Thomas Leroy Allen

Thomas LeRoy Allen, at 95 years soared once again on April 9, 2025. He was born in Tampa, Florida on December 18, 1929, to the late Helen Ferguson and LeRoy Allen.

Attended Plant High School, University of Florida, Gainesville towards an Engineering degree.

When the draft caught up with him, he enlisted in the United States Airforce. During the next 20 years he attended flight school and flew many types of aircraft. Among these were the T-33, F-94, F-101, and the F102 through F106 aircraft. His mastery of these aircraft certified him as a high-level trainer for new pilots as well as attaining the distinction of Master Navigator, ultimately rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During the Cold War he flew F101 Voodoo fighter jets, escorting B52 bombers to the North Pole and back home.

In 1969 he was stationed in Vietnam. While flying an EC-47 during a low-level reconnaissance mission his aircraft was hit by an enemy missile. He was ejected from the aircraft by the blast and found himself hanging in the trees. Before his helicopter rescue, he was wounded by enemy gunfire. His wounds required an airlift to Germany where he made his recovery. He was the sole survivor of the 7-man crew.

With only 6 months remaining in his 20-year Airforce career, his commander said to him “Colonel, it’s time to go home”.

In July 1971, Tom retired as Lieutenant Colonel at MacDill Airforce Base.

In his new civilian life, he excelled as a Real Estate Broker in local residential sales.

He met and married Joyce Atkins in 1978, and with his three sons, and her two daughters began a 45-year marriage. His home was the Monte Carlo Towers condominiums from which he enjoyed watching the Thursday night sailboat races.

Tom loved flying, sailboat racing, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Always supporting the military at MacDill, he helped many young airmen and their families with housing and other needs.

He joined “Operation Warm Heart” and with his wife and friends at Harley Davidson and Eastern Airlines, he raised over $100,000 within 3 years to support the needs of military families.

Always supportive of veterans in need, he found a way to move a blind veteran to the top of a waiting list for guide dog assignment. Always giving time and financial help, he led motorcycle fundraisers, traveling thousands of miles over the years.

When Tom retired from his sailing races, he donated his sailboat, “Copesetic”, the winningest boat of its class at the Davis Island Yacht Club, then trained the Sea Scouts at Apollo Beach where it continues its winning record.

In 2002 Tom and Joyce saw a television feature about 12-year-old Salvador Padilla playing violin in front of a Salvation Army facility during the Christmas season. They eventually met him and his family in Bradenton. During the next 10 years Tom and Joyce were instrumental in helping him through his engineering education and eventual employment at Ford Motor Company.

Twice surviving cancer, Tom lost his life April 9th with his wife and three sons by his bedside.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Allen, daughter Katie, sons Steve, Scott, and Shane.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister Jean, daughter Cheryl, and grandson Jonathan.

His grandchildren are Sarah, Graham, Jason, Bryce, and Samantha, and great-granddaughter Alice.

A gathering of family & friends will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. A committal will be later the same day at Florida National Cemetery with full military honors.

Please join our family in celebrating Tom’s life and remembering him as the Man Who Did It All.