Thomas H. Temple
October 30, 1923 ~ August 4, 2017
Lt. Col. USAF, ret. Thomas Hickman Temple, Jr. October 30, 1923 - August 4, 2017 Born in Montgomery, Alabama Resided in San Antonio, TX
Lt. Col. USAF, ret. Thomas Hickman Temple, Jr. passed away at age 93 on August 4th, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on October 30, 1923 in Montgomery, Alabama to World War I Veteran Thomas Temple, Sr. and his wife Lennie Davis. Affectionately known as Tommy, he was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman.
Tommys unassuming, easy going persona belied his record as an accomplished and decorated Air Force Fighter Pilot. He served in three wars; World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
As an Army Air Corp Pilot, he was one of the first to land his P51 Mustang on Iwo Jima from which he flew very long range bomber escorts and armed reconnaissance missions over Japan.
After WWII he returned to Alabama where he attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Still active in the National Guard, he was recalled to active duty in October 1950. After 35 combat missions in Korea he was assigned to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he met his wife Tawana Sue Morris who was born in Gould, Oklahoma. They married on February 2nd, 1958 (groundhogs day) at the Kelly AFB Chapel. A few years later they were blessed with a lovely baby girl, Teresa Lyn Temple.
While station at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 1961 he was recruited to become a member of the 1st Group of Special Operations Combat Training Squadrons which became known as the Air Commandos. Sent to Vietnam he flew over 150 missions in six months while living in a tent city 25 miles northeast of Saigon. After numerous assignments in Europe and Southeast Asia they were sent to Wright Paterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and finally back to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he retired in 1975. He had over 5,000 flying hours and flew over 200 combat missions. He was awarded seven Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In 1978 he signed on with McDonnell Douglas as Branch Manager for Flight Operations in Taif, Saudi Arabia training the F-15 Fighter Pilots for the Saudi Air Force. While there, he and his family were able to continue to travel the world and experience many different cultures. He retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1992 and returned to San Antonio where he lived the rest of his life.
During his flying career Tommy flew many aircraft from the P-51 Mustang, to the F-80, T-28, T-33, F86, F-86h, F-4, F-100, and F-101.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Tawana Morris Temple and his devoted daughter Teri. Also by a number of nieces and nephews including John Andrews, Quentin Andrews, George Bud Davis, Carolyn Urban, Terry Bullington, Tim Bullington and Vicki Bullington. Also sister-in-law Bettye Bullington and numerous great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his mother and father, and two sisters Elizabeth Pinky Temple Andrews (1995) and Thelma Davis.
SPECIAL THANKS to Dr. Won Park and all the medical staff at Northeast Methodist Hospital and Warm Springs Rehab Medical Center for all the love and attentive care.
A SERVICE In celebrating Tommy Temples life a Service with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, September 7th at 11:00 AM.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS In honor of all the animals he loved so much please make donations to - Paw And Claws Sanctuary, 11766 West Ave, No. 281, San Antonio, Texas 78216-2559. Paws and Claws is a non-profit started in August, 2016.
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Dearest Teri & Bobby,
He sounds like one fantastic person and a super Patriot. I know you miss him but he will forever be watching over his beloved family and friends. God Bless you Teri.