Edwin A. Thomas
March 21, 2024
We have recently learned of the death
of Colonel (Ret) Edwin A. Thomas, CS-15, Class of 1968. He passed
away peacefully at home in Wheaton IL on March 21, 2024, from cancer.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on May 14, 2024 at the USAFA cemetery.
His family has suggested memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers
to the Midwest
Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Condolences may be sent to his
family in care of his wife, Jenna:
Mrs. Jenna Eisenberg, 0N730 Pleasant Hill Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187-2944
Dear Friends of Ed who live far away,
As most of you may already know, my wonderful Ed flew west on March
21st. He didn't want a funeral or memorial but I felt that it was
important to share with others the Skybolt biplane project that he
worked on for half of his life. It's amazing, just amazing.
So the attached invitation is to visit his hangar and see his masterpiece.
He loved to make things, build things, fix things. He didn't get to
complete it, but for him the journey was more important than the destination.
He was asked a million times when it would be done. His reply was
always "Tuesday".
After he retired seven years ago his schedule looked like this: We
had breakfast together, I packed him a lunch and bid him good day
and said "See you for dinner, have fun. I love you". And
off he went to work on his plane. The evenings and weekends were for
us.
After this celebration day my son Josh (who, by the way, designed
the invitation) will be putting together a Youtube with pictures from
Ed's life and from the celebration day. I'll be happy to send it to
you so you can be part of the day also. Just let me know.
In sadness and in gladness,
Jenna
(also know as "the wife" or by Ed "my woman"!)
P.S. There will be a ceremony at the Air Force Academy on May
14, 2024 at 11a.m. if you are able to be there.
Click for
a .pdf copy