Howard Thompson, age 96 of Jasper, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Hospice of the Hills Hospice House in Harrison. The son of Johnny and Frances (Henderson) Thompson was born May 9, 1914 in Jasper, Arkansas.

He attended Big Creek Assembly of God Church and had lived most of his life in Newton County.
Howard served in the United States Army Artillery, 9th Air Corp during World War II from January 8, 1942 to December 1, 1945. His job was to man outposts wherever they landed and watch for planes with high-powered field glasses. He was at the Battle of the Bulge for 15 days. There was no sign of the enemy, but they were so close they could hear guns. He earned five Bronze Stars for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and Ground Combat. He has ribbons for the American Theater, European African and the Middle Eastern Theater and three overseas bars and a Good Conduct Medal.

Howard married Edith Burdine on November 15, 1950 at Harrison, Arkansas and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Before moving to Jasper 10 years ago, they enjoyed gardening and farming, raising cattle, hogs and chickens (laying houses) on their farm near Mt. Judea, where they had lived for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Bill Thompson, Charlie Thompson, Harvey Thompson, Granville Thompson, Johnny Dee Thompson and Van Thompson; four sisters, Valley Taylor, Dorothy Spears, Vennie Cook and Lexie Brasel; a son-in-law, Randy Gellerman and a great grandson, Logan Davis.

Survivors are his wife, Edith (Burdine) Thompson of Jasper; three daughters, Alice Cooper and husband, Jimmy of Jasper, Janie Compton and husband, James of Jasper and Ann Still and husband, James of Bellefonte; one brother, Warren Thompson of Western Grove. He enjoyed his seven grandchildren, Kylan Cooper, Amber Davis, Kelly Davis, Derek Gellerman, Nathaniel Still, Amanda Still and Evan Still; eight great grandchildren who brought him great pleasure and joy, Karlee Cooper, Kambree Cooper, Hayden Davis, Haylee Davis, Brennen Davis, Allye Davis, Shaylee Ward and Kadence Still. Also many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were Friday, December 10, 2010 at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel in Jasper with Rev. James Compton and Rev. Rex Middleton officiating. Burial will be in the Jasper Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation was Thursday, December 9, 2010 at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Kylan Cooper, Derek Gellerman, Ryan Davis, Lee Davis, Nathaniel Still and Evan Still. Honorary pallbearers were Marilyn Campbell, Newton County Home Health, Dr. Jimmy Justice, Newton County Nursing Home staff and Hospice of the Hills staff.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coffmanfh.com