Donald Leslie Thede

Donald L. Thede, 93, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 20, 2018, in Weatherford, Texas. INTERMENT SERVICE will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018, at the DFW National Cemetery. MEMORIALS: Lutheran World Relief or B52 Stratofortress Association. Don was born in Jamestown, North Dakota to Fred and Ella (Schlif) on November 10, 1924. Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Air Corp in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre during World War II as a pilot and co-pilot flying supplies into China over the “Burma Hump.” On September 11, 1946, he married Barbara MacKenzie. In 1952, he was recalled into military service and served in the United States Air Force until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1969. During this time, he served with distinction in South Korea following the Korean War and flew B-52 missions over North Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. In retirement, he was an avid golfer and also owned and operated Creative Cabinets in Hurst, Texas with his sons and later refurbished antique furniture with his wife. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, his grandson, Timothy Thede and son-in-law, Jack Delaurenti. SURVIVORS: children Susan Schledorn (Michael) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Nancy Delaurenti of Salem, Oregon; Fred Thede (Cathy) of Hayden, Idaho; and Bill Thede (Desiree) of Weatherford, Texas, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.