Life story Lt. Col. Albert Neal Thom, (USAF, Ret.), age 94, long time resident of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at The Oaks at North Pointe in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was the younger of two children born in Anderson, Indiana to John and Florence (Goettle) Thom of Noblesville, Indiana. After graduating from Noblesville High School, he attended Purdue University where he graduated and played football. He then served in World War II as a bombardier in the US Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theatre. He was awarded the Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses while serving our country. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. After World War II, he coached football for twelve years at East Gary and Aurora, Indiana high schools. He moved to Madison in 1958 and worked as an assistant principle at Madison High School and then principal at E.O. Muncie Elementary School for twenty-two years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Madison Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed watching sports, reading, golf and time with his family. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Richard and Sue Thom of Denver, North Carolina, and Randy and Sharon Thom of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren: David Alcorn (Nina), Bryan Alcorn, Megan Alcorn, Chris Alcorn (Lan), Ryan Thom (Carrie), Jennifer Reihl (Jason) and Jason Thom (Charmarie); two step-grandchildren: Heather Waterson (Tim) and Aaron Whiting; ten great grandchildren: Luca, Jude, Simone, Ryker and Jaxson Alcorn, Josephine, Isabelle, Thaddaeus and Charlotte Thom, and Benjamin Reihl; one niece, Colleen Beckner; and one nephew, Jim Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, the former Joan Caldecott on June 21, 2009, and to whom he was married on September 22, 1946 in Noblesville; one daughter, Sharon Thom Alcorn on May 12, 1998; and one sister, Martha Williams. Mr. Ryan Thom will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the Lytle Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the Lytle Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 PM Friday, August 30 and from 9:00 to 10:00 AM Saturday at the funeral home. The Honor Guard of Jefferson Post #9, American Legion will conduct military graveside services at the cemetery chapel. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Sharon Thom Alcorn Scholarship Fund. Contribution envelopes are available at the funeral home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Albert N. Thom (USAF,) Ret.), please visit our floral store.