Obituary
Kathryn Lavon Thompson, 84 of Lee’s Summit, passed away Saturday, February 20th, 2021. Lavon, as she was known to all, was born to Ben and Lois Marsden on Christmas Day, December 25th, 1936 in Carthage, Missouri.
Lavon grew up in the First Baptist Church in Carthage. Lavon graduated from Carthage High School with honors in 1954. She was involved in many aspects of her high school, including: National Honor Society, Choir, directing class plays and operettas, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, and won a state championship in doubles tennis.
She met the love of her life, Bobby Gene Thompson, before he left for the army, and when he returned they were married soon after on November 21st, 1956. Their marriage lasted 64 wonderful years. Bob and Lavon welcomed their first daughter, Rhonda, the following December. Their second daughter, Natalie, was welcomed almost three years later.
Lavon, a stay-at-home mom, was immensely involved in her daughters’ upbringing. Her involvement spanned numerous areas, including: shuffling the girls to piano, music lessons, gymnastics, dance, cheer, swim team, and many sports and church activities. Lavon was involved in PTA from the girls’ elementary school years all the way through the district PTA. She equally enjoyed being “Nana” to her grandson Jonathan, her only grandchild.
Lavon was the quintessential volunteer and loved giving of herself to others and her community. She volunteered at the Samuel Rodgers Health Center, Special Care Homes of Missouri, taught Sunday School, and directed children’s choirs and Bible School at their church. Lavon was a first soprano soloist for many years, and her musical talents were heard by many organizations and churches around the Kansas City area.
Lavon, her laugh and voice will be sorely missed by the many lives that she touched.
Survivors include her husband Bob Thompson of the home; daughter Rhonda McGuff of Overland Park, KS; daughter Natalie Katerberg (Gary) of Muskegon, MI; grandson Jonathan McGuff of Columbia, MO; two sisters: Ginger Richardson (Darrell) and Jean Williams, both of Oronogo, MO. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lavon was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Lois Marsden, her brother Danny Marsden, sister Linda Lawson, son-in-law, John McGuff, and brother-in-law Cliff Williams.
Services will be held Saturday, February 27th, 2021 at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, followed by funeral services at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Newcomer’s Floral Hills in Kansas City, MO.
Memorial contributions made in memory of Lavon can be made to a charity of your choice.
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Such found memories of her. She was a dear sweet lady. May she rest in peace.
Bob, Rhonda, Jonathan & family, Our sincerest condolences on your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. David & family
Friend, Bob,
So sorry to learn of Lavon’s death. May God be very close to your and your family and bring you comfort that only our Lord can provide.
I had forgotten that Lavon was from Carthage. We moved there in my sophomore year and graduated in 1950.
We have good memories from Special Care Homes days. Really don’t hear from very many people from that era. Birthdays are catching up with us!! We’re well. PTL
Blessings, Earl and Joan 816) 461-7094
Warm and loving memories of “Mom” Thompson. Her memorable sweet laugh is now being heard in heaven. She will be dearly missed.
Cheri
What a beautiful obituary! Even though I have known Lavon for many years, there were many interesting things that I did not know about her. However, even though I did not know some facts about her life, I have always known that she was a beautiful, kind and giving woman in addition to being a great cook and a very loving mom and grandmother. In particular, I will always appreciate how kind she was to my brother John and all of the McGuff family. She will certainly be missed by many including me.