Bees Thomas H.

Bees, Thomas H., 81, retired flight engineer, died October, 20, 2009, in Wichita, KS after a lengthy illness. He was born Feb. 25, 1928 in New Castle, PA to Richard W. and Margaret Bees. Upon graduation from Union Township High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and maintained aircraft aboard the U.S.S. Rendova. He married his sweetheart, Martina Johns, of New Castle, PA, in 1949 and they resided in Miami, Florida until 1968, when they moved to Dallas, TX. They recently moved to Wichita, KS to be near family. A celebration of Toms life will be held in Dallas on November 14. In civilian life, Tom began his career as an airline mechanic and then as a flight engineer for Eastern Airlines. He investigated several major airline accidents for the FAA. Before he retired, he had flown virtually everywhere around the globe, and was proud of his role delivering food to famine-stricken countries in Africa. He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers; four brothers and three sisters survive. He is survived by Martina, his wife of sixty years; daughters Julie Bees of Wichita, KS (Victor Isakov), Dorothy Erminger (Donald) of Austin, TX, and Sandra L. Simpson of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Jacob and Jonathan Simpson, Daniel and David Erminger, Alina Amstutz, and one great-grandchild. Tom spent his final days surrounded by his wife, daughters Julie and Sandy, and two grandchildren. The family wants to especially thank Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for the exceptional care given to Tom at the end of his life journey. A memorial has been established with Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Tributes may be sent to the family via www.downingandlahey.com For celebration service time and location, please call Dorothy Erminger at 512-331-4771. A celebration of Toms life will be held in Dallas on November 14.