Clarkston-Asotin County section

Kay Thompson Is Dead At 70

Veteran Asotin Editor Victim Of Pneumonia At Lewiston Hospital

Kay L. Thompson, 70, editor of the Asotin County Sentinel, Asotin, and one of the oldest newspapermen in the northwest from point of service, died at St. Joseph's hospital, Lewiston, at 6 o'clock last night. He started his newspaper career at Meadville, Mo., 56 years ago and became associated with the Sentinel 38 years ago.

Mr. Thompson had recovered from a several weeks' critical siege of heart attack a month ago. He contracted influenza last week which developed into pneumonia Sunday night. He was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's hospital, Lewiston, yesterday morning in a semi-conscious condition. He sustained shocks and bruises four weeks ago when the car he was driving plunged off the road north of Asotin.

Born In Indiana.

Mr. Thompson was born in Jackson county, Ind., March 18, 1867. His mother died when he was a boy and he was taken by his father, Dr. J. M. Thompson, to Meadville, Mo., where he received his elementary education. At the age of 14, he secured employment in the mechanical department of the Meadville Messenger where he served his apprenticeship.

In 1887, he became one of the publishers of the Caldwell County Sentinel, Caldwell, Mo. Two year later he came west to Moscow, Idaho, where he was employed for a year with the old Star. His next experience was with the Lewiston Evening Teller, where he was employed nine years.

In Asotin In 1899.

Coming to Asotin April 1, 1899, he became associate publisher of the Sentinel with Elmer Waldrip. Two years later he purchased his partner's interest and has since edited and published the paper.

He has served on the Asotin city council several years. He was a member of the Oddfellows nearly 50 years, receiving a medal for long membership several years ago. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World. He was married to Miss Dora Estep, Nov. 12, 1890, at Chillicothe, Mo. Besides his widow, he is survived by a son, Dr. Kay L. Thompson, Chicago, who is enroute here; his stepmother, Mrs. J. M. Thompson, and sister, Mrs. C. F. Riddings, both of Hamilton, Mo.