Obituary of Thomas Milton Henson

Thomas Milton Henson passed away after a brief illness on 11-13-2010, with his loving family at his side. Tom was born to Thomas and Mildred Merle Henson on 9-13-1925 in Loveland, CO. In those days life in a small, post frontier town was vastly different from today. He was born at home during simpler times with a midwife and his grandmother attending. Tom's boyhood was a peaceful time, he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing with friends and family.Unfortunately, this peaceful time would soon end. He was ready to graduate from Loveland High School in 1943 but was drafted into the Army Air Corps before he could attend graduation. During WW II he was a tail gunner in the 464th Bombardment Group, flying missions into enemy territory from Italy, England, and Africa. Tom flew 87 missions in the B24 Liberator, being shot down several times but each time able to return to his unit. Tom was awarded the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activity against the enemy. His group flew over 100 missions and dropped 7, 000 tons of bombs; sustaining high causalities, losing over 144 service members during the war. After being discharged he attended college for two years. He wanted to become a commercial pilot, but instead became a bush pilot for a brief time before switching occupations to civil engineering and construction project management in which he excelled for the next 45 years. He was involved in many important municipal projects such as building the Air Force Academy, building high schools in Rangeley and Loveland, a hospital addition at St. Francis Hospital, and a fish hatchery in Pueblo, among many others. As a construction superintendent he built strong friendships with many people along the way. His many important projects often took him away from home for months at a time.A kind and generous soul, he was always there to assist friends and neighbors when needed. His undying love and dedication to his family was a true testament to his caring nature. A lifelong resident of Colorado, Tom was known for his love for trout fishing, his signature tobacco pipe, and enjoying a whiskey drink after a hard day. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marion; a son, John of Santa Rosa, CA; two daughters, Jaralee Schutt of Security, CO and Cecilia Henson-Turkelson of Dallas, TX; grandson, Jason Schutt; and granddaughter, Jessica Mayes both of Elkton, KY and a brother, Jim of Susanville, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mildred Merle Henson; sister, Linda Payne; and daughters, Amy Jo and Melanie Gail.The family gratefully acknowledges the competent, caring, and attentive staff of the Penrose Critical Care Unit who worked tirelessly to assure Tom's comfort while providing outstanding care. Thank you for your service.A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at The Springs Funeral Services at 3115 East Platte Ave.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Wednesday, November 17, 2010 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855