Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:18 am
of Tulsa Engines.
Re: Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:48 am
I received this yesterday from Rex Vaughan, owner of Tulsa Aircraft Engines.
Sam wanted to be involved with my SNJ-5C and sponsored my engine. Rex Vaughan built it to perfection. Thank you Sam, your contribution to warbirds will not be forgotten.
Sam Thompson, retired previous owner of Tulsa Aircraft Engines in Tulsa,
Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly November 14, 2012. He was 70 years old,
born November 12, 1942 in Tulsa. As recent as Saturday night, November 10,
he celebrated his 70th birthday and retirement from Tulsa Aircraft Engines.
Sam was well-known throughout the ag-aviation industry for his calm and
quiet demeanor. He received both his private and commercial pilot licenses
in the same year he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in
Psychology in 1965. He also attended Northeastern State College, Tulsa
University and Tulane University earning a Masters degree in the Arts.
He started working at Tulsa Aircraft Engines in 1974 and served as vice
president, shop supervisor and eventually owner after his father, Henry
Thompson. Previously, Sam was an Assistant Professor of Art at Farmington
State College and teacher of art at Tulsa public schools.
Sam is survived by his wife Vanessa Thompson, mother Lois Johnson, daughter
Julie Spencer and 2 granddaughters, Ella and Kate. In lieu of flowers, the
family has requested donations to the Philbrook Museum of Art or the MD
Anderson Cancer Center.
Sam wanted to be involved with my SNJ-5C and sponsored my engine. Rex Vaughan built it to perfection. Thank you Sam, your contribution to warbirds will not be forgotten.
Sam Thompson, retired previous owner of Tulsa Aircraft Engines in Tulsa,
Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly November 14, 2012. He was 70 years old,
born November 12, 1942 in Tulsa. As recent as Saturday night, November 10,
he celebrated his 70th birthday and retirement from Tulsa Aircraft Engines.
Sam was well-known throughout the ag-aviation industry for his calm and
quiet demeanor. He received both his private and commercial pilot licenses
in the same year he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in
Psychology in 1965. He also attended Northeastern State College, Tulsa
University and Tulane University earning a Masters degree in the Arts.
He started working at Tulsa Aircraft Engines in 1974 and served as vice
president, shop supervisor and eventually owner after his father, Henry
Thompson. Previously, Sam was an Assistant Professor of Art at Farmington
State College and teacher of art at Tulsa public schools.
Sam is survived by his wife Vanessa Thompson, mother Lois Johnson, daughter
Julie Spencer and 2 granddaughters, Ella and Kate. In lieu of flowers, the
family has requested donations to the Philbrook Museum of Art or the MD
Anderson Cancer Center.
Re: Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:25 am
I am very sad to hear this. He is one of the best men I have had the pleasure to know, and will be greatly missed.
Blue skies Sam!!
Blue skies Sam!!
Re: Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:28 am
What a great guy. Sam always took the time to help and educate.
(Not to mention being one of the best round engine builders ever).
He will be greatly missed.
Thank you Sam,
John
(Not to mention being one of the best round engine builders ever).
He will be greatly missed.
Thank you Sam,
John
Re: Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:34 pm
Wow... He only made it through a week of retirement....
Sorry to see him go.
Mark H
Sorry to see him go.
Mark H
Re: Gone West, Sam thompson
Sat Nov 17, 2012 9:36 pm
