Frank Martin Thompson

Frank Martin Thompson, 87, of Bradenton, Florida passed on February 25, 2016. He was born in Bennington, VT, son of Charles W. Thompson and Carrie M. Rugg. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Conchita E. Morales; daughter Anne E. (Brian) McCollum of Alexandria, VA; daughter Lisa L. (Bill) Durden of Reno, NV; three Grandchildren; three Great-Grandchildren; six Nieces, Grandnieces, and Nephews. Predeceased by their son Thomas Martin, Feb. 2013; brother C.W. Thompson, Jr.; sister Jean E. Maynard; and sister Elizabeth M. Dunham. He was an avid outdoors man who was always interested in wildlife and animals from all the world. He helped his father with a kennel of hunting dogs as a youngster and became a field judge of Beagle Dog Trials at an early age. Later he had the opportunity to work and learn the care of hoofed and more exotic birds and animals at a private game farm in Catskill, N.Y. Married by then, he was General Curator of Forest Park Zoo in Ft. Worth, TX and became Director of the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, IN. Coming to FL in the early 70's, he opened his own animal brokerage and zoo consultant business with various American and European zoos. Going to Jacksonville, FL in 1975 as president of Jax Zoological Society and director of the zoo, he made many changes in atmosphere and animal care. In 1980 he retired from zoo life and again began his own business in a two-acre setting in east Bradenton with many varied species being housed there for short periods. Frank was a musician playing drums and vibra-harp and played in many groups through the big band era. He also joined two circus bands in his youth where he met his wife. He was a pilot of small planes and used that skill in his business, traveling to the various zoos around the country. The family plans gathering to celebrate the memory of his life at a later date.