Paul J. Thompson

Pastor Paul J Thompson Gilbert, AZ July 20, 1929- June 28, 2017 Survived by precious daughter Barbara Mason; son Phil Thompson and his wife Terese; daughter-in-law Cinda Thompson. Paul is survived by grandchildren Charissa Saltzman and husband John; Erin Velasquez and husband Joseph; Sara Mason; Shannon Thompson and husband Craig; Samantha Stone; Paul J Thompson; and Matthew Thompson. Great grandchildren: Marielle, Rosalie, Caroline, and David Saltzman; Bailey and RJ Thompson; Grace Stone. He also is survived by his Yorkie Bodie, his stray cat Barbara, and a handful of wild ducks. Family that made it to Heaven before Paul include his wife of 60+ years and partner in all he did, Marilyn Blackburn Thompson (2013), his son Timothy (2002), his parents Roscoe and Bessie, and his 10 brothers and sisters. Pastor Paul has had such an incredible life that if we tried to write a novel about him it would be hard to confine to the pages of any one book. He touched thousands of lives directly and indirectly. Paul is a true man of God who lived to serve Christ and be a witness to everyone that he met. From a small church at Welch Avenue to the Heritage in Columbus, Ohio, he faithfully served the Lord. Then he felt that God was calling him to Arizona to start a church. He told Marilyn that he felt that they needed to go to Arizona and, being the perfect partner, she just asked when they were leaving. They came to Gilbert in 1983 and with the help of faithful friends and family started Heritage Free Will Baptist Church and then Heritage Preschool and Academy. He retired in 2014. Heritage, now known as Compassion Church, is still the jewel of the Southwest. Pastor Paul will be remembered for pioneering and preaching whenever and wherever he could. His kindness and sense of humor will be greatly missed here on earth. But to everyone who "¢ was married by Paul "¢ was baptized by Paul "¢ had Paul hold their children in the hospital "¢ had Paul as a pastor "¢ had Paul as a teacher "¢ worked in his daycare or school "¢ was supported by money he donated to the mission field "¢ was visited in the hospital by Paul "¢ called Paul at anytime day or night to pray for a need This is not good bye. For we will see Paul again. He is waiting for us in a place that is promised to us in the Bible; a place where there is no sadness, no tears, and the sun always shines. Join family and friends in celebrating Paul"s homecoming. Compassion Church 927 E Guadalupe Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234 July 15 at 10 AM Please direct donations to: http//compassionaz.org/give/give-now/