Lt. Col USAF (retired)

Thomas Warren Scott

In loving memory of Lt Col USAF (retired) Thomas Warren Scott, who went to be with our heavenly father on 24 November, 2023, he passed peacefully and was surrounded by loving family.  "Tom" who will forever be known as the "Consummate Gentleman," was born 3 December, 1934 in Woodland, California to Dr. Gilbert and Wilma Scott.  He has three siblings, his older sister Marilyn and younger brother Kenny who preceded him in death.  His "baby" sister Ann lives in Boulder, Colorado, and recently celebrated her 87th birthday.

Tom was a rambunctious youth and once broke the ulna bone in his forearm after falling from the top bunk in a wrestling match with his brother.  In those days, the doctor reset the broken bone by pulling on Tom's wrist while his dad held his elbow.  The procedure worked perfectly as Tom would become a competitive swimmer, learn the violin, and have a decorated career as an Air Force Pilot.

Education was highly prized in the Scott household, and in 1952 Tom graduated San Jose High School with honors and received one of only three R.O.T.C. scholarships awarded in the entire country.  He attended the University of Conneticut, graduating in 1958, with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.  While at UConn he would meet the love his life, Joanne Dorthea Merola.  The two would marry in June of 1959.  Just weeks later, the couple would move to Webb Air Force base, near San Antonio, Texas, where Tom would attend and graduate from Air Force flight school. This is where his daughter Sharon would be born, and she would forever be the apple of his eye.  The Scott's next assignments are at Minot Air Base in Minot, North Dakota, and Robbins Air Base in Georgia, where his two sons, Michael and Gregory would be born. In June of 1967 while now at Westover Air Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Tom's gets orders for Vietnam, where he will serve until July of 1969.  He flew as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) and patrolled the skies north of Saigon.  Tom flew over 650 missions, and has many harrowing stories to tell of his time in Vietnam. he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other medals commemorating his heroism and flying abilities.  After several other assignments, the Scott's retired out of Fairchild AFB in April of 1987.  While in retirement Tom held several executive positions with various children's charities in Spokane.  His Wife Joann passed away much too early in 2004 after a life long struggle with the neuro-muscular disease MS.  At this point, Tom is showing early signs of dementia and decides to move to Kennewick to be nearer to family and grandkids.  He lived in his own home with the help of daily caregivers. Tom was a regular fixture at his son Michael's house for dinners and watching sports.  He was visited often by his son Gregory who lives in Federal Way, and made a trip over monthly to spend time with "Pops".  There are so many wonderful things to say about Thomas Warren Scott, but if one word could be chosen, it would be "INTEGRITY."  Absolute and unwavering integrity in all facets of his life, the man was as solid as they come, and his family and friends will miss him dearly, may GOD BLESS him!  Inurnment services will be held in the spring of 2024 at the Riverview section of Riverside Memorial Cemetery in Spokane.