More detail on this person: Ron had a lifelong love of flying and obtained his private license while still in high school. He briefly attend the University of Nebraska in Omaha before joining the U.S. Army. He served in the Army, Army Reserves and National Guard for 26 years. He was most proud of his service to our country in two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Cobra Helicopter pilot and an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker Aviators School. He earned 55 Air Medals and 4 Army commendation awards, 5 for Valor, a Broken Wing Award and Louisiana Cross of Merit. After Vietnam he continued to fly helicopters in the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and Mexico. During his aviation career he accumulated more than 11,000 hours of flight time. Ron joined Civil Air Patrol while in high school and retired as a Major serving for 60 years in numerous positions. He was also a long time member of V.F.W. and the Vietnam Helicopter Association. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Frances Freeman; two daughters: Judy Wortkoetter and Jane Haddock; two granddaughters: Lauren (Eric) Bookout and Jenna Haddock; and two great granddaughters: Natalie Bookout and Raelyn Morgan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Harry and his son, Mark.
Burial information: Sarasota National Cemetery
This information was last updated 08/01/2025
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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