Beckham Thompson, Jr., 72,

Beckham Thompson Jr., 72, Great Falls, Mont., formerly stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, died Jan. 23, 2004.

No services are planned. Cremation will take place under the direction of Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

Born Feb. 11, 1931, in Dawson Springs, Ky., he grew up and attended schools in Wyanet, Ill. Upon graduation Thompson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Campaign, Cuban Crisis and in the Vietnam War as a support operation technician in Thailand and the South Eastern Asian Theater.

He married Geraldine Jaggers in 1951.

Thompson was a member of Masonic Lodge and Shriners. He enjoyed outdoor activities including boating and fishing in the northwest, particularly Holter Lake and Strike Dam in Grand View.

Thompson is survived by his son, Gregory G. Thompson and his wife, Judith, of Great Falls; brother, Doug Thompson of Tiskilwa, Ill.; and three grand children.