Mr. Donald Wesley Thomson

Donald W. Thomson, 72, of Orlando, Florida passed away at home surrounded by family and entered eternal life with our Lord on June 16, 2013. Donald (Don) was born on October 14, 1940 to the late Wesley and Evelyn (Lewis) Thomson in Long Rapids, Michigan. On September 9, 1961 Don married the love of his life, Faye Nevins, in Long Rapids. Faye is the daughter of the late Alex and Margaret Nevins. Don graduated from Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI and started his career with IBM in Owego, NY. in 1962. A relocation of Shipboard Systems programs to Manassas, VA in 1973 resulted in a family move to Manassas. The years there were spent on IBM’s sonar programs for the Navy. Don’s career with IBM’s Federal Systems Division focused on military defense projects for branches of the armed services. His one sea test from New London Submarine Base ended with a broom tied to the submarine’s mast, signifying a successful cruise. After a move to Orlando in 1993 to design and develop equipment for military simulators used in training, Don ended his working career at Lockheed Martin in 2001. Don is survived by his wife Faye, son Greg and wife Kim Thomson of Orlando, son Chris and wife Britney of Lynchburg, VA, son Joel and wife Jennifer of Orlando, brother Marty and wife Cathy Thomson of Long Rapids, brother Larry and wife Mary Jane Thomson of Alpena, MI and sister Jane and husband Rob Roose of Alpena. He is survived by Thomson grandchildren, Matthew, Bradley, Scott, Kelsey, Sidney, Katey, Ewan and Molly. He is also survived by sister-in-law Vivian Lewis, Lavada Gamache, bother-in-law Gerald Nevins and wife Nancy, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were sister Fern M. Gries, her husband Irvin and their son Ricky. Don thoroughly enjoyed playing many sports, but most of all enjoyed coaching his three sons’ Little League baseball teams. In addition to coaching, he and his sons enjoyed playing church softball together for many years. In Don's desire to serve, he was a church treasurer at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas and participated in running the radio room to broadcast the service. He served at Aloma United Methodist Church in Orlando as Sending Missions team leader and with the Stephen Ministry providing Christian support and friendship. He and Faye loved to travel and visit the family in Michigan. Those wishing to make a donation in Don's memory can do so to Aloma United Methodist Church, 3045 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 or Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751. Please visit www.degusipefuneralhome.com to leave a special condolence and for further information. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

Mr. Donald Wesley Thomson

October 14, 1940 - June 16, 2013