Thomas Franklin Files (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Thomas Franklin Files, son of Omar and Eva Mann Files, was born May 17, 1939, in Eldon, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, October 29, 2016, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years, five months, and twelve days.
On December 28, 1984, he was united in marriage to Colleen Ann Lester, and they shared the last thirty-two years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas Allen Files; and a half-brother, Bud Abbott, and his wife, Marian.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Colleen, of the home; two daughters, Wendy Killingsworth, of Boulder Creek, California, and Linda Sue, of the State of Georgia; four grandchildren, Amanda, Steve, Tim and Tyler; a brother, William Wilson, and his wife, Sheila, of Overland Park, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was raised in the Lebanon, Missouri area, and attended Lebanon High School. He entered the military as a young man, and served his country faithfully in the United States Navy from May 17, 1956, until June 1, 1960. He was stationed on aircraft carriers anchored in Hawaii and Japan. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he made his home in California where he worked for Lockheed Martin Aircraft for thirty-eight years. Once he retired, he and Colleen moved back to Lebanon, and enjoyed their retirement years.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars the Elks Lodge for thirty-five years, and Great Life Golf and Fitness. He liked to fish in his younger years, and enjoyed all kinds of animals and working on his computer. He also enjoyed collecting coins and guns. He was a very patriotic person who loved his country and was proud of his military service.
Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his seventy-seven years.
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