Michael Thompson was 17 years old when he set the Moniteau High School record in the 100-meter dash with a time of just over 11 seconds in 1975.

Just three years later, while serving as a U.S. Marine, Thompson was killed in a truck accident during night maneuvers at Camp Pendleton in California.

About 47 years later, his former teacher and classmates are looking to properly honor his memory and his sacrifice.

Thompson, who was known as “the fastest kid in Moniteau,” is buried in West Sunbury Union Cemetery with a simple, flat stone. His former teacher, Rosemary Simmons, and classmate, Patrick Rumbaugh, are working together to provide a more fitting headstone and they hope to raise enough money to donate a military banner honoring him to the high school as well.

“He was never truly honored for his service,” Simmons said. “He graduated in 1977 and joined the Marines. In 1978, he was killed.”

The pair are the first members of what is, at this point, an unofficial committee that aims to raise enough money to remove the existing flat stone, purchase and install a new proper headstone, and purchase a military banner for the high school. They are still working out the best way to go about fundraising for the project.

They could use some help. For example, they’re looking for good quality photos of Thompson, specifically of him in his military uniform for the banner. The photo they currently have is from his obituary and is quite grainy. They’re also looking for any living relatives who want to be part of the project.

Rumbaugh and Simmons say they feel that if someone doesn’t act now to honor Thompson it simply won’t happen and Thompson deserves the recognition.

His life may have been short, but Thompson has not been forgotten by his classmates. It would be great if this move to honor him now led to his story inspiring today’s Moniteau students so that his legacy could live on.

— KL