Thomas M. Sykes – Major, United States Air Force

From a contemporary press report

Thomas M. Sykes, 80, a major and pilot who retired as a staff officer with the Air Force Systems Command at Andrews Air Force Base, died of pneumonia February 2, 1999 at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. He had suffered strokes.

Major Sykes retired in 1963 after 20 years of service. He piloted C-46 transport planes over the Himalayas in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II. His honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals.

Major Sykes, who lived in Camp Springs, was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and was raised in Jackson, Miss. He was a graduate of the University of Mississippi.

After he retired, he was briefly a salesman and volunteered as a docent at the Smithsonian aircraft restoration facility in Silver Hill. He was a member of the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church in Clinton.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Eve Overton Sykes of Camp Springs; three children, Miriam Anne Sykes of College Park, Thomas M. Sykes Jr. of Mount Airy, Md., and Katherine Sykes Kendall of Greenbelt; a sister; and two grandchildren.


SYKES, THOMAS M., Major USAF (Ret.)

On Tuesday, February 2, 1999, of Camp Springs, MD, the beloved husband of Eve O. Sykes; loving father of Miriam A., Thomas, Jr. and Katherine E. Sykes; grandfather of two; brother of Minnie C. Rogers. The family will receive friends at the LEE FUNERAL HOME, INC., Branch Ave and Coventry Way, Clinton, MD on Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 8710 Old Branch Ave., Clinton, MD 20735.

Graveside service, Arlington National Cemetery, Wednesday, February 10 at 11 a.m. (assemble at Administration Building by 10:30 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to above-named Church.

Read our general and most popular articles

Leave a Comment

error: