Dr. Howard Owen Thompson, 74, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda.

Howard was born July 11, 1935 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania to the late William K. and Charlotte Thompson. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Howard began his medical career while in the Military, graduating number one from the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School. He continued his medical education and career, becoming a staff member of John’s Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD and later the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Specializing in Hematology and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Thompson went on to operate the H.O. Thompson Laboratory in Coatesville, PA, and most recently, the Holistic Health Institute of Punta Gorda. He moved to Punta Gorda in 1987 from his native Coatesville, PA. He is a former member of the Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville and was a member of Port Charlotte United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte, Florida, and served on Port Charlotte United Methodist’s Administration Board, Communion Staff, and as its Head Usher for many years. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Coatesville, PA, and Knight and past officer of the Order of Malta in Pennsylvania.

Howard, a former 3 times National Dance & Figure Skating Champion from 1950 to 1953, was active in Boy Scouting for 49 years, and enjoyed many activities with his wife, family and friends. Among his favorite pastimes were boating, flying, playing the organ, painting and wood carving.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia S. Thompson, one son, Robert V. (wife-Karen M.) Pry, and one brother, Edward Thompson; four grandsons, Christopher, Jeffrey, Brandon and Eric Pry; and two great grandchildren, Stephanie and Jeffrey Pry Jr.