Carl Thompson

Carl R. Thompson, age 87, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away September 30, 2017. Carl was born in February of 1930, the son of the late Russell and Blanche Thompson. Carl had a passion for music and played tuba in the high school band and viola in the orchestra. In 1946 he was awarded a full scholarship to the National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI. After graduating from Freeport High School he attended the University of Colorado before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Carl earned a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois and then started his career with the Upjohn Company. He was a member of the Information Systems and Computer Services group and then later accepted a management position to join the Upjohn Healthcare Services. Carl was a recipient of the prestigious Upjohn Award and retired after 32 years of service with the company. Following his retirement, Carl became the leader of the AARP Tax Aide program in Southwest Michigan for 14 years. Carl was a devoted husband, sharing 65 years with his loving wife, Bernita who survives. Also surviving are his children, Carlene Cantrell, Clark (Laura) Thompson, Cathy Thompson; 3 grandchildren, Katie (Brian) Carpenter, Connor Thompson, Jolene Cantrell; and a great grandson, Christopher Carpenter. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm Sunday October 8, at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Dr. Friends may meet the family after the service during a time of refreshments. Private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.