Thomas H Pyeatte

Born January 18, 1947 in Fayetteville, AR to Howard and Madge (Sullins) McCoullough, Jr., he married Patricia Spellings in Pensacola, FL.

Surviving are three daughters, Ann Laura (Jeff) Cole of Ellensburg, WA, Becky (Charles) Johnson of Milton, FL, Tracy (Mark) Gober of Decatur,AL; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Glenna) Pyeatte of Peoria, Michael Pyeatte of Washington; three sisters, Judy (Dan) Reed of Houston, TX., Margaret Lowrey of Pekin, Debra (David) Pyeatte of Topeka, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law, Jerry Lowrey

A member of the United States Army, Tom had served as a helicopter tail gunner during the Viet Nam War where he had won the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters. He earned the award for meritorious service as a crew chief on a helicopter during missions in support of the ground troops. His job was primarily to pick up the dead and wounded. He had completed over 35 missions.

He had worked for Caterpillar, Inc. as a core maker at the Mapleton Facility, retiring in 2001. After his retirement, he drove a school bus for 3 years.

Tom had been a life member of the Roy L. King VFW Post 1232.

He loved his family, his home and being in it. He also enjoyed traveling and he was "the life of any party".

His graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2013 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield where military honors will be accorded. Pastor Steve Weber will officiate. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com