Thomas A. Cothran Jr.

Lt. Col., United States Air Force (Retired)

July 17, 1945 - December 1, 2025

Born in Lexington, Mississippi, Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas A. Cothran, Sr. and Fannie Mae (Tidwell) Cothran, as well as his sister Annette and brothers Michael and Brad. He survived by his sister, Babs Edwards.

He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1967. Upon receiving his draft notice he immediately enlisted in the Air Force. Once Training was completed, he was assigned to flight training. When completed, he was certified as a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) flying F4 Phantom Jets. During the Viet Nam War, he was assigned to the Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Ubon, Thailand. During this time with the Famous 8th Tac Fighter Wing (TFW) Wolf Pack and the elite Wolf FACs, he flew 242 combat missions earning 23 Air Medals and 5 Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFCs). During eleven years of flying, he amassed 2085 hours in the F4.

Assignments included Air Force Manpower and Personnel Center (AFMPC), Randolph AFB, F4 WSO and Flight Commander in the 612th Tac Fighter Wing (TFW), Torrejon AFB, Madrid, Spain, Plans and Policy Officer for NATO in Naples, Italy, Deputy Base Commander, Moody AFB, Georgia, and Chief of Personnel, War Plans and Policy crafting war plans for desert conflicts including Desert Storm at Headquarters European Command (EUCOM), Stuttgart, Germany. After 23 years of honorable service, he retired in 1991.

Upon Retirement, he worked as Deputy Director of Patient Transportation for Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for CDS Software and 25 years for Jim Click Automotive Group.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dina, their daughters Candace and Rachael, daughter Tracy and her children, eight Grandchildren, Tianna, Daunte’ Maleigha, Nathaniel, Camille, Kayleigh, Bennett, Zoey, great grandson, Nehemiah, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

He was a Godly man and will be remembered for his unwavering faith, grace and dignity, his constant love and guidance, and the way he prayed, protected, loved and guided his family.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 19, 2025; 6:30pm at First Southern Baptist Church, 445 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85705.

A Visitation will be held on December 28, 2025; 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148.

Committal Service will be held on December 29, 2025; 9:00am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, 78209.

Following the service, a Reception will be held at Fort Sam Houston Golf Club, 1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas, 78209.