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Richard Savage Thomas, "Dick", age 76 of San Antonio and La Jolla, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2012. He was born on February 21, 1936 in Washington DC to Jean and Ernie Thomas. He grew up in Chevy Chase and was graduated from Georgetown Preparatory School. In 1952 he received a Bachelor's Degree in Science and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and later earned a Masters in International Affairs from the University of Southern California. In 1958 he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves. In 1959 he entered the Navy's Primary Flight School and received his "Wings of Gold." In 1960 he entered advanced aeronautical training which brought him to Texas where he met the love of his life, and wife of 50 years, Betsy. They were married on February 14, 1962 in San Antonio. He had 3 deployments to Vietnam, attacking from the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31; he flew 333 missions over North Vietnam and numerous South Vietnam close- air support missions. He completed 742 aircraft carrier landings in his Naval career. Through his service, he received over 50 combat medals including: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" and 1 Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal with Combat "V" and 9 Individual and 33 Strike/Flight Awards, Commendation with Combat "V" and 6 Stars, Achievement with Combat "V" and 1 Star, Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citation, Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary with 4 Stars, Vietnam Service with 7 Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star and Palm, Vietnam Campaign. In 1968 he joined the Strategic Planning Staff in Omaha, Nebraska and later was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. While in Florida he developed his lifelong passion of sailing that continued throughout his life. He was blessed with a tremendous sense of humor and loved entertaining friends and family with witty magic tricks. He and Betsy enjoyed sharing their time between La Jolla and San Antonio where they were actively involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, The San Antonio Country Club, The Argyle, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, La Jolla Country Club, San Diego Yacht Club, and the Army Navy Club of Washington D.C. He is preceded in death by his brother Ted. He is survived by his wife Betsy, and their children Ric Thomas and his wife Kelly of La Jolla, Andy Thomas of San Diego, and Libby Bentley and her husband Rob of San Antonio. As well as grandchildren, Carlisle and Jake Bentley and Kenan and Jett Thomas, his sister Mary Catherine, her husband Bob and their children Jennifer and Jeff of Washington DC, nephew Mike Thomas and his family and niece Kay Jean Campbell and her family. SERVICES A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on March 1, 2012 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UC Regents for Dr. Anthony DeMaria, JACC, 3655 Nobel Drive #630, San Diego, CA 92122 to help continue his research in cardiovascular disease.

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Richard Savage Thomas

February 21, 1936 - February 22, 2012