Major (Ret) Lloyd Lee Gemienhardt passed away peacefully on September 28, 2020, Westerville, Ohio. Amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather. A Hero and a Role Model; a life well lived.
Lee had an illustrious career with the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as an Air Force Officer June, 1955. He completed Pilot Training in Laredo, Texas, 1956. Lee was assigned to many Air Force bases across the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia. Highlights of his military career include a covert assignment in Wiesbaden, Germany. He also served as base commander at Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento, California, and was a member of SAC and Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron during his career. Lee was an Ace pilot and achieved the status as Instructor Pilot. Because of his skill and versatility, he flew several different types of aircraft which included B52 Bombers, Trainer Planes and the RF4. Lee flew the RF4 during the Vietnam conflict where he was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in Saigon. Lee was also the Commander-in-Chief of ROTC at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. During his distinguished service in the Air Force, he received many commendations and achievement medals including the Airmen’s Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal, to name a few.
On many occasions, when he would be forced to land his plane due to mechanical problems, often times, the aircraft mechanics weren’t able to make the repairs. He would then get a driver and pick up parts and repair the plane himself and take-off for his intended destination. Lee retired after only 20 years of service as a result of being the victim of a serious car accident.
Driven by his passion for education and academic pursuits, Lee began teaching Physics, Chemistry and Calculus in the Columbus Public School System.
Throughout his life, he maintained the love of music. Lee led his own innovative and influential jazz dance band and was known as Lee Hart. He was an expert arranger and was often consulted by other bands. Lee was an accomplished musician and played the piano, trumpet, trombone and french horn as well as composed original music. He had a love for singing as well and sang at multiple venues across the United States. He frequently sang at the Top Steak House in Columbus, Ohio. He enjoyed the Big Bands and jazz and followed and interviewed many of the performers including Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong to name a few.
Lee received his Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, Master of Science, The Ohio State University and completed his PhD coursework (ABD) from The Ohio State University. Lee was also a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Lee had a contagious and unforgettable smile and possessed a Superhero ability to lift everyone he encountered. He had a keen sense of humor and could tell stories like no other. He also had a wicked, sharp intellect and was a master at games. Lee was on several television game shows lasting 2 weeks on Concentration, as a high winner. He was also on Password, Hollywood Squares and Jeopardy where he was a winner as well. He loved his crossword puzzles and worked the New York Times puzzle daily. Lee also spoke multiple languages including German and French.
Lee was predeceased by his mother and father, Lucille Roseboom and Lloyd L. Gemienhardt, sister, Carol Lou, son-in-law, Dr. Gary Sweitzer, brother Larry F. Gemienhardt.
Survived by beloved and devoted wife, Patricia; twin daughters, Kimber Sweitzer and Kristy Gemienhardt; Granddaughters, Kalia and Kortney Sweitzer; Great Grandson, Kohen; Larry L. Gemienhardt, Brian Sontchi, Steven Grossman and several nephews and nieces along with a host of friends and acquaintances that knew him and loved him.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 5, 2020, from 4pm-6pm, Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home, 289 S. Main Street, Pataskala, Ohio 43062.
A private, family only, service will be performed on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Ohio, which will be officiated by Chaplain Tanner Fixari.
Decallast, Bravo Zulu – Over and Out
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