Paul Tomasovic

Chaplain (Col.) Paul Tomasovic passed away on Friday, November 19, 2004. He was born on March 11, 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of the late George Tomasovic and Katerina Gulon Tomasovic. Orphaned at the age of 6, he was raised at Lutheran Orphans Home in Des Peres, Missouri along with his brother John, his twin brother George and his sister, Ann, all of whom preceded him in death. On August 26, 2004, he lost his beloved wife of 66 years, Violet M. Tomasovic. He is survived by his son, Dr. Jerry Tomasovic and his wife, Carol and their children, Kathryn and Elizabeth, of San Antonio, Texas; his son, Richard Tomasovic and his wife, Donna of Orlando, Florida and their children, Jerry and his wife, Elaine of Tampa, Florida and their daughter, Debbie, living in Oregon; his daughter, Susan Tomasovic-Pearce and her sons, Scott, Thomas and Timothy, all of Alexandria, Virginia. Pastor Tomasovic graduated from St. Paul's College, Concordia, Missouri in 1932 and from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri in 1936. After serving in the parish ministry at Emmetsburg, Iowa, Kansas City, Missouri and Gadsden, Alabama, Pastor Tomasovic entered the military chaplaincy in 1941. In 1946, he left the chaplaincy to continue his education at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He reentered the chaplaincy in 1947 and served his country for 28 years, attaining the rank of Colonel and being awarded many military medals and honors. In the early 1950's, he was known as the 'The Flying Parson' because he took spiritual care of some 50 small units scattered on the continents of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He traveled across Europe from Normandy to the Elbe with ground forces during WWII, served in Japan, Vietnam, Germany and many assignments in the United States. He was appointed Air Force Chief of Chaplains in South East Asia. He will be remembered as a man of courage who was devoted to God, his country and his family. Chaplain Tomasovic was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Special gratitude is extended to his health care professionals at Air Force Village I and to the staff of Porter Loring Mortuary. The family will receive friends at 8:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. SERVICE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2004 9:30 A.M. SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH 6914 WURZBACH RD. Pastor Dan Mueller will preside over both the memorial and graveside services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Air Force Village 'Freedom House'. Interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary.