Donald Murl Thomson was born at Tidioute, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1916, the oldest son of Donald M. and Louise Elder Thomson. He attended elementary school in Tidioute and high school in Northfield, Ohio. He graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and he attended New York University Graduate School receiving a degree in Meteorology.
On February 14, 1942, he married Alice Alldridge. This union produced two daughters. At his passing, Don and Alice resided in Chesterland, Ohio.
An Episcopalian, he served for many years on the Vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in East Cleveland, having been Church School Superintendent, and Junior and Senior Warden. He has recently been a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Chardon, Ohio.
A Meteorologist in the Air Force during World War II, he served overseas in the South Pacific where he attained the rank of Captain. He took the first weather station into Japan when the treaty was signed in 1945. He was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict.
He was President of Marking Devices, Inc., which he founded in 1947 after his separation from the Air Force. He served as District Governor of his Trade Association, which encompasses a five-state area. He retired in 1981 at the age of 65.
M. W. Brother Thomson was an associate of the YMCA, had served as a Precinct Committeeman, ran for State Representative from his district and belonged to the South Euclid Post of the American Legion. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Acacia Park Cemetery.
Most Worshipful Brother Thomson was made a Master Mason in The Master’s Lodge No. 675, F. & A.M. of Cleveland, Ohio, on January 11, 1947 and served as Worshipful Master in 1956.
He was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Webb Chapter No. 14 on May 12, 1955; was received as a Super Excellent Master in Woodward Council No. 118 on March 16, 1963; and was created a Knight Templar in Oriental Commandery No. 12 on February 9, 1963.
He became a member of the four co-ordinate bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland on April 20, 21, 22 and 23, 1954; and served as Commander-in-Chief of Lake Erie Consistory, Valley of Cleveland. He was crowned an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, at Boston, Massachusetts in September of 1969.
He was a member of Al Koran Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. and has served that organization as Master of Ceremonies, Potentate’s Aide and Trustee. He was also a member of Cleveland Chapter No. 23, National Sojourners, Ohio Lodge of Research and Al Sirat Grotto M.O.V.P.E.R. He also held membership in Cleveland Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon; the High Twelve Club; Cleveland Court No. 14, Royal Order of Jesters; Chapter No. 138 and Order of the Eastern Star.
He served for three years on the Advisory Board of South Euclid Assembly, Order of Rainbow for Girls and he has received the Honorary Legion of Honor, Order of DeMolay. He was Director of Cleveland Court No. 14, ROJ in 1976 and served as Puissant Sovereign of St. Benedict Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine.
He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of The Ohio Masonic Home for fifteen years and was an Emeritus Trustee at the time of his death.
M. W. Brother Thomson served as District Deputy Grand Master in the 22nd Masonic District in 1961, 1962, and 1963. In October 1963 he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon by Most Worshipful Brother Colin B. Montis and he progressed through the appointive and elective stations in the usual manner. On October 24, 1970, he was installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.
M. W. Brother Thomson passed away on October 15, 1994 in Cleveland. A service in celebration of his life was held on October 17, 1994 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Chardon, Ohio. M. W. Brother Thomson was cremated.