Gerald R. Thompson, 75, of Farmers Branch, Texas, was born August 27, 1939 in Independence, Kansas and passed away March 17, 2015. Gerald climbed many mountains during his long struggle with illness but his spirit remained strong for he knew he walked in faith and his family and friends held him up. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Byron Roy and Grace Thompson. He leaves his wife of 51 years, Pat, his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Michele Thompson with their children Grant and Audrey, his daughter Becky Thompson and many long-time friends.Gerald loved his family, church, community and work. A lifelong Methodist, Gerald spent many years as a church trustee and even more years in the choir at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Music was an important part of Geralds life and he selected the songs to be sung at his memorial service including Ill Fly Away, The Hymn of Promise, and There is a Balm in Gilead. He enjoyed completing home repairs and could take apart, and successfully put back together, just about anything. After receiving a BSEE from OSU and a MSEE from SMU, he enjoyed a career as an electrical engineer with several defense contractors in the Dallas area, including an assignment to Australia. Gerald was an enthusiastic amateur radio operator and living in Australia gave him a chance to meet some of his contacts in person. His fondest memories were of working with Continental Electronics.Having pets all of his adult life, he was especially bonded with Gilbert, a chocolate Lab, who accompanied him on his daily delivery of neighbors newspapers from their yard to their front porch. He had a sense of adventure and relished many travels with groups of friends. It was well known that if Gerald was gifted with overripe bananas he would quickly turn them into banana bread so he could share with co-workers, neighbors and friends.Personal expressions of remembrance may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society or the charity of your choice.The visitation for Gerald Thompson will be held Monday, March 23, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch.A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 12411 Templeton Trail, Farmers Branch.Graveside services will be at Hilltop Cemetery, Carrollton, Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 2:00 PMPlease send family condolences and sign the guestbook on this website.