Paul Wayne Thompson

Reverend Paul Wayne Thompson, 87, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Twin Oaks Assisted Living in Wentzville, Mo. Paul was born on January 5, 1934 in Jonesboro, Ark., a son of Clarence and Tressie Thompson. He was married on July 25, 1957, in Flat River, Mo. to Yvonne Sue Beard who survives. Paul was a 1952 graduate of Leadwood High School and went on to graduate from Baylor University. After graduation, Paul bravely served our country in the United States Air Force. Once he returned to civilian life, Paul married Sue and became a history teacher with the Arnold school district. After a few years, he felt God's calling to become a minister and enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his degree in religious education and went to work for the Missouri Baptist Convention as the Director of Education (1969 - 1999). His work led him to serve as an Interim Pastor at several churches in Southern Mo. and also to oversee their Christian education programs. Paul was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, the Missouri Baptist Convention and the Baylor Alumni Association. He was an avid Baylor Bears fan and loved watching university sporting events, and proudly wearing his green and gold. Paul had a great love for the Lord and His spiritual truth found in the Bible. He would faithfully read his Bible every day and found fulfillment in helping others understand the scriptures. Paul found peace in the outdoors and enjoyed fishing. He could also be found reading a good mystery novel. After retirement, he and Sue enjoyed traveling to Panama City, Fla., Canada, Mexico and other places. Most of all, Paul loved his family and would do anything for them. He will be most remembered for his giving heart and humble spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include: his loving wife of 64 years, Sue Thompson of Wentzville, Mo.; son, Scott Thompson of Hazelwood, Mo.; nieces and nephews, Rev. Jim and Dana Wicker, Jim and Wynne Abernathy, Lea and Michael Eilers, Lee Mayes and Joel Thompson; sister-in-law, Shirley Abernathy; and his caregiver, Kim Boland, who was like a daughter to him. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Charles Thompson. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Jim Wicker and the Reverend Dr. Keith Herron officiating. Graveside services with military honors will be at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com