Thomas Manjak

MANJAK, THOMAS Thomas Manjak, 81, of Waco, passed away Friday, January 28, 2005 at a local hospital. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, February 3, 2005 at Dallas Ft-Worth National Cemetery. Mr. Manjak was born January 5, 1924 in Pittsburg, PA. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1942 following Pearl Harbor. During his military career, he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He flew his favorite P47 Thunderbolt and P51 Mustang during WWII and the F86 Sabre in the Korean conflict. He completed 3 tours of duty. During part of this time, he flew with his dog, Woody, in the cockpit. He received 39 commendations including 2 purple hearts. He was a devoted husband and father until the day he died. Thomas frequently said “I had the privilege of serving my country for 24 years, I have seen the 4 corners of the world and I have loved only 1 woman, my wife, and I have no regrets.” He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Gloria Shaw, in 1989; sisters, Mary Minnick, Stella Urchak and brother Michael Manjak. Survivors include son, Michael Manjak and fiancée Leigh Ann Schenk of Arlington; grandchildren, Samuel Drake and Casey Wines; sisters, Ann McKeage of Denver, CO, and Constance Dassing of Pittsburg, PA; brother, Joseph C. Manjak and nephew Bill Manjak. The family invites you to leave a message or memorial in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY