Thomas Lockart Wilborn

Thomas Lockart Wilborn, 93, fondly known as Tom, passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Sally; two daughters, Susan Branner and Sally Elizabeth Malloy with husband, Matthew; plus three grandsons, Luke Malloy, Zachary and William Branner.

He was predeceased by his parents, Verna and Earl, a brother, James, and a grandson, Andrew Branner.

Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 10, 1930, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Following his military service in the Air Force, he returned to the University and completed a Master of Arts and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Political Science degrees.

Following graduation, he joined the Kentucky Research Foundation, which administered an education program between the governments of the United States and Indonesia. He spent two years in Bandung, Indonesia, working at the Institut Teknologi Bandung and serving as a liaison between US personnel and the government of Indonesia.

Returning to the United States, he taught Political Science at Central Missouri State University and James Madison University before coming to Carlisle to join the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College, which conducted research and studies for the Army General staff. As a Research Professor of National Security Affairs, Tom became an expert on Asia, making many trips to the area and writing numerous books and articles related to Asian security, nuclear doctrine and NATO. He received several awards and honors for his work, and became a graduate of the Army War College.

Following his retirement from SSI, Tom worked in the Distance Education Program of the War College, before retirement again. During this time, he also served as Clerk of Session at the First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, and as a volunteer tax advisor for AARP.

He loved his family, reading the New York Times, wearing bow ties, collecting political buttons, playing in a ukulele band, traveling the world and attending the Metropolitan Opera either in New York City or at the movie theater.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, November 24, in the lower dining room of Cumberland Crossings Community Center, Carlisle, led by Chaplain Judy Strayer, with a reception to follow. Please RSVP to the family at 940-206-7515.

Memorial contributions may be made to either:

Church World Service, PO Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515 or Grane Hospice Care, 1200 Camp Hill Bypass, Suite 205, Camp Hill, PA 17011