Col. Thomas Lee Aslakson, USAF Retired

Tom Aslakson, 74, passed away on May 29, 2022 of heart failure. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, the only child of Leo Myron and Hazel Aslakson. As a child, Tom lived in Japan and Germany where his father was stationed in the Air Force. He graduated from Congressional School in Falls Church, Virginia in 1966 and graduated from The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland in 1972 with a degree in business administration. Tom was commissioned in the United State Air Force and served for 24 years. Tom was married to Margaret Ann Stark on August 9, 1974 and they had one son, Andrew (Drew) Scott Aslakson. Drew married Jenny Reinhard in 2019 and Tom celebrated the birth of his grandson, Lincoln Andrew Aslakson on August 9, 2021. Tom and Margaret were best friends for 47 years of marriage and enjoyed travel and time with friends. Tom was a loyal life member of the American Legion Post 10 of Texas and served as Post Commander, Vice Commander and Adjutant. Tom also was a member of Daedelians and was active in Kiwanis International while living in Atlanta, Georgia in the late 90s. Toms military career included many awards and citations and he was a command pilot with flying hours in the KC 135, RC 135, and B-52 H model. He served as Ops Officer at Shemya Air Force Base in the Aleutian Islands and spent many hours on alert at KI Sawyer Air Force Base in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Tom attended Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and served two tours in the Pentagon, first in the National Military Command Center on the Joint Staff and on the Air Force Staff in the area overseeing Bases and Units. Tom was a committed military leader who was a mentor to many and respected by all. He retired from the military in 1996 and found his second career in technology and project management. His last position was Director of Technology Services at the Brandywine School District in Wilmington, Delaware where he served for seven years. Toms hobbies included anything that required a charger or password, golf with friends, painting with acrylics and pouring techniques, and dining out with Margaret and friends. He faithfully attended Drews sporting events over the years. Tom and Margaret took several trips before Toms illness (Amyloidosis) limited his walking and strength. They visited Norway, the British Isles, Italy, France and many national parks. They traveled to the Lincoln Library and Museum shortly before his illness made travel difficult. Tom is remembered by his small group at Community Bible Church where he was an active member and supporter. Toms faith was very important to him and he shared his faith with others whenever he got the opportunity. Tom had a quirky sense of humor and kept many of his friends laughing with him. Tom is survived by friends who were like family, Gene and Mary Ferrell of Omaha, Nebraska, Bill and Darcie Pellerin of San Antonio, and Bill and Mary Swick of Bellevue, Nebraska. Tom is survived by his niece, Joy Stark Smith of Acton, Massachusetts, and brother in law, Thomas Paul Stark of Pampa, Texas and sisters in law, Donna Stark Reynolds, Pampa, Texas, and Dr. Virginia Stark-Vance of Ft. Worth, Texas. Toms parents are deceased and he was loved as a son by his mother in law, Thelma Holdman, of Perryton, Texas. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church on June 28, 2022 and his cremated remains will be interred at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:15 am with full military honors presented in Shelter 2 at the cemetery on June 28, 2022.

All are welcome to attend either or both services. In lieu of flowers, Tom recommended support to The Salvation Army, Amyloidosis Foundation, St. Judes Hospital for Children or the charity of your choice.