Carl Elliott Thompson

Obituary

Carl Elliott Thompson was born in Mobile, Alabama to Ethel Smith and Steve Thompson on August 17, 1950. He was the eldest of three children. He grew up knowing the Lord in a Baptist Church in Theodore, Alabama.

Carl’s family moved to California when he was approximately 12 years old. He attended John Muir Junior High and George Washington High School. He graduated from high school in 1968. He attended Southwest College (part time) in Los Angeles from 1968 thru 1971, while working various jobs. 

Carl met Kathryn Royal during Xmas in 1969. Kathryn attended Dorsey High School and thru mutual friends from Washington High and Dorsey High they were introduced to each other. They were high-school sweethearts and together they attended Kathryn’s high school prom in 1970. Carl and Kathryn married on December 26, 1971 and had 2 children, Leonard and Karla Thompson. They were married for 46 years.

Carl joined the Navy in 1971 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and had duty as a Radio Operator. He was honorably discharges in 1974 and returned back to California.

Carl started his career when he was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1974. He was hired as an Air Traffic Controller and worked there for approximately 18 years as a controller. He worked at Torrance Tower, Ontario Radar Center and Riverside Flight Service Station. The Air Traffic Controllers went on strike in 1981 due to a labor dispute. There were rehired many years later by the President Clinton Administration. 

During the separation and transition period while on strike, Carl worked for the Yorba Linda-Placentia Linda School District. He worked in the warehouse and delivery department for 20 years. He retired from the school district and was then reinstated as an Air Traffic Controller. Carl was selected to go to the Norcal Tracon Center in Oakland, California in 2006, but due to his beginning battle with medical issues, he took a medical retirement from the FAA.

Carl and Kathryn moved several times in Southern California due to their careers. They purchased a home in Henderson, Nevada for their retirement home. They attended Central Christian Church in Henderson, Nevada. They renewed their vows with the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ into their lives. Their plans to remain in Nevada changed when Carl started battling with new medical issues. They returned to California to continue his treatment care with his established doctors and medical team. 

Prior to Carl becoming ill, his hobbies included playing golf with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling to places which include Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Carl is survived by his wife Kathryn, son Leonard Thompson, daughter Karla Thompson, daughter-in-law Krishma Thompson, brother Mark(Tony) Williams, brother-in-law David Royal, sister-in-law Susan Royal, nephew Steven (little Stevie) Thompson. His brother Steve Thompson Jr. preceded him in death. 
Carl will be missed by his four grandchildren Marie, Devaughn, Roshaun and Jada; and a host of cousins and many many friends.

 Service Information