David Ray Thompson, 79, a longtime resident of Irving, Texas passed away on Friday, October 13, 2017 in Coppell, Texas after a battle with Parkinsons.

He was born on April 9, 1938 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Arboline Dill Thompson and Leon Thompson. He spent many years of his happy childhood in Paris, TX, and later moved to Lake Charles, LA. This is where he met his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Cormier, and they were married on November 21, 1956. David and Mary Ann both worked at banks in Lake Charles as newlyweds. He later worked for Santa Fe Railroad Construction in their planning/development area and moved to Amarillo, Texas where his two children were born. While at Santa Fe, he lived in Mississippi, North Carolina and then later settled in Irving, Texas in 1966. After several great years with Santa Fe, he began a successful career at GTE/Verizon as a planning engineer from which he retired after 36 years.

David was more than just an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, son and friend . David was a Christian man who served God in his actions and talents. He was friend that rolled up his sleeves or opened his wallet when help was needed. He was a mentor to all that knew him, as his knowledge and capabilities were widespread. He was optimistic, fun, smart, playful, loyal, patient, loving and always had a smile for everyone he met. David was active as a club water skier, black belt in karate, a licensed pilot, and certainly the best jack of all trades. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, or was afraid to learn. He was a member of Riverside Church of Christ.

David is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved son, Mark Randall Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Thompson; daughter, Sheron Baldwin and husband Harold; grandchildren, Laura Baldwin, Susan Saffel and husband Steven, Michael Baldwin and fiance Katy Thompson; great granddaughter, Alexa Saffel; siblings, Francis Nations, Shirley Brehm, Joe Thompson and wife Doris, and Scott Thompson.

Family will have a gathering to remember David on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Funeral service is on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Aria Funeral Home Chapel in Irving. Burial will follow in procession to Oak Grove Memorial Gardens.

Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400