BENNY THOMPSON

SIKESTON -- Benny Royce Thompson, 59, of Sikeston died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1995, at his home.

He was born Nov. 2, 1936, in Conway County, Ark., son of Audie Charles and Elva Mae Trotter Thompson. He and Sue Hooks were married June 23, 1961.

Thompson was a self-employed building contractor. He was a member of the Palestine Masonic Lodge 241 in St. Louis, Scottish Rite, Moolah Temple, York Rite chapter and council, the SEMO Shrine Club, Elks, VFW, and the American Legion. He also served in the U.S. Air Force.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Chuck Thompson and Tim Thompson, both of Sikeston; a daughter, Felicia Baker of Sikeston; three brothers, Fairrell Thompson of Matthews, Jerry "Butch" Thompson of Essex and Maurice Thompson of Piedmont; three sisters, Charlene Polk, Billie Carroll and Margaret Mays, all of Sikeston; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother and sister.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston, where Masonic rites will be said at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. The Rev. Bill McCormick will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.