Evan M Thompson
1933 – 2024
Evan M Thompson of Mapleton, Utah passed on to his Eternal Heavenly home on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 90.
Evan was born August 7, 1933, in Payson, Utah to Fornatus Oscar “F.O.” Thompson and Lavina Harper Marchant. He was the oldest of 5 children.
He grew up and was raised in Salem, Utah, where he also attended grade school. He then attended Spanish Fork High School and graduated in 1951.
Right after High School he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for a year; before leaving to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the East German Mission from 1953 – 1956; setting the example for his 4 boys and many grandchildren, who have also served over the years.
When he returned from his mission he was drafted into the US Army and served from 1956 – 1958 as a Private 1st Class; and concluded his service through the US Army Reserves until 1962.
Starting again in 1958 he returned to Brigham Young University and continued his studies, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960. He then finished up his studies at BYU by diligently completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organic Chemistry in 1965. His post doctorate studies included a teaching fellowship at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
In 1965 he accepted a position as a Chemistry professor at California State College Stanislaus (now known as California State University Stanislaus) in Turlock, California. He worked there until his retirement in 1996.
He met his eternal companion Norene Olea Schumann in June of 1958 at a dance at the Smith Family Living Center at BYU. They were both smitten! Their courtship continued until they were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 4, 1959.
Evan willingly and faithfully served for many years in many positions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which included: various clerk positions, physical facilities manager, church service missionary at the Patterson, California welfare farm, High Councilor, Bishopric counselor and Bishop.
He loved to learn new things which included a passion for reading (especially non-fiction History), wood working, gardening, bee keeping, family history and building and repairing personal computers.
His greatest joy came from spending time with Norene and his family, and encouraging and watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren succeed in life and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whenever practical advice was needed, he was there . . . whenever an encouraging word was needed . . . he was there, whenever a listening ear was required . . . he was there, and when a testimony of Jesus Christ needed to be shared . . . he shared it by his example – in word or in deed.
Evan was proceeded in death by his wife Norene (died 2002), both parents, and his sisters Mary and Maxine, stillborn brother Oscar and daughter in-law Elaine. He is survived by his brother Albert, and by his 5 children: Bryan (Lin) of Spanish Fork, Utah; Cheryl (Gary) Koeven of Washington, Utah; Alan (Jenny) of Kuna, Idaho; Ethan (Becki) of Elk Grove, California; Devan (Becci) of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. He has 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 20 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 31 W Maple St., Mapleton, Utah. There will be a Viewing starting at 12:30, and the Funeral will begin at 2:00 PM. Military rites will be held at the conclusion of the Service.
Interment / Graveside Service will take place at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April 27 at the Turlock Memorial Park, 425 N Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA.