USAF John F. Waguespack Lt. Col., Jr.

John F. "Jeff" Waguespack, Jr., LtCol USAF (Ret.), of San Antonio, died Friday, November 29, 2013, at age 95, after a series of illnesses. Born July 6, 1918, son of John Francis Waguespack and Aline Lirette Waguespack, Jeff was preceded in death by his sisters, Linelle Wood, Margaret Waguespack, Louise "Bitta" Laroussini Quinn, and brother, J. Gerard "Gerry" Waguespack, all of New Orleans, LA.

He is survived and sadly missed by his wife of 71 years, Lois Waguespack; son, John F. "Jeff" Waguespack, III and wife, Laura of Dallas, TX; daughter, Lois Matelan and husband, Nick of Glendale, CA; son, Kendall Louis Waguespack and wife, Alina of Austin, TX; sister, Aline "Tousa" Davis and husband, Don of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Eve, Eleanor, Aline Marie and Robert; great-grandchildren, Austin and Sophie; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Born on Canebrake Plantation south of Houma, LA, Jeff grew up in New Orleans. When World War II broke out, he enlisted and served in the Army Air Force. He flew 50 missions as a B-17 pilot in the 99th Bomber Group over southern Europe and the Mediterranean, earning a Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross with multiple citations for bravery.

He married the love of his life, Lois Schroeder, on May 2, 1942, and returned from his overseas duty to join her in rearing two sons and a daughter, first in Lafayette, LA, and later in New Orleans.

Jeff placed a high value on education, but deferred his own plans to meet the responsibilities of raising a family. He encouraged and supported his wife as she gained a B.A. and M.A., and his sons and daughter as they all graduated from college.

He finally earned his own B.S. in Transportation Systems from Stockton College, New Jersey in 1974. After active duty, Jeff continued in the Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration until retiring in 1979 and moving to McAllen, TX. He and Lois spent over a year in Singapore as liaison with ICAO.

In 1981 he suffered a stroke that permanently damaged his leg. Active in Republican politics in the Valley, he twice ran for the Texas legislature.

In 1999, Jeff and Lois moved to Air Force Village II in San Antonio, TX, where they were active and enthusiastic participants in retired life until his recent illnesses.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made in his name to the Chapel at Air Force Village II.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 2013 AT 11:30 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

FUNERAL MASS

FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 2013 AT 1:30 P.M.

AIR FORCE VILLAGE II CHAPEL

RECEPTION FOLLOWS in the LEMAY ROOM