Eaton, LeRoy Will

LeRoy Will Eaton, 84, passed away on the morning of August 20, 2015, at Meadows Manor North nursing home. He was born May 25, 1931, to William Eaton and Blanche (Warta) Eaton, on a farm near Overton, Nebraska.

Leroy loved his family and his country unconditionally, serving both with dignity and conviction. He was a compassionate and understanding man who had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University late in life, while working as an instrument technician at Eli Lilly.

He served proudly in the Korean War as part of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment of the First Cavalry Division. He loved University of Nebraska football. The Husker Nation lost one of its biggest fans. He was a member of the VFW and the National Association for Amateur Radio. An avid ham radio enthusiast, he actually had his youngest son erect a makeshift antenna in his room at Union Hospital in the months before his passing, to the bewilderment of the nursing staff.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, David Will Eaton, in 2000. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Eaton; his son, Robert Eaton and wife Nancy; granddaughters, Christen Eaton and Susan Eaton, both of Indianapolis; grandsons, James Eaton and Patrick Eaton, both of Terre Haute; and countless nieces and nephews.

With respect to his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes spread over Merom Bluff.

Eberlin, Charles Joseph

Charles Joseph Eberlin, age 80, of Dunnellon, Florida, died on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the Legacy House in Ocala. Mr. Eberlin was born in Chesterfield, Missouri on October 22, 1929. He retired from Owens-Illinois as a Financial Manager with 37 years of service and was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran having served during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife, Barbara L. Eberlin, stepdaughter, Deborah Driver, brothers, Harold & Larry, sister, Ida Disher and two grandchildren, Brandon and Brittany.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. at the Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon with the Marine Corp League Citrus Detachment #819 officiating. Internment will follow at a later date in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. - Ocala.com

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Charles Eberlin passed away very recently.  He lived in Florida.  He was loved dearly.  He had a great deal of spirit.  War is a difficult thing for all.  I appreciate his sacrifice.  He had a true soul that I admired.  I married his nephew, who I appreciate and love a great deal.  I couldn't wish for a better husband.  Charles made me feel comfortable immediately.  His wife Barb has a great deal of spunk.  They were a good match! ...  I am grateful that his life was full.  Thank you to those that put their lives on the line for our country's best interests.
[Cynthia Eberlin]

Economopoulos, Constantine

Constantine Economopoulos of Montreal, Canada, 87, died with his wife at his side at 7:31 p.m., Sunday, May 6, 2012 in Montreal Canada. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

Born March 28, 1925 in Michigan, he lived in New York before retiring in Montreal, Canada.  He and his wife Noula had no children, but they were like parents to their nephew Tom.

Constantine loved to laugh in conversation and joked about his ailing condition during his one month stay at the hospital.  Always asking when he could go home, during his long struggle he fought with all his strength to the very end.  Even when speaking was difficult for him he still managed to say "I love you" to everyone that came to see him.

His funeral reception was on May 9, 2012 at 940 Ogilvy, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the burial was at the Saint Laurent Cemetery, 805 Sainte-Croix Avenue, Montreal.

Egnor, Russell Darrell

Russell D. Egnor, 60, director of the Navy's news photo division, a Manassas resident and a retired Navy Reserve senior chief journalist, died of leukemia June 17, 1997 at Fairfax Hospital. Mr. Egnor reported the story of Navy operations around the world in words and pictures for more than 43 years.

He was born in Glen White, West Virginia, and grew up in Detroit. He enlisted in the Navy in 1954 at age 17. He served on active duty as a Navy journalist for 15 years. While assigned to the news and news photo divisions at the Pentagon, he was on board the first world cruise by nuclear-powered surface ships - the USS Enterprise, USS Bainbridge and USS Long Beach - and prepared features and hometown articles for the historic naval operation.

In the late 1960s, Mr. Egnor received advanced training at the Syracuse University School of Journalism and served as a photojournalist with the Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group. He spent six weeks in Seoul and Panmunjom covering negotiations for the release of the USS Pueblo and her crew from North Korean captivity. In 1969 he joined the Navy Reserve, serving with public-affairs units. He retired as a senior chief journalist after more than 34 years of active and reserve naval service. Mr. Egnor then began a civilian Navy career in Washington, serving in various public-affairs offices.

He was recently recognized for his contributions to military photojournalism around the world with a National Citation of Excellence from the National Press Photographers Association. His military decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Egnor is survived by five children from his marriages, Andy Egnor, Robin Ann Willis, Randy Sue Payne, Melody Pearl Hourgreaves and Christopher Michael Egnor; his mother, Mabel Lucille Bowman Egnor; a brother, Larry Egnor; a sister, Karilyn Kunstbeck; a stepson, Larry Hixson; nine grandchildren; a great-grandchild; eight nieces and nephews; and loving companion Pat Holmgaard.

A memorial service was held June 25 at the Post Chapel, Fort Myer, followed by interment at Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Leukemia Society of America, National Capital Area Chapter, 2900 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, Va. 22314, or the Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004-2608.

Elmore, Maurice "Maury" Leon

Maurice "Maury" Leon Elmore, 85, of Mason City, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 8, 2016, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois at 11:23 a.m. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City assisted the family with arrangements.

He was born February 11, 1930, in New Holland, Illinois, the son of David and Flora Elmore. He married Eleanor Wilcox on November 11, 1950, in Mason City.  She preceded him in death in 1996. He married June Hernan in 1998.  She preceded him in death in 2013.

Mr. Elmore is survived by his daughter, Pam (Alan) Garretson of New Holland; five stepchildren: Guy Hernan, Jim Hernan, Lois Stewart, Luanne Cave, and Jule Dragstrem; four grandchildren: Hilary Edwards of Springfield, Gabriel Franklin of Middletown, Brittany Franklin of Springfield, and Cody Garretson of New Holland; several great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn Brown of Miami, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Theda Elmore; and his two wives.

Mr. Elmore served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked for GMO Railroad from 1948 until he joined the Army. After discharge from the Army he again worked for the railroad until 1954. He later worked as a general contractor in this area for many years, building many homes in the community.

Maury was very active in his community.  He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Mason City, Masonic Lodge 0653 in Greenview, Scottish Rite-Valley of Springfield, Illinois, VFW Post 6408 in Havana, Ansar Shrine in Springfield, and a member of the American Legion Post 715 in New Holland.

Mr. Elmore was a volunteer fireman for the New Holland Fire Department for many years.
Mr. Elmore loved to play golf and had two hole-in-ones in his lifetime. When he was younger he liked to play baseball and basketball. In his later years he enjoyed vacationing in Florida and spending time with his family.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016, with visitation one hour prior to the services at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City. Burial followed at the Richmond Grove Cemetery in New Holland.

Memorials may be made to: Salvation Army, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, or VFW Post #6408 in Havana. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City assisted the family with arrangements.

Published in The Lincoln Courier from February 11 to February 12, 2016

Engels, John R.

John R. Engels, age 83, of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born June 18, 1929, in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Edge) Engels.

John graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1947 and received his Masters in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He also received a Masters Degree in Administration from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. John lived in Mineral Point until joining the United States Army in 1951. He served as an Military Policeman during the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge he moved to Shullsburg. John was united in marriage to Helen Curran on May 30, 1955 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Shullsburg. He owned and operated Engels’ Shoe Store in Shullsburg and taught and coached at Scales Mound School District. In 1970, John was hired as Principal at Shullsburg High School, where he also served as the school’s Administrator for one year. He continued as principal until his retirement in 1991. Following his retirement John supervised student teachers from University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

John is survived by his wife: Helen of Portage/Shullsburg; six children: Mary (Jerry) Foellmi of Portage, Wisconsin, Stephen (Teya) Engels, Susan (Bob Lacke) Engels, and Monica (Mick Sullivan) Engels all of Cambridge, Wisconsin, Tom (Judi) Engels of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and Chris (Todd) Stuntebeck of McFarland, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Betty Engels of Mineral Point and Kathleen Bennett of Dubuque, Iowa; and one brother-in-law: Pat Curran of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: James Engels; and one sister: Margaret Engels.

John was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and McCann-Richards American Legion Post #105 and Shullsburg VFW# 10533. He was an avid golfer and a member of Darlington Country Club for many years, where he was Club Champion. John also looked forward to opening day of pheasant season and fishing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 25, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 344 North Judgement Street in Shullsburg with Monsignor Raymond Kertz of Rockford, IL, officiating. Burial will be held in St. Matthew’s Cemetery in rural Shullsburg, where Military Rites will be accorded by McCann-Richards American Legion Post #105 of Shullsburg and Shullsburg VFW #10533. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 24, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at O’Flahrity-Erickson Funeral Home, 235 North Judgement in Shullsburg and Friday, January 25, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in John’s name.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cuba City Nursing Home, Tivoli Nursing Home in Portage, and most recently St. Mary’s Intensive Care Unit for their care, support, and kindness.

Esensten, Sid

Sid Esensten passed away yesterday (Feb. 08, 2006) in Palm Springs, CA, the day before his 83d birthday. Sid was captured within hours of his arrival at his unit in the 25th Infantry Division, and was one of the few surviving doctors who witnessed the worst month of American captivity in North Korea, having been one of the doctors put in charge of the “hospital” at Camp Five during the winter of 1951. Sid said that at least a thousand men died during February of that year, many of them from the combined effects of exposure, malnutrition and disease. He knew both Kapaun and Mac, and spoke highly of them both.

Eustice, John "Jack" Jr.

John "Jack" Eustice, Jr., 80, of Stillwater, Pennsylvania, died early Thursday morning, May 3rd, 2012 at the Geisinger Medical Center, Danville where he had been a patient for the past 10 days.

Born January 4, 1932 in Courtdale, Luzerne County, he was a son of the late
John Eustice, Sr. and Marian (Parks) Eustice. He and his wife, Anna G. (Yablonski) Eustice, would have celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this August 22nd.

Mr. Eustice had worked for Lee Tires, then worked security for PSFS Bank and Sears Warehouse. He later worked in construction and plastering, retiring in 1984. He was well known for being a gunsmith specializing in gun checkering.

He attended Myers High School in Wilkes-Barre and then enlisted in the U. S. Army where he attained the rank of Corporal. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the C. I. B. Pres. Unit Citation, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal and the Korean Service Medal with 5 bronze stars.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a life member of the N. R. A. and a member of the American Legion in Wilkes-Barre.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Anna, are his three children: John B. Eustice, and his wife, Lisamarie, of Damascus, Maryland; Renee A. Hansen, of Covington, Washington; Nanette M. Gatlos and her husband, Michael, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; 7 grandchildren: Jake, Larissa, Nicole, Austin, Veronica, Michael and Aaron; a brother, Daniel Eustice, of Wilkes-Barre and a step brother, Neil Eustice of Milford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step brothers: Ronald and William Eustice.

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at Valley Forge Gardens Cemetery, King of Prussia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Christ the King Catholic Church, P. O. Box 297, Benton, PA 17814.

Eustice, Richard Harry "Ric"

Richard Harry "Ric" Eustice, 69, of 118 Queensway, Versailles, Kentucky, husband of Shirley Marie Olson Eustice, died Saturday, December 16, 2000.

Born in Galena, Illinois, he was the son of the late Harry and Luella Eustice. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, was a former restaurant owner, and was a highly decorated veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Eustice served in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, attaining the rank of sergeant first class. He was an electronics technician and received Green Beret training at Fort Knox, Ky.

He entered the service on March 20, 1950, at age 18. During the Korean War, which began in June of that year, he was awarded several military honors, including the Silver Star for action at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, where he was wounded, and was awarded the Purple Heart and several other medals. In addition to Korea, his overseas service included Japan, Germany, England, Ireland and Hawaii.

After completing his military service, Mr. Eustice opened a family-owned and operated restaurant, named the Shir-Ric Drive-in, in July 1963, on Lexington Road in Versailles. He later worked at Olson’s Bottled Gas until his retirement in 1993.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, Mr. Eustice is survived by three sisters, Eileen Andrews, Levittown, Pa., and Shirley Diveley and Karen Powell, both of Danville, Illinois; two sons, Terry Lee Eustice, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Larry James Eustice, Versailles; four grandchildren, Richard L. and William J. Eustice, Little Rock, and Joey and Melissa Eustice, Alabama, and several nieces and nephews.

Services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at the Blackburn & Ward Funeral Home, Versailles, by the Rev. Dr. Patrick Bayens. Interment was in Rose Crest Cemetery, Versailles. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, Kentucky Affiliate, 745 W. Main St., Suite 150, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.

Evanhoe, Carl "Ed"

Carl (Ed) Evanhoe, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on October 13, 2011 in Antlers, Oklahoma. He was born April 4, 1932 in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Bernard M. (Bob) and Clara M. Evanhoe.

He joined the US Army in late 1949 serving until 1966 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He had numerous commendations and awards, most notably the Korean Partisan Honor Medal, awarded to Korean and American personnel who served with the 8086th and 8240th Army Units during the Korean War. He was life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Special Operations Association.

After leaving the Army, he worked in construction until his retirement. Ed was married to Delpia Turner Evanhoe in 1972. She survives along with his three children from his first marriage to Kyoko Takata, Charles E. (Chuck) Evanhoe of Dayton, Ohio; Mark E. Evanhoe of Topeka, KS; Michiko (Michi) Snell of Topeka, Kansas and five grandchildren. His remains were interned at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas with his parents.

Evans, Donald L.

Donald L. Evans, passed to his rest on September 2, 2010. He was born in Fillmore, California on July 29, 1930 to Gordon and Nellie Evans. The family was living in Santa Barbara, California when in 1936 they moved to Harrison Mills, British Columbia, Canada where his father hoped to clear up information related to his attempts to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Donald, Don as he was known to family and friends, was the second son of four sons. He graduated high school from Pacific Union College as president of his class and soon afterward entered the U. S. Army. Don had the distinction of his father and older brother having served in the Navy during World War II, he and a younger brother having served in the Korean War, and his youngest brother having served during the Bay of Pigs ordeal. All later belonged to the same American Legion Post where at the same time he served as Post chaplain, a brother as Post commander, and his father as Post adjutant.

Don underwent medical basic training at Fort George G. Mead in Maryland and shipped out for Korea following a short leave. Don was assigned to the 25th Evacuation Hospital in Taegu as a ward technician and eventually moved up the ladder to the position of Senior Ward Master. A short time before returning home he was asked to be the Chaplain's Assistant at the hospital.

Upon return to the States, Don worked at several jobs, attended college for a short while, and finally settled on attending San Francisco Mortuary College.  He worked in the funeral business as an employee and as owner of his own funeral home. This was his life's work and he was very successful.

Don is survived by two sons Ed and Bruce and one daughter Tami, all of Visalia, CA; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two brothers, Bob of Columbia, CA and Jim of LaJara, CO; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Nellie Evans; a brother Gordon Evans, Jr.; and a nephew, Dan Evans.

Don was laid to rest in the Exeter District Cemetery with military honors. He was 80 years old.

Evans, James William

James William Evans, of Williamsburg, passed away on May 1, 2010, after a brief illness.  Born in Fulton, Ky., in 1929, to the late Sebra and Roberta Evans, Jim was hard-working from an early age. His job experiences ranged from loading barges and climbing poles to a 40-year career as an executive in the computer industry. Jim's hobbies included golf and woodworking.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after completing Officer Candidate and Ranger School, was deployed to Korea in 1952. While serving in Korea, Jim was actively involved in one of the last major battles that helped bring an end to the Korean War. The battle for Outpost Harry was to play a pivotal role in stopping the Chinese advance at the 39th parallel. Although wounded during the fight, Jim and his men stayed true to their mission of "Holding Outpost Harry at all cost" by blunting this ferocious attack. Jim's "A" Company was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest award for a Military Company and Jim was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership and gallantry under fire; and the Purple Heart for the wounds sustained in combat.

After returning home, Jim joined the Army reserve to complete his education. He graduated from Memphis State University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. In 1954, he meet the love of his life, Mary Anne Talbot, and they were married later that year. Unable to return to active duty due to the severe reduction in force, Jim's business career took the couple to Alabama and then Florida, before retiring in Williamsburg.

Upon retirement, Jim decided to write a book about his military experience and in March of this year, the University of Alabama Press published "A Morning in June." During this past April, Jim held a book signing at Patriots Colony hosted by his wonderful friends, and sold out all of the copies of his book from the local bookstore. Jim was looking forward to attending the premiere of the movie "Hold At All Cost," a documentary about the actions on Outpost Harry that will premiere at the Kennedy Center on Memorial Day, in recognition of the start of the Korean War 60 years ago.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, Lt. William T. Evans, USN.  He leaves behind to cherish his wonderful life, his wife of 55 years, Anne; daughter, Carol (Bill) Downey; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Robert and Anne Talbot; his sister, Martha Neal; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Patriots Colony on May 14, at 3 p.m., with interment in Arlington National Cemetery on Aug. 13, at 9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverside Cancer Care Fund; or a charity of choice.

Evans, William John

General William John Evans is commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe and commander in chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

General Evans was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1924. He graduated from St. Mary Parochial School and in 1942 from Norwich Free Academy. He was offered a scholarship to Yale University and entered that summer. Later that year he received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., which he entered in July 1943 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps and received a bachelor of science degree in military engineering in June 1946.

He next entered fighter transition training at Williams Field and gunnery school at Ajo, Arizona. His first tactical assignment was with the 20th Fighter Group at Shaw Field, S.C., in November 1946.

In June 1948 he was transferred to the 475th Tactical Fighter Group at Itazuke Air Base, Japan. At the start of the Korean War in June 1950, he flew P-51 aircraft with the 35th Tactical Fighter Group from Tsuiki, Japan, and Taegu, Korea. Later that year he was transferred to Headquarters Fifth Air Force at Taegu, where he continued to fly intelligence missions for the headquarters. Before returning to the United States in 1951 he had completed approximately 130 combat missions in P-51, P-80, T-6 and L-5 aircraft.

From September 1951 to March 1952, he was assigned to the Air Research and Development Command, Baltimore, Md. In April 1952 he was transferred to the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base, Calif., where he commanded the 434th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, equipped with F-51 and later F-86 aircraft.

In April 1954 he returned to the Far East as executive officer to the commander, Far East Air Forces. In July 1955 he was assigned to Headquarters Air Defense Command, and in July 1956 he returned to George Air Force Base to command the 436th Fighter-Day Squadron, equipped with F-100 aircraft. In 1958 he became director of operations for the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing and was responsible for the conversion of the wing to F-104 aircraft.

In August 1959 General Evans entered the Army War College of Carlisle Barracks, Pa., and after graduation in June 1960 was assigned to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., where he served on the faculty until June 1964. General Evans next was transferred to Wheelus Air Base, Libya, and served as deputy for operations and later as vice commander of the 7272nd Flying Training Wing, the weapons training center for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

He volunteered for Southeast Asia duty in 1966 and was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam in May 1967 as vice commander, and later was commander of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base. Before returning to the United States in May 1968, he completed 278 combat missions in the F-100 aircraft.

In June 1968 General Evans was assigned as assistant deputy director for concepts and operational readiness, Defense Communications Planning Group, Washington, D.C., and in June 1969 he assumed duties as the deputy director.  In February 1970 General Evans was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., as special assistant for sensor exploitation, a newly created office. He was transferred in April 1971 to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, as director of operational requirements and development plans, and in September 1971 he become director of development and acquisitions. In April 1972 General Evans became assistant deputy chief of staff, research and development, and in August 1973 he was appointed deputy chief of staff, research and development.

General Evans became commander of the Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., in August 1975. He assumed his present duties as commander, AAFCE and commander in chief, USAFE on July 29, 1977.  He is a command pilot with more than 6,200 flying hours to his credit, the majority of which are in fighter aircraft, including the P-51, P-82, P-80, F-84, F-86, F-100, F-102, F-104, F-4, F-5, F-111, A-7, F-14, and F-15; Canadian CF-100, British Harrier, Vampire and Meteor; French Mirage; and Swedish Viggin. He has also flown the B-1, the DC-10, the T-43A, the YC-14 and the YC-15.

General Evans' military decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with 24 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He was promoted to the grade of general Sept. 1, 1975, with date of rank Aug. 30, 1975.  He retired July 31, 1978 and died December 12, 2000.

Eyres, Thomas Llewellyn

Thomas Eyres was born in Austin, Texas on March 27, 1923. As a child he was a happy and mischievous boy. He loved all things mechanical, taking things apart and putting them back together. He was like his father who liked to repair clocks and Victrolas. Tom played football, and rode his bicycle everywhere. When he was 16, he worked for Lockhart Ice Cream Co to earn money to buy his first car, which he named "Blitzcreg". In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. After Cadet Training he went to Navigation School where he received his commission as a 2nd Lt. He joined his crew at McCook AFB in Nebraska where he met his future wife, Jean Yost. The crew trained in B-24s to prepare for combat overseas. In 1944 Thomas and his crew picked up a B-24 at Lincoln AFB, NE, and flew to Ispwich, England. Thomas flew 35 missions over Germany and France, and was awarded the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Unit Badge & European theater ribbon with 3 Campaign Stars. Upon returning to the US in January of 1945, Thomas went to Nebraska to marry Jean Yost. They returned to Texas for his next assignment at Ellington AFB for 6 months, then to the Air Base in Del Rio, TX where they were stationed until the war ended in 1946.

Thomas decided to leave active duty, but remain in the Reserves. Thomas and Jean returned to Austin to make their home. Thomas was a salesman for an auto parts company for several years. During this time they had their two children, Patricia Jean and Thomas L Jr. In 1950 Thomas was recalled into the service, and subsequently sent to Okinawa to fly as a navigator on B-29s. While on one of the missions over North Korea, his plane was hit, and only two men were able to parachute out before the plane crashed. Thomas landed safely, but was captured immediately and taken to Pyongyang to join other prisoners. When it was discovered that he was an officer, he was placed in solitary confinement, where he was tortured and threatened daily for any information he might have. After two years he was repatriated in 1953. Upon returning home, he decided to stay in the Air Force, and retired as a Lt Colonel in 1970 with 29 years service. Thomas had a fatal heart attack on October 04, 1974. He is buried in Memorial Park, Austin, Texas.