Colonel Thomas Arthur Linn, "Tom", died at Fort Walton Beach, FL hospital on February 22, 2025, after a lengthy health decline. Tom was a believer in Christ and his family takes comfort in the fact that he is at peace and fully healed, walking with Jesus in heaven.

Tom was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska on July 20, 1942. He was a graduate of Ness City High School, the University of Kansas (BS) and Webster University (MA). He retired after 28 years in the United States Air Force. Tom was stationed throughout the United States as well as Southeast Asia and the Republic of Korea. Without a doubt his favorite job was as a navigator on a C-141 aircrew.  As such he was on the aircrew that returned 20 of our ex-POWs from Clark Air Base, Philippines to the United States. He remained qualified on the aircraft until his retirement. In addition to his service as a C-141 crew member he flew 78 combat missions in southeast Asia.  He was promoted to Colonel on August 1, 1988, and finished his career as Commander of two Air Force test centers on January 31, 1993. He married Annette Jones on October 3, 1964, and they just celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Tom would not have accomplished what he did in life without Annette's total support. She was in fact both mother and father to Sean and Shannon during the many days and years that Tom was either on a remote assignment or on temporary duty away from home. She was equally as supportive in his career fulfilling the many unpaid but expected duties of an Air Force wife.

Tom spent a great portion of his life suffering from life altering depression, panic attacks and anxiety.  Given all that he accomplished and how he behaved, this will come as a big surprise to most people.  His last years were very difficult in this regard. His faith, supportive friends and family, and amazing Crosspoint church family helped tremendously but those things could not fully heal him.  He finally reached out for help 30 years ago and he would wish anyone suffering in this way to do the same.

Tom felt no differently about his children's spouses, Elvia and Chuck, than he did about his children, Sean and Shannon. They were a joy to be around. He took great pride in his kids, their spouses, and especially his six grandchildren. Sean and Elvia have four children: Tori (Shane), Anna, Alex and Daniel while Shannon and Chuck have two sons: Nathan and William "Bear". Tom loved animals, especially dogs, and they were a big part of his life. His beautiful Shetland Sheepdog Paisley gave him great comfort during the last few difficult years.

Tom's remains will be cremated and his ashes scattered on Ray and Edna Uehling's farm in Ness City where he was happiest.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edith Linn and his sister Barb Lindstrom.  He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and a special brother-in-law, Jim Lindstrom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Taunton Family Children's home, Box 870, Wewahitchka FL 32456.  Tom worked as a Guardian ad Litem for years. It was difficult work but rewarding for him.  Tom truly believed in what the Taunton family did for many children over the years and he was honored to support them.