Frank Kevin Thompson

Frank Kevin Thompson left this earth and went on to be with the Lord on July 22, 2015.

Kevin was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on Fort Fisher Air force Base. Always a strong competitor he beat his identical twin brother (and lifelong inseparable sidekick) Kelly into the world by 3 ½ minutes. He was the third son of Sam and Emily Thompson with Kelly, the fourth son right on his heels and finally baby sister Beth joined the family 6 years later after the Air Force had re-stationed Sergeant Sam and crew to Germany.

Kevin his the ground running and setting the pace for he and his loyal companion Kelly, they brought excitement , laughter, joy and never-ending challenges to the Thompson household. From the very start, bright-eyed and full of vigor, Kevin’s soft, sweet smile was a reliable indicator that a new chapter was about to be written in “the exploits of Kevin & Kelly”. Love and laughter were at high levels in the Thompson household and the dynamic duo was the catalyst for much of it.

After more than four years of snow-sledding, snowball fighting and visiting campsite, touring historical sites throughout Europe, Kevin, Kelly, older brothers Eddy and Sam III and baby sister, Beth headed with Mom and Dad back home to the grand old U. S. A., as the Lord had led Dad to retire from the Air Force and return home to southeast Texas to begin his civilian career.

The first year back was spent living in Nederland, TX where kinships kindled and flourished with Aunt Adine dad’s oldest sister and her family, lifelong residents of Nederland. Cousin Jerry and Kevin began forging a special bond. The strength of love in that bond was especially evident in the countless trips Jerry made at a moment’s notice from his home all the way in Hallsville TX when the battle cry went out in Kevin’s long hard fought battle with cancer. Jerry spent much time at Kevin’s side, providing much comfort, love and helping however was needed.

From Nederland, Kevin and family moved to a beautiful spot in the middle of the woods, a few miles south of Evadale, smack dab in the middle of Salt Grass Hunting Club. Here is where the love story with the outdoors, hunting, fishing, ranching, animals, especially German Shepherds, farming (love/hate with farming and the mandatory hand-dug potatoes), basketball, Uncle George, Aunt Pat, Kim, bugs, Brad and the wonderful folks of Evadale began. So many chapters of “The Exploits of Kevin and Kelly” were written here! New characters joined the cast to help liven things up even more. Characters like Marty T., Nathan R., Benny B., Michael W., Allen S. and others at school. Their exploits ranged from being on the infamous bus rides, on the basketball court with Coach Westbrook, the “lost in the woods” exploits with Brad and Sam III, and the love interests like the super-sweet Whidden twins, brought so much joy, life, laughter, and love to the chapters. The books became volumes filled with rich, fond memories Kevin surely treasured, thought and spoke often of.

Another change of setting occurred when the Lord led Kevin’s parents to move into Beaumont, a tough move that pulled the heartstrings of all involved. But mom and dad trusted that god always knows best. The love and friendships grown in Evadale always remained and were cherished by Kevin and family.

Beaumont added new friends and more family to get to know. Grandparents were there, friends in the neighborhood school and a church joined to enrich the exploits. “When the chips are down” friends like David Snyder, David Bryant, and Danny Boudreaux were made.

Kevin began his career in the pain business next. The work ethic handed down from his Paw-Paw, to his dad, then to him enabled him to excel. His work exploits included world-traveling, inspecting, and managing painting operations that included refineries and tank farms across the United States, as well as other countries such as Aruba and United States Military nuclear aircraft carriers and much more. He had a reputation as a hard worker, who worked long hours with excellent craftsmanship, incredibly fair, tough, and client satisfaction that led to an invitation back. He was a problem solver and known for being skilled at stepping into struggling business situations with the expertise and ability to turn things around for the best for his company and their clients. Throughout the years many young men have given tribute to Kevin for helping them launch into extremely successful careers and continue to mentor, help, and advise them anytime they called or came by.

His daughter Krystal is quick to remind everyone that after long hard working days he still took the time to drive to wherever she might be to spend time playing, laughing, singing love songs to her, and building memories.

Kevin’s final exploit, his long tough, hard fought battle with cancer surely brought out the fighter in him. The Lord wrought several miracles in his two year fight including numerous healings and extra times here with loved ones. He brought faithful Christian brothers and sisters into Kevin’s life like James and Jeannie McWilliams, numerous friends and co-workers like Cliff Smalles, Abel Magana, and John Scarborough.

Friends and family will surely miss him but we thank God for his mercy, grace, and faithfulness, all through Jesus Christ, that will enable us to see him again in Heaven and spend eternity together praising our Savior, together forever.

He is survived by his wife, Eliana Thompson; children, Krystal Eve Thompson and husband, Jesse Carreon of Beaumont, Ethan Thompson of Silsbee, Frank Kevin Thompson, Jr. of Des Moines, Iowa, and Angelica Thompson of Des Moines; grandchildren, Tristan Thompson, Leland Thompson, Jayleigh Bernal, Kaiymann Thompson, and Temperance Thompson; brothers, Edward Thompson and wife, Elizabeth of Colleyville, Sam Thompson III and wife, Cori of Beaumont; twin-brother, Dean Kelly Thompson and wife, Glenda of Beaumont; sister, Beth Jones and husband, Bryan of Beaumont; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Edward Thompson, Sam Thompson III, Dean Kelly Thompson, Bryan Jones, Jerry Hendrix, Brad Thompson, Tommy Gartman, and Jeremy Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Carreon, John Scarborough, David Snider, Able Magma, and Clifford Smalley.


He was preceded in death by his parents.