Scott Thomas

THOMAS, Scott Lyle, 81, of Sun City Center, Fla., died February 4, 2003. Survivors include his beloved wife, Shirley (nee Beagle); devoted father of three sons, Dick (Sherri) Thomas of Bradenton, Fla., Dan (Shirley) Thomas of Lake Tahoe, Nev., Bruce Thomas of Yelm, Calif., five daughters, Darla (Rusty) Wyar of Parrish, Fla., Sherry Hitchcock of Cool, Calif., Diane Thrush of Sun City Center, Fla., Ruth Thomas ofWalhalla, S.C., Shelly Thomas of Tampa, Fla.; a sister, Mary Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska, 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He served as Air Force Representative to the United Nations in Korea during the return of Commander Bucher from North Korean incarceration. He graduated from the Air Force Command and General Staff College and the Air Force Institute of Technology Management School. During his Military Career, he Commanded the Pacific Wing and Transport Group in Japan supporting Viet Nam and Far East Operations. He was selected as Deputy Commander for Engineering and Command Pilot for Presidential Support Wing and flew Air Force One and the Jetstar during President Johnson's administration. In addition, he flew missions in atomic testing and flew the first C-5A to land in Viet Nam. His last duty assignment was Major Command at Andrews Air Force Base. He retired in 1972 as Colonel after serving 30 years in the U. S. Air Force and was awarded the Third Legion of Merit Force. During his career in the Air Force, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Silver Star, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal, and the Legion of Merit. In addition, to his military career, Lyle was a Charter Member of the Caloosa Country Club, Past President of The Retired Officers Association, Past President of Sun City Center Rotary Club, Past President of Sun City Center Chamber of Commerce and was a featured speaker at many community events and Memorial Day Celebrations. Funeral Service 2 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2003 at Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, Fla., with Reverend Dana Narring officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment with Full Military Honors in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rotary Foundation Scholarship Program in Sun City Center, Fla., or Selby Gardens in Sarasota, Fla. Arrangements Sun City Center Funeral Home, Sun City Center, FL (813) 634-9900.