Valley Stream native, great-grandfather, WWII vet

Harold Arthur Thompson passed away peacefully on January 22 in Oklahoma City, Okla. surrounded by his family. He was 97.

Harold was born on April 24, 1917 in Valley Stream to Richmond and Millicent Thompson. He graduated from Valley Stream Central High School where he was active in the National Honor Society and Young Republicans Club. He worked on Wall Street before moving to Cincinnati and working for Lever Bros., where he met his future wife, Hazel Esther Bierbaum. They were married on January 25, 1941. Harold proudly served in Europe in World War II.

After the war, he worked as a food broker in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio where he was admired for his integrity, work ethic and devotion to his customers. After retirement, Harold lived in central Florida where he enjoyed his favorite pastime, golf. He moved to Oklahoma City in 1994. Harold will be remembered for his devotion to his beloved wife, optimism, quick smile, firm handshake and gratitude to those who cared for him in his final days.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, George Lincoln Thompson and Alice Hansen. His survivors include his wife of 74 years, his children, William Thompson of Knoxville, Tenn. and Linda Thompson of Oklahoma City, his grandchildren, Christopher Thompson and Kelley Williamson, and three great-grandchildren: Nathan; Hannah and Brandon Williamson.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation at (405) 271-6673 or Mercy Hospice at (405) 752-3752).