Tom Tilley, formerly of Odessa, died Saturday, March 17, in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Luling, Texas in 1932 to William and Olivia Tilley. They moved from there to Denton, Texas where Tom graduated from Denton High School and North Texas State College (now known as University of North Texas). While in high school, Tom was captain of his football team and at NTSC was president of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, as well as a member of Blue Key Honor Society. It was at NTSC that he met his wife of 63 years, Ann Harrison. They were married in Seymour, Texas, March 20, 1955, and began a twenty-year adventure in the USAF. Tom was a pilot and flew over 200 missions over Vietnam in B-52's for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross among other recognitions. Then in 1975, he retired to Odessa, Texas where he began his career in insurance and pursued his hobbies which included golf, playing bridge, and woodworking. Something of which he was extremely proud were his 3 holes-in-one, two of those at Odessa Country Club. Both he and wife, Ann, were active in the Odessa First Presbyterian Church where he served both as a deacon and an elder.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ann of San Antonio, Cyndi White and her husband, Max, of Pearland, Lynn Foyle, Kaye Tilley both of San Antonio, 4 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers and 1 sister. There is to be a memorial service April 7, 2018, 2:30 pm at Brookdale Patriot Heights, 5000 Fawn Meadow, San Antonio. His interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any veterans' charity. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetwnfuneralhome.com.
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