Obituaries

Ralph Lawrence Thompson passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, in Spring Branch, Texas at the age of 78, surrounded by family.

He was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1947 to Grace Arizmendi Thompson and was later adopted by Conrad Thompson. In his early years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandparents Antonia and Delores Arizmendi of Uvalde, Texas and Mildred and Archel Thompson of Johannesburg, Michigan. He graduated from LD Bell High School in Euless, Texas and attended University of Texas at Arlington.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He remained active throughout most of his life and enjoyed traveling, hiking, golfing, biking, sailing, kayaking, and running.

Ralph built a distinguished 34-year career at Colonial Pipeline and retired in 2006. Not one to be idle, he began a second career in real estate shortly after retirement.

He served his community in volunteer roles as a director at Chapel in the Cove and as a mediator for Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center. Ralph was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite and a member of the Nederland Blue Lodge. He was also a Shriner and member of the El Mina Temple of Galveston, Texas.

Ralph was the oldest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Conrad “Chuck” Thompson, Tony Thompson, and Scott Thompson; and sisters, Sue Ann Thompson, and Jean Ann Thompson. Ralph is survived by his wife, Annette Thompson; children, Hal (Stephanie) Thompson of New Braunfels, TX, and Katherine (Ted) Rooke of Greenville, SC. He is survived by five grandchildren, Darcy (Ryan) Thompson of Aurora, CO, Grady (Natalie) Thompson of Queensland, Australia, Levi Thompson of Eugene, OR, Max (Sam) Irwin of Harrisonburg, VA, Acelyne Thompson of New Braunfels, TX; and one great grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Thompson of Australia. Ralph is survived by two sisters, Donna (Phillip) Mauldin of Hallsville, TX and Jacqueline Thompson of Springtown, TX, and brother-in-law David Franklin of Goodview, VA. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Ralph lived a life marked by gratitude and a love of God, from whom he drew his strength. He was known for his warm smile and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. A man of strong faith, he was quick to share how he had been blessed. He embraced life fully and made the most of each day. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at North Shore United Methodist Church, located at 23880 N. Cranes Mill Road, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. The celebration will be livestreamed for anyone who cannot attend in person. Click Here

In memory of Ralph, donations can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, North Shore United Methodist Church, or San Antonio Rescue Mission.

The family extends special appreciation to the doctors and staff of University Health Transplant Institute at University Hospital for their care and support over the years, as well as University Health Wound Care team for their compassion and dedication.