Sandra Sue Thompson

Sandra (Sandy) Sue Thompson, 74, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2019. Sandy fought a courageous battle with cancer that began 14 years ago, and she died at home peacefully in her sleep with family nearby.  Sandy was born November 27, 1944, in Monticello, Illinois, daughter of Lawrence Earl (L.E.) and Alice Margaret Benson Marquiss. Sandy is survived by her husband, Col (ret) Walter L Thompson of Annetta, Texas, and stepdaughter Gaileon Thompson (husband Jason Owens) of North Richland Hills, Texas.  Additionally, Sandy is survived by her sisters Connie (Terry) Hendrix, Patricia (Dan) Gale, and Debra Marquiss, all of Monticello, Illinois. Along with her extended family of her aunt, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, she will be missed terribly. Sandy was a graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, majoring in physical education. Sandy loved travel, which was evident throughout her career, having worked for Eastern Airlines, The University of Texas as its Travel Manager, and ultimately retiring from Delta Airlines.  Sandy was an artist of many talents, and loved to collect art while traveling the world with Walt and their dear friends. Second to her love of family and friends, was an unwavering passion for the Texas Raiders B-17 and the work of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). Sandy had been a member of the CAF Gulf Coast Wing for over 30 years. She was the Founding Editor of the "Cowl Flaps" newsletter, and also Wing Information Officer for several years. She recently appeared in the UK-produced documentary “Airplane Resurrections” that highlighted not only the role of the B-17 aircraft in WWII, but also the extensive work of the CAF Gulf Coast Wing in the preservation of Texas Raiders.  She not only volunteered her time to this organization, but she was also a double Full Flying Financial Sponsor of this B-17. It is because of her devotion to this aircraft and the mission of the CAF to honor our veterans of WWII, that the family is requesting that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the CAF Gulf Coast Wing in her memory so that she and their mission can live on. Visitation hours will be on Tuesday, January 29, from 12-4pm at White’s Funeral Home in Weatherford, TX.  On Wednesday, January 30, there will be a private gravesite service at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. Afterwards, all friends and family are welcome to join us in a celebration of her life at the home of Walt Thompson starting at 2:30 pm.