Kent Fred Thompson

Kent Thompson, 67, of Lawton, IA, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2023. A funeral service will be held Monday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Morningside Assembly of God in Sioux City, Iowa.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.  Burial will be at Banner Township Cemetery in Lawton, IA.  Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com. The funeral will be live streamed on the Morningside Assembly of God's YouTube Channel.  The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward Kent Thompson’s memorial.

Kent was born on August 30, 1955 in Hampton, IA to Daryl and Gail (Schoeneman) Thompson.  Named after his father’s brother Kenneth, and mother’s dad Fred, God had his hand upon Kent’s life the moment he entered this earth to the time our heavenly father called him home. To say Kent was a blessing is an understatement. He devoted his entire life to serving God in whatever path that led him. To those who got to know Kent loved him. To those who knew all of Kent adored him. Living selflessly to help others, Kent was kind and considerate to everyone around him. His life’s blessings were a testament to God’s grace, his relentless hard work, positive attitude, and humble heart.

Kent was impeccably smart. He was known by many as book smart, street smart, and people smart. Growing up in Central Iowa, Kent attended Waverly High School where he graduated in 1973 in the top 5% of his class. In 1977, God led Kent to farming in Latimer, Iowa. He had the privilege of farming some of the best land on earth and was taught by farmers who were experts at their trade. He understood the farmer’s connection and appreciation of the land and the animals they care for. He treasured what he learned during his time farming calling it “precious to experience”. He left farming in 1982 after the Farm Crisis began. God had other plans for Kent.

During Kent’s time farming, he trusted God to do something miraculous so he could marry “Mrs. Right”. In January of 1981, Kent met Rebecca (Emerson) Thompson on a blind date in Iowa Falls, Iowa. They hit it off immediately and he was smitten. Kent and Rebecca started dating in March, he proposed in May, and they married on August 22^nd, 1981 in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Kent said it was “simple”. Kent and Rebecca’s love was just that, simple. They were the perfect match. In 1984, they welcomed their son Bryan Daniel, and in 1991 their daughter Rachel Michelle.

In 1984, after the birth of his son Bryan, Kent decided to go back to college and continue his degree to become an engineer. In 1990, he received his Industrial Engineering degree at Iowa State University. He worked at Rockwell International in Mason City until the plant closed in 1993. Kent and his family relocated to the Siouxland area to begin his new career as a Quality Manager at Prince Manufacturing on June 2^nd, 1993. Kent loved his job but loved the people even more. Many of which becoming his dearest friends. He achieved 30 years working at Prince Manufacturing as the Senior Vice President of Operational Development on June 2^nd, 2023.

Kent was an engineer not only at work but throughout his lifetime.  Kent was a gatherer of information and used his knowledge to work on projects most people would hire out. He had a beautiful mind and was one of the smartest men his family knew. If there was something he wanted done, he would research and learn how to do it himself; from things around the house and yard, to working on cars and trailers. He would often build something instead of buying it, and the result was often better than anything you could buy at a store.

He loved life and lived everyday as a gift.  Upon meeting Kent, his sense of humor was often the first thing you would notice. He could make anyone smile and laugh. He knew how to break the ice and lighten any heavy situation. He would want to carry your burdens for you. His presence was kind, warm, gentle, and joyful. At 6 foot 5 inches, Kent had a large presence that shined brightly. He adored talking with family, friends, and neighbors. He was well known to offer excellent “backyard dad banter” between all the neighbors in the community of Lawton. From yard flamingo jokes and Nebraska/Iowa State sign wars, to chuckles about his next great invention and house project, his neighbors will often remember him working in his favorite place, the home he built in Lawton.

The most important thing to Kent was his family, especially his kids and grandkids. He would stop anything to go out of his way to help them. He would never miss an opportunity to tell them how much he loved them and how proud he was of them and their families. His kindness will be spoken of for generations. His love was perfect, and that will be one of the greatest things missed about him. Kent left a legacy of love that will remain in our hearts forever.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Rebecca Thompson, Lawton, IA; 2 children: Bryan (Jessica) Thompson, Lynn Haven, FL; Rachel (Thomas) Albert, Papillion, NE; grandchildren: Bennett and Archer Thompson; and brother, Todd Thompson, St. Paul, MN.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a donation in Kent's name.