Keith Adam Thompson, age 49, passed away on January 6, 2024, at Nancy’s Place in Billings MT.
Keith was born on July 26, 1974, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to John and Ina Thompson. He was born with down syndrome and the doctor told his parents that he would never walk, he would never talk, and that he would never be more than a vegetable, that they should put him in an institution and forget that they ever had him. Instead, they took Keith home with them and treated him like his older brother, whom Keith tried everything he saw his brother doing.
Keith’s education began at Rawlins, Wyoming in Head Start. Following that period, he went to Special Education in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he continued to grow and learn. He went to Special Ed in Latrobe, PA. From there his next learning was at Hysham, Montana with Sherrie Nevill. Sherrie had the privilege of completing his learning how to tie his shoes. She also taught him how to swim (which he learned the five different strokes) skiing, to ride a bike, to cook, to run. Keith was allowed to “walk” with the class of ’92. He felt that the classmates were special friends. He was given his diploma in a special ceremony in 1996.
Keith took part in the Special Olympics and was taken to the Special Olympics 1995 World Games, held in New Haven, CO. He took part in the swimming competition.
Keith has lived the past year and a half at Nancy’s Place in Billings, where he is well loved and gives the best hugs. One manager called him a very special man!
He always enjoyed learning about the Bible and going to Sunday School classes and would be most glad to introduce you to his friend Jesus.
He took two classes from Yellowstone Baptist College and was pleased with himself for having taken those classes.
Keith is preceded in death by both sets of Grandparents, and his father John Thompson. Keith is survived by his mother, Ina Haines and dad, George Haines; four brothers Lyle (Judy) Lane of Shoshone, ID, Ronald (Cathy) Lane of Kent WA, James (Deb) Lane of Billings MT, Edward (Kris) Thompson of Williston ND; one favorite sister Susan(Mike) Long, Stepsister Vickie (Dennis) Kraus.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday January 16, 2024
Hysham Baptist Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday January 16, 2024
Hysham Baptist Church
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Nancy Fillafer says
To Keiths family, I’m so sorry for your loss. He did very well. He has come along way after what the doctor told you. People don’t know how lucky they are to be able to walk, talk, drive, & such. You & your family, & everyone else did great raising him.. May he rest in peace with the angles. God bless you all.
Julie K says
You played the hand you were dealt very well!!
Rest in peace, Keith. ❤️
My condolences to your family and friends.
Courtney H says
Keith had a way with people, he was outgoing, funny, and the sweetest person you could meet. He brought so much happiness and sunshine to our lives. You couldn’t cross Keith’s path without getting a smile on your face. He will be so greatly missed. We love you so much Keith, we are truly blessed to have had you in our lives.
Dave Johnson says
Ina and George, we are so sorry to hear of Keith’s passing, Keith was a very special young man. Janne and I enjoyed having him in our Sunday school class. He enjoyed reading the Bible, and sharing that he loved Jesus, and Jesus loved him. Thank you for bringing him to church.
Maxine Hardy says
George and Ina, it was a blessing to know Keith. He was always happy to greet people with a smile and hug. I hope that many good memories will help the healing process. He was a real treasure!
jackson craig says
To George and Ina, and Haines family that sorry for the loss of special young man who enriched and enjoyed celebrating life. Especially sharing Jesus the life of eternal to believers and faith with trust in Lord Jesus celebration for each new believer that Keith wanted and to share with those around him. The good and excellent precious memories of Keith’s achievements and adventures as like walking his dog in the natural environment enjoyment. As treasure he is always.
Eddie and Mary Smith says
George and Ina, we are so saddened to hear of Keith’s passing. He was a special young man, and we know that he was welcomed into heaven with rejoicing and is with Jesus today. He so longed to know about the Lord and now he can ask his questions directly. We love you both as you mourn this loss, and we pray that you will feel God’s comforting touch.
Kim Scrano says
My very favorite section of Hysham’s trophy case is Keith’s Special Olympics memorabilia. To all those who love Keith, I am so sorry for your loss.
harley thompson says
i miss you every day. i really wish i could have gone. i still want to go. i still miss you. i would do anything to make you come back, i just want to see my uncle happy again and eat together at the christmas table.
Michele Mickolio says
To Keith’s family and friends, so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed spending time with him when he lived in MilesCity. He was quite the Joyful Character.