Thomas Campbell Glover

Thomas C. Glover (Tom), DDS, was born to Letty Campbell Glover and Thomas B. Glover in Desmet, Idaho, on October 17, 1923. He died December 2, 2015, at his home in Colbert, Washington. Tom was a proud graduate of Rogers High School, and he was honored to have been inducted into its Walk of Fame. He graduated from Rogers in January 1942, starting school at Gonzaga University the next day. While still eighteen, Tom enlisted into the air cadets, U.S. Army Air Force in September 1942. He arrived at the China/Burma/India Theater in March 1944, and he served as a bombardier on a B24 combat crew. Tom flew thirty-one combat missions with the 10th and 14th Air Force Burma, China and Siam. Among other recognition, Tom was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and Distinguished Unit Citation. Tom discharged from the Air Force in September 1945, attended Gonzaga University, and returned to active duty in 1948. He completed pilot training and was assigned to the 98th Bomb Group out of Fairchild Air Force base as a B-29 pilot. He was assigned to Japan in August 1950 and flew fifty-three missions in Korea. Tom was a member of the local hangar of the Quiet Birdmen, where he appreciated the company of other former pilots, and of The Pyramidiers (retired 98th Group/Wing Veterans Association). After he left active duty in 1953, Tom again enrolled in Gonzaga, then went to Marquette University in 1954 to study dentistry. Tom graduated with a DDS in 1958, the same year he married Elaine Glover, M.D. Tom and Elaine relocated from Wisconsin to Tom’s home town in Spokane, where he organized the dental assisting school and taught for a year at Spokane Community College. He then practiced dentistry in Spokane from 1959 to 1989. From 1961 until his death, Tom and his family actively bred and showed Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. These horses were his joy, and they earned Arabian Horse Association and Pinto Horse Association national championships as well as many, many regional honors. Tom was always positive and brave. He never gave up. After he became legally blind, he graduated via the Veteran’s Administration from the American Lake Blind Rehabilitation Center in September 2011. Faced with serious and chronic health problems, he remained optimistic and active, planning for his show horses and anticipating the future. Tom is survived by his wife, Elaine Glover, M.D.; his son and grandson (Thomas E. Glover [Oliver Von Birkenwaldau] and Sam); his daughter (Susan Glover-Neff [Steve Neff]; and his daughter (Sylvia Glover). He is also survived by: his sister (Donna Carter); a niece (Joan Carter Krogman) and her children; and a nephew (Tom Carter). His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by many cousins, including Glenn Ellsworth of Colbert. Tom valued the friendship and camaraderie of Andy Spolski, Air Force RO/ECM Operator, who remains a close friend of the family. He was preceded in death and recalled most fondly George Quimby, his best friend from Spokane as a child and a companion until George’s recent death. Tom often regaled his family with stories of Dale (Fearless) Maluy, with whom he flew in Korea, who preceded him in death, as did other colleagues from the Air Force, including Navigator Martin McMinn, whose daughter Mary Dee McMinn remained a surrogate daughter/niece to Tom, and Flight Engineer Eddie Ludwig. Lisa Lydon also became a surrogate daughter very much valued by Tom. No service is planned. Tom and his family offer special thanks to all those providing care. Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to: House of Charity, 32 W Pacific Ave, Spokane, WA 99201(part of Catholic Charities of Spokane) (in appreciation of the guidance and care provided by LeRoy Byrd, M.D., over the years); or Washington State University/College of Veterinary Medicine in support of the “canine orthopedic service in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital” or the “Clinic Equine Development Fund.” Memorial gifts can be sent to the College of Veterinary Medicine at P.O. Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164-7010.