Neil A. Thompson, 78, died Feb. 18, 2013, at Elm Grove Estates, Hutchinson. He was born Nov. 25, 1934, in Garfield, Kan., to Merle E. and Doris E. (Bishop) Thompson.

Neil graduated from Sterling High School in 1952. He served as a lay leader at the Nickerson United Methodist Church, was a member of the bowling association, a former statistician for the NJCAA tournament, and loved fishing and gardening. Neil served in the United States Army and was a member of the American Legion.

On Dec. 30, 1956, he married Ardith A. "Ardie" Spurlock in Goodland, Ind. She died July 21, 1998. On Oct. 28, 1999, he married Karen Clark. She survives.

Other survivors include: sons, Gary Thompson and wife Deana of Hutchinson, Arlen Thompson and wife Kristi of Louisburg, Kan.; daughters, Sandy Chambers and husband Robert of Pretty Prairie, Cheryl Thompson of Lyons; stepsons, Scott Fleming of Loveland, Colo., Chris Fleming of Galva, Mark Fleming of Hutchinson; brother, Phillip Thompson of Casa Grande, Ariz.; sisters, Twila Price of Amarillo, Texas, Eva Huntsman of Rockwall, Texas; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Neil was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Leah Currie; brothers-in-law, Bob Currie and Mark Price.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, at Nickerson United Methodist Church, 8200 N Riverton Rd, with Pastor Melissa Naylor officiating. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with military honors being conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday with family to receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be made to Ardith Thompson Memorial Scholarship or Nickerson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.