Kenton L. Thompson

A Private Family Memorial Graveside Service for Kenton L. Thompson will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Jean Clayton officiating.

Kenton Lee Thompson, 75 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Kearney Regional Health Center. Kenton was born April 5, 1949, in Holdrege, the oldest of two sons born to Robert Lee "Bob" and R. "Carol" (Skiles) Thompson. He received his education from Holdrege Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1967. He pursued higher education, at Kearney State College, where he received his Bachelor's in Education in May of 1972.

On June 20, 1970, Kenton was united in marriage to Marilyn Kay Ryan at Central City, Nebraska.  The family made their home in Holdrege, where he taught Industrial Arts and Driver's Education and coached Loomis Wrestling for 4 years at Loomis Public Schools. Kenton then worked as a salesman for several local dealerships and traveled doing Auto Decor-pinstriping. He owned and operated Mr. T's Auto and later, Zoom Auto, selling used cars and running a body shop until his retirement in 2022. Kenton was very proud to have worked alongside his son, Kelsey in the body shop for many years.

Kenton enjoyed building street rods and attending car shows, including the Street Rod Nationals. He also rebuilt and sold over 60 1st generation Cameros and over 30 1st generation Blazers, just to name a few. Kenton also helped with the Holdrege Optimist Wrestling program for many years. Most of all, Kenton was a dedicated grandfather, who loved to attend all of his granddaughter's events and activities.

Kenton was a lifelong member of the Holdrege Methodist Church and was also a member of the Heartland Cruisers Car Club. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Marion and Gwen Ryan; his grandson, Jace Ryan Jones; and a sister-in-law, G. Jean Hutton.

Kenton leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Marilyn of Holdrege; son, Kelsey Thompson and his significant other, Dthia Kalkwarf of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Toria Jones and her husband, Josh of Holdrege; two granddaughters: Jaylee and Jaycee Jones of Holdrege; his brother, Burton Thompson and his wife, Stephanie of Marysville, Kansas; two brothers-in-law: Chuck Ryan and his wife, Linda of Central City; and Larry Hutton of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Kenton's honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.