Robert J. Thompson

Robert J. (Bob) Thompson, 88, died January 27, 2025, at Prairie View Gardens in Kearney. Memorial Service will be 10:30 am, January 31, 2025, at Spirit of Life Open Bible Church. Private family burial will be held at the Seward Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, January 30, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later. Robert was born on December 24, 1936, in Lincoln to William J. and Rose (Vrana) Thompson. The family lived on the family farm in the Malcom, Nebraska area, where he attended country school. Bob graduated from Malcom Rural High School with the class of 1954. Bob married Helen Ebers on January 13, 1956, at Salem Methodist Church in rural Seward County and they settled in Lincoln. In 1958, Bob joined the Nebraska State Patrol and served for 30 years before retiring in 1988 at the rank of Sergeant. Bob served as a Trooper in North Platte for 11 years. Upon promotion to Corporal, Bob was transferred to Holdrege. In 1972 Bob was promoted to Sergeant and the family moved to Lexington where he stayed until his retirement. He was well liked in the Lexington community earning the nickname “Bobby 3-stripes” from the high school students. After retiring from the patrol, Bob continued to work in various positions including Justa Trucking, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, and seasonal farm work for several farmers in the Lexington area. Due to Helen’s health, they moved to Kearney in 2005 where Bob worked for Midwest Special Services for several years transporting individuals for the State of Nebraska. He ended his career working with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office doing security detail at the Court House for several years. Bob and Helen enjoyed riding their motorcycle and took many day trips and vacations for over 20 years. Very important to Bob was his faith in the Lord and he remained a faithful servant until his passing. Surviving relatives include his loving daughters Rita and Mike Uldrich of Kearney, Michelle Thompson of Portsmouth, NH and Brenda and Wayne Harnish of Dudley, GA; brother Merle and Janet Thompson of Lincoln; sister Pat Grimes of Milford; sister-in-law Mary Ann Hans of Seward; grandchildren Lindsay Uldrich, Melissa Uldrich, Kristi Parton and Jonathan Harnish; four great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons; and numerous other extended family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, parents and stepmother; twin brother Billy Thompson; brothers-in-law Gleason Grimes and Roger Hans.

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Robert J. Thompson

December 24, 1936 - January 27, 2025