NORWICH, CT/OLD LYME — David Warner Thompson, 93, died peacefully at Backus Hospital in Norwich on January 16, 2024, with his beloved wife of 70 years by his side. He was born at home on March 15, 1930, in the Big Pond area of Bradford County, PA. In 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Sperry Sub-Tender stationed at the San Diego Naval Base in California. While in the Navy, he learned pipe-welding, a trade that would be his life-long career.
In 1953, he married Louise Beach, a childhood friend, and together they had 5 children. The family moved to Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1962, where he was employed by General Dynamics-Electric Boat in Groton. Several years later he joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 Union and was assigned to many challenging jobs throughout Connecticut, New York, and New Hampshire. In 1992, after retirement, David and Louise moved to Norwich, CT.
David was an avid sportsman and 50-year member of the Niantic Sportsman’s Club. He started the Junior Rifle League and was instrumental in the development of the Club during those 50 years. A superior marksman, he focused his expertise on muzzle-loading and joined the North-South Skirmish Association, where he still holds an unbroken pistol record of a perfect score at 25 yards. He competed internationally as well on the U.S. International Muzzle-Loading Team from 1984-1994, competing in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and the U.S., and winning the Bronze Medal in Spain in 1985. For decades, he was an active shooter in the New London Pistol League, as well as an active member and treasurer for The Guns of Norwich Historical Society.
He and his family enjoyed many years of camping during the summer and once engaged in a 6-week camping trip around the United States, an experience that will endure forever. David is survived by his wife, Louise, and their children, Suzanne DeMelia of Mystic, CT, Rebecca Crosby of Old Lyme, CT, Mark Thompson of Loveland, CO, Marian Erkson of Middletown, CT, and Matthew Thompson of Waterford, CT and 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Joyce Fraley of North Carolina, and Alice Lenox of Florida.
He was a man of great faith and an active member of The First Baptist Church of Lebanon. A memorial service will be held there on January 27, 2024, at 1 pm.