Wayne Edward Thompson, 84, of Topeka, formerly of Otis, Kansas passed away on November 9, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born May 23, 1932, son of Carol Sherman (Spide) Thompson and Wilma Lucille (Billie) Selvage Thompson in Udall, Kansas. His early life was spent in and around the Udall and Atlanta, Kansas area. He graduated from Atlanta High School, Arkansas City Junior College, and Emporia State Teacher’s College.

Wayne married Arlene Booth on October 10, 1954. Wayne was a teacher for 39 years. He started his teaching career in Alta Vista, Kansas. The last 35 years were in the Otis and Otis-Bison School District. Wayne was a Boy Scout Leader for many years in the Otis-Bison area, also active in the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club.

He is survived by their four children, Mark (Mary) Thompson of Topeka, Kansas, Kirk (Joyce) Thompson of Lancaster, Kansas, Kala (David) Blochlinger of Goodland, Kansas and Jill Schauer of Trenton, Georgia. They were blessed with thirteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Wayne is also survived by two brothers, Jack (Jeanine) Thompson and Glen (Loretta) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; his parents, his brother, Coye Thompson, and great-grandson, Oliver Hurley.

After retirement, Wayne and Arlene enjoyed spending time at their lake house near Camdenton, MO. Wayne loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Wayne was an avid KU basketball fan!

A service will be held at the Otis-Bison Elementary School in Otis, Kansas on November 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Otis-Bison School.