William Price III Obituary

HYDE PARK, Utah - Loving husband and father William Thomas Price III, Colonel, USAF (retired), 73, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010, from complications of a stroke. He was born Sept. 8, 1937, in Junction City, Kan., to William T. Price, Jr. and Mabel Fern (Hobson) Price. He married his high school sweetheart, Frances Ann Whitley, on July 6, 1958, and celebrated 52 years of marriage this year. He graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in history and government before being commissioned an officer in the Air Force. He went on to receive a master's degree from the University of Southern California in international relations in London.
During his military service, Tom and his family's tours of duty included those in the United States, England and Germany. Early in his career, Tom worked in missiles and was poised and ready during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, he went into the intelligence field, in which he excelled. He worked three tours at the Pentagon, and his positions included Israeli Desk officer. At USAFE Headquarters in Ramstein, Germany, Tom worked as the Director of Operational Intelligence. He continued in that capacity at PACAF, Hickam, AFB, HI. Tom received numerous commendations and awards during his career, including the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam where he served two tours of duty. He retired as a colonel after 28 years of honorable service. Following his military career, Tom enjoyed success in a second career supporting the intelligence community in a variety of civilian jobs. He was a dedicated patriot and we are proud of his service to country in and out of uniform.
In 1963, the Price family was converted and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tom had a strong testimony and love for his Heavenly Father, which he shared often. He served on many high councils, as branch president, ward mission leader and in the Washington D.C. LDS Temple.
Tom had a great love for his country and was infinitely proud to be an American. He had strong political opinions, only bolstered by his long-time career in the Washington, D.C., area. He was looking forward to this past election and we're sure he's thrilled with the outcome. If only he could have voted absentee. Living in Washington, D.C., also resulted in a passion for the Washington Redskins, and you did not want to be in the room if they lost! Tom was a lifelong car enthusiast who loved to restore vintage cars. He had just completed work on his beloved '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe and showed it to anyone he could corner. He never met a cookie he didn't like. Tom was nicknamed "The Dog Whisperer" and fed any random dog that showed up at his doorstep. Since moving to Cache Valley, Tom stole the heart of his daughter's shih-tzu, Milo, and vice versa. As his friends will attest, they were each other's sidekick and were rarely seen apart. Tom was extremely witty and everyone's best friend. He loved, loved, loved people and could make conversation with anyone. Tom was incredibly smart. He had such wisdom in many arenas, which drew advice-seeking from many. His opinion was highly regarded.
Tom was a righteous patriarch of his family and tremendous example. He treated his wife, Fran, as sweet today as he did in high school. He loved spending time with her and they've been joined at the hip since retirement. He was a wonderful father to his five children and was happiest when he felt like he was helping. Tom was highly respected in his community and made a run for mayor of Hyde Park last year. Despite a narrow defeat, his commitment continued and he remained active in the best interest of Hyde Park.
Tom is survived by his wife, Fran; daughters Penny Kilger, Susan Ellsworth, Vicki Jackson, Melissa Mantor; son William T. Price IV; and brother Jim Price of Abilene, Kan. He is blessed with 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Judith Ann Hoekstra.
A viewing will be on Sunday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Allen Mortuary, 420 E. 1800 North in North Logan. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 8, at noon at the Hyde Park Stake Center at 535 E. 200 South, preceded by a viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Hyde Park Cemetery.
Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net.