Floyd M. Compton

Floyd Merritt Compton, formerly of Searsburg Road, Trumansburg, passed away peacefully at the Seneca View Nursing Home in Montour Falls, NY on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the age of 92.

Born on February 9, 1916 in the Town of Hector, Floyd was the son of Olin Sears Compton and Mary Eliza Burd Compton. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Alma Wright Compton, and a sister Frances Terry. He is survived by his one brother, Frank "Burd"Compton of Burdett, and all his children that he loved so dearly; Ralph (Sandy) Compton, Evelyn (Kenneth) Elmore, Joyce (John) Switzer, and Merritt (Mary Ann) Compton, all from the Trumansburg area. Floyd also had 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a large extended family.

In 1935, Floyd accepted a position at the Ford garage in Trumansburg and worked there until he entered the US Army in 1940. He was honored to serve his country during WWII on the European Front and received an Honorable Discharge from active duty in 1945. His love for this country and his deep rooted patriotism continued throughout his life. In 1946 Floyd accepted a position with the Millspaugh Brothers in Trumansburg and worked there until 1955 when he joined the local Laborer's Union #589 in Ithaca. During his years at the #589, he seemingly 'helped build Ithaca'. He helped construct buildings on the Ithaca College campus, Cornell, and many facilities in downtown proper.

An avid bird hunter, the flush of a grouse or the rise of a pheasant, behind one of his favorite bird dogs, was indeed one of his greatest pleasures. Also an expert trapper, his trap lines helped a growing family survive many a year when he was laid off from his construction duties. But what enhanced Floyd's appreciation and love for the outdoors was his unwavering love for his Lord. A devote Christian, and long time member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Trumansburg, his Bible today lies 'torn and tattered' from years of use. Known as a 'prayer warrior' and Calvary's longtime 'door greeter', he became affectionately known as "Grandpa Compton" to many a child and adult alike. With an infectious smile and twinkling eyes, his sincerity and integrity radiated from the man that he was. He will be sorely missed...

The family will be present to receive friends from 12:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Trumansburg. A Memorial Service, in celebration of Floyd's life, will begin at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those considering a contribution in Floyd's memory to kindly consider The Floyd Compton Memorial Fund, c/o CFCU Community Credit Union, 1030 Craft Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.