No one keeps track of the exact time of an event unless it is a birth, death, or athletic marvel.  Air Force Lt Col (Ret) Thomas M. Rourke, callsign "Catfish", passed away the 1st of September 2024 at 12:29am.

He flew two combat tours as an F-4 pilot in Vietnam, successfully help raise 3 kids, and was an amazing husband and father.  His wife was lucky enough to be with him, when he went to a place of peace.

Born October 15th, 1942 to Albert and Martha Rourke in Alexandria LA.  Tom was an avid pilot and upon graduation from University of Southwestern Louisiana, was commissioned in the Air Force and flew fighters for over 20 years. After retiring from the Air Force he continued to fly his own aircraft, to include a Cessna-172 until he was 81 years old. For over 50 years, Tom had unparalleled airmanship, for which he earned the FAA's, 'Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award' in 2017.  In 2022, he joined a selective international group of Senior Experienced Pilots, the United Flying Octogenarians.  He was an active member of the Leavenworth Lion's Club, and the prestigious "Old Bastards Club."

Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Beth, his three children Sean married to Danielle (grandchild Ian), Cathy married to Andrew (grandchild Luke), and Karen married to Jon (grandchildren Isaac and Roman).

Visitation will be held on Monday the September 9th, at Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St Leavenworth KS at 4pm-6pm, followed by a Rosary Service.  Funeral mass will be held the following day, September 10th at St Casimir Catholic Church, 715 Pennsylvania Ave at 10am.  Inurnment will be 12:30pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd.  If attending the inurnment, please arrive by 12:15.

In lieu of flowers, a donation towards either Lions Club Book Scholarship fund or the "Old Bastards" Back Pack Buddies project, is appreciated.