Gonia, Thomas "Tom" George, 89, retired Air Force Master Sergeant and Beech Aircraft Instrument Specialist passed away, Tuesday, September 20, 2011, in Duluth, Minnesota.

Thomas was born December 2, 1921, to Bernard and Fredia (Winkler) Gonia in Oasis, Wisconsin. The family later moved to Schenectady, New York where he graduated from Draper High School. He married Juanita Sollars and she preceded him in death on September 24, 1983.

Tom lived across the street from the Augusta swimming pool and loved watching folks come and go. He also enjoyed church activities. Some of his hobbies were watch repair, leather work, electronics and working with his hands.

His survivors include his sons and their wives Thomas "Alan" and Suzan Gonia of Duluth, Minnesota and Richard "Rick" and Sharon Gonia of Norman, Oklahoma; brother Walter (Mary) Gonia of East Nassau, New York; special friend Pauline Johnston of Augusta; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse and a sister Margaret Dingman.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 25, from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services with military honors will be Monday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m. at Resthaven Cemetery in Wichita.

A memorial has been established with the St. Luke's Hospice, 220 North Sixth Avenue East, Duluth, Minnesota 55805, or in care of the funeral home.

Dunsford Funeral Home & Crematory,
201 East Fifth Avenue, Augusta, Kansas 67010,
316 775-6363 www.dunsfordfh.com