Joseph Terrill “Joe” Thomson of Valley Center, Kansas, passed away at his home on Monday, July 27, 2026 at the age of 87.

Joe was born, Monday, May 15th, 1939 in LaMar, Missouri, the son of Waymeth Castle and George Terrill Thomson. He graduated from LaMarr High School in 1957 and went on to study at Ozark Bible College, where he met and married Marlene Ann Crisler on June 17th, 1960 in Rushsylvania, Ohio. After Marlene’s graduation from Ozark Bible College, Joe took a job as a bus driver for Trailways and the couple moved to Valley Center, Kansas to make their family home and raise their four sons, Jim, John, Phillip, and Matthew.

While Joe drove busses for a living, he also became a man of many talents. He served as a volunteer firefighter, an elder in his church congregation, and when Trailways became Greyhound and driving wasn’t always easy, Joe pivoted to become a Master Electrician as a side hustle that eventually led him to use his electrician skills working for the city of Wichita.

Joe knew no strangers and was a friend to so many. His kindhearted and helpful nature was such a joy and he could be found in long conversations with friends or singing his favorite songs in church while being accompanied by his lovely wife, Marlene. Even as his health limited his time with others, he was always willing to help anyone in need as he was able.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene, his parents, Waymeth and George Thomson, his sister, Marcia Kay Thomson, and many brother and sister in laws. He is survived by his sons James, John and wife Jill, Phillip, and Matthew as well as grandchildren Meghan Thomson, Dr. Samantha Streich and husband, Carl, Katherine Thomson, Christopher Thomson, Claire Thomson, sisters in law Mary Lou Harken and Mary Kay Crisler, along with numerous other nieces, nephews, their families, and many friends.

Memorial services will be held at Valley Center Christian Church, 1801 E. 5th Street, Valley Center, Kansas 67147, on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 beginning with a brief visitation with family at 9:30am and Celebration of Life Service at 10:00am with John Thomson and Randy Jones officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in Joe’s memory to Valley Center Christian Church. The family would like to thank the Valley Center Emergency Services for their help and care for Joe in his final moments of life.

Baker Funeral Home, Valley Center, is handling arrangements for the family. Condolence may be left for them at www,.bakkerfhvc.com.