Ronnie Beezley

KELLER -- Ron Beezley, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, following a short illness.        Memorial service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept 15, at First United Methodist Church, 800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth.        Originally from Eugene, Ore., Ron married the love of this life, Juanita Conner, in 1957. After graduating from the University of Oregon, where he received his commission through ROTC, he entered the Air Force in 1959.        A member of the Strategic Air Command, he was a pilot of various planes, including the B-52 and B-58. He served four tours in Southeast Asia, flying over 200 combat missions and logging over 1,400 combat hours. After tours of duty that included Glasgow, Mont., Little Rock, Ark., Spokane, Wash., Omaha, Neb., Fort Worth and the Pentagon, Ron was assigned to Guam, where he served as vice commander and then wing commander of the 43rd Strategic Wing. Following his Air Force service of almost 28 years, ending his career a command pilot with over 5,700 flying hours, and numerous medals including the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross, he then was employed as an instructor by American Airlines for 17 years.        He was a member of First United Methodist Church.        Ron was a true family man, a devoted husband, Dad and Papa. He had such compassion for everyone. His strong presence in our lives will be greatly missed. "Beez" had many friends and family across this great nation. You all were a cherished part of his life. Our Dad was a man of strong faith, courage, strength and love. With that said, we would like to say, Thank you Dad (Papa)...it's been an honor. We love you.        Survivors: His wife of 55 years, Juanita Conner Beezley; daughter, Donna Beezley of North Richland Hills; son, David and wife, Pam Beezley, of Bend, Ore.; daughter, Sherri and husband, Robert Hancock, of Keller; grandchildren, Ryon Williams of San Antonio, Rhona and husband, Jeremy Joseph, of Burleson, Christa Beezley of Fresno, Calif., Ky Hancock of Keller; great-grandchildren, Jordon and Jaiden Joseph; and sister, Diane Beezley of Eugene, Ore.