Nov. 27, 1921 - Aug. 21, 2009

Gerald Gene Thompson, 87, of Vancouver, Wash., passed away Friday.

He was born in Van Wert, Iowa, to Raymond and Esther (McGahuey) Thompson.

Gene served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served on the USS San Francisco heavy cruiser and the USS Gilbert Islands aircraft carrier. He was a machinist's mate second class. He lived in Albany from 1950 to 2006. He was a lab technician for the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

Gene was a member of the Eagles and American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting and camping.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ora Jean Thompson. They were married in the Bremerton Navy Chapel on Dec. 15, 1944. Other survivors include his daughter, Alanna and husband Dr. Richard Spinrad; son Roy and wife Patsy Thompson; grandchildren Gary and wife Nina Spinrad, Meagan and husband Kelly Griffin, and Scott and wife Carrie Thompson; great-grandchildren Keirra and Cason; and one of four siblings, Raymond H. Thompson of Pellam, Ala.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

A funeral service was at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver.