Roger Lee Thompson was born on April 20, 1934, to Ralph and Evelyn Painter Thompson in Minden, WV, and departed this life on September 10, 2011. The family moved to Webster Springs when he was twelve years old. Roger graduated from Webster Springs High School. After graduation, he worked for two years in Webster Springs and in Detroit. He then served his country for four years as a United States Marine, including one tour of duty aboard an air craft carrier in the Mediterranean and another stationed in Japan. At the time of his discharge in 1957, he was a staff-sergeant. After his discharge, Roger married Garry Lynne Shock, also of Webster Springs. He began his college career at WVU in 1958 and four years later, graduated with a B.A. Degree in Political Science. He then continued his education at WVU by entering the Law School, receiving his LLB in 1965. During his final year in law school, his only son, Michael Randolph was born. The family moved to Buckhannon in 1966, where he practiced law for nearly two decades with the firm of Hymes and Coonts. Roger served the community of Buckhannon in many ways over the next several years, as President of the Jaycees, President of the Lion’s Club as well as being a member of the WV Strawberry Festival Board of Directors. He was very active in the Upshur County Democratic Party and also served as a member of the West Virginia State Democratic Executive Committee. He loved deer hunting with his friends at the Myron Hymes farm each year and enjoyed golfing with his son and friends at Buckhannon Country Club. Roger married Wanda Godfrey Carpenter of Buckhannon in December, 1983. He started his own law practice then and eventually retired in the year 1999. He and Wanda spent many years of caring for her mother and later, his mother. Many spirited card games were played with family and friends during those years. In the fall of 2007, Roger and Wanda moved to Grafton to be closer to Wanda’s family. Roger and Wanda lived in Grafton for the past four years next door to Wanda’s son, David. Surviving family members include Roger’s wife Wanda, son Michael Thompson of Idaho Falls, ID, brother Randy Thompson of Albuquerque, NM, sister Jean Douglas of Jacksonville, TX, stepsons David & Ronald Carpenter, both of Grafton, WV, as well as 2 Grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren. Friends will be received Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 5-8 Pm at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday at the funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Buckhannon Memorial Park. Buckhannon VFW Post # 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post # 7 American Legion, D.A.V. Chapters #5 & #36 will conduct Military Honors at the graveside. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
