Lowell Thompson

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," II Timothy 1:7. Without fear, Lowell Prescott Thompson took flight to realms of Glory on March 2, 2013, at home, with his wife by his side. He lived a fulfilling life, rising early each morning with prayer and devotion to his Lord God, and full of motive and zeal for every day! Lowell was born July 12, 1955, in Riverside Calif., son to Lloyd and Marlene Thompson. Growing up an Air Force brat, his family moved often, transitioning through schools and friendships much as a child. When he was very young, his father gave him a King James Bible, and told him to memorize John 3:16, which he did: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in him should not perish, but have everlasting Life." But mere memorization did not give him everlasting life. It wasn't until later, at age 13, and on the steps of his cabin at summer Bible camp, near Silver Falls, Ore., that he prayed and received God's free gift of eternal life by accepting his Son Jesus Christ. He was changed from that day forward and had assurance of that everlasting life. Lowell graduated from Boise High School in 1973, and later attended Kansas University, as well as Bible College in Missouri, ND, graduating from the Bible Institute at Treasure Valley Baptist Church in Idaho. He served in the Air Force six years, and an additional three years in the Idaho Air National Guard. Lowell met the love of his life, Toni DiFelice, at Treasure Valley Baptist Church, in Meridian, on Oct. 3, 1984. He proposed to her, and they were subsequently engaged on a rural canyon road, en-route to a small Bible study in the mountains, in Prairie, Idaho. They married on Jan. 3, 1986. From this union came six children that brought him great joy! Being a faithful follower of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team, Lowell and his sons closely guarded each season, with many father-son traditions, and celebrations! He also coached both son and daughter's basketball teams for several seasons, during their elementary school years. Always surrounded by aviation, he particularly loved World War II era Warbirds, and Air Racing. He was considered by many to be a walking library of Warbird history, particularly post-war civilian owned fighters and racers. He was also an avid historian of his father's Military aviation career, in B-17s and B-29s. He spent many countless hours in research and organization of Lloyd Thompson's many missions and specific aircraft used during both the Second World War, and conflict in Korea. He worked many years with Denney Aerocraft in Nampa, and following with PAPA 51 Ltd., on the 'Thunder Mustang', which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was most recently employed with Mine Fabrication and Machine, in Kellogg for nearly nine years. Being diagnosed with a terminal salivary gland cancer in May of 2012, he so much appreciated the compassion they showed, allowing him to continue working as his strength allowed until August. He was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church, in Post Falls, where he led in Jr. church and Rest-home ministries for many years. Having a love for old-fashioned singing of hymns and preaching of the King James Bible, he loved his Pastor, and church family, and attended services through his entire battle with cancer. He also shared a huge heart for missions, and was unceasing in prayer and giving toward them. He especially had a burden for a mission-work in Thessalonica, Greece. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Thompson, his father-in-law Gino DiFelice, his half-brother Mike Thompson, and sister Nancy Thompson. He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Toni, sons, Joseph and Benjamin, daughters Lydia, Chloe (14) and Esther (11), daughter and son-in-law Ruth-Anna and Matthew Glen with two grandsons, Ricky and Markus and grandchild to be expected. Also surviving are his mother Marlene Thompson of Post Falls; mother-in-law Evelyn DiFelice of Boise; half-sister Cathy Hair of Sun City, AZ, sister Tracy (Tom) Baker of Coeur d'Alene; several brother and sister-in-laws and many loved aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Auburn Crest Hospice of Post Falls, especially Mary-Jean, Mike and Wendy for their compassion and respect. Also thank-you Dr. Ron Dorchuck for going that extra mile. Lowell's remains have been donated to science thru MedCure in hopes of helping further cancer research. A memorial service will be held on March 23, at 4pm, at Heritage Baptist Church in Post Falls, ID. In lieu of flowers, family suggest memorials be designated to "Project Thessalonica", c/o Heritage Baptist Church, 8076 W. Prairie Ave. Post Falls, ID 83854.