IN MEMORIAM
FLOREN THOMPSON, JR. - 1922-2002

Floren Thompson, Jr. was born in Kirksville, Missouri, January 11, 1922, the only child of Floren T. Thompson and Vera Elaine Jones Thompson. On his 20th birthday, January 11, 1942, he married Mary Avalee Tittle (1921 - 1989).  Three children were born to that 47-year marriage.   Floren married Glen Ray Klebold Thompson in 1995.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mary Thompson, and one grandson Karl Sylvester Thompson.   He is survived by his second wife, Glen Ray Klebold Thompson, and his three children; Floren Thompson III, Susan Kay Harding, and Harry Ben Thompson.  He is also survived by eleven grandchildren (including three sets of twins), and eight great-grandchildren, with another expected in August.

His education included: Kirksville High School Graduate, Kirksville, Missouri. Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Northeast Missouri State Teachers College.  Master of Arts in Music, State University of Iowa.   Further studies toward Doctorate, State University of Iowa.  He began his career as band director in Columbia, Missouri January 1942 - October 1942, at Jefferson Junior High and left to serve in World War II.  He continued to teach as Instrumental Director, all grades, Edina, Missouri, September 1946 May 1946 and Instrumental Director, all grades, Chariton, Iowa, August 1946 May 1950.  Mr. Thompson came to Eastern New Mexico University in 1950 as Instructor of Woodwinds and Assistant Director of Bands.   He was appointed Director of Bands in 1951. He served twice as Interim Dean.   Each Spring the band toured around New Mexico, playing at many high schools and recruiting new graduates.  During his tenure the Eastern New Mexico University Band performed for the Southwest Division, Music Educators Conventions and for two Conventions of the American Bandmasteršs Association.  For many years he was the Director and Conductor for the "Sunshine Music Camp" drawing up to six hundred students for the two-week camp.  He enjoyed being Guest Conductor for the ENMU Band 2001 Spring Concert, conducting clinics, judging festivals, and serving as an instrumental consultant.

Mr. Thompson was named 1986 New Mexico Educator of the Year.  Other awards included the 1988 ENMU Distinguished Service Award; October 1990, The Distinguished Faculty Emeritus Award, presented by Friends of Eastern Foundation. He was recognized in Who's Who in the West; Who's Who in American Education; Outstanding Educator of America; and World Who's Who of Musicians.  The Floren Thompson Directorship is a permanent endowment that has been established through the Friends of Eastern Foundation with the goal of continuing the standard of excellence set by Mr. Thompson.  He served 1951 - 1957 as Executive Secretary / Treasurer, New Mexico Music Educators Association. 1961 - 1963 Grand National President, Kappa Kappa Psi; and President of Southwest Division, College Band Director's Association.  He received the NMMEA and Southeast District Appreciation Award in April 1988, and was recently nominated for the Hall of Fame Award, New Mexico Music Educators Association.  Mr. Thompson held memberships in the National Music Educator's Association, New Mexico Music Educator's Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi Music Fraternity.  He was a World War II Veteran U.S. Army (1942 - 1945), Past Commander: American Legion Post #31, and Clarinetist and Charter Member, Clovis Community Band.

Since 1988 the ENMU Band Alumni Weekend has met every other year.  Former students (many who are present and former band directors), gather in June, to honor "Mr. T" and perform a public concert directed by Mr. Thompson.  With over 100 planning to attend, the Alumni Band Weekend is scheduled for June 27, 29, 2002, and will be held this week as a Memorial to Floren Thompson, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to one of the Floren Thompson Scholarships.

Floren and Mary Thompson Instrumental Scholarship
or
Floren Thompson Directorship

C/O Friends of Eastern Foundation
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico 88130

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NMMEA Š 2002