Clarence H. Thompson Jr.

Dr. Clarence H. Thompson, Jr., 90 died of natural causes on February 2, 2009 at the Collington Life Care Community. He worked as a veterinarian in the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 33 years, retiring in 1974. Dr. Thompson was born on a farm near Perry, Kansas. He received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science in Veterinary Pathology from Kansas State University.At the start of WW II, he joined the Army Air Force Veterinary Corps and served for four years, attaining the rank of Major. After the war he rejoined USDA in Washington, D.C., as a research leader, specializing in poultry viruses. His work was instrumental in demonstrating the effectiveness of administering attenuated live viruses to young chickens through their drinking water. This research eventually led to the development of an oral vaccine for polio. He also pioneered techniques for obtaining pure disease cultures from embryonated hen eggs. At USDA, Dr. Thompson became Principal Veterinarian for USDAs Cooperative State Research Service. In this capacity, he coordinated federally funded state veterinary research programs.Dr. Thompson was a member of both the D.C. and American Veterinary Medical Associations. He was also active in his church, his local PTA, and the Boy Scouts.Dr. Thompson was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, and survived by his children Leslie L Thompson, Randall S Thompson, Linda A Peltzman, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.Services private. If desired, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt #3 N, Bldg A, Gambrills, MD 21054. VISITATION: PrivateFUNERAL: Private