Webster University awarded a posthumous honoris causa B.A. degree in management to student Tyrone Leon Thompson Saturday.  The award was presented to Thompson’s family at the former police officer’s funeral at the San Francisco Temple Church in North St. Louis County Saturday.

“Ty Thompson’s time at Webster University did not go unnoticed,” said Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of Webster’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology. “His tenacity, hard work and personal commitment to pursue his education was clearly evident to his fellow classmates and his professors.

The 47-year old father of three and son of former Missouri State Representative Betty Thompson was killed June 5 during a shootout with two 18-year old boys who police say tried to rob him.  One of the teens also died.  The second is charged with two counts of second degree murder for his friend’s death and Thompson’s.

Thompson worked at Kwame Building Group, the company founded by his brother, Tony Thompson.  He also worked part-time as an investigator for Missouri Attorney General’s office and prior to that as a University City Police officer and as Pagedale’s police chief.  His gift of himself to the community was evident last week as hundreds gathered to say goodbye at memorial services and his funeral.

“We celebrate his life as a living example of the ideals that we hope for in all our students and we mourn his death,” said Dr. Akande.  “I, personally, will miss him dearly.”