Vernon James Thompson

Vernon was born in Dayton, Texas, on April 14, 1943, to Edgar and Rosie Thompson.  Vernon was one of ten children, five boys and five girls.  Two brothers preceded him in death, Oscar and Warren Thompson.  His sister Bessie Mae Thompson Hubert also preceded him in death along with his firstborn son Dwayne Thompson. Vernon attended the schools in Dayton, Texas and participated in Track in high school.  Later, Vernon continued running daily until he got to the point that he could only walk briskly. Vernon attended church at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dayton until he left Dayton.

Vernon moved from Dayton after enlisting in the U.S. Army bringing him to an army base near the Kansas City Metropolitan area. After serving two TDY Vernon received an Honorable Discharge. Vernon then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he began working at the Ford Motor Plant. Vernon began getting involved with the community and after some civil unrest after the death of Martin Luther King, started a group along with Benard Powell and Lee Bohanon called SAC 20, which means Social Action Committee for change.  They started with 20 members.  Most of the members are now deceased and now Vernon joins them. Vernon also attended classes for Political Science at the Pioneer College in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Vernon became an Executive Director of the Youth Action Coalition, helping train young people for jobs.  He also helped run the Youth Opportunity Program. Vernon served on many boards and /Committees i.e. Model Cities, Freedom Incorporated and many others.  Vernon decided he could help by running for election as a school board member with the help of Freedom Inc., however Vernon lost this election.  Vernon did not give up and decided to run for the office of Missouri State Representative of the 37th District.  With determination and hard work, including the help of Freedom, Inc. this time Vernon won. Vernon served in this position for 17 years and then retired.  Vernon was retired at the time of his untimely death.

Vernon was married to Patricia Jones and Tyrone Jones was born into this union.

Later Vernon married Vernita Valentine Thompson where DeJon and Nathan Thompson were born into this union.

Vernon’s family lovingly called him Pops and his friends called him VT.

Vernon leaves behind the following family members to mourn his passing, Children: David Vann, Tyrone Jones, Jamah Abdul (Jamil) Thompson/Antoinette, DeJon Thompson/Otishia, Nathan Thompson, and Jelissa Thompson. Grandchildren:  LaTia Harris; Jessica and Jacoby Vann; Kel’a and Jasmine Jones; JaWan and Jai’jinee Thompson; Najah, DeJon, Jr., Jevon, Nasir Thompson, and Rhiley Handson; Nylah and Nathan Thompson, Jr,; Marlee and Mazhi Rice. Siblings:  Edward Thompson/Verna, Rosa Leona Thompson, Mable Daniels, Sharon Gist, Edgar Thompson, Jr., and Rose Warren. Vernon also had seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

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