Michael Derrick Thompson Jr

“Better by far you should forget and smile,

Than that you should remember and be sad.”

Michael D. Thompson Jr. (Mike), beloved father, son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and always a friend, on Dec. 30th 2018, joined his loved ones in heaven.

Mike is survived by his parents Martie Thompson (Robert River) and Michael D. Thompson Sr. (Jeannie Thompson); his daughter Makayla; his brother Chris; his sister Shiloh (Rico Valeriano); his niece Cataleya; and his grandmother Marquetta Thompson.

Mike was blessed, loved and surrounded by his step siblings Kindra, Rob, Steven, Michael, Christian, and Richard along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who enriched his life.

Mike was born in Los Angeles on June 11, 1984. Moved with family to Arizona in 1995 and he enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating from high school. Served 4 years active duty, was deployed 1 year in Iraq and was honorably discharged Oct. 09, 2010. He graduated from the Arizona State University, Cum Laude, in 2018 with a degree in Kinesiology and was most recently pursuing his masters from NAU.

Mike was a devoted student and avid sports enthusiast, thus his devotion to his anticipated profession. He felt strongly that he could utilize his knowledge and skills to accurately identify (diagnose) root cause analysis of sports related injuries thereby enhancing the treatment and subsequent recovery of athletes. He was also passionate about science and the cosmos, absolutely loved Carl Sagan his “scientific skeptical inquiry” and stated that he would love to be a part of the Mars exploration. He had also been designing (for possibly 3 years) a very elaborate tattoo design as a reflection of how he honored his heritage, inspirations, and beliefs. Further indication of the passion and care he showed in all his endeavors.

“Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We linger long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sails for the stars.” Cosmos

Michael, may you be blessed with the universal journey you have always longed for, be at peace with God, and your eternal resting.

A funeral service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on January 9 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix AZ. 85024, and Pastor Rowdy Van Horn will officiate.

Richardson Funeral Home, Tempe, Arizona is compassionately serving the family.

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Graveside Service

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Wednesday January 9th, 2019

12:30pm

Phoenix, AZ