A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Richard “Bud” Thompkins, 94, sadly passed away on July 19, 2026.
Richard was a resident of Colorado Springs for well over 50 years, and due to his military service, resided in numerous states and countries, including Japan, Korea and the Philippines. He retired from the Air Force after 28 years of service with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and began a second career as an employee of District 11 School district, before retiring in 2001.
Richard was born on March 14, 1932, to Clarence and Matilda Thompkins in Clarks Hill, South Carolina, In August of 1953 he married Mildred Mills in Aikin, South Carolina.
He was fond of working in his yard and traveling to visit family. He was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church and was a Mason.
Richard was extremely proud of his military service and was deeply committed to serving his country; so much so that he inspired one of his sons, his daughter, several grandchildren, and a great-grandson to follow in his footsteps. While serving in the Air Force, Richard worked in Human Resources, and two of his sons followed him into this career field.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mildred. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Matilda; as well as his eldest son, Anthony Thompkins. He is survived by his children: Richard Thompkins II (Teri) of Colorado Springs, Lawrence Thompkins (Sherry) of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Carroll Thompkins-Reeves (Anthony) of Felton Delaware. He is survived by five grandchildren: Richard Thompkins III, Megan Thompkins, Alexander Thompkins, Evan Thompkins, and Juan Powell; nine great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; his brother, Ezra Thompkins; his sister, Ida Lynch; and his sisters-in-law, Bernadette Howard and Wilameania Powell-Simpson.
Richard’s family was always the light of his life. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel valued, and that they had his undivided attention.
A visitation will be held on August 3rd, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. A funeral service, with military honors, will be held at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. Details on the reception for Richard’s family and friends will be shared at the visitation.