Frank M. Huffer Jr.

Frank was born and raised on a small farm in Leesburg, Virginia. His passion for flying started when he was a little boy. 'Barnstormers' of that era frequently visited the farm and Frank became so enchanted he knew his future was in flying. Shortly before December 7, 1941, he became a civilian instructor for the Army Air Corp. After Pearl Harbor he became a 'Flying Sergeant', later commissioned a First Lieutenant, he continued his role as a flight instructor.

At the close of World War II, Frank decided to make the military his career and re-enlisted with a rank of Master-Sergeant, stationed at Mather Field. There Frank met his soon wife-to-be, Mary Elizabeth Lee. Mary passed away four years ago but they had a wonderful military life of almost sixty years, traveling through Asia, Europe, the United States and various bases throughout the world.

Frank was stationed in Japan with his wife Mary and children, Kay and John, as part of the occupational forces when the Korean War broke out. He found himself ferrying supplies to Korea and returning wounded soldiers to Japan, many times coming under enemy fire while landing and taking off in Korea. From Korea, Frank and family went to Holloman AFB in New Mexico, a research and development facility.

After this assignment, they were sent to Baltimore, Germany, and England before returning to the States to be stationed in Belleville, Illinois.

A third war, Vietnam, beckoned Frank where he was in charge of constructing an airbase in the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon completing his tour of Vietnam, Frank decided three wars were enough and retired after 27 years serving his country. His most prized possession of his military service was his Command Pilot status, the highest flying award and only given to those who completed an extraordinary amount of flying time, when he was a Captain. After retirement, Frank and Mary settled in Sacramento where they spent time enjoying their many relatives and friends.

Survivors include daughter, Kay Berg of Alta Loma, CA, John Huffer of Corpus Christie, TX and stepson Clifford Lee of Whittier, CA. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, many great-, and great-great-grandchildren. Frank also has a younger brother, Julian of Toronto, Canada.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.