Thomas Mikita's Obituary
Thomas Mikita, 95, passed away on July 20, 2016 in Cornelius, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Audrey C. Mikita of Waikoloa, Hawaii, parents John and Julianna Mikita, originally from Czechoslovakia, siblings Mary, Ann, Sue, Andy and Pete. He is survived by sister Emma Bubon of Des Moines, Iowa, his three children, Mark (Lindsay) Mikita, Tammy (Mark) Cozens, and Michael (Patti) Mikita, and five grandchildren.
Born in Melcher, Iowa, Thomas attended Melcher High School and soon thereafter joined the Navy. He was commissioned as an ensign in 1944, and taught instrument flying to young cadets in the BT-13 (the Vultee Vibrator) and the SNJ. Other planes flown in the Navy included the Howard DGA-15, Beechcraft D-18, and the DC-3. As World War II was winding down, Thomas thought his Navy experience had ended. He moved to Chicago with his wife Ruth and learned the skill of tool and die making while working for Western Electric. A few years later, he was called back to service for the Korean War. There, as a Lieutenant (junior grade), he transported naval officers across the U.S. in DC-3s.
Soon thereafter, in 1950, he began his airline career with Roscoe Turner Airways in Indianapolis. As companies grew and merged, he worked for Lake Central Airlines, Allegheny Airlines, and US Air. He flew the DC-3, Convair 580, Douglas DC-9, and the Boeing 727. His airline career spanned 49 years.
In retirement, he enjoyed life on the big island of Hawaii for approximately 35 years.
His family expresses special thanks to Autumn Care of Cornelius, North Carolina and Hospice and Palliative Care Lake Norman for their love and support.
Interment will be at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery, Kona, Hawaii.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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