Gary Thompson

Gary C Thompson, 76, passed away peacefully in his beloved home in Rupert, Idaho on May 2, 2026. He was known for his work ethic, resourcefulness, and deep love of family and friends.

Gary was born in Grace, Idaho on July 1, 1949, to Florence Afton Barfuss Thompson and Dell Louis Thompson. He helped his father from a young age homestead a farm north of Rupert. He graduated from Minico High School, served a full-time LDS mission in the southwest states, then earned a bachelor's degree from BYU in Industrial Education. He taught drafting at Provo High School for a short time, then returned home to help his father with the family farm. After his father's passing, Gary took over management of the farm - growing sugar beets and grain. He was a natural problem-solver who loved tinkering in his shop, often devising creative solutions to whatever technical challenge arose.

Gary valued his family above all else and intentionally created opportunities to spend time together. He organized annual trips throughout the western United States and cherished time outdoors, especially summer camping at Warm Springs, Idaho, and snowmobiling in the winter. He served faithfully in many church callings in the Acequia Wards and Rupert Stake. As a youth he earned his Eagle Scout and as an adult helped others by volunteering his time as a scout leader. His service included participating in multiple 50-milers, some alongside his son. He had a keen interest in history, particularly WWII. In his retirement years, Gary was fortunate to be able to split his time between Idaho and Arizona. No matter where he was living, he treasured talking to and spending time with his friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his father Dell Louis and mother Florence Afton. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Mortensen Thompson; his children, Taunya (Stephen) Kunzler, Sarah (Chad) Dawson, Taylor Thompson, Jenelle (Zach) West, and Natalie (Mike) Snyder; 27 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his brother, Monte Dell Thompson and his sister, Gloria Rae Thompson Harrison.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Acequia 2nd Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel (20403 5th St., Rupert, Idaho). Viewing for family and friends will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the church and for one hour prior to the services. Services will conclude with burial in the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary Rupert.