Bevan Franklin Thompson left his earthly body on Friday, February 19, 2021 in Fillmore, Utah at the age of 86. Bevan was born December 19, 1934, in Cedar City, Utah, to Louis James and Hilda McConnell Thompson. He always said he distinctly remembered being born next door on his grandfather’s kitchen table. Bevan’s family in Cedar City was self-sufficient and produced all their own food. The family moved to Milford, where his father worked for the railroad. Bevan was a 4th generation railroader. His legacy has passed on to his sons, who are 5th generation. One day, his parents went to Cedar City, and left Bevan to babysit his sister, Arma. He asked her if she wanted to play graveyard. She said yes, so he buried her up to her neck in the alley and went to play. Needless to say, when Lou and Hilda returned, Bevan was in big trouble!
In the 50’s, Lou was transferred to Lynndyl, Utah and Bevan attended Delta High. He worked at the farms around Lynndyl while in High School. After graduation, he went to work for Teleweld grinding railroad rail. In Ely, Nevada a grinder fell on his leg and almost amputated it. In 1954, he met Barbara M Whicker. They had a wonderful romance, and danced many dances, all with a cast on Bevan’s leg. They were married June 10, 1955. According to Barbara, they moved into a house in Lynndyl that was little more than a large outhouse, but Bevan would not move her in until it had indoor plumbing. Two years later, they had a daughter Mary Lou. Two years later they had Kenneth. Then, the railroad transferred Bevan to Caliente, Nevada, where Katie was born. After transferring back to Delta, they had James, who passed away in infancy. In 1966 and 1968 they had two more children. ‘M & M’, plain and peanut (Michael and Margie). They continued to live in Delta and raise their family. They made many dear friends in Delta.
Bevan was an avid wood carver, from figurines to canes. He won many awards for his canes in Iron county. He also carved canes for all his children and friends. He was a city councilman in Delta and dedicated the first monument at Topaz internment camp. He loved to camp, fish, and hunt. The deer hunt was especially dear to his heart.
In later years, Bevan and Barbara drove the ALCAN highway from Delta through Alaska and back. Dad always said if you can do that and stay married, you have a good marriage. They spent many winters in Yuma, Arizona where they made many friends.
Bevan is survived by his wife: Barbara; two sisters: Arma (Rob) Holman and Kathy (Mike) Damron; three daughters and two sons: Mary Lou (Marvin) Jacobson, Kenneth Thompson, Katie Holland (Rob) Johnson, Michael (Kathy) Thompson, and Margie (Lynn) Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Mack, and sister: Susie. Bevan leaves a legacy of 16 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren and a lifetime of funny Bevan stories for his family to laugh about. We will miss him because he loved US. We loved him back.
Funeral Service attended by his family will be held on Wednesday, February 24, at 11:00 am, at the Nickle Mortuary. A Viewing will be held 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Friends are invited to view the recorded video of the Funeral Service at: https://youtu.be/r2EL3o1xaLw . Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.