Gerald Lamar Thompson

Gerald LaMar Thompson, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026 at the age of 94. He was surrounded by his loving family. Jerry (or Lamar to his family) was born on August 5, 1931 in Rupert, Idaho, and was a proud graduate of American Falls High School, class of 1949.

In 1951, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy, serving with honor for eight years. During his service, he was deployed aboard the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) in support of the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge, Jerry utilized the GI Bill to enroll in Grimm's School of Business. This soon lead him to relocate to Los Angeles, California, where he embarked on a distinguished 35-year career with Farmer's Insurance, contributing his expertise to their Accounting and Real Estate acquisition departments. During this time, Jerry attended night school at UCLA, earning himself a Certificate in Business with a concentration in Accounting. It took him 10 years, but he did it!

Upon his retirement, Jerry returned to Pocatello. He would often visit the local Farmer's office to check in on his friends. It was there that he met his life partner Colleen Ellis. Together they would go on to enjoy a fulfilling retirement for the next 30 years. Jerry also loved spending time golfing with his brothers and visiting his daughter Carrie in Seattle, his sister Connie in Utah and Colleen's family in Oregon.

Jerry is survived by his life partner of 26 years, Colleen Ellis and her family; his children Carrie (Doug) Pedegana, Dave Lish and Kathryn (Michael) Woodard; his siblings Connie (Ron) DeJulis and Jay (Kelly) Nelson; and his granddaughters Natalie (Jordan) Hoelker and Amber Hoover. He will be dearly missed by his many stepchildren, step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jerry will be remembered for his dry wit personality, his love of cars and his steady presence. He lived a good and honorable life, and he will be greatly missed.

A Veteran's Service will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at West Fremont Street Veteran's Memorial Park, Pocatello, ID. Following the service, a Memorial Open House will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 8 Cedar Hills Drive, Pocatello, ID.

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