Trinidad, CO, with Pastor Cary Nelson officiating.
Inurnment will be held Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 1PM at the Alamosa Cemetery with graveside services and military honors conducted by Ft. Carson Honor Guard.
Donations may be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice or the Spanish Peaks Veterans Living Center in Lowell’s memory. The family will greet people at the Trinidad Elks Club directly after the service.
