Thomas G. Bonser

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE VETERAN

Thomas G. Bonser (89 years old) passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021 at Otterbein Retirement Community.   Husband of 65 years to Sheila M. Bonser, he is survived by Sheila, his brother James Bonser and his 3 children Suzanne Bonser, Tony Bonser and Nancy Madaris.  In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren Marie Cottrell, Sarah Bonser, Aaron Madaris, Kiri Schumaker, and Sean Madaris.  Tom also will be missed by his friends at Caesar Creek Soaring Club.  He is remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, skilled aeronautical engineer, and decorated USAF combat pilot.

Tom earned a B.S. Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.  He then joined the U.S. Air Force.  Tom earned 2 Air Medals in 1965 and 1966 for “outstanding airmanship and courage under extremely hazardous conditions”  In 1966 he participated in a campaign to rescue a large group of allied civilians from overwhelming enemy forces.  Flying out bases deep in enemy territory, Tom directed close air support against intense ground fire and is credited with making the rescue a complete success.  For his “Gallantry and Devotion to duty” he was award the Silver Star Medal for Valor in Combat.

Tom flew a large array of aircraft that including C-141, B-17 flying fortress, O-1 Birddog, and numerous gliders models.  When he concluded his USAF career, Tom put his engineering degree to work at General Electric Aircraft Engine division in Evendale, Ohio.  His test cell design, featured at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, was the foundation for modern jet engine test cells.  When high-bypass jet engines were first introduced, Tom was chosen to train pilots worldwide to use the revolutionary new technology.  Moving to Slidell, LA mid-career, he then went to work at Lockheed Martin as manager of design changes on the main tank of the NASA space shuttle.  His final contribution to aerospace was working on X planes for Lockheed Martin in Palmdale, CA.

In retirement, he enjoyed flying, participating in aircraft & boat restoration projects.    His vintage Schweizer 1-23 sailplane project was awarded “Best Restoration at the 2000 international vintage sailplane meet in Elmira, NY.  He also enjoyed racing sailboats and taught racing to other including the ladies Flying Scott team.   Tom is commemorated on a plaque in the lobby of the D day museum in New Orleans for playing an import role and hands on craftsmanship in restoring a WWII Landing Craft.   In later years Tom returned to Ohio where he enjoyed soaring at Caesar Creek Soaring club and flying his son’s Cessna.

Tom made his last takeoff and landing is his son’s tail wheel Cessna one month before he passed.

Tom always thought of others first and selflessly gave his time, wisdom, skills and resources.  He was a man of faith and will be missed by all that knew him.

No memorial events are currently scheduled. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, please donate to Otterbein Hospice, 696 N. State Rt. 741 Lebanon, OH  45036.

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