Arthur "Bud" James Thompson

Arthur Thompson, Jr., Accidentally Killed By Rifle in Own Hands at Ranch Home Friday

Lusk High Sophomore Dies in a Short Time After Reaching Hospital Here

Arthur Thompson, Jr., 14-year-old son of former County Commissioner and Mrs. Arthur Thompson of the Kirtley country, was killed last Friday evening by the accidental discharge of a rifle in his own hands, while it is presumed he was on his way to kill a porcupine which he had seen near the ranch house.

He was found in a dying condition by James Peterson, ranch employee, near the bunk house, with the rifle across his body. He was immediately placed in a car and brought to the Lusk Hospital, but expired a short time after he was placed on the operating table.

Funeral services were held from the congregational Church at 2:00 o'clock Monday afternoon, the Rev. George Jenkins officiating. Interment was made in the Kirtley Cemetery, with the Peet Mortuary in charge of the arrangements.

The pallbearers were chosen from among his school friends, they being val DeGroot, Floyd Fancher, Jimmy Barret, Earl McKinnis and Bob Fernau and Otto Klemke, Jr.

The music was rendered by a mixed quartet composed of J.M. Hungate, Mrs. Edna DeCastro, Ford Kuns, and Mrs. Robt. Taylor, which rendered "Old Rugged Cross," "City Four Square" and "Face to Face."

DETAILS OF TRAGEDY

A cloud of sorrow was cast over the community Friday evening, when it is learned that Arthur James (Bud) Thompson had been accidentally shot.

The tragedy occurred at the Arthur Thompson ranch, 22 miles east of Lusk. Arthur, after dinner, went to finish some chores and thirty minutes later was found dying from a bullet wound to the right temple. In attempting to analyze the situation it is presumed he had seen a porcupine and in his hurry to reach the gun and not lose sight of the porcupine, struck the gun against the door frame of the bunkhouse. Tow guns were kept in the bunkhouse, just inside the door.

He was rushed to the hospital in Lusk, but died shortly after arrival there, never having regained consciousness.

He will be sorely missed, not only in his home. but by his many friends and the Scouts of Troop No. 16, of which he was a member.

Arthur James Thompson was born November 17, 1922 at Lusk, Wyo., the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thompson, and passed away at Lusk September 10, 1937 at the age of 14 years, 9 months and 27 days.

He grew up in the Kirtley community and received his early schooling there. At the time of his death he was a Sophomore in the Lusk High School.

"Bud," as he was affectionately called, will be missed by all who knew him. Mother and father heartbroken as they are, feel that the time for departure had come, that altho not Understanding why God cut short his beautiful life here, did not without a purpose.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thompson, two sisters, Eleanor and Marian, one sister, Camilla, having preceded him in death his grandmother, Mrs. Mary Madsen of Denver, and a number of uncles, aunts and cousins, besides a host of friends

The Boy Scouts formed their friendship circle about the grave and sang "Taps." and repeated together the Scoutmaster's benediction.

The many beautiful floral offerings and the universal expressions of sympathy attested the sorrow which all felt at the loss of this loyal, true lad.

Interment was made in the Kirtley Cemetery.

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