Roderick Raines Thompson

Roderick Raines Thompson was born August 16, 1927 and passed away April 12, 2024, in El Paso at 96.

He was loved by his family and his many close friends.

A New Mexico Military Institute (MMI) graduate, he was the Institute’s Rifle Team Captain. Rod next served his country in the Army from 1946 to 1948 where he reached the grade of Staff Sergeant.  His final duty was in the 2nd Division, 53 Detachment, US Infantry, with which he served in Korea.

Upon his discharge, he worked for E.F. Hutton as a stockbroker and later created the “Rod Thompson Company,” which became a well-known independent stockbrokerage firm in El Paso, Texas.

He later opened a Software and Systems Technology company, offering his personally developed accounting information system as its principal product.

Rod was an Honorary “Hereditary Member” of the El Paso Daedalian Flight 24, of which he served a term as its Flight Captain.  Rod had been inducted into the Daedalians, not as an aviator, but because his Father had been one of the Society’s originating members.  His father had been an Army Pilot during WWI, as were all 35 of the Society’s founding members.  Rod’s father’s name was Captain Bernard S. Thompson

Rod was an avid golfer and continued until his 88th birthday.  He enjoyed many years as an active member of the El Paso, Country Club, where he resisted using their golf carts, regularly carrying his clubs until he reached his 88th year.

Coincidentally, his Daedalian Flight now uses his El Paso Country Club for its monthly meetings.

Rod is survived by his wife Joanne T. Herendeen, his daughter: Cathy D. Thompson, his son: Russell R. Thompson (Gina), Sisters: Bonnie Jamieson and Cindi Brevek, Brother: Henry Thompson, grandchildren: Shellie Risley, Joshua Risley (Christi), James McKeough, and Ryan Thompson along with great-grandchildren Colt, Bodie, Hailey Maeve, and Michael Merrick.

Rod lived an epic life and shared many meaningful perspectives on life, love, ethics, respect, and pride. Both his Daedalian brothers and fellow FASF members will miss his upbeat and positive personality.

Rod’s son, Russel, wrote:  “You most certainly will be in our hearts forever, and you will be greatly missed.  Our lives have been blessed to have you both as mentor and friend. You brought out the very best example for all of us to follow.  Thank you, God, Our Father, for gifting our family and friends with Rod.”

As have been all of the El Paso Daedalian Flight members, Rod was also an early member of the FASF.