BOLLS THOMAS A

2LT Thomas A. Bolls was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 11/12/2022 at the age of 76.2
Prescott, AR
Flight Class 70-20
Date of Birth 09/01/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with B/5 TC 101 ABN in 71-72, 142 TC CO in 72
Call sign in Vietnam BLACK MARIA
This information was provided by Ron Holmes

More detail on this person: Thomas Allen Bolls, of Prescott, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the age of 76 years surrounded by his wife, daughters and sister. Tom, ("TA", or "Buddy" as he was known to family and friends), was born at home in Prescott, Arkansas on September 1, 1946, the son of Fred D. and Thelma Haynie Bolls. He graduated from Prescott high school, Class of 64, he went on to graduate from Henderson State College in 1969. He served as a United States Army Officer from 1969-1973. Upon finishing Flight school Class 70-29, he departed for Vietnam in August of 1970 as a Huey maintenance test Pilot. After returning from the war, he joined the Arkansas National Guard serving a total of 37 years and retiring the first time in 2006 as Chief Warrant Officer 5. While in the guard he also worked as a maintenance test pilot in four different aircraft; UH-1 Huey, OH-58s, AH-1 Cobras, and Blackhawks for the Guard as a Civil Servant. It was at Fort Rucker, Alabama while taking the Blackhawk helicopter course that he met the love of his life, wife Katrina K. (Knight) Bolls who was his stick buddy and training partner. They were married in 2002. Tom continued a life filled with purpose, flying as an Emergency Medical helicopter pilot from 2006 until retiring the second time in 2021. Tom was known for his passion and boundless zest for life. Some of his favorite moments included adventures with his wife, many being in the air, such as parachuting, hang gliding, hot air balloon rides and flying. They also shared a love of hunting, traveling endless miles together in the mountains of many states. He enjoyed spending time at their farm in Prescott and at his wife's family home in Northern Minnesota. These times were filled with both of their large families and many friends. He loved working with his tractor, riding trails on ATVs, shooting his guns, kayaking, walleye fishing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Some of his favorite activities included evenings listening to guitar picking and singing either around the famous Bolls bonfires or at the cabin up in Minnesota, and dancing to the music with family and friends. Tom will be remembered by his kind and generous spirit. His quietness, quick wit and view of the world, conveyed in his slow drawl endeared him to all who met him. His larger-than-life smile and infectious laugh, accompanied with his selfless acts of thoughtfulness showed his great capacity to love. He gained his wings for the ultimate adventure, taking flight one last time, to meet Jesus. His wife Katrina described it best, "Life with Buddy is like a wonderful dance. I have enjoyed every step from the very beginning, never wanting it to come to an end. I love you, Buddy! Wishing you clear blue and 22. Fly High, my love! Tom is survived by his wife, Katrina, his daughter Natalie Bolls Roller and her husband Sam, stepdaughter Teresa Henderson Moore and her 3 children Bethany, Clayton and Dustin, along with her 8 grandchildren, stepsons Cody Knight and Casy Chapin. Also surviving are his five sisters, Mary Nell Rogers (Jerry), Martha Loomis (Bill), Barbara Lamastus, Dinah Rouse (Bob) and Debbie Bolls-Whitlock, many in-laws and numerous nephews and nieces! Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Arlen J. Bolls and Charles F. Bolls, Sr. A Celebration of Life in his memory is planned for December 17,2022 at 2 pm. Indoor event at Shady Grove Church, Prescott, AR followed by Military honors and graveside farewell at Liberty cemetery.

Burial information: Liberty cemetery

This information was last updated 01/25/2023

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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024


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