Dennis C. Thompson

Dennis Thompson age 73, passed away peacefully in his sleep July 16, 2025. He was born April 01, 1952 in Chappell, Nebraska to Ross and Anna Thompson. He married his love, Peggy Bennet. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Dennis is survived by his wife Peggy; son and daughter-in-law Jeffery and Shawnna; son Kelly; grandchildren and great grandchildren. Brother and sister-in-law Gary and Elaine. He leaves many family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

Dennis was born is a small town in Nebraska, called Chappell. He was the youngest of two boys. In his early years he had quite the wild side which lead to many adventures and into some trouble. But he grew out of that, but still kept that playful roguish behavior we all loved.

Dennis met Peggy, on a blind date. He was originally setup with one of dad’s friends. But when he saw my mom, that was the woman he wanted to be with. His persistence won out. After dating for about a year and a half they married.

He was raised with a strong work ethic, which stayed with him all his life. My Dennis worked many jobs to take care of the family. Including delivering milk. I can truly say I was the milkman’s baby.

Dennis worked for K/N energy for 25 years. During that time the job required us to move a few times. We lived in Norton, Kansas, for about 4 years. Then down to the panhandle of Texas where we lived in two small towns Wheeler and Briscoe. Before finally ending up in Wray, Colorado.

After 25 years working for the same company, He decided he had enough, quit his job and went back to school.

This was another of his great qualities that inspired me. At 49 years old he decided to start a new career in something he always wanted to do.

Dennis and Peggy packed up and moved to Goodland, Kansas. There he studied Civil Engineering Technology, and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science.

This is what brought him and his wife to the eastern part of Kansas. They lived in Overland Park for about a year before settling done in their new home in Olathe. He had couple of jobs out here before becoming the city construction inspector in Lansing. He worked there about 12 years. Then changed jobs for the last time working as the city inspector for Prairie Village. He retired from there after working about 5 years.

When he finally retired, he loved it. Whenever he was asked if he wanted to pick up a part time job to give him something to do. He flat out said no, I worked for 50 years, I’m done.

He had always loved working with his hands and especially woodworking. Which, thanks to him is something that I also love to do.

When I showed him a book on making cigar box guitars. He dived in head over hills. I think he made about a dozen cigar box guitars and one cigar box violin over the last 3 years. That’s not counting the numerous plaques he carved.

I asked him if he was going to start selling his guitars and plaques. He said no that’s too much work. But if someone came over and saw something they liked, he would just give it to them. That was just the way my dad was.

I will miss Dad, but I will carry his love and memories for the rest of my life.

Thank you for letting me share this brief story of my dad’s life.