Thomas J. McBride of Conroe passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2013 after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Tom was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on April 6, 1928 and joined the Army Air Corp (later to become The US Air Force) in 1944 at the tender age of 16. He was a member of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing and was a decorated Veteran of both WWII and the Korean War.
Tom married his one and only love, Odilia (Lillie) Salinas of Del Rio, in 1950 and with their sons traveled the world as a military family until Tom's retirement from the service in 1969. In 1990 Tom and Lillie retired from self employment and hit the road as full time "RVers" , making friends all over the USA and Canada.
On May 12,2009 Tom was one of the Veterans honored with a trip to Washington D.C. aboard Lone Star Honor Flight #2. His son Michael accompanied him as his Guardian on that flight, which was one highlight of a life filled with many adventures and accomplishments.
Tom came from a large family, and was preceded in death by most of his loved ones on the East Coast. Tom and Lillie's younger beloved son Lawrence (Larry), passed away in 1986. Tom is survived by his wife Lillie of Conroe, son Michael McBride and wife Kris Nordstrom McBride of Conroe and grandson Scott Nordstrom and wife Sabrina of Austin; members of Lillie's family in Houston, Austin and Del Rio, including Lillie's brother Felix Salinas and her sister and brother in law Elidia and Gary McIlquham, of Houston.
Tom has set sail for that one particular harbour now, but leaves behind many memories. Family and friends are invited to gather at the home of Michael and Kris McBride on Sunday, October 27th for a reception to celebrate his life. A private military service will follow in Austin at a later date.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Above and Beyond Assisted Living Center and Silverado Hospice for their care and attention in Tom's final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memory Park , c/o The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe Foundation , P O Box 1252, Montgomery, TX 77356 for a memorial to Tom to be placed in The Honor Flight Garden area.
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