William "Bill" Leigh Thompson

William "Bill" Leigh Thompson, 80, passed away June 21, 2018, at Mission at Castle Rock in Green River. He was a resident of Green River for the past 56 years and former resident of Midwest.

Thompson was born Aug. 11, 1937, in Casper, the son of Charles William Thompson and Edith M. Schultz Thompson. 

He attended schools in Wyoming and Utah. 

He was a graduate of Midwest High School with the class of 1955. Thompson earned an associates degree as well as his masters degree in education.

He married Rita Jane Gottman Thompson March 3, 1973, in Wyoming.

Thompson was employed by Sweetwater County School District No. 2 as a high school Teacher at the Green River High School for 35 years. 

He retired in May 1996.

He was a member of the Lions Club, BPO Elks No. 624, Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge, Chairman Green River Historical Preservation Commission, Green River Chamber of Commerce, Golden Hour Sr. Citizen Board of Directors and Carpenters Union Local No. 1620. He co-authored the state award winning book "The Honor and the Heartbreak" as well as articles for the "Echoes from the Bluff" column and was cofounder of Rocky Mountain Polka Festival.  

His interests included being a husband, father, musician, historian and conservationist.  He served as a Wyoming State Representative for ten years, including as Minority Whip, and was the Interim City Administrator for the City of Green River.

Survivors include his wife Rita J. Thompson of Green River; one son, Bill Thompson and wife Jennifer of Phoenix; one daughter, Jenny Leigh Kreger and husband Terry of Brighton, Colo .; two God children, Jessica Strampe and Amy Burke; several grandchildren including Christopher Breedlove, Lindsay Allen, Tammy Stuart and husband Troy Stuart, Mark Thompson, Mike Thompson; several great-grandchildren including, Aidan Breedlove, Keara Breedlove, Kingdon Breedlove, Lionso Valenzuela, Dakota Stuart, Hailey Stuart, Kat Stuart; several cousins including Rose Barrington, June Beers, Mikal Haaland, Steve Haaland and wife Lynda, Kathy Reese and Arvela Case; several nephews and nieces and his lifelong friend and confidant, Bob Burke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, W. Shane Thompson and W.C. Thompson; and two daughters, Gina Thompson and Donna Mitchell.  

Funeral services took place Wednesday morning. Interment will be in the Milburn Cemetery in Fort Bridger.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.