Tom Garrison Laster passed away on February 20, 2012 in Springfield. He was born to Don and Gladys Potter Laster in Des Moines, Iowa on July 21, 1921. A basketball standout at Roosevelt High School he continued his education at Grinnell and Iowa State before joining the war effort in 1943. Serving as a B-26 pilot for the 5th and 9th Air Force, he was shot down over Germany on his 8th mission and continued to fly 52 missions earning numerous medals, including the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters and Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon returning home, he became an Asst. Professor of Military Science at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and later flew 50 reconnaissance missions over Korea. Leaving the service with the rank of Captain, he worked for Hoerner Boxes, and then Champion International moving his family all over the Midwest and retiring in Lake Forest, Illinois as a Vice-President and Area Manager. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking, golfing, reading and writing his war story. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Lindemuth Laster; a daughter, Becky Crow (Rick) of Cape Girardeau, MO; a son, Todd Laster of Springfield; and one grandson, Ryne Laster of Springfield. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister. A memorial service will be held Friday, at 11 a.m. in First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, 820 E. Cherry, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.