Robert Vernon Thornblad

Robert Bob Vernon Thornblad 1918 ~ 2009

Robert Bob Vernon Thornblad, beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2009 from causes incident to age. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Elaine Yeaman Thornblad.

Bob was born 30 April 1918 in Sandy, Utah, to Agda M. and Orson A. Thornblad. Bob was the oldest of five children. He was raised in Idaho and Ogden, and was a wonderful older brother to his siblings. He was an avid outdoorsman his whole life and especially loved fishing.

In 1940 he joined the military as a Buck Private and rose through the ranks to become a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. Based in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, he flew 140 combat missions in the P-47 Thunderbolt, 20 more than required before returning home. Known as &qoute;The Utah Kid&qoute;, he received numerous awards and medals, including the Air Medal, the American Theater of Operations Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Upon his return from WWII, he continued his military career with the Air Force and was stationed various places throughout the world, including Spain, Ohio, and the Pentagon. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1964.

He married Elaine Yeaman August 8, 1952 in Farmington, Utah. He was later sealed to his wife in the Bountiful, Utah temple. After his retirement, he earned a B.S. degree from Weber State College. Bob and Elaine enjoyed traveling extensively. He especially loved traveling to Alaska with his friends to fight the grizzlies for salmon.

Bob was a member of the Apple Tree Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. He leaves behind one sister, Barbara T. Crowther of Severna Park, Maryland, several nieces and nephews, and numerous good friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 15 at 1:30 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N. Main St., Farmington, Utah. Friends and relatives may call at the mortuary on Friday from 12 noon until 1:15 p.m.to pay their respects. Interment: Farmington City Cemetery.