Thomas L. Boyd Sr., Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
February 10, 1936 – November 08, 2017

Spokane Valley, Washington

Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas L. Boyd Sr., age 81, passed away peacefully Nov. 08 in Spokane Valley, WA.

He was born Feb 10, 1936 in Colorado Springs, CO.

Mr. Boyd is survived by his wife, Diane; four children, Derri (Ervin) Petty, Terri (Alfred) Schmidt, Marty Leishear, and Tom Boyd Jr.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Bob (Joanne) Boyd, Allen (Cathy) Boyd and Cherie (Brian) Gutherie. He was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Belvadene Boydand a grandson.

Tom was a loving husband and father.

He was an avid pilot (both private and military), woodworker/turner, master falconer, fisherman, bird hunter and jokester. His true love was his Air Force career where he dedicated 24 years as a pilot flying several aircraft including EB-47s, RC-135s, and his true love Huey helicopters. The Vietnam War beckoned and his special talents were utilized by the 20th Special Operations Squadron (Green Hornets). Over his career he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air Medals and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Per the request of Mr. Boyd no services will be held. Interment will be at the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

Jan 03, 2018
~
Posted by: Diane Boyd – WA – spouse

Nov 29, 2017
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I pray you will feel comforted by the love and support of those around you.
~
Juanita McBride – Spokane, WA

Nov. 15, 2027
I was stationed with Tom at Fairchild, AFB, WA We had 12 UH-1N’s I started out as a HM, FM, and FE I logged a lot of hours on the N with Tom Man he could really fly that N while sleeping and I was in the left seat most of the time. I knew Derri and Serv Petty very well! Serv was a PJ!!! My heart goes out to the family and friends that new Tom! A slow hand salute to a great pilot and friend! Jerry D. Barnes (Snake) SSgt USAF Retired
~
Jerry Barnes – Oakdale, MN – Served in the Military together

Nov 15, 2017
My hat is off to this great pilot. I flew with Tom many years ago while I was stationed at Fairchild AFB between 1972 and 1975. He was always helpful, friendly and a provided me with a wealth of information while I was just a Second Lt. He was one of a few senior officers in the 48th ARRS and I was just one of many second Lts stationed there. His leadership skills left a great impression on me. I left active duty in 1975 as Vietnam was winding down and completed an Air Force career with the Air Force Reserve. I enjoyed my days at Fairchild because of Tom and others like him. I’ve had no contact with Tom since I was stationed at Fairchild but I think often with fond memories of the great adventures shared back then. Here’s to a safe landing for you my friend.
~
Oral Carper – Spokane, WA – Friend

Nov 15, 2017
Although we didn’t serve at the same time, we are Green Hornet Brothers. My prayers are for family. RIP Col Boyd.
~
Jim Green, CMSgt, USAF, Retired – IN – Served in the Military together

Nov 15, 2017
I was Maj Boyd’s copilot in Vietnam. I remember flying with him to Pleiku when we changed operating locations. In particular I remember him arranging to bed the entire crew (2 officers and 2 enlisted) in the Officers’ quarters. He had seen where the Army bedded down. Very good pilot, I learned a lot and came home.
~
Michael Gregersen – New Braunfels, TX – Served in the Military together

Nov 15, 2017
God rest the soul of Lt. Col. (Ret) Thomas L. Boyd Sr., fellow service member of the 20th SOS “Green Hornets”. May God comfort and protect the Boyd family.
~
Jim Burns – Navarre, FL – Served in the Military together

Nov 14, 2017
Save a place for me.
~
Robert Gorry, Germansville pa, PA

Nov 13, 2017
Thank you for your service to this country. You and others have make us safe. God Bless you. Rest in Peace.
~
A friend

Nov 13, 2017
Tom was my roommate in flight school. We referred to each other as “Partners In Crime.” We reconnected after 30 years when I tracked him down living in Spokane Valley in 2005. A highly valued great friend! One of a kind!
~
Bob Christopher, Park City, UT

Nov 13, 2017
Tom was a valued member of pilot Class 60 D. I am sure he had a fun filled Family and Military life. Our blessings to you and your Family.
~
Chuck Bopp, TX

Nov 12, 2017
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest in Peace.
~
WA

Nov 09, 2017
Thanks, Tom, for believing in me.
~
Richard Vandame, Cabot, PA – military

Nov 09, 2017
Tom was my mentor, maven, when we were stationed at Fairchild AFB in the mid-1970s. I lost track of him over the years, but never forgot him. I miss him.
~
Richard Vandame, Cabot, PA – Served in the Military together