Thomas Morrison Bethea, of San Antonio, passed into the Lord’s hands on Jan 13, 2024 in Irving, TX at the age of 100. Growing up as a son of an Army surgeon, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson HS in San Antonio. He attended the Citadel in Charleston, SC prior to serving as an Infantry officer with the 24th Div in WWII (Pacific). After discharge, he graduated from UT Austin (then “TU”). He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War with the 1st Cav Div, then stayed regular Army in the AMEDD, attending several schools and serving in command and administrative capacities both in CONUS and overseas through the Vietnam years. He retired as a Colonel in 1972 after a 32-year career.
In retirement, Tom lived in Terrell Hills for the next fifty years, taking great pride in volunteering with the Institute of Texan Cultures, BAMC, the Korean War Veterans of the 7th Cav Assoc, and with the Ft Sam Houston Post Chapel. His hobbies were golf, travel, fishing, music, reading, wine, TX history, and keeping up with computer technology. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Grell Bethea (of Hondo, TX) and son Thomas Michael Bethea. He is survived by his: son, Jamie (Elaine) of Irving, TX; daughter Julie (Koby) Stoll of Piedmont, SD; DIL Karen of Athens, AL; six grandchildren (and spouses) and seven great-grandchildren. Much loved, his curiosity, humor, and zest for life will be greatly missed. His ashes will be buried at FSH National Cemetery at a future time.