01/21/2026
Kenneth Wayne Thompson, age 83, of Amarillo, Texas, peacefully graduated to Heaven on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Ken was born on October 7, 1942, in Long Beach, California, to Victor and Lola Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Thompson.
Ken was deeply loved and admired for his kindness, selfless spirit, diligent work ethic, unconditional love, and genuine positivity toward everyone he encountered. He loved the Lord and faithfully lived a Christ-centered life, reflecting his faith in both word and action.
Ken’s strong work ethic began at the age of nine when he started a paper route, which he continued until he was nineteen. He graduated from Birdville High School in Haltom City, Texas, in 1960 and went on to attend Arlington State University, where he majored in Accounting.
In 1962, Ken married Marion, the love of his life, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 64 years. In 1964, they welcomed their first son, Grant, while living in Perryton, Texas, where Ken worked for the C.R. Anthony department store. The family moved to Canyon, Texas, in 1967, where Ken managed a new C.R. Anthony store. Their daughter, Christi, was born in 1968.
In 1974, Ken took a leap of faith and opened the Carriage House Shoe Store in Canyon. The store remained successful until 1986 and became well known for Ken’s fun and creative marketing ideas.
After the opening of the Amarillo mall, Ken transitioned into real estate. He entered the real estate business in 1987, founded Ken Thompson Realty in 1988, and faithfully served clients and the community for 36 years, retiring in 2023 at the age of 80.
Ken was deeply committed to serving his community. He served as President of the Canyon Lions Club, President of the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, President of Toastmasters and as an Elder at Canyon Hills Church of Christ. He was active in Kairos Prison Ministry for 10 years and proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in Canyon for a year. He was also a devoted member of the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club from 1987 until his passing. His grandchildren fondly remember taking turns ringing the Salvation Army bell with their Grandad during the holidays.
In his earlier years, Ken enjoyed bowling, racquetball, square dancing, and serving on various community committees. Later in life, he cherished family ski trips, playing dominoes, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and gathering with family. He especially loved watching old westerns and going to the movie theater with Marion.
Ken had a warm heart, a gentle spirit, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ken is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marion Thompson; his son, Grant Thompson and wife Kathy; his daughter, Christi Bowling and husband Shay; his brother, Rodney Thompson and wife Anna; his sister, Vickie Bishop and husband Rodney; four grandchildren, Josh Bowling and wife Darian, Blane Thompson and wife Brittany, Courtney Gallier and husband Josh, and Blair Thompson; two great-grandchildren, Roman and Boyd; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Boulevard, Amarillo, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Amarillo Downtown Lions Club, P.O. Box 2792, Amarillo, Texas 79105.
Online condolences may be shared at www.boxwellbrothers.com
