Lt. Col. Jerome S. Thorough
Finally got around to posting this. Hard to believe it's been nearly six years.
On Sunday, July 31, 2011, we lost another member of the "Greatest Generation" and a true American patriot - Jerome S. Thorough ("Jerry") passed away peacefully at his Fort Walton Beach, Fla., home under Hospice care and surrounded by his loving wife and son.
He was born May 6, 1921 in Minneapolis, MN and grew up in Ripley, N.Y. He leaves behind his loving wife, Doe; daughter, Sandra Anne Gray, husband, Bill, of Navarre Fla.; and son, William ("Bill") of Fort Walton Beach. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Gail Colosi and (past wife), Betty Fisher.
Early in life Jerry was inspired by an uncle to become a pilot and he volunteered for the U.S. Army Cadet Program in 1942. He was a test fighter pilot in World War II, flying combat tours in P-51s and P-47s. His 22-year flying career included tours as an F-24F flight commander at Langley Air Force Base and a FCF test pilot at Burtonwood, England, and several British aircraft factories.
He was commander of the Flight Test Operations from Brookley Field, where he flew all U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft. After completing the Maintenance Engineer Course at Chanute AFB, he served as Maintenance Officer at Nellis AFB. He served at Kadena, Korat, Vietnam, flying F-105 and F-102s at Fairchild Hiller contractor at Crestview airport. He received numerous medals and awards.
With so many friends in the area Jerry welcomed retirement in Florida. His greatest pleasure was in time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. Jerry was active in his waterfront community and he conducted a small dredging business for a few years. He enjoyed time also spent with his boats, fishing visits with friends and neighbors and his poker groups. He always enjoyed attending the many reunions of his wartime fighter group with his wife and family.
Services were held at McLaughlin Funeral Home, in Fort Walton Beach, on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, followed by military honors. He is interred in Barrancas National Cemetery.
Here's a link to his favourite poem and one of our favourite photos of him with his plane.