USAF Col. Edmond Robert McCarthy

Retiring with the rank of Colonel (USAF), and numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Clusters, "Ed," or "the Colonel" as his Children and their friends affectionately called him, and his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Marguerite ("Sue") McCarthy, became full-time residents of San Antonio following his thirty years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force. Initially assigned to the Armed Forces Radio and Television, his career as a military officer began in 1952 at Waco AFB, Texas, followed by assignments to Saudi Arabia and the then "territory" of Alaska where he established radio and television stations to support our military infrastructure in communications capabilities as well as entertain the troops. During his tour in Alaska, a then young Captain McCarthy coordinated the annual Bob Hope Christmas USO Shows.

A scholar, as well as a soldier and statesman, Ed earned multiple post-graduate degrees over his career. He was most proud of his PhD from Texas A&M University, and so enjoyed the great Aggieland traditions.

In addition to his service to his Country, Edmond was dedicated to serving others. Ed actively served military personnel by working as a volunteer at Brook Army Medical Center and Warrior House. Ed also served as President of both the San Antonio and State Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, dedicating hours to advancing the interests of active duty and retired military personnel at both the State Legislature and Congressional levels. He was also a teacher, interested in helping others advance their own potential. Ed spent more than a decade mentoring Polish Military assigned to the Defense Language Institute at San Antonio's Lackland Air Force Base. He taught classes in English and Computing Science and Computer Literacy to Vietnamese immigrants seeking citizenship and employment opportunities in America post-Viet Nam War. Ed's efforts and dedication were appreciated by his students.

A loving father, Edmond and his wife Sue were blessed with five children and six grandchildren. He is survived by son Edmond Jr. and wife Mary, and grandchildren Edmond III, Sydney and Claire of Austin; son Denis of Caldwell County; daughter Rita Benefield and husband Mike and their grandnephews and niece Matthew Allen, Michael Paul and Matalynn Salas from Bryan-College Station; and Catherine Bormann and husband Charles Sr., and grandchildren Carly Ann and Charles Jr. of Charlotte, Iowa; and grandson Christopher McCarthy of Port Richey Florida, son of Kevin McCarthy who predeceased Ed.

The Family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at the Porter Loring Mortuary (North) located at 2102 North Loop 1604 East, in San Antonio. Additional details can be obtained by calling Porter Loring at (210) 495-8221.

MASS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2012

9:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON MAIN POST CHAPEL

WILSON BLVD.

Interment with full Military Honors will follow at 11:00am at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The family requests consideration of memorial donations to your favorite Charity, or one of the following Charitable Organizations: The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Texas, The Seraphic Sisters, OLS, 138 Beethoven St., San Antonio, TX 78210, Tel: (210) 337-8193 or 337-7017, http://seraphicsisters.org; or St. Mary's Catholic Center at Texas A&M, College Station, Texas, 603 Church Avenue, College Station, TX 77840, Tel: (979) 846-5717, http://www.aggiecatholic.org.