Robert was born on September 23, 1936 in Adair County and attended High School in Greenfield, IA. He was united in marriage to Patricia Merrell on May 16, 1959. He had lived in Indianola for the past 44 years. Bob enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, jokes on the computer and camping. He was a member of the Indianola Elks Lodge and also served in the Army Reserves. In the 1970's he was an active member the CB Club.

He was preceded in death by one son, Gerry Sr.; two sisters, Judy Sackett and Marybelle Hanke; two brothers, George and Don Thompson; his mother Helen Laughlin-Thompson and father Walter Thompson.

Surviving are his wife Patricia Thompson of Indianola; daughter Debra (Dennis) Moffitt of Indianola; 8 grandchildren, Michelle (Jeremy) Upenieks of Des Moines, Heather Moffitt of Indianola, Gerry Jr., Matt and Stephanie Thompson of Indiana, and Shauna Moffitt, Nate and Zoey Thompson of Indianola; 4 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Wilbur (Mary) Thompson of Indianola.

Visitation will be held 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, at Overton Funeral Home, where family will be present from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Robert Thompson Memorial Fund. An organization will be decided at a later date.