Donald E. Thompson "Butch" departed this life on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Riverside Regional Medical Center with his family by his side. Donald was born in Bedford, Virginia on May 18, 1952 to the late Donald and Lula Thompson.

Donald graduated from Liberty High School in Bedford, VA in 1970. He joined the United States Coast guard shortly after and was assigned to the Electrician's Mate School. Donald instructed for the EM School and participated in numerous sports.

He married the love of his life on July 6, 1974 and was stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. During his dedicated service of 22 years in the Coast Guard, he provided service in the following areas: Governor's Island, New York, Charleston, South Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland. Donald retired in Chincoteague, Virginia and the City of Newport News and Newport News Shipbuilding where he worked proudly continuing his career as an electrician until he retired. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife and children.

Donald leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 42 years, Kay Pullen Thompson; two sons, Donald Lamar Thompson and Brian Jermaine Thompson; one daughter, Sierra Sade Thompson-Girven (Maurice), all of Newport News, Virginia; one brother, Arnold Wayne Thompson of Bedford, Virginia; one sister, Rita Kay Thompson of Bedford, Virginia; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in the Bedford Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Western Light Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.