Published 5:17 pm Thursday, August 6, 2009, Tryon Daily Bulletin

Tommy was born in Gary, Indiana on September 22, 1923. He was a long-term resident of Tryon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claire Thorne-Thomsen, his two children, Lynn and John, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Thorne-Thomsen. He is survived by his brother, Fletcher Thorne-Thomsen, and his wife, Barbara, of Shreveport, La., sister-in-law, Merle Popham, and husband, Neil, of Florida and seven nieces and nephews.

Right after Pearl Harbor, Tommy enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. During World War II, he served in England as an expert on bomb site service and maintenance. After the war, he returned to Indiana and attended Purdue University earning his engineering degree. Upon completion of his engineering degree, he worked for Olin Brass. In addition to his employment with Olin Brass, Tommy and Claire owned an independent business manufacturing small items and engraving.

Tommy and Claire moved to Tryon in 1982 where he became active in Tryon's Habitat for Humanity helping to build homes. He was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Tryon and was a member of the Rotary Club.

The family appreciates the hospital staff of Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville, Tenn., Hospice of Cumberland County and the care provided by niece, Ann Berry, of Crossville, Tenn. They also appreciate the help provided by many of Tommy's friends in Tryon.

Memorials may be made to the Tryon Presbyterian Church at 430 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, N.C. 28782 or the St. Luke&squo;s Hospital Foundation, Inc. at 101 Hospital Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, August 14, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Tryon Presbyterian Church.