On December 23, 2018, God took home one of his finest shepherds, Donald R. "D. R." Thompson, 87 years old.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He attended the Northview Baptist Church, Lexington, KY, was a member of the FFA, YFA, Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers, Kentucky State Fair Board, 101 Club, Bourbon County FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer and The Bourbon County Youth Livestock Improvement Association's award named after him, The Donald R. Thompson Supreme Showmanship Award for the top livestock showman in Bourbon County. He was a very successful sheep, cattle, tobacco and hay farmer in Bourbon and Fayette counties.

He loved watching and helping his children and grandchildren over the years showing the products of their farming interest, band activities, deer hunting in western Kentucky with family and woodworking in his shop.

He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Wanda R. Williams Thompson; daughter, Donna (Keith) Howard; sons, Michael (Tina) Thompson, Paul (Julia) Thompson and Gary (Tracy) Thompson; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and a brother, Dan (Kathy) Thompson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM Friday December 28, 2018 at the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY by his grandson, Kris Howard. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Memory Gardens, Paris, KY.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM Friday December 28, 2018 until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Howard, Jason Thompson, Jared Thompson, Josh Thompson, Jacob Thompson and Seth Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be Winston Deweese, Mike Farmer, Charlie Farmer, Robert Hall, Jr., Todd Yazell, Bubby Lukins and Shuckie Tucker.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Bourbon County Youth Livestock Scholarship Program, C/O Bourbon County Extension Office, 603 Millersburg Rd., Paris, KY 40361. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY 40361.