LCDR Lanty E. (Tom) Thompson, USN (Ret.), a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, just a few days before his 94th birthday. He was born in Mill Point, WV to Grover and Georgia Thompson. Lanty graduated from Hillsboro High School and attended Old Dominion University.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers and their wives, his wife Peggy and their son, Robert. He is survived by his daughter Sandra Thompson Kal, son-in-law Robert, and their son, Parker.
Lanty was a 24-year Navy veteran of the U.S. Navy. He enlisted in 1950 as a seaman in the submarine force and retired in 1974 as a Lieutenant Commander. While stationed in Ashland, Kentucky, he met Peggy, and they were married in 1956. Tom loved his travels with the Navy and saw much of the world. He and Peggy especially enjoyed their time in Italy and Scotland.
After retiring from the Navy, Tom built a career as a residential real estate agent and broker. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned various companies throughout his civilian career. He retired as owner of Beach Realty.
He was proud of his service to our country and made many friends while in the Navy. He was active in the USS Simon Lake Association, building its original website and helping to organize many reunions, until health issues precluded him from doing so. After he could no longer travel on his own, he and Sandy enjoyed attending several reunions and visiting places the family had once lived.
Tom had a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. He could often be found doing yard work even into his 90’s. He loved real estate, Friday lunches with friends, traveling, technology (especially his Apple watch), reading the newspaper, and discussing current events. He enjoyed all types of sports, especially his grandson’s football, baseball and basketball games throughout the years. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers and West Virginia Mountaineers fan.
He enjoyed spending time with Sandy and her family. He was a reliable cheerleader at Parker’s sporting events and school events, looked forward to Bob’s burgers and bloody marys, and enjoyed his outings, travels and visits with Sandy. Tom/Daddy/Grandpa T will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the neighborhood cats that he fed.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Tom and his family have been blessed with many wonderful people for whom we will always be grateful, including his friend Michael Murray, who predeceased him, Dr. Bremer’s team at Virginia Oncology, especially Marissa and Jamie, who cared for Tom as he battled Multiple Myeloma, and his friend and helper over the last year, Jamie Short. We are also most grateful to the staff at the Hoy Center at Westminster Canterbury who cared for Mr. Lanty with such compassion and dedication. God bless you all.
