November 9, 2021

Linn County News

Published Nov. 10, 2021

Alvin (“Al”) Raymond Thompson, 60, of La Cygne, Kan., passed away July 25, 2021, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan.

Al was born Nov. 22, 1960, to Harold and Mary Thompson at Olathe Community Hospital.

Al recalled from his childhood many trips to Goodland, Kan., on the train to stay the summer with his grandparents and relatives on the farm. He enjoyed being there and remembered it fondly.

Al attended Olathe High School, back when there was only one high school. He worked as a mechanic and did real estate maintenance for several years. He attended DeVry Institute of Technology and received an associate’s degree in electronics and worked in the medical equipment field for many years. Al always liked new challenges and decided to go into real estate and worked as an agent for Crown Realty for the last 15 years. He enjoyed working for Crown, his co-workers and people he met as he did business. Al was a people person, and it fit him well.

Al and Kathy Knecht met in 1981. They were introduced by mutual friends. It was love at first sight, and they were married Jan. 22, 1982. They were together for 39 years. It was always “You and Me, Kid.” They lived a loving, committed relationship, respected each other, with an importance of shared faith and sincere love of family, friends and community.

Al was fun-loving and appreciated for his kind and generous ways. Helping others brought joy to his life. He loved classic cars and attended shows. He tinkered in the garage and enjoyed building things around the house. He really enjoyed his time with friends and family at the lake, sharing a story, having a drink and listening to music.

Preceding Al in death are his father and mother, Harold and Mary Thompson; his sister, Julie Thompson; his brother, Danny Thompson; father-in-law George Knecht; brother-in-law Greg Knecht; and brother-in-law Bill Clark.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy, of the home; and his five sons, Brandon Thompson of Olathe, Justin Thompson of Eldridge, Mo., Jason Thompson and wife Samantha of Pleasant Hill, Mo., Jacob Thompson of Olathe and Jordan Thompson of Olathe. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Lorraine “Kitty” Knecht, of Paola; his sister, Linda (Bill) Clark, of Flemington, Mo.; sister Judy and husband Wayne DuVall of Marysville, Tenn.; sister-in-Law Gayleen (Danny) Thompson of Osawatomie; sister Bonnie and her husband Jim Forth of Olathe; and brother-in-law Mike Knecht and his wife Cheryl of Joplin, Mo. Al was close to his many nieces and nephews and talked with them often. He was a great listener and reassuring soul for many. He leaves behind his beloved dog Shadow and two cats Momma and Joker.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at Town Square Event Design at 15 W. Wea, Paola, Kan. A mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 E Chippewa St., Paola. Graveside service will be directly after mass at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Paola. Please respect others by wearing masks and social distancing when possible. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lakemary Center, Holy Trinity Church of Paola or the charity of your choice in his memory c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Crematory, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, Kan. 66071.