Harry Dean Blout, beloved father and friend passed away on March 6, 2020 in Colorado Springs. He was born in Berwyn, Illinois to Harry Leo Blout and Nola Leah (Osborn) Blout. His older brothers were Clayton Carrol Blout and Bennett Osborn Blout, both deceased.
Harry graduated from the University of Illinois where he met and married Patricia Ann Pryor of Galva, Illinois. They had two sons, Daniel, who passed in 2017, and Marcus, now a resident of Canon City. Harry is survived by Marcus, and grandson Scott and granddaughter Kate, her husband David Macumber and their sons, Nolan, Blake and Connor.
After graduating the University of Illinois, Harry was commissioned an Air Force Second Lieutenant and went off to pilot training. There, Harry discovered his life-long love of flying. After receiving his pilot wings and later, FAA certificates and ratings, he logged over 19,000 hours as a pilot and instructor.
Harry was never far from aviation. He was docent at the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver and was one of its early presidents. He was a docent at the Pueblo Aircraft Museum where an airplane he has flown in his Air Force days happens to be on display. In 1993, he was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.
For nine years he owned and flew a World War II Stearman open cockpit biplane. For several years he flew over kick-offs at the Air Force Academy football home games. He gave many people an introduction to a loop and/or a spin.
He was awarded a Bronze star for his service in Thailand. He received and Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster for his service with the Air Force Academy staff and facility. He also received and FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award (no violations, no accidents for 50 years).
Harry departed this life appreciating the affection, care and help given to him in his final years by his son, Marcus. He leaves behind memories of good times with friends and staff at Bonaventure Retirement Residence.
Service is at 10:00 am, May 28, 2020 at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Inurnment 2:00 p.m. at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum at www.pwam.org or to Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum at www.wingsmuseum.org.