Col. Thomas John Dix

1942 - 2022

Col. Thomas John Dix (USAF Ret.), 80
It is with great sadness that the Dix Family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather Col. Thomas John Dix (USAF Ret.) at the age of 80 in Dover, Delaware, on December 5, 2022. Tom was born on June 22, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the only child of his late parents, Roman Max Dix and Alice Theresa Dix (Kryszewski).
Tom attended St. Louis University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering and a commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1964. While a student, he met the love of his life, Kathryn Marie Coel; they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in 2021. Tom attended Air Force Pilot Training School and was assigned to Charleston AFB, South Carolina, where he piloted the C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter cargo planes. A remarkable pilot, he flew many missions to Vietnam and was named Aircraft Commander, in charge of the plane and crew, while still a first lieutenant.
Tom never forgot the joy of flying his beloved C-141, nor the camaraderie and sacrifices of his brother pilots. Tom ended his five years' active duty in 1969 but considered it a privilege to become a citizen soldier. He served in the Air Force Reserves for another 21 years, achieving the rank of Colonel in 1987.
In his civilian career, Tom returned to graduate school, earning a Master's Degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in 1970. He embarked on a career in Logistics Management with several auto manufacturers that took him and his family around the country, finally settling in Haworth, NJ, and retiring from Jaguar Cars in 1997.
During these years Tom was active with the Catholic Church and with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster of legendary Haworth Troop 73, famous for winning numerous awards and medals. He was proud to see his younger son, John, achieve Scouting's highest rank, the Eagle Scout Award, in 1988. For his ceaseless work to advance scouting, Tom was recognized with the Boy Scout's highest adult leadership award, the Silver Beaver, in 1991. Tom Dix believed in and lived the Scout Oath and the Scout Law his entire life. In 2022, he was proud to see the second generation of Eagle Scout Award in the family, earned by his grandson David Dix.
In 1999, Tom and Kathryn moved to Dover, happy to start their retirement years there. Tom became a Delaware Master Gardener, taught gardening classes and facilitated a Gardening Club at the Modern Maturity Center for 10 years.
Tom considered his greatest treasure to be his wife, and his greatest joy was to see his children start families and his grandchildren grow into responsible young adults. In that way, he departed this world a fortunate man and will be welcomed into Heaven as a righteous man.
Tom is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his children, Laura Connolly, Richard Dix (Delfina), Angela Pellegrin, and John Dix (Becky); by his grandchildren, Taylor and Sarah Connolly, Kathryn, Cristina and David Dix, Hallie, Morgan and Sean Pellegrin, and Courtney, Delaney and Macey Dix; also by his beloved cuz, Margie Bacon and her husband, Jim; and by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, George and Margie Coel and Alice and Joe Bauer.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to your local council of the Boy Scouts of America.
To send letters of condolence, and sign the guestbook, visit www.torbertfuneral.com