Lt. Col. Harold W. "Red" Rethmann U.S.A.F. (Ret.)

Harold W. “Red” Rethmann passed away on Sunday, October 22, at the age of 95. He was born in Anchor, IL, on May 23,1922. Shortly after graduating from high school, the beginning of World War II offered him the opportunity to join the Army Air Force Aviation Cadet program leading him to his passion of flying. He completed all flight training and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in March of 1943. During the remainder of the War, he was stationed at Bryan Field, Texas, as in instructor of Instrument Flying. In 1949, he received orders for the Berlin Airlift. During his 7 months in Germany, he made 85 fights into Berlin carrying coal and other necessities. A year later, he was sent to operate a radar site during the Korean War. Other assignments followed including 3 years in Taiwan, Command & Staff School, and completed his Air Force career with 5 years in California with the AF Inspector General. His 21year career in the Air Force earned him the status of “Command Pilot” with over 5000 hours flying time. He retired in 1962. Returning to San Antonio, “Red” began a second 30 year career at Southwest Research Institute.

“Red” met Dorothy Smith in Bryan in 1943. After 2 years of dating, they we married on October 5, 1945. They we married for 51 years until her death in 1996.

“Red “ was a dedicated Christian. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church for 54 years where he served as a “Life Deacon.”

“Red” is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy, his parents, 3 sisters, in-laws, nephews & a niece, and many friends. He is survived by his daughter, Rosemary Carney, her husband Pat, and grandson, Dr. Court Carney.

Services for “Red” will be held at Sunset Funeral Hone on Austin Hwy. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 26, 2017, from 12:00 to 1:00PM with services following at 1:00PM. Internment will follow Military Honors.