Lynn Thomas “earned his Commission in the US Air Force and flew the very first fighter jets. He flew the F-80 during the Korea conflict, the F-86, and the F-100 through two tours in Vietnam. He retired in 1970 and brought his family to Bend, OR. where he flew and instructed many a pilot for the Bend Air Port Company. He flew chasing thunderstorms and looking for fires for the US Forest Service.” (1)
Source: (1) Published in The Bulletin, Bend, OR
Lynn E. Thomas, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on July 23, 2014.
Lynn Elvin Thomas, Major Retired USAF, passed on July 23, 2014. He was born in Rexburg, ID in 1927, and is survived by his wife, Lynelle; his son, Lynn; and his two granddaughters, Chloe and Ahlee.
From Idaho, the Thomas family moved to Sacramento, CA. where he attended San Juan High School, and two years at the junior college. He fell in love with airplanes while his father was working at McCullan AFB. He earned his Commission in the US Air Force and flew the very first fighter jets. He flew the F-80 during the Korea conflict, the F-86, and the F-100 through two tours in Vietnam. He retired in 1970 and brought his family to Bend, OR. where he flew and instructed many a pilot for the Bend Air Port Company. He flew chasing thunderstorms and looking for fires for the US Forest Service.
He was a man who dearly loved his wife and family and was dedicated to the community with the Lions Club. He is loved by many and will be dearly missed.
A viewing time will be held 10:00-11:00 a.m. Wed., July 30, 2014 at Niswonger- Reynolds, followed by a graveside service with military honors at 11:30 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Shevlin Park Rd. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Partners in Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Ct. Bend, OR 97701.
Published in The Bulletin, Bend, OR
