Robert J. Tompkins

Robert J. Tompkins, Sr., 64, of Hwy. 18 South, Morganton, NC died Saturday, January 19, 2008 at his residence. Born November 28, 1943 in Dutchess Co., NY, he was a son of Teresa Victoria Spealing Tompkins of Morganton and the late Hilton Eugene Tompkins. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church on Bethel Rd. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Elmer Tompkins.Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Carol Lasher Tompkins, of the home; a son, Robert J. Tompkins, Jr., and his wife, Karen, of Highland, NY; a granddaughter, Danille, of Highland, NY; a number of nieces; and his faithful canine companion, Snoopy.The funeral will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with the Reverends Rod Randolph and Ed Stephenson officiating. Burial will be in the New Paltz Rural Cemetery, New Paltz, NY. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts may be made to Burke County Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.