Donald Thompson, age 89, of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell with his family by his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2015, at the Grinnell Christian Church with Pastor Brandon Bradley and Pastor John Epperson officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell and the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m, Friday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Grinnell Christian Church, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Donald Monroe Thompson was born the son of Claude and Marie Edna (Horak) Thompson on October 24, 1925, in Grinnell, Iowa. He was raised on Iowa farms in both Poweshiek and Tama Counties. He attended country school and graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1943. He served honorably in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Germany. Don returned from the service in 1946, and began farming with his dad near Brooklyn and Tama. Don was united in marriage to Jane Marie Lang on September 2, 1951, at Madison Church of Christ near Brooklyn. Even while working as a Grade A bulk milk hauler from 1958-1971, farming remained an important part of his life for nearly 30 years. In 1973, the couple moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas where they owned and operated Seven Minute Car Wash and Muffler Shop before starting TLC Lawn Service. Don always took great pride in his lawn care. In 1980, they returned to Grinnell. Later in life, he assisted at Carroll's Pumpkin Farm where he cared for the farm animals and grounds. Don was a man of Faith. He served as an Elder, Sunday school teacher, and charter member of Grinnell Christian Church. He was also a charter member of Hot Springs Christian Church. Don was a friend to many. Fun-loving and often with a twinkle in his eye he showed his sense of humor. He was loved for his sensitive heart and tenderness toward others. In his retirement he enjoyed coffee with his friends at Hardees as well as church social times. His favorite past-times included going for walks around the farm pond and sitting on the front porch swing taking in the beauty of God's creations. His love of family was always evident. He will long be remembered as the best husband, father, grandfather and friend one could ever want. Don is survived by his loving wife of almost 64 years, Jane Thompson of Grinnell; their children, Craig (Jill) Thompson of Piney Flats, TN; Joy (Danny) Carroll of Grinnell, Claudia (Brad) Brammer of Rosemount, MN, and Laura (David) Golightly, Palmetto, FL; fifteen grandchildren; two foster grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four foster great grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy (John) Peak of Grinnell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marie Thompson; and two sisters, Mildred (Kenneth) Goreham and Eleanor (Warren) Miller.