John Earl Col. Bales

On April 17, 2016, Col. John Bales (USAF, Ret) took his rest, slipped the surly bonds of earth, and woke to the welcoming arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John served his country as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force for twenty-three years. In both word and deed, he exemplified the USAF Core Values of Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. During his career, John flew the F-84 Thunderjet, F-86 Sabre, and the F-100 Super Sabre. His favorite fighter however, was his beloved F-4E Phantom II which can slice the sky at twice the speed of sound (and you can bet he knew that first-hand). In Vietnam, John flew over 200 combat missions in his F-4E and was awarded multiple Air Medals (1st – 10th Oak Leaf Cluster) as well as two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He earned his first DFC for courageous action and superior airmanship in the face of accurate and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and successfully delivering his ordinance against infiltrating enemy forces along a key supply route. John was awarded his second DFC in an extremely hazardous and demanding aerial strike where, with superior airmanship and accuracy, he destroyed a heavily defended hostile base camp that was delivering fire on nearby friendly units. John returned from Vietnam as Major Bales and then served at the Pentagon for four years where he was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel. and then full Colonel. He retired from the Air Force in 1976 after serving at Randolph AFB where he was awarded the Legion of Merit. His selfless commitment to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, is an inspiring example of what it means to serve as officer in the United States Air Force and a cherished memory for those who knew and loved this amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and warrior.

John's love of country was surpassed only by his love for his family and, even more so, his Lord. John fell in love with and married an extraordinary and beautiful woman named Margaret who would be his soul mate for over 62 years. Together they raised four children, Malcolm, Karen, Lisa and Andrew. After his retirement from the Air Force, John returned to school and received an MBA from UTSA. After working for several years, he retired fully and he and Margaret began the second half of their life together seeing the world, loving on their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and remaining active in church. As dedicated as he was to serving this nation, John never lost sight of his priorities: God; Family; Country; in that order. Indeed, his greatest legacy is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ that he and Margaret shared with their four children. That faith will echo through our family, and beyond, for generations to come. We praise God for their example of fidelity to each other and to Him!

John was predeceased by: his parents, John and Mary Bales; his in-laws, Malcolm and Margaret Kerley; his sister, Dorothy Roper and husband Raymond; his brother-in-law, Jerry Dow; and two grandsons, Malcolm G. Bales and Timothy Bales.

In addition to his wife and children, John is survived by: his sister-in-law, Annette Dow; his daughter-in law, Betsy Bales; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Bales; his nephew, Matt Dow and wife Lisa; his nephew, Greg Dow and wife Sharon; his nephew Luke Dow; his nephew Doug Roper and wife Ruth; his niece Mary Ann Humble and husband Steve.

As the saying goes, John's quiver was full. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shannon Morrison and husband Josh; Sarah Mikkelsen and husband Emil; Amy Madore and husband Ross; David House and wife Sarah; Brigid Pitts and husband Joey; John Edmonds; Laura House; Kelly Bales; Courtney Edmonds; Melissa Edmonds; Jeffrey House; John A. Bales; John P. Bales; Stephen Bales; Megan Bales.

John's great-grandchildren are: Audrey Morrison; Molly Pitts; Clark Morrison; Alex Morrison; Hannah Edmonds; Riley Edmonds; Charles Pitts; Elle Morrison; James Pitts; Margot Morrison; Nina Mikkelsen; David Bales; Josephine Pitts.

Having served as an Air Officer Commanding at the Air Force Academy from 1963 – 1967, the school held a special place in John's heart. Consequently, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the United States Air Force Academy Endowment via https://www.usafa.org/Give.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 20, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

11:30 AM

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.