Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson
June 1, 1947 - May 26, 2025
Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson Obituary
Norman, Oklahoma - Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson, 77, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on May 26, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected Orthopedic Surgeon, Robert lived a life full of service, adventure, and quiet strength.
Robert was born on June 1, 1947, in Altus, Oklahoma. He graduated from Altus High School in 1965 and began his undergraduate pursuit at the University of Oklahoma. His remarkable academic achievements led him to be accepted into Medical School after only three years of undergraduate studies. Robert went on to enjoy a successful 40-year career as a highly skilled and brilliant Orthopedic Surgeon.
Outside of medicine, Robert was a man of many talents - a competitive athlete and a fearless adventurer. He was a licensed pilot, a skilled Bridge player, and a master of the 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. He served as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service. One of his greatest passions was scuba diving. He traveled extensively exploring dive sites all over the world. He especially treasured the opportunity to dive with his children, though he could never resist the thrill of a live-aboard trip with his close friends. Robert swam with sharks and could identify most of the fish in the Caribbean and enjoyed the serenity of a coral reef. Robert was an avid snow skier conquering slopes throughout Europe and across the United States. After retirement, his favorite place to spend Decembers was on the powdery moguls in Vail, Colorado.
A lifelong Oklahoma Sooner, Dr. Thompson was a devoted fan of all OU sports, especially football. He was often seen proudly cheering for his team through every season.
Robert was smart, kind, and compassionate. As a man of faith, Robert received great pleasure from giving to others in need.
Robert's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Kay Thompson; his adoring daughters, Casey Bradley of London, England; Tara Cavazos of Dallas, Texas; Erin McNair Thompson of Dallas, Texas; and loving step-son, Chris Walker (and wife, Mollie) of Dallas, Texas. His cherished grandchildren, Robert 'Bennett' Cavazos, Cole Cavazos, Scout Cavazos, Tate Bradley, Hayes Bradley; and step-grandchildren, Patrick Walker and Anna Walker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Joyce Thompson; his son, Bret Thompson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Susan Thompson.
Robert was a gift to his loved ones and a blessing to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held on July 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Havenbrook Funeral Home in Norman, Oklahoma, where family, friends, and colleagues will come together to honor a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or a charity of your choice in memory of Dr. Thompson.
Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.
Norman, Oklahoma - Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson, 77, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on May 26, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected Orthopedic Surgeon, Robert lived a life full of service, adventure, and quiet strength.
Robert was born on June 1, 1947, in Altus, Oklahoma. He graduat
Published on June 13, 2025
Events
Memorial service
Friday, July 18, 2025
2:00 pm
Guestbook
In Memory of Dr. Robert Bruce Thompson
