The amazing Frank Paul Thompson, 61, a true genius, Master Craftsman Builder & Glass Artisan, super hero husband, fun loving father, silly pappy, joking friend to all, who could light up the room with joy, making everyone feel comfortable, finally took some much needed rest eternally with our loving Father in Heaven on July 28, 2022. His huge loving heart gave out on this earthly body but his jolly spirit has now been opened up to be shared with us all forever. St. Paul says we see now thru a glass dimly but then we shall see face to face, But as Frank would say- I like glass-It really cracks me up, but you can see right thru that! And I believe he can see clearly now and is looking at us all with his lovely unassuming gaze of peace and joy.
He leaves a legacy he is very proud of: his wife of 38 years Eva Marie Pettefer Thompson, four awesome children and six grandchildren: Joshua Paul Thompson, wife Frances Bercier Thompson and Aidan, Dominic, Nathaniel, and peanut on the way, Mary Elizabeth Thompson Williams and husband Derek Williams, Fr. Levi Joseph Thompson-Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Heaven, Esther Anne Thompson Dugas, and husband Derrick Dugas II, and Samuel, and Blaise.
Frank was born a light to the world in Lake Charles, La. on Dec. 16, 1960 to parents Deacon Paul Frances Thompson (deceased) and Selma Anne Doucet Thompson; his siblings, Andrew Thompson and his wife, Katherina; Laura Billings and her husband, Henry; Carrie Rigmaiden and her husband, Ricky; John Thompson and his wife, Holly.
Frank loved walking thru the woods catching frogs, fishing in ponds, and being in nature. At 14 he became the youngest ever Boy Scout to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. His family moved out to the country and he built his own log cabin to be his sanctuary for his creative thoughts. This was the 1st of many homes he would build. At St. Louis High School he won the State championship on the Debate Team. He loved hiking, camping and canoeing- and actually bought his first canoe from his wife to be, though neither knew it then! He loved to play the guitar, and again, meets his to be wife at an Awakening Retreat on music staff. This started a beautiful relationship of four years of dating where they sang and played guitar for retreats and Mass that fostered in to marriage on Oct. 29, 1983. He continued singing for Mass at St.. Theodore with his daughter, Mary for many years. He and his wife Eva played music for 20 more years with Holy City Community. He was a wonderful husband and father.
Frank started his career with his craftsman carpentry skills as Frank Thompson Builder-Custom Doors Cabinets and Millwork . He and his brothers built many homes in Lake Charles. Later he renamed it Historical Reproduction Studio becoming the only person the Historical Society of Lake Charles that would be allowed to remodel any designated Historical Lake Charles home. He started doing more specialized work of Artistically Hand Crafted doors and windows and renamed his business again to what it is today-Frank Thompson Studio. As people asked for more glass in his woodwork thus started his nationwide stained glass career. Creating stained glass was more than just an occupation. He was passionate about creating art that speaks to the soul. He wanted to give everyone the unique experience of inner beauty. He got that opportunity when he built stained glass for over 30 churches in this area.
As for a fundraiser for his son he created Artistic Crosses which later became a business when the hurricane destroyed his shop. His next and final artistic creation was beautiful Fused glass wall art mounted on polished aluminum with his own creative designs. He traveled for nine years to art shows selling his glass art. Frank summarized his career saying, I now realize that glass has been in my subconscious for almost 50 years and it has manifested itself in stained glass, leaded glass, faceted glass, beveled glass and now fused glass wall art. All throughout the country Frank’s glass art has brought beauty to the souls of many people.
As his career grew so did his family. He and Eva moved out to the country next to his parents and started raising their children. He built an amazingly unique wooden home that look kind of like a gingerbread house! And converted an old tin storage building into his shop. He loved that he could work next to his home and be with his family during the day. Eva homeschooled all four children and so they spent many hours next door in the shop with their dad. He taught them all his skills and of course, they are all just as talented taking skills from both parents to surpass us both! What a legacy to leave! They started as helpers and have progressed being able to do everything he did. And now they have his built casket. He was truly a man of Faith. He and Eva raised their children Catholic and lived a truly wonderful life together. He was able to be present to all their activities growing up and was a truly awesome father that loved humor and fun. He was blessed to be able to present his children’s weddings and his sons Ordination to the Priesthood. What a truly amazing life he lived. He was an amazing man truly loved by his family and friends and will greatly missed.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven by Fr. Levi Thompson (his son). Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery in Gillis, next to his home.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed to the family at johnsonfuneralhome.net.