Tommy Otha Thomson

Lt. General Herman (Tommy) O. Thomson, age 93, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022, in San Antonio. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Iris Underwood Thomson; parents, Otha Arthur Thomson and Mackie Watson; sisters, Dorothy Siemons, and Dixie Buckner; and brother Harold Thomson. Tommy is survived by his daughters, Kathy Thomson Ledford, husband David, Sherry Anne Myers, husband Greg, Paula Thomson Waldron, husband Ronayne; brother, Marshall Underwood; sister, Gloria Underwood Meredith; granddaughters, Katelyn Ledford Rhinehart, husband Jacob, Grace Elizabeth Waldron, and Anne Myers Ryals, husband Matt and great grandchildren, Parker Owen Ryals and Charlotte Anne Ryals.

A Memorial Service will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary West on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow at Blue Skies West, 5100 John D Ryan Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245. Pastor Wayne Knutson will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation.

Bio

Herman Otha “Tommy” Thomson, Lt General, USAF (Ret.) was born in 1929 in Belton, Texas. Hardships brought on by the depression moved Tommy and family to a farm in Gunsight, TX, and later to his hometown of Breckenridge, TX.

People who knew Tommy would likely describe him as larger-than-life. Tommy was a committed Christian, a devoted husband and father, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, a talented athlete and dancer, a skilled fighter pilot and a mentor and friend to many.

Tommy was a long-time member of the Church of Christ. His strong beliefs were a major influence in his life. While living at Lakeway in Austin, TX, Tommy’s involvement with the University of Texas, Institute for the Study of Antiquity and Christian Origins led to the establishment of “The Lt. Gen. H. O. Thomson Excellence Fund”, and “The Thomson Fellows Scholarship”. He was an active member of the Blue Skies Protestant Church.

Tommy and Iris adored and supported each other for sixty-five years, and their love was a legacy to three accomplished daughters, three wonderful granddaughters and two beautiful great grandchildren.

Tommy was a successful entrepreneur and businessman from the get-go. Riding a horse at five, he earned a small income delivering water to nearby Works Project Administration workers. As a pre-teen he ran a comic book business out of the local theater with a young friend. He is remembered by many for his work ethic, fairness, and honesty. These traits translated to later success in a wide variety of endeavors from his career in the Air Force to Banking. Earning both a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration, Tommy’s determination drove his performance.

Tommy’s drive and specialized skill set helped him rise to the very top of Air Force Leadership. Tommy personified the “fighter pilot’s fighter pilot.” He flew dangerous Combat missions in the F-84 in Korea and the F-100 in Vietnam. Expertise as a fighter pilot, integrity, and business and planning acumen propelled Tommy to the peak, where he served as the two star Vice Commander of PACAF. His efforts at PACAF impressed the top Navy and Army leadership in CINCPAC resulting in their advocacy for his nomination for a third star and appointment as Director for Plans on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Tommy’s contributions were many as he helped guide the Air Force into the future. His work on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and international engagement were especially noteworthy, having a lasting impact on United State’s Foreign Policy.

Following his distinguished military career, Tommy was passionately involved in the business of the Bank at Lakeway, and in 1995 joined the Board of Directors of First Commercial Bank. His business acumen, social skills, and boundless energy was a perfect fit for the growing bank. One of many significant contributions was serving as Chairman of the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee. Tommy leveraged his tenured skill sets in leadership and strategic planning to assist the CEO, Board, and management team in establishing a new course of improved direction and performance for the bank.

Tommy’s boundless enthusiasm for living life was contagious, his network of friends incredible! He was an avid golfer, college level tennis player, dancer par excellence and lover of Dixieland Jazz. You could often find Tommy tapping a foot to Jim Cullum or dancing with friends and family at Jazz Texas. He loved a glass of J-Lohr wine and enjoyed playing poker with his best buddies.

Always approachable and friendly, Tommy embodied class. He loved great company and fine foods and dressing “to the nines.” He was extremely proud to be an alumni of Texas A&M. In his down time, he enjoyed good westerns especially those starring Tom Selleck or Sam Elliot. He was extremely generous throughout his life, always ready to help family and those in need. He was a special mentor to his sons-in-law, his granddaughters, and extended family members. Most of all he loved his wife and daughters leaving an indelible imprint on their hearts. Memories of Tommy are bigger than life. He lived it to the fullest. We will remember him often and miss him greatly.-The Family