Colonel Thomas L. O’Steen, Sr., 88, of Colonial Heights, Virginia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilda J. O’Steen; and two sons, Thomas L. O’Steen Jr. and Patrick W. O’Steen. Tom was born in Monroe, Louisiana on December 15, l929. Upon completion of high school in 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. As an enlisted airman, Tom was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant and was recommended for Officers Candidate School, where he received his Air Force Officers commission. During his Air Force career, Tom flew numerous missions during the Cold War years, including 24-hour non-stop B-52 flights around the world, the Berlin Air Lift, the Cuban Missile Crisis and many others. He also served as a flight instructor for air-to-air refueling missions for B-52 bombers. As part of the Strategic Air Command, Tom served as the Commander of the Washington Air Defense Sector stationed at Fort Lee. In addition, he was assigned to the Pentagon, where he served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States. After his retirement from the Air Force, Tom was recruited as the Data Processing Manager for the Virginia State Police for another ten years before fully retiring from a life of service to others. During Tom’s life he served his country with honor and dedication. In addition, he loved and served his family with the dedication of a true husband and father. During his time on this earth, Tom touched many lives and will be truly missed by all of those that knew and loved him. Tom is survived by his wife of 27 years, Rose B. O’Steen; his daughter, Wilda “Tink” Norwood; his son, Daniel E. O'Steen; and his step-children, Rosemary O’Steen, Randy Thomas Sr., Carl Thomas, Donald Thomas; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, with the Reverend Randy Thomas officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

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