Miles Thompson

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Miles Howlett Thompson, 91, died March 11, 2003.

Born Aug. 22, 1911, in Charleston, son of the late Frank M. and Rubye H. Thompson, he graduated in 1935 from the University of Missouri. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and graduated with a master of science degree in civil engineering from Harvard University. During World War II, Thompson commanded engineer regiments on the construction of the Alcan Highway and in the European Theater of Operations. Following the war, when the Air Force became a separate service, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force where he held responsible civil engineering positions in the United States and in Europe. After retiring in 1964 from the Air Force, he taught mathematics at Furman University from 1966-76. He and his wife established need-based scholarships at Duke University, Southeast Missouri State University and Furman University.

His wife, Dorothy Henderson Thompson, preceded him in death.

Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David Frank Thompson and Dr. Betsy Morgenroth Thompson of Asheville; and three grandchildren, Beth Thompson, Richard Thompson and Kate Thompson of Asheville.

One son, Richard Miles Thompson, also preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 2 p.m. Saturday until service time at 2:30 p.m. at the Charleston United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery near Charleston.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of local arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tenn. 38105