Thomas P. (Sam, Tommy, Tom, T, Dad, Uncle Tom, Papa T) Thompson, 68, of Heyburn, Idaho, died Monday, February 19, 2018 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Boise, Idaho, surrounded by those he loved.   Tom was born April 20th, 1949 to Alfred Wayne Thompson and Mary S. (Murphy) Thompson in Sioux City, Iowa. He was called by many names, including Sam as a kid, T in the military, Tommy at the railroad, and most importantly Dad, Uncle Tom and Papa T, by those who loved him.   At the age of 13, he met a girl named Elaine (Ellie) who became one of his best friends. In July 1974 they happened to find each other again, and never parted. He was her rock and protector, and she, his guiding angel. He became her loving and adoring husband on April 1, 1977. Tom had all of his schooling in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from Central High School in 1967. He then joined the Marine Corps and served for 6 years, including a tour in Vietnam. After an 8 year hiatus, he returned to the military to serve 10 years in the Army.   Tom and Ellie moved to Burley, Idaho in 1992 where he received an Associates Degree in Diesel Mechanics at the College of Southern Idaho in 1993. After college he worked at the Minidoka bus garage, and on May 1995 he began a new career working at Eastern Idaho Railroad. He was proud and loved his job as a locomotive engineer. Tom retired in May of 2015. He proudly belonged to the VFW post 3043, helping in any capacity, even when he was not well.   Tom was a loving and proud father to his 3 daughters, Kimberly (John) Doak of Copperas Cove, Tx., Samantha (Hugo) Alanis of Guy TX., and Tomi Jo (Lloyd) Stolpe of Winsor, Co.; 7 grandchildren, Jerid, Ashley, Jessica, Bodie, Amber, Dontis, Ashley, and Amanda, yes 2 Ashleys; 5 great-grandchildren, Henry, Maxon, Nathan, Sarah, and Amir; many nieces and nephews, and all those he adopted in his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Joe, and sisters, Mary and Barbara.   Tom had a very special bond that formed with his nephew, Scott, who felt more like a son to him. Tom was well liked and loved by so many people it is impossible to mention them all here. He helped any and all, whether they asked for his help or not. He would be there at the drop of a dime if you called him.  Tom also had a special bond with 2 Army buddies, Buck Thompson and Doogie Stewart.   He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Mike and Rob.   We would like to extend a very special thank you to St. Luke’s ICU, and doctors and nurses in Boise, Idaho who treated him and all of us with true respect, empathy and dignity.   As per Tom’s wishes he was cremated and a remembrance celebration of his life, including military honors, will be held in Palm Coast, FL at a future date to be announced. Cremation was under the direction of Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel@hotmail.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Paul Thompson, please visit our floral store.