Lyle (Tom) Robert Thomas was born in Sacramento, California on August 24, 1949 to Elaine and James Melvin Thomas. They moved to Los Angeles, where Tom grew up. In April of 1968, Tom answered the Nations call to arms and enlisted in the United States Army. In September of 1968, Tom deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a Material Storage and Distribution Specialist unit August of 1969. Upon his return to the United States, Tom received order assigning him to Fort Ord in California. That is where he met the love of his life of nearly 50 years, Sandra (Sandy) Jean Prust. They married on September 26, 1970. Tom and Sandy remained at Fort Ord until April of 1971, when Tom left the Army and moved with his wife to Lena, Wisconsin. Where in May of 1971, the couple became proud parents for the first time to their son Raymond. Tom found odd jobs to support his growing family, and in November of 1972, they greeted their second son Christopher.

In March of 1973, Tom felt the need to serve his country again and enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Supply Technician. He received orders assigning him to Norton Air Force Base in California. In September of 1974, while at Norton, Sandy gave birth to their only daughter, Mary. In late 1974 Tom received orders reassigning him to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. The family enjoyed their time on Okinawa, immersing themselves in the culture of the small island, until 1979 when Tom received orders to Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. There he crossed trained to a Command and Control Specialist. Tom served in his post at Davis Monthan until 1982 when he received orders to report to Naples Italy, where he worked with NATO. Tom found this job challenging, as he worked with the different nationalities that make up NATO. After three years, Tom found himself coming back to the place of his birth with his assignment to Travis Air Force Base in California. Tom would remain at Travis for the remainder of his career in the Air Force. After proudly serving his country for more than 20 years, Tom retired with the rank of Technical Sergent on July 31, 1991.

In retirement, Tom was able to pursue his love of aviation by attending air shows, collecting model airplanes, and visiting aviation museums. Tom enjoyed reading books, watching old western movies (especially Steven McQueen movies), and listening to various talk radio shows. Tom would always have an opinion on the various topics and would let it be known for anyone that wanted to hear. To bring in extra money, Tom worked different security jobs until 2004. Tom had become sick and seemed to be getting sicker. Unbeknownst to him and his family, his kidneys had failed, and the toxins in his body had built up to life-threating levels. Tom found himself fighting for his life, and by his sheer will  and love of life, along with modern medical intervention, he was able to fight back from the brink of death. This disease would forever change the way he lived his life. Tom endured multiple surgeries, and had several more close calls with death. With his devoted wife and family by his side, he was able to cheat death at every turn. Tom was always the life his dialysis unit, dressing up for every holiday, making people smile and laugh with his funny whit. Tom would go around to the different people in his dialysis unit, checking on them and giving them words of encouragement. After 16 years of living with kidney failure, Tom's body succumbed to his multiple medical issues. Tom never gave up and held on to his fighting spirit until the very end. This loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend that has inspired so many, will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Tom!

Tom is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Sandra Thomas, their children Raymond (Jennifer) Thomas, Christopher (Becky) Thomas, and Mary (Gary) Jones, 17 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, his sister Jan (Don) Mundt, Sharon (Darell) Jellison, Kandi (Rick) Barnett, and his brother Delbert Thomas, as well as his 4 fur babies. The family would like to thank Davita Dialysis in Vacaville, VacaValley Hospital, and Vacaville Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center for the care they gave Tom. Because of you, we were able to have a little more time with him and his funny antics. The family has chosen to not have any services. They will celebrate his life privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donation to The Wounded Warriors Project.