Byron Gregory Thompson Sr.

On Tuesday, August 4th, Byron Gregory Thompson, Sr., 83, died peacefully at home as he wished. Byron was surrounded by his caring wife, Joan, and the family he often described as 'his greatest wealth' at his side to support and prayerfully encourage him on his journey to Heaven. It is impossible to imagine the joy of his experience as he rejoined those who preceded him in death, especially his beloved wife Jeanne and daughters Amy and Tricia, in the presence of God. We are deeply grateful for his life, his vision, his leadership and especially for the nearly eight extra years God allowed us following early detection of pancreatic cancer. A chance doctor's visit suggested by his wife, Joan, and the expert care and vigilance of his doctors added irreplaceable memories of weddings, births, time with friends (cheering on the Royals!) among so many joyful moments together. Born out of the depression in 1932, Byron was a self-made man, a son of the American Dream. He came from humble beginnings in St. Joseph, Mo, out of a loving, supportive and faith-filled family. A born leader, scholar and athlete, Byron was determined to excel in all pursuits and was known throughout life for asking those he respected, "What can you tell me in terms of how I can be better?" Upon meeting Jeanne Collins at a Catholic Leadership Conference, Byron was immediately taken by both her inner and outer beauty. He soon followed her to build a life and a family of eleven children in Kansas City, carrying those same values throughout his professional life. From his first day as a young bond salesman for City National Bank (now UMB) through chairmanship of Country Club Bank, Byron was known for his vision, professional expertise, principled leadership and integrity. An investment banker by trade, he equally invested himself in his church, children's lives and the betterment of the community itself. Recently recognized separately as both Entrepreneur of the Year and as Business Philanthropist of the Year, Byron's oft-said words were "It's not about me", emphatically underscoring the critical role of the many talented people and partners surrounding him and, most of all, his wife of 47 years, Jeanne. Her faithful support until her death in 2003 steered him 'true north' through life, including the tragic injuries and eventual deaths of their beloved daughters, Amy and Tricia. Throughout these challenges, his greatest legacy is the example he set for his family and others in remaining faithful to God, positive in nature and constantly grateful for his many blessings of family, friends and the community he so appreciated. Byron was so thankful for the support of the community over these many years. The overwhelming kindness of the community, especially during the years following his two daughters' injuries, soothed his and his family's hearts and provided sustaining solace and encouragement through his remaining years. It is difficult not to acknowledge the many contributions of time, talent and treasure that Byron made in the course of his life, but he adamantly stated his aversion to listing these many accolades, asking only to use this simple, self-penned obituary: "BGT participated in many civic and religious activities and served on numerous boards. He loved his family, respected his friends and tried to live a life of integrity." (Sorry, dad, we tried). A well-known 'Byron-ism' regarding any task was his pointed query: "Was it 'done' or 'Done Well!?" This son of the American dream died Tuesday but his dream lives on. Today, we are most appreciative of a life not just 'lived' but 'Lived Well'. We are especially grateful for the legacy of faith he has left our family and the gifts of industry and generosity he has left our community. Byron is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Joan Lodde McGee Thompson, and by his children and spousal 'children in spirit': Mary Thompson O'Connor (John), Kathleen "Kate" Thompson Brown, Byron Gregory "Greg" Thompson Jr. (Ramona), Mark Collins Thompson (Amy), Paul Joseph Thompson (Mary), Timothy John Thompson (Beth), Brian Christopher "Chris" Thompson (Julie), Ann Thompson Eckels (David), Michael "Scott" Thompson (Pam), forty-seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Thompson (Judy) of St. Joseph, Mo. His faith-filled assistant of 57 years, Louise Clossick (Jimmy), must also be noted as 'family by choice' for her life-long commitment to "Mr. Thompson". In addition to his wife Jeanne and daughters Amy and Tricia, Byron was also preceded in death by his brothers, Vernon Thompson (Doris, surviving) and Eugene Thompson (Donna, surviving). The family looks forward to greeting visitors on Sunday, August 9th, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Visitation Church, 5100 Main, KCMO. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will also be at Visitation Church on Monday, August 10th, at 10:00 AM. Mass will be followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Raytown, MO 64138. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Benedictine College (Byron Thompson Scholarship Fund); St. Teresa's Academy (Jeanne Collins Thompson Scholarship Fund); Rockhurst High School (Thompson Family Scholarship Fund); Catholic Charities or the charity or your choice.


SERVICES Visitation
Sunday, August 9, 2015 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Visitation Church 5141 Main Street Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, August 10, 2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Visitation Church 5141 Main Street Kansas City, Missouri 64113