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.
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