Thomas was born June 16, 1921 in Buckholtz, Texas the son of Charles and Frances (Kalenvoski) Tydlacka. He later moved with his parents to Taylor, Texas.

He graduated from St. Marys Catholic School in Taylor, Texas and attended Texas A and I before enlisting in the US Army Air Forces August 5, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas. He had pilot training at the University of Minnesota, receiving his commission April 15, 1945 in Douglas, Arizona.

June 30, 1945 he married Myrtle Ecker in Minneapolis. They lived in Lincoln, Nebraska and Fredrick, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged at Ft. Sam Houston September 14, 1946. They co-owned and operated the Corner Caf and Hotel in Henning, Minnesota and in 1948 purchased the L. B. Hartz agency store in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. He retired in 1980.

Thomas was a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church, the American Legion, Red Lake Falls Civic and Commerce Association, Sportmens Club and Pathfinders Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Grandchildren often accompanied him and he loved helping them learn the sport. He loved them and his family.

Survivors include his wife and five children: Thomas, Jr. (Bonnie) Tydlacka, Pensacola, Florida; Charles (Julie) Tydlacka, Viking, Minnesota; Michael (Bobbie) Tydlacka, Hutchinson, Minnesota; Jerome Pete (Bonnie) Tydlacka, Red Lake Falls, Minnesota and Mary Jo (Bob) Schaeppi, North St. Paul, Minnesota. Also one brother, Monsignor George Tydlacka, Manor, Texas and one sister, Helen Konapka, Livingston, Texas. Also 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Charles (an infant), Captain Victor Tydlacka, US Coast Guard, Monsignor Jerome Tydlacka, Domino Tydlacka, two sisters, Evelyn Havelka and Claudine Gest.