Clarence Nelson Thompson

Clarence Nelson Thompson, age 87, passed away at his home in Elizabeth, Colorado, on December 20,2024. He was born February 18, 1937 to Ralph and Maggie Thompson in Solano, New Mexico. 

He is survived by his wife Donna Coppock Thompson, his sister Ida Mae Thompson Bowie, Texas, two brothers, Jim Thompson, T or C NM and Fred Thompson, McAlester OK; his children; Sally Thompson Suitor (Brian) Spokane WA, Dave Thompson, Kimball MN, Nancy (Tim) Maedke, Genoa WI, Sarah (Troy)Lave, Elizabeth CO, and son-in-law Karrie Dashnaw, Austin TX. Ten grandchildren; Linda Masterson, Joe Maedke, Dan Maedke, Joe Lave, Nicole Thompson, Jess Maedke, Drew Maedke, Claire Dashnaw, Cora Lave and Leah Lave, seven great grand children and numerous nieces and nephews. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Maggie, sister Irene, brothers Allan and Frank, and a beloved daughter Rachel Dashnaw. 

The Thompsons moved to Springer NM, when Clarence was 9 years old. He graduated from Springer High School and attended NM State University, then served in the US Army from 1960 to 1962. Clarence worked in agriculture and ranching all his life throughout the Midwest and Southwest. The family ponders the number of calves he worked, alfalfa he bailed, and potatoes and corn he’d planted over the years. 

Clarence was well loved and respected by his family and friends, he was a faithful and dutiful Christian, a proud American and a Free Mason. 

A memorial will be held at the Elizabeth Methodist Church on January 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be at the Springer, New Mexico Cemetery, on January 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels to Towers Charities.