Paul Donley Thompson

Paul Donley Thompson, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on October 18, 2026. He was born at home on January 3, 1934, in rural Miller County, Missouri, to Vernie and Stella Thompson.

Paul spent his childhood in Miller County. He attended grades one through eight in a one-room Alder Springs Schoolhouse before graduating from Iberia High School in 1951.

Paul met the love of his life, Geraldine, when they were children. They began dating when he was 17 and she was 15, and married on December 26, 1953, during her senior year of high school. Their wedding was a double wedding with Paul’s cousin, making for a particularly memorable day, as Paul served as both a groom and a best man. In their early years together, Paul and Geraldine sold milk to make ends meet.

Paul was a hardworking man who believed in the value of education. While working at Brown Shoe Factory, one year he decided to attend college to become a teacher. He and his cousin made the drive to Jefferson City several days a week to attend Lincoln University, where Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1961. He later earned his master’s degree in 1971, all while managing a 385-acre farm and raising his growing family.

Paul dedicated 33 years of his life to education. He taught in several area schools, coached basketball, and served as a principal in Dixon. In 1976, he and his family moved to Cabool, Missouri, where he taught for two years before becoming a principal. He continued serving in that role until his retirement. His commitment to his students and the families he served was an important part of his life and legacy. After retirement, Paul stayed active by working in several different roles at Silver Dollar City.

Paul’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was deeply involved in his church and the families within the school and church communities he served. He occasionally volunteered to preach at Alder Springs Church of Christ, Dixon Church of Christ, Cabool Church of Christ, and James River Chapel Church of Christ. He enjoyed attending church singings and encouraging others in their faith. Those who knew him may remember his familiar reminder: “You need to be in Jesus.” Paul and his wife have faithfully attended Union Hill Church of Christ for the past ten years.

Paul had an energetic spirit and a love for staying active. He played softball and basketball, could ride a bicycle backward, and was even able to recite his ABCs backward. He raised seven athletic children, passing along his love of sports, determination, and hard work. Whether he was teaching in a classroom, leading a school, tending his farm, serving his church, or spending time with his family, Paul lived a life shaped by faith, perseverance, and dedication.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Geraldine; his children, Janet (Miles) Davis, John (Cindy) Thompson, Glenn (Gayla) Thompson, Tina Thompson-Hernandez, Tim (Patti) Thompson, Jeff (Amy) Thompson, and Amy (Shannon) Chastain; his grandchildren, April, Adam, Matthew, Marcus, Jeremy, Kelli, Lyndsey, Jessie, Paul, Mariah, Trenton, Brianna, Jamie, Grant T, Brayden, Gracie, Grant C, and Emma; his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Ethan, Hannah, Kyle, Zach, Toree, Liam, Isla, Ruby, Jenna, Jayne, Jewel, Harper, Ally, Leah, Paul, Lily, Eli, Tynzlee, Eliana, and Arianna; and his brother, Kenneth (Frances) Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his great-granddaughter, Zayla.

The family is planning a Celebration of Live at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home Nixa and cremation rites are accorded by Adams Crematory.