Eugene Raunikar

Lt. Col. Eugene Raunikar, US Air Force Retired, age 95, of Old Saybrook, CT passed away at his home on June 29, 2023. Born April 30, 1928, in McAlester, OK, he was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Vidergar) Raunikar. He grew up on his family farm in Grayson Valley Oklahoma, formerly a part of the Choctaw Indian Nation, attending a one-room country school, the first 8 grades.

Gene attended Oklahoma A&M State College prior to enlisting in the Air Force in 1948. He was accepted into the Navigation Cadet Program in 1950, and was awarded a Regular Air Force Commission for graduating first in his class in 1951. Three years later, he attended Pilot Training, receiving his wings in 1955. For most of his career, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) as a Tanker/Bomber Operations and Planning Officer. He served two tours in the Southeast Asian Theatre, flew 196 combat missions in Reconnaissance and Aerial Refueling, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, three Commendation Medals, and other decorations.

After retiring, he devoted his time to life with his wife of 46 years, Betsy and their family, home, yard, and gardens. With his love of woodworking, he constructed many reproductions of early American Colonial Furniture. His home was filled with many Raunikar originals, and he built a few special pieces for his family as well, each discreetly engraved with his initials and the year of production. He also amassed quite a collection of wooden ducks, rendered life-like with his painting, that he shared with family and friends.

He had great pride in his grandchildren, and for years the family gathered on Christmas morning for stacks and stacks of pancakes, bacon, and sausage that he had spent hours cooking. More than the gifts, the lasting memory of Christmas was the breakfast feast that he prepared. The annual Easter Egg hunt was another highlight, with the grandchildren running all over his backyard in search of the colored eggs.

Gene is survived by his daughter Marla Bogaert and her husband John of Essex, and their children Will and his wife Laura (Frechette), and Julia; and his son Mark and wife Jane (Soboleski) of Old Saybrook and their children Brendan, Annie, and Jason and his wife Amanda (Rodriguez). He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth (Betsy) Bush, son Karl, and brothers Eddie, Frank, Joseph, and Robert.

Special thank you to his angels Mary, Sue, “T”, and more that cared for and loved Gene during his final journey, making it possible for him to stay in his beloved home of 55 years.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:30 am at the Robinson, Wright, & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT, followed by interment with Military Honors at Riverside Cemetery in Old Saybrook.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gene’s name to Old Saybrook Fire Co No. 1. 310 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, or a charity of your choice.