Tom headed west early on 12/25/2014 after a bout with Colon Cancer at 75. He is survived by Marie his spouse of 47 years. Tom was a member of the CO ANG, and deployed to Phan Rang AB, Vietnam it time for TET 1968. The 120th TFS was activated in 1968 and with the rest of his unit served a year in Vietnam.. Tom was awarded a DFC and afterwards, he flew for United Airlines for 35 years.
His Obituary: Lt Col. Thomas R. Emmett, Jr. USAF (ret.), died peacefully on Christmas Day in his home. Born in Argyle, IA on October 19, 1939, to Thomas R. Emmett, Sr. and Mary Garretson-Emmett. Tom served in the Air Force and Colorado Air National Guard from 1959 to 1980. As a pilot flying the F-100 in the 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tom flew over 300 combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Amazed that an Iowa farm boy could be paid to fly airplanes, he continued his services in the Colorado Air National Guard (Buckley AFB) and as a pilot for United Air Lines. Following a career of 34 years, he retired in 1999, captain, 747-400. Tom was an avid trap shooter, hunter, gun enthusiast and along with his wife, Marie, raised and raced horses. He was a member of the Berthoud Gun Club, American Legion Post #67, and the Super Sabre Society. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Dorothy Borger and Francis Craige. Tom is survived by his wife, Marie of 47 years, daughter Tracy (David) Bowers, son Thomas Emmett III (Nathaniel Brown) and daughter, Melissa Emmett. He is also survived by his siblings Clara (Leroy) Schiller, Mary Margaret (Jerry) Swinderman, John (Cheryl) Emmett and Jamie (Sandy) Emmett. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2014, beginning at 11:00 AM at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. – See more at: Https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timescall/obituary.aspx?pid=173623643#sthash.VaDtZPkQ.dpuf