William “Bill” M. Hart, 85, passed away Friday, October 8, 2010, at the Pioneer Healthcare Center in Rocky Ford. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel with Pastor Tony Bolen officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 12, 2010, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors by High Frontier Honor Guard, Peterson A.F.B., Colorado Springs.

Bill was born March 15, 1925, in Zeypher Hills, Florida to Angus McLean & Elizabeth (Weston) Hart. He married Pearl Gaynelle “Gay” Turner on Nov. 7, 1947 in Washington, DC; she preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 2007.

Bill was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. in 1944. He trained in P-51 Mustangs in Sarasota, Florida and flew the P-51 in Germany. In 1947 Bill left the service and was employed by the FBI in Washington D.C. where he met and married Lt. Pearl Gaynelle Turner. He returned to the Air Force in 1948. He spent tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and was the SAC Commander at the La Junta Bomb Plot from 1968-1971. During his career in the military Bill received two Bronze Stars for exceptional meritorious achievements in Korea & Vietnam. Three Commendation Medals for meritorious achievements; two for Vietnam and one for England. Bill also received the Air Medal for exceptional flight in six combat missions in Southeast Asia.

Bill retired from the Air Force in 1973 and became the business manager at Loma Vista Medical Center until his retirement in 1985. Bill was a Master Mason at East Lincoln Lodge 210 AF & AM in Lincoln, Nebraska. He enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, gardening, rock hounding, ornamental welding (horse shoe cowboy art), canning, cooking, and tying flies. He was a devoted husband and father and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children, Bill (Karen) Hart of Eufallah, Oklahoma, David (Cindy) Hart of Swink, Colorado and Carol (Cary) Chauffe of Des Allemands, Louisiana; grandchildren, Sean (Sharon) Hart of Lakewood, Colorado, Adrian (Abby) Hart of Swink, Kyle Hart of Swink, Kindall (Joel) James of New Orleans, Louisiana, Chase Chauffe of Savannah, Georgia and Connor Chauffe of Des Allemands; great-granddaughter, Adalynn Hart; great-grandson, Gannon Hart; and sister Helen Lucille McCall of Charlotte, NC.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Pearl Gaynelle “Gay” Hart.
Peacock-Larson Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas Valley Hospice Assoc., P.O. Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

 

Community Condolences from Peacock Larsen Funeral Home:

Valerie Borrego

October 16, 2010

Carol and family,

Just a note to send our condolences in the loss of your father. We were the neighbors behind your mom and dads. They were wonderful neighbors and we have missed them so much since they moved. I would take my morning walk and always stop to see them.We did not know that Gay had passed away until we read Bill's obituary. I made them the dish with their picture on it for their anniversary. We miss visiting with them. You had wonderful parents that will be missed by many. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your brothers and the rest of the family.

Susie (Fawcett) Arellano

October 12, 2010

I just wanted to send my prayers your way. I saw the notice in the paper for your father and it brought back memories of LJ as a child. I remember seeing Dave on the driveway with the skateboard for hours! I remember your mom was so nice. I remember your dad used to come home and fix a drink to relax when he got home! Carol, do you remember teaching all of us kids the "hula" dance?

Memories will keep your parents with you always. Many prayers to you all.

Sincerely,

Susie & Joe Arellano

 

Sheree Schwien Blair

October 12, 2010

Dear Carol and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I was always so fond of your folks. You will be in my prayers. Take care of yourselves. Love, Sheree

Beverly Burkhalter Amparan

October 11, 2010

Carol and family, My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your father. I remember him as a warm, humorous man. God bless you all, Beverly Burkhalter Amparan

Jet Explodes at Hensley Field Piloted by Lt. Col William Hart La Junta Air Force Base Commander (1969-71)

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