Thomas Eigel Obituary

Thomas J. Eigel, Sr., Lt. Col. (Ret.) USAF passed away on July 19, 2011 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 30, 1934, the second son of seven children born to the late Dr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Eigel, Sr. Tom graduated from Christian Brothers College High School in 1952. He then graduated from St. Louis University in 1956. He completed his graduate studies at San Diego State University in 1972. Tom served 22 years in the United States Air Force, the majority of his service flying as a SAC pilot. He flew KC -97s, KC-135s and F-100s and flew O-1s as a forward air controller in Vietnam. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. Tom was predeceased by four of his five brothers: Dr. Edwin G. Eigel, Jr., Rev. James A. Eigel, Rev. William C. Eigel, and John R. Eigel. Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gail, and five children: Capt. Thomas J. Eigel, Jr., Kathleen R. Eigel, Victoria A. Eigel-Danielson (Timothy Danielson), Col. Andrea E. Crunkhorn (Ross Crunkhorn), and Christina K. Eigel; five grandchildren: Keely, Alanna and Mary Danielson, and Gail and Ewen Crunkhorn; his sister Katherine Furhman and brother Col. (Ret.) Robert L. Eigel; as well as a host of wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. A Rosary will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 N. Jefferson St., Monument, CO. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Peter Catholic Church, Monument, CO. Burial will take place Monday, July 25, 2011, at 9:30 a.m., at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO.