Clyde Thompson

Clyde “Bear” Thompson, 73, of Bismarck, passed from this earth on January 12, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Family will be receiving friends and family one hour prior to the service. There will be a social gathering at 4:00 PM at the Quality Inn (formerly the Comfort Inn), Bismarck, ND.

Clyde was born May 21, 1952, in Bismarck, ND, the second oldest son of Helmer “Bud” and Elsie (Schneider) Thompson. He was raised in McKenzie, ND and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1970. On June 23,1973, Clyde married Darcey Telin in Bismarck. They were happily married for 52 years. In 1975, they welcomed the first of their three sons, Ryan. In 1978, their second son Jason was born followed by Casey in 1981.

Hunting, fishing, traveling to Mexico and playing video poker in Las Vegas were some of Clyde’s favorite past times. He also enjoyed taking care of his yard and garden.

Clyde’s work career consisted of being a 41-year member of the North Dakota National Guard. He joined the Guard in 1971 and retired in 2012. After his retirement, Clyde became a full-time Uber “Grandpa” Driver and short order breakfast cook the mornings following the granddaughters sleepovers. Papa Clyde loved the girls and all the noise they brought to the house on the weekends.

Left with wonderful memories are Clyde’s wife, Darcey, and their three sons, Ryan (Cindy) Thompson, Jason Thompson, and Casey (Cari) Thompson, all of Bismarck and four granddaughters, Mataya, Vanessa, Elsie, and Elizabeth Thompson. His three brothers, Marlyn, Randy (Jackie), Milo (Lyla), and sibling in-laws, Barb Fischer, Pat (Kent) French, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer “Bud” and Elsie Thompson, his parents-in-law, Ed and Dee Telin and Lu Miller, his brother-in-law, Floyd Fischer, and sister-in-law, Patricia “Dude” Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Wreaths Across America or the Western ND Honor Flight in memory of Clyde.