Kyle E. Thompson, 83, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013.

He was born in Harveyville, Kan.

Mr. Thompson served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during the end of World War II and received four medals for his service. He was a member of the Navy League for more than 20 years.

He married Lois Ketcherside in 1950 in Topeka, Kan. He graduated from Kansas University with a B.A. degree in Fine Arts. He began working with American Can as a graphic designer in Kansas City, and then was transferred to San Francisco, where he was an art director for the company. After retiring from American Can, he did freelance design work until he truly retired.

He and his wife moved to Oakdale in 1999 to be closer to their family.

He enjoyed oil painting, Ham Radio (60 years), and his cat Cleo.

He is best remembered as a sweet man. He was a devoted Methodist and practiced patience and kindness every day.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois Thompson; daughters, Dana (Hazen) Anderson, Shelly (Dan) Hastert; and four grandchildren, all of Oakdale.

Private burial will be Wednesday, Jan. 30 at San Joaquin National Cemetery, Santa Nella. A celebration of life will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Community United Methodist Church on Poplar Street, Oakdale.