George N. Thompson

George Nason Thompson, 91, made his final climb to the heavens on February 21, 2024, in Taft, California. George was a father, and husband, and lovingly referred to as “Papa George” by not only grandchildren but to all who knew him. 

You cannot turn on a light switch, see a power pole, or drive by that red house on the side of the highway without thinking of George. He attended P.G&E line school and worked for them serving as a lineman restoring power to families for over 25 years. George purchased Calhoun Electric. It wasn’t long before his love of being high in the skies on the power poles prompted him to sell the business and get back out in the field. He worked for both E.I.U. and Contra Costa Electric which took him to the far ends of the Earth in Africa. If you look in the dictionary for the definition of Jack of All Trades, you will see George’s picture. He has been a gunsmith, electrician, high power lineman, and welder-where he crafted knives and his famous BBQ meat turner sticks. He was a true friend who loved going to auctions and finding good deals. 

George was born to Calvin Alonzo Thompson and Harriet Frances Thompson on November 23, 1932, in McFarland, California. 

George spent his childhood and attended school in Bakersfield, CA He graduated from Kern County High School now known as Bakersfield High School. Became certified in The School of Hard Knocks. 

George met and married Marilyn Joanne Friedland in 1952, and together they had five children. 

He remarried later to Rosemary Moser Yeargan and spent the remainder of her days on Earth together. 

George was able to once again find happiness with a partner, Lu Princeton. They remained together until her passing in 2014. 

George had his welcome committee when he finished his climb to heaven. He was greeted by “Babe” and Francis. 

his parents Calvin and Harriet, 

his siblings Marlene Fulmer, Arlen Thompson, and Oliver Watson,

his stepson Larry Yeargan, 

and best friend Rudy Cruz Sr. who was waiting with an iced cold Budweiser in hand. 

Surviving to cherish his memory 

Daughter, Arlene Hanzark, and husband Sam, Son, 

William “Bill” Thompson, 

Son, Richard Thompson and wife Lowana, 

Son, Eric Thompson, and wife Angie, 

Son, Raymond Thompson, and wife Lisa, 

Stepson, Terry Yeargan 

His legacy will live on through his grandchildren: 

Tiffany Tidwell and her husband John, 

Erin Welch and husband Chad, 

Amanda Thompson and her husband Chad, 

Austin Thompson and wife Tiffany, 

Andrew Thompson and his wife Jessica, 

Erica Nuno and her husband Andrew, 

Ashly Thompson, 

Megan Voss and husband Matthew, 

Jared Thompson, 

Melissa Thompson, 

Jennifer Maldonado and husband Adam. 

Great grandchildren 

Madison, Tyson, Makenna, Zachary, Ethan, Cody, Clay, Cloie, Trenton, Colton, Jaydon, RyAnn, Landon, Mickey, Nason, Kaydence, Charlee, Everett, Colby, Carrie, Cynthia 

Six Great Great Grandchildren 

George is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

George handpicked his friends and made them family. His best friends Rudy Sr., Juan, and Charles were the Three Amigos he knew he could count on in

sickness, health, and shenanigans. He made many many, many friends through the years. 

Friends may call on the family to share memories of George on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 4:00-7:00 pm at Erickson and Brown Funeral Home in Taft. Graveside services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm at West Side District Cemetery—reception to immediately follow at the Taft Moose Lodge. 

George’s family would like to extend sincere heartfelt thanks and admiration to Juan Perez. Your unwavering dedication and compassion during each visit with “Papa George” and support you showed was a true testament to your love and friendship. Your dignified and respectful presence was a source of comfort and strength. We cannot express how much your love means to us Juan. 

Thank you to Bakersfield Community Healthcare for all of the care rendered to George during his time at home in hospice care. You made George’s last days much more comfortable and for that they are very grateful.

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