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In Memory

Eddie Thompson

Eddie Thompson

David Arnold Carlson

August 31, 1948 ~ April 11, 2009

 
David Arnold Carlson, age 60 of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2009 surrounded by his loving and devoted family.  He was born on August 31,1948 in Buffalo, New York. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his wife of 38-1/2 years, Karla Nielson Carlson, daughter, Keri McCook (Ron), sons Clint (Colleen) and Lance (fiancée Uygen), six grandchildren, his mother Ouida, brothers Larry and John, sister Kitty, and many family and friends.  David leaves us with a legacy of giving and a vitality that enriched the lives of all those around him. A celebration of Dave's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Keating Ward of the LDS Church, 2244 W. Keating Dr., Mesa, Arizona.  Please join us as we share our memories for a life worth living.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dave's memory to Salk Elementary School, 7029 E. Brown Road, Mesa, AZ  85209.  Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary, 480-963-6351.

Published in The Arizona Republic on April 15, 2009

 

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, Dr. Edward Thompson III, passed away at 74 years of age. Dr. Thompson was born on December 20, 1949, in Tucson, Arizona to Dr. Floyd Thompson Sr. (the city of Tucson's first Black dentist) and Mrs. Nellie (Crawford) Thompson. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona and Howard University. Dr. Thompson worked as a Professor of Political Science and later became an executive vice president and provost at several different colleges and universities across the country. Dr. Thompson was father to Sergeant Brian D. Thompson, Dr. Letitia K. Thompson Dzirasa, Dr. Miriam E. Thompson, and Ms. Maryah E. Thompson, MSW. He instilled in his children the importance of ambition, achievement, and work ethic. 

 

Those who knew Dr. Thompson would describe him as formidable, cerebral, witty, ambitious, and analytical. He was dedicated to his career in higher education, was unrelenting in his pursuit of professional exceptionalism, and was committed to academic excellence. He enjoyed engaging others in scholarly discussions about politics, international affairs, and social issues. Dr. Thompson was also passionate about reading books and newspapers and writing. In fact, during his retirement, he was a Special Contributor to the Arizona Daily Star, with his last contribution in January 2020. 

 

Dr. Thompson was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Floyd Thompson Sr., his mother, Nellie Thompson, and his brother Floyd Thompson. He is survived by his four children, Brian Thompson (Emma), Letitia Thompson Dzirasa (Delali), Miriam E. Thompson, and Maryah E. Thompson; his siblings, Jacqueline Douglas, Nellie Kathleen Thompson, James "Bo" Thompson, and Jeanne Herron Thompson; his grandchildren Dominic Williams-Dzirasa, Tyler B. Thompson, Elijah Thompson, Jaden Dzirasa, and Mishka M. Thompson, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

 

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm at 8728 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133

 
 
B.A. Poli Sci from UA; Ph.D.-Howard University, post-doc as Congressional Fellow w/American Political Science Association; post-doc as Executive Fellow with the American Council on Education.  Positions as Professor, Department Chair, Associate Vice President, VP for Academic Affairs, Provost and Executive Vice President at different universities. Publications in energy policy, voting behavior, intergovernmental relations, theology, urban and ethnic politics appeared in Social Science Quarterly, Yale University Press, Publics, Philosophy and Theology Review, National Political Science Review, Journal of Ethnic Studies, Institute for Urban Affairs and Research, The Crisis, Urban Studies, Sage Press.  Delivered papers at Harvard, Heidelberg University (Germany), Howard University, Seoul National University and the Research Institute of Local Autonomy at Kyungbook Sanup University, Korea.  California Statewide Academic Senator and Chair of Fiscal and Government Affairs Committee.