Philip H. Thom

Philip H. Thom, age 91, died 28 July in Salt Lake City. Son of Irene and Howard Thom. Phil was born, and attended school in Little Rock. He transferred to Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn. where he was an outstanding baseball pitcher making All City for two straight years. After graduation, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis where he again excelled as a pitcher on the Navy baseball team. Asked on his 90th birthday what he remembered about being chosen as the starting pitcher in an exhibition game against the old Baltimore Orioles professional team, he recalled the Oriole second baseman hitting a home run over the right field fence and heard they were still looking for the ball. He subsequently received his gold wings as a naval aviator and served in several theatres. Phil was decorated with the Aeronautique Naval Award for his role in qualifying the first French squadron in aircraft carrier night landings. He received two master's degrees while in service and taught at the naval academy for three years. Survivors include wife, Geraldine, a son, four daughters and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phil is survived by two brothers, Sidney and Ronald Thom, and cousin, Douglas Thom of Little Rock. He was An active member of the First Congregational Church in Salt Lake City.