John Thomas Pittman

I bring you news with mixed emotions, sadness and compassion for those of us who are suffering the grief of loss, but overwhelming joy for what our brother John must be experiencing as he stands before the Lord. Oh, I can only imagine!!

In the afternoon of Sunday, December 21st 2025, John Thomas Pittman, 90, passed away at home peacefully after an extended illness. At his side was his bride of 50 years, Nancy.

John Thomas Pittman was born in Veazey, Arkansas on 21 December 1935. After graduating Tiller High School John enlisted in the USAF ,1 June 1952. After basic training , John went on to become a radar technician and spent several years with Air Tactical Command stationed at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL. After additional training in 1963 and 1964, John became a flight simulator Specialist. He later transferred from the active (USAF) to the Texas ANG and became a Boom Operator in KC-97 at Fort Worth, TX.

His career took a different full time path at American Airlines as a flight simulator manager doing limited duty with the Texas ANG. They converted to C-130s, and occasionally flew with Box Car Willie as its flight Engineer. In 1981, John transferred to Barksdale AFB, LA to serve in the 78 AREFS (USAFR) as a boom operator in the KC-10A Extender. John would enter Active Duty service 12 January 1991 and served in Desert Shield/Storm Area of Responsibility until 3 Jun 1991. After serving in the USAF, ANG and AFRES, John deployed to serve from 4 August - 28 August 1990, 6 December - 19 Dec 1990, 25 Dec - 28 Dec 1990, 12 Jan - 3 Jun 1991 in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, 10 USC 672 (D) Area of Responsibility. At the mature age of 56 would be involved in his first war on January 12th 1991. To those he served with he was fondly given the call sign “WOBO” (world’s oldest boom operator).

To say, John loved serving in the USAF is not truly reflecting his love of country and dedication to serve this nation. John was with the KC-10 at Barksdale, 78 AREFS from 81-93. He was the only boom operator that came into the KC-10 with no prior KC-135 experience. He was on one of the six Reserve crews from the 78th that deployed to Desert Storm. After 33 years he finally got to participate in a war. He retired with an Honorable Discharge as a Senior Master Sergeant with the following Honors and Ribbons: National Defense Service Medal with 2 Devices, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 7 Devices, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 Device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

John met his wife, Nancy, in 1974 while working at American Airlines. After developing a cold, he finally decided to check out the new, young, single nurse in the medical department. That nurse was Nancy. There was an instant attraction, and John asked her if she'd like to see the flight simulators after work. Their first date took place in a 747 flight simulator—an unforgettable to what would become an adventurous 50 year marriage, defying the odds of their 16 year age difference.

They married just 9 months after meeting and welcomed their daughter, Ally, into their world 11 months later. Within their first year of marriage, they traveled to San Francisco, Hawaii, Tokyo and Hong Kong, sparking a lifelong long love of travel that they continued to share throughout their years together.

John was the proud father of two daughters, Tammy and Ally, and he was known to be tough on them. They rarely left the house without his approval—especially when it came to what they were wearing. He was the kind of father who made boys feel intimidated at the thought of coming to the door to speak to him before going out. When Tammy was 19, John disapproved of the path she was on and sent her to California to join the Air Force—not offering her a choice. Knowing this, Ally at 19 chose to elope rather than face the same fate. Despite his tough exterior, John was immensely proud of both daughters; Tammy for becoming a Registered Nurse and Ally for becoming a Flight Attendant.

John had 5 grandchildren and unapologetically favored the youngest, Cadence. His love for her was undeniable. He bought and paid for her cellphone with one firm rule—she had to answer within 3 rings or the phone would be shut off. John would call her at the most random times and without fail, she would answer on the first ring with a cheerful, “Hi Papa.” He spoke with her the morning of her fatal accident, February 6, 2023.

Some of John’s and Nancy’s happiest moments were spent boating and skiing. Even in his final summer, John was still driving the boat, pulling Nancy behind him on her slalom ski. He could always hear her shout "HIT IT" though he often forgot to check whether she was still behind the boat. Perhaps, in his own way, that was John saying goodbye.

One interesting tidbit about their marriage: John and Nancy never shared a checkbook and never worried about who spent what. It worked perfectly for them, allowing each to maintain independence while fully enjoying the life they built together. John loved his military career just as deeply as Nancy loved her medical career—and later, her passion for flying. Together they created a beautiful life and an enduring love story.

John is survived by his wife Nancy of 50 years, two children Tammy and Ally, 5 grand children and 4 great grandchild. One granddaughter, Cadence, preceded him.

John was a life member of the IFR Boom Association and would attend the reunions until health issues prevented his active involvement. He cherished the time he could sit and reflect on the good days and camaraderie of his fellow boomers and friends.

To share a memory of John’s or send condolences to the family please open the link at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/fort-worth-tx/john-pittman-12676358

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life to be held at the Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel, located at 6001 Rufe Snow Dr, Fort Worth, Texas, 76148. The service is scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 10:00 am.

The burial with full military honors will take place at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75211. The burial service is scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.