Verlon Ruel Thompson

Verlon Ruel Thompson was born on September 13, 1943, the son of the late Ruel and Myrtle (Nelles) Thompson. He expired on October 12, 2026, on his farm. He was the third of six children and the oldest son, who grew up on the farm located midway between Birch Tree and Winona, Missouri, in Shannon County, on which he and his wife, Cora (Maltman), lived. His siblings include Vena Brondel (late husband, Harry) of Sugarland, TX , Sandra Rutledge (late husband, Dale) of Bluford, IL, Walter Carroll Thompson (Lois) of Kansas City, KS, and Ralph Leon Thompson (Joyce) of Birch Tree, MO. His brother, Dr. James E. Thompson, predeceased him. 

Verlon attended Birch Tree Schools and lettered three years in varsity basketball (nickname was Husky) and four years in baseball for the Birch Tree Bulldogs and was president of his senior class. He continued to be active with the Birch Tree Alumni until his death. After graduating from Birch Tree High School in 1961, he worked at a pipe company and lived with Vena and Harry, in Kansas City for a few months before joining the United States Navy. He served three years of active sea duty aboard the destroyer USS Meredith. A few years after his honorable discharge, he rejoined a Navy Reserve Seabee Unit based in St. Louis, then Cape Girardeau, and finally Springfield, Missouri, serving as Command Chief. He retired as Chief Yeoman with 26 years of service. He also retired from Chrysler Corporation in St. Louis after 14 years. 

Verlon is the father of two daughters, who live in the area along with his grandchildren: Kim Bockman of Mountain View, MO, mother of Brandi Williams (Justin) of Willard, MO, and Garrett Taber of Mountain View; and Julie Thompson of Birch Tree, MO, mother of Jerry Grandstaff (Christina) of Birch Tree, Kendra Voyles (late husband, Cody) of Mountain View, and Austin Grandstaff of Thayer, MO. His stepchildren and grandchildren include daughter, Jane Yarnell (Philip) of Marshfield, MO, mother of Sgt First Class Justin Yarnell (Amy) of Fort Bragg, NC, and twins, MSgt Ashley Gittens (Quinton) of Lackland AFB, TX, and 2nd Lieutenant Megan Harter (Chaz) of BarksdaleAFB, LA; and son, CWO3 Joshua Thacker(Whitney), USN (Ret) of Birch Tree, father of Shelby Thacker of Birch Tree, and Jaden Thacker of Rogersville, MO. Great-grandchildren include Kenadie Limb and Natalie Delleville of Willard, MO; Addisyn, baby, and Easton Grandstaff of Birch Tree; Conley and Griffin Voyles of Mountain View; Gentry Grandstaff of Eminence, MO; Conner Taber of Springfield, MO; Wyatt and Wrenley Harter of Barksdale AFB, LA; Khloe Farr of Birch Tree; and Zayne Gittens of Lackland AFB, TX; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Verlon kept busy at home with farming, haymaking, sawmilling, and gardening. He had his own remodeling company and had built a substantial tax preparation business for three months each year, using his Business Degree in Accounting from Southwest Baptist University, which he completed in 1993, at the age of 49. Ranking above his relationship with his family and his service to his community and country was his devotion to his relationship with God, his Christian walk, and service to his church family and others in need. He lived a dream. He got to experience living and spending much of a lifetime in a setting only God could have created, “the outdoors.” 

If there was any activity taking place at Pioneer Baptist Church, you would find Verlon there, too. He was one of the church’s founders in 1984, designed and constructed the present Pioneer Baptist Church building on Old Highway 60, and contributed many working hours on the church’s new addition. He served as church treasurer from the church’s beginning, and had been Sunday School Superintendent as well as directed or served on multiple church committees. Verlon taught the high school Sunday School class and, at times, the junior high-aged youth. 

His passion was building to improve the lives of others and caring for the land and forest he enjoyed so much. A couple of his mottos were “leave it in better shape/condition than you started,” and “be sure and leave an imprint on the path you take.” 

The cancer that took Verlon did not define who he was. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, humor, and strength. He was a very kind, caring, intelligent person who was always willing to go the “extra mile” for anyone. He never met a challenge he didn’t put 100 percent of his energy into overcoming. He loved God, his family, and his country. Many people did not realize Verlon had cancer, and that is exactly how he wanted it. He had many adventures in his life and lived it to the fullest, even after his diagnosis. Those who knew him will strive to hold his love of life, sense of adventure, humor, kindness, and service close to their hearts in the times to come. 

His life story is filled with unmentioned broken pieces, terrible choices, and ugly truths. It is also God-filled with major comebacks, peace in his soul, and grace that saved his eternal life. He gives God the glory for His Son Jesus, who anchors his soul in the troubling seas of life. He is my Savior, my eternal preserver, my rescuer. He is my joy, my peace, and my ever-present comfort in time of trial. I waited impatiently for His coming again to take me home. 

May God bless each and every one of y’all!! 

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Pioneer Baptist Church, Birch Tree, Missouri, with Bro. Brandon Tate officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree. Visitation was held from 5- 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, also at the church. Interment with Military Honors was at Oak Forest Cemetery, Birch Tree. Memorial donations may be made to Birch Tree Ministerial Alliance/Pioneer Baptist Church or Convoy of Hope, convoyofhope.org . Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.