Thomas Eller Obituary

Eller
Thomas "Tom" Julian
Eller
October 19, 1937
February 21, 2026

Tom "peacefully slipped the surly bonds of earth" on February 21, 2026, with his wife, Anne, by his side. He dedicated his life to Christ, his family, country, and the advancement of astronautics.

Surviving Tom are his wife of 63 years, Anne Lafitte Eller; children Julie Lafitte (Steve), Elizabeth Byerly (Steve), and Robert (Kristen); grandchildren Barrett (Grace), Connor (Deena), Anna Katherine, and Jeremiah; and great-grandchildren Luna and Max. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Robert and Frances Elizabeth Greer Eller, and his sister, Sue Eller Conn.

Raised in Pickens, South Carolina, Tom graduated 4th in the USAFA Class of 1961. His 20-year active-duty career was defined by excellence, including 3,600 flying hours and combat service in Vietnam. His bravery earned him two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, and the Airman's Medal for heroism. Tom was an active member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and Order of Daedalians.

Tom earned a master's from Purdue and a PhD from the University of Texas. He returned to the Academy to serve in the Department of Astronautics and Computer Science, later serving as a civilian professor. His contributions to the field included co-inventing the GPS Magnetic Momentum Dumping System, a technology still used in space, defense and our daily lives.

A pillar of the Association of Graduates (AOG), serving on the founding committee in 1966 and later as President from 1979–1983. His vision led to the creation of Doolittle Hall and the Class Wall. He served his classmates faithfully as Class Secretary for 45 years and as Class President from 2006 onward. He was the first USAFA graduate to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Falcon Foundation, where he served until his death and honored as a Distinguished Graduate by the AOG. His civilian career included leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Kaman Sciences and Titan Technologies.

Tom was a devoted elder at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs and a board member of the Fine Arts Center. An adventurous cook and gardener, he was known for his delicious tamales and beautiful irises. Above all, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity and love for his family.

The family thanks the team from Abode Hospice and caregivers Reika, Lucy, and Tara for their support.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at USAFA on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:30 am, followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church at 1:30 pm.

IMPORTANT: Individuals without a DoD ID card (or not riding in the same car as a DoD ID card holder), must pre-register more than 48 hours in advance to enter the Academy for the graveside service. To receive an Eller event-specific base access link go to our request form. https://www.cognitoforms.com/EllerFamilyGravesideAccess/Request

If you wish, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Missions (https://rock.firstprescos.org/give-now) (219 E Bijou St,Colorado Springs,CO80903) (ref. Egypt Missions in Comment section) OR Falcon Foundation Scholarships (https://falconfoundation.org/donate) (3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840 (ref. Thomas J. Eller in special notes section).