Harlan Thompson

Harlan Buel Thompson was born September 23, 1930 and passed in his home on January 6, 2011.
He was born to Buel and Stella Thompson in Stigler, Oklahoma. Being the oldest son, he worked beside his father on the family farm from the time he was a young boy. As a teenager he would ride horseback as much as 20 miles to a dance to court the girls. He graduated high school and joined the National Guard. He met the love of his life, Hazel, whom he married in 1951. Harlan then joined the Air Force.
As part of his agreement with his fatherinlaw, Hazel finished high school while Harlan went to college on a G. I. Bill. He worked two jobs to graduate with a degree in business and accounting and made the Deans Honor Roll while doing so.
Harlan and Hazel moved from Oklahoma City to Ponca City for a job with Conoco when he was 27 years old. After spending years living in town, they moved to the farm where he raised hogs, sheep and cattle on the side and resumed his love for horses. Throughout the raising of his children and grandchildren he shared his love of horses and participated in trail rides, shodeos, parades and grand entries at the local rodeo.
After 33 years at Conoco, Harlan retired at 59. He and Hazel traveled extensively throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe including 20 trips to Alaska to visit their son and family.
Harlan is survived by two sisters one brother daughter, Terri Shultz and husband, Darrel of Ponca City one son, Gary Thompson and wife, Dixie of North Pole, Alaska six grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.
Harlan was a hardworking, honest man who always put his family first and had many good friends throughout his life. He never lost a friend except through death. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he has touched.
Casket bearers will be Steve Thompson, John McQuirie, Aaron McQuirie, Jeffery McQuirie, Steve Christner and Matt Christner.
Honorary casket bearers will be Jack Thorpe, Louie Gibson, Elton Nimerick, Buddy Moneymaker, Fenton Morrison, David Tyler, Charles Richmond, Rusty Crowell and Chuck Diebold.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.
The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2011 at Grace Memorial Chapel with pastors, Bob Duncan and Rick Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.