Leonard Ray Thompson

Leonard Ray Thompson of Greeley, Colorado, passed away peacefully at age 89 on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with his children by his side.

Leonard was born on June 1, 1937, to Melvin Adlai Thompson and Edith Annon Goodwin Thompson. He was raised on the family farm near Miles, Texas.

Leonard graduated from San Angelo High School before attending Abilene Christian College (ACC) in Texas. There he met Martha “Jeanine” Dallas, the love of his life. They were married on August 19, 1956, beginning a marriage that spanned over 65 years and shaped the course of their lives together.

After graduating from ACC, Leonard and Jeanine made their home first in La Marque and later in Hitchcock, Texas. During this time Leonard served honorably in the Navy Reserve. They then moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, where Leonard pursued graduate studies at Colorado State University. Soon afterward, they settled in Greeley, where Leonard began his teaching career in the public schools. Their first two sons were born in Texas, their third son was born shortly after arriving in Greeley, and later twin daughters completed their family.

Leonard devoted most of his professional life to teaching science at Greeley West High School, where he inspired generations of students with his curiosity, patience, and love of learning. During the latter half of the 1960s, he co-taught the Summer High School Science Teachers Institute at the University of Colorado. In later years, his summers were often spent doing construction and remodeling work. A man who embraced innovation, Leonard was a founder of Greeley Solar Systems, installing residential solar energy systems well before renewable energy became mainstream.

Following his retirement from Weld County School District 6 (now Greeley-Evans School District 6), Leonard continued teaching at Gilcrest Elementary School. After leaving education, he enjoyed several successful years as a real estate agent, working alongside his daughter, Jeannette.

Soon after moving to Greeley, Leonard and Jeanine became members of the 18th Avenue Church of Christ. Leonard served as both a deacon and an elder. In 1996, they became founding members of Westview Church of Christ, where Leonard continued his service and leadership.

Teaching was never simply Leonard’s profession — it was who he was. Whether in the classroom, at church, or at home, he delighted in sharing knowledge and encouraging others. He could grill a good burger or steak and was known for making a great pot of chili. He designed and built the family’s home on 66th Avenue, working alongside his sons and teaching them plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical skills that would last them a lifetime.

Music was another of Leonard’s great joys. His voice and his whistle were his favorite instruments, and he faithfully led singing in worship for many years.

Above all, Leonard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He drove children to school, picked them up from practices, and celebrated their accomplishments. He made sure every member of the family heard the words “I love you” and knew the comfort of one of his hugs.

Leonard’s legacy lives on through a large and loving circle of family and friends. He is survived by his sister, Anita “Ruth” Spruell of Goldthwaite, Texas; his brothers, Harold Thompson and wife Jeanie of Ozona, Texas; and Robert Thompson and wife Debra of Conroe, Texas; his children, Ron Thompson and wife Linde of Greeley, Colorado; Douglas Thompson and wife Elisa of Pearland, Texas; Gerald Thompson and wife Tory of Erie, Colorado; Leonda Doherty and husband Thomas of Thornton, Colorado; and Jeannette Sakata and husband Doug of Frisco, Colorado. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katherine Thompson, Margaret Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, Jane Thompson, Nathaniel Thompson, Caleb Thompson, Annabel Thompson, Cole Sakata, and Chase Sakata; great-granddaughters, Ruth Ghofrani and Lena Ghofrani; great-grandson Blaine Thompson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Leonard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanine Thompson; his parents, Melvin Adlai Thompson and Edith Annon Goodwin Thompson; his sisters, Martha Kirby and Mary Helen Nelms; and his brothers, David Thompson, Charles Thompson, William “Lawrence” Thompson, and J. “Ralph” Thompson.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Westview Church of Christ, 4151 W 20 Street, Greeley, Colorado. A livestream of the event can be accessed through the church web page: https://westviewcoc.org/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Leonard’s honor be made to Colorado Christian Services (https://christianservices.org/) or Pathways Hospice (https://pathways-care.org/), organizations that reflect his lifelong commitment to Christian service and caring for others./