Thomas Uriel McElmurry

To the McElmurry Family:

Professor McElmurry was my mentor and teacher at Texas A&M University. Yes he was an awesome teacher for Aerospace, but he was far more than that. Prof McElmurry taught us how to deal with the challenges of life and enjoy the many blessings we have that we simply ignore or do not understand. He truly was a giant in his field and to his lifelong students. He made a huge impact in so many lives! I was truly belssed to have such a teacher in my life. God...

I earned my Aerospace Engineering degree at Texas A&M University. My first class in major was AERO-201 and Prof. McElmurry was the teacher. I had an instant bond with him when I found out that he flew my favorite plane, the P-40, in combat during WWII! His solid work ethic and kindness I have always admired and will never forget. He will be missed and the scores of students and faculty from the Texas A&M Aerospace department who knew him would certainly agree. May I offer my condolences...

I was privileged to be a student of Prof McElmurry's as an undergrad at A&M. As I've continued on to a career as an Air Force test pilot, I'm thankful for the role model that he has been for me. He was always encouraging, optimistic and forthright, and he fostered a love for airplanes and flying that is such a big part of my life. Above that, I'm thankful for his open and confident faith that is inspirational to me and no doubt many others.

Godspeed Prof McElmurry -- I'll bet the...

My husband and I met Tom during the Shuttle ALT program, and came together at Dryden to plan the first ALT test flight. What an exciting time! Our friendship with Tom grew out of that time, and I loved him like a father. He was a true gentleman, with a loving personality and a great twinkle in his eye. We later settled in Santa Maria, and had a wonderful connection with him through his flight training at the Hancock School of Aeronautics, which later became Allan Hancock College, where I work...

Dear Steve and Pat,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May your wonderful memories comfort you and bring you joy.
Love, George and De

To the McElmurry family,
Tom was indeed a fine gentleman. I worked the Shuttle Approach and Landing Test program with him. He also taught me how to fly. I can remember flying a Cessna 150 with him and when I would be all over the sky, he would say “let me show you” and taking the controls the C-150 would settle down and fly smoothly. He was an excellent pilot and a fine leader.

To the McElmurry family,
Tom was a very special special person to me. We first met when I was assigned to duty at NASA after returning from Vietnam and had some personal issues to work out. I will never forget his help.

Tom McElmurry was the quintessential gentleman. I had the privilege of working as his secretary when he was in Flight Crew Operations some 35 years ago. He was respected by all he came in contact with. God bless him.

Tom was my friend, my mentor and my hero and I will miss him greatly until we are reunited in heaven with our lord Jesus Christ. May our Lord Jesus grant the McElmurry family a peace in their loss and a joy in Tom's reunion with Katie.