(January 11, 1928 – June 17, 2014)
John Albert Thomas “Tom” Rathbone, age 86, “slipped the surly bonds of earth” on June 17, 2014 in St. George, UT surrounded by loved ones. Tom was born on January 11, 1928 in Ridley Park, PA to Thomas Cosnett and Gladys Fisher Rathbone. He was married in Washington DC to Delta Lois Wilde of Cheyenne, WY.
He was extraordinary! He was a friend, pilot, musician, inventor, dreamer, visionary, comedian, entrepreneur, engineer (just a draftsman, he would say), veteran, and…He would always add “and humble, don’t forget humble”. He loved Star Valley Wyoming, it was his adopted home.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SSA, EAA, AOPA, Cessna 195 Club, JBS, and SCORE.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Delta of nearly 64 years, 4 children, (“one of each kind”, he would say), Jane Leaphart (Wright) of St. George, UT, Thomas “Tim” of Grover Beach, CA, Amy Anderson (Bruce) of Black Forest, CO, Nancy Trogdon (Bill) of St. Albans, ME, 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, a sister, Rhoda DeSomer of Morro Bay, CA and a brother, Charles of Chester Heights, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Donations may be made to the EAA Young Eagles online at: www.eaa.org in memory of Tom Rathbone.
There will be no services at this time. Special thanks to Alpha Health & Hospice. Cremation entrusted to Heideman Hughes Mortuary, St. George, UT. Burial will take place at a later date in Afton, WY.