Samuel Franklin Thompson, Jr.

Samuel F. Thompson, Jr., of Yukon, Oklahoma passed away on February 14, 2023, at the age of 77 from complications related to Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam. He was born on May 13, 1945, in Sheffield, Alabama to Samuel F. Thompson, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth (Austin) Thompson. The family moved to Oklahoma City when Sam was 5 years old. He attended U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City and graduated in 1963. After graduation he began working for the Frisco Railroad as a brakeman. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 16, 1964. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on May 9, 1969, at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E6).  He eventually returned to the railroad and worked his way up to Engineer. On May 17, 1969, Sam married the love of his life, Kerry Marion Kilbourne. They had two daughters, Leslie Jean and Kerry Lynn. Sam and Kerry became members of the Big Red Motorcycle Club in the 70's. He was the Burlington Northern Safety Employee of the Year in 1989 and was awarded the Harold F. Hammond Award that same year. He retired in 2005 from the BNSF Railroad. Shortly after retirement, he became an Ordained Minister with Universal Life Church and officiated numerous wedding ceremonies including those of one of his daughters and both of his grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel F. Thompson, Sr., and Martha Elizabeth (Austin) Thompson, and his sister, Elizabeth Ann (Thompson) Mullins. He is survived by his wife, Kerry; daughter, Leslie Jean Wilmot and husband Alfred; daughter, Kerry Lynn Thompson-Page and husband Kent; grandson, Alfred Henry Wilmot, III and wife Brianna; grandson, Terris Ray Thompson and wife Rachel; granddaughter, Jordan Alexandria Wilmot, and great-granddaughter Ellie Wilmot. Memorial gifts and cards can be sent to Yanda and Son Funeral Home located at 1500 W. Vandament, Yukon, OK 73099. In lieu of flowers, Sam requested donations be made to the American Diabetes Association. A Celebration of Life will be held at Life.Church located at 1052 East State Highway 152, Mustang, Oklahoma 73064, on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.