Philip Paul "Phil" Thomas was born in Sacramento, California, on April 18, 1940, to Terese M. (Eggleston) and Clifford Thomas, becoming the younger brother of Richard, Stanley, and David. Phil had a challenging young life.
He seemed to have an interest in planes and flying, art, and drawing from early on. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and after high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a graphic artist and photographer. Phil lived life to the fullest.
Phil’s Air Force career included a tour in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over enemy territory and was wounded with shrapnel when a missile penetrated their airplane. After serving in the Air Force for 26 years, he retired with the rank of SMGST. He still continued to work for several years with Hughes Aircraft.
When Phil “finally” retired, he pursued his love of the air by building model airplanes and joining the local Flying Aces Club. He made many wonderful friends through this experience. Phil was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the subject of history. He liked telling everyone “war” stories. He also looked forward to the phone calls from his son living in Oregon, Mike.
Phil was married to his wife of 44 years, Melanie Jane Patton, in Fort Myer, VA, on May 18, 1974; she also survives him.
He seemed to have an interest in planes and flying, art, and drawing from early on. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and after high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a graphic artist and photographer. Phil lived life to the fullest.
Phil’s Air Force career included a tour in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over enemy territory and was wounded with shrapnel when a missile penetrated their airplane. After serving in the Air Force for 26 years, he retired with the rank of SMGST. He still continued to work for several years with Hughes Aircraft.
When Phil “finally” retired, he pursued his love of the air by building model airplanes and joining the local Flying Aces Club. He made many wonderful friends through this experience. Phil was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the subject of history. He liked telling everyone “war” stories. He also looked forward to the phone calls from his son living in Oregon, Mike.
Phil was married to his wife of 44 years, Melanie Jane Patton, in Fort Myer, VA, on May 18, 1974; she also survives him.
Philip Paul "Phil" Thomas was born in Sacramento, California, on April 18, 1940, to Terese M. (Eggleston) and Clifford Thomas, becoming the younger brother of Richard, Stanley, and David. Phil had a challenging young life.
He seemed to have an interest in planes and flying, art, and drawing from early on. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and after high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a graphic artist and photographer. Phil lived life to the fullest.
Phil’s Air Force career included a tour in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over enemy territory and was wounded with shrapnel when a missile penetrated their airplane. After serving in the Air Force for 26 years, he retired with the rank of SMGST. He still continued to work for several years with Hughes Aircraft.
When Phil “finally” retired, he pursued his love of the air by building model airplanes and joining the local Flying Aces Club. He made many wonderful friends through this experience. Phil was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the subject of history. He liked telling everyone “war” stories. He also looked forward to the phone calls from his son living in Oregon, Mike.
Phil was married to his wife of 44 years, Melanie Jane Patton, in Fort Myer, VA, on May 18, 1974; she also survives him.
He seemed to have an interest in planes and flying, art, and drawing from early on. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and after high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a graphic artist and photographer. Phil lived life to the fullest.
Phil’s Air Force career included a tour in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions over enemy territory and was wounded with shrapnel when a missile penetrated their airplane. After serving in the Air Force for 26 years, he retired with the rank of SMGST. He still continued to work for several years with Hughes Aircraft.
When Phil “finally” retired, he pursued his love of the air by building model airplanes and joining the local Flying Aces Club. He made many wonderful friends through this experience. Phil was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the subject of history. He liked telling everyone “war” stories. He also looked forward to the phone calls from his son living in Oregon, Mike.
Phil was married to his wife of 44 years, Melanie Jane Patton, in Fort Myer, VA, on May 18, 1974; she also survives him.
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