Lloyd Duane Dragoo, Sr. Major in the United States Air Force, WWII Veteran, passed away on May 18, 2018 in San Antonio, TX. He was born on September 6, 1922 in Tremont, IL, the fifth child of George and Effie Dragoo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Harold, Norman, Melvin and a daughter Lynda Diana Klimek.
He is survived by his wife Cynthia “Sam” Dragoo of 36 years; daughter, Lesley Norris (Joe), Laura Dragoo, Lloyd Dragoo, Jr. (Ana), Shannon Grant (Danny), Rachael Freeman (Gary); sister, Virginia L. Eads of Moberly, MO; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He entered the Army Air Corps in February of 1941 upon graduation from the East Peoria Community High School. He later attended Trinity University, the University of Maryland and several specialized courses at the Air University. He was known as a “Mustang” - one who goes through all enlisted ranks. He was commissioned in 1947 and held commission Grades up to Lieutenant Colonel. Upon commissioning, he was retained at the Officer Military School in San Antonio as a Tactical Officer and later an Academic Instructor. During WWII, he served a year and a half in the China/Burma India Theater with the Air Transport Command whose mission was carrying gasoline over the “hump” into China. In later years, he commanded the top recruiting detachment while stationed in San Antonio for which he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. At the time of retirement, he was the Director of Wing Personnel at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, TX.
The day after retirement, he changed uniforms and became Assistant Field Director, ARC, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. From that position, he was appointed to the position of the Director of Corps Military Service, Illinois Central Division, Peoria IL.
He returned to San Antonio in 1970 and entered the auto business, his second love. He worked as sales manager for two large dealerships and subsequently opened his own car business in San Antonio known as the Trading Post. Major Dragoo was a Master Mason in the Anchor Lodge No. 424 in San Antonio and a 32nd Degree Shriner and a member of Alzafar Shrine. He was past President of Toastmaster International. He received numerous service awards while in the military.
The Graveside Service will be at 9:15 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Air Force Honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of one's choice.
