Roger Franklin Thompson left this life in the early morning hours of January 7, 2017 in Springfield, MO.

Roger was born in Kansas City, Missouri on May 7, 1948 to Johnnie Franklin and Muriel Alice (Crawford) Thompson. Roger is survived by his wife Ruth Evelyn of Springfield; son Len Michael (wife Marcia, children Kai & Camryn) of Parkville, MO; son Nate Paul (wife Jennifer) of Clever, MO; younger brother Gary Lee Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John David Thompson.

Roger attended Westport High School in Kansas City for two years. In 1964, Roger and his family moved to Springfield where he attended Central High School and graduated in 1966. Roger attended Missouri State University where he graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1970.

Roger was a member of ROTC and rose to the rank of Capitan in the United States Army.

In 1970 Roger married the love of his life Ruth Evelyn Roe whom he met while attending Missouri State University. Ruth and Roger lived briefly in Sedalia, MO before returning to Springfield where Roger would spend the remainder of his life.

Roger was employed as a Claims Technician for the Missouri Division of Employment Security for the majority of his career. He retired in 2010.

Roger was a member of Pythian Ave Baptist Church (now known as Just for Jesus (JfJ) Church) the entire time he was a resident of Springfield. He taught adult Sunday School classes for over 30 years and served as a deacon for over 10 years. Roger was also a long-time member of The Queen City Lions Club.

Roger was very proud of his family, especially his grandchildren Kai & Camryn. Besides his family and his church, Roger was a passionate sports fan. He followed the Missouri State Bears, Kansas City Royals and most passionately, the Kansas City Chiefs.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to JfJ Church, 1001 N Rogers, Springfield, MO, 65802.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 10th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole, Springfield, MO, 65804. The memorial service will be Wednesday, Jan 11th at 2:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (Greenlawn North) in Springfield.