USAF Retired Carl Leroy Lt. Col. Sackett, Jr.

USAF Retired Lt. Col. Carl Leroy Sackett Jr, age 95, died on Thursday, September 15, 2016 in San Antonio, TX. Born on April 03, 1921 in Sheridan, WY to Carl L. Sackett Sr. and Margaret Hall Woods Sackett. Carl graduated from Cheyenne, WY High School in 1938. He then pursued and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in English and Military at the University of Wyoming in 1942.

On April 01,1942, he was commissioned into the Reserves and called to active duty on July 01, 1942. Carl graduated from the Army Air Corps as a pilot which provided the opportunity to serve in the South Pacific ending the tour in Japan as a pilot and flight leader in The Thirsty 13th, the U.S. Army Air Corps 13th Troop Carrier Squadron, 1940 – 1945. Prior to joining the squadron, he had his C-47 painted The Sad Sack (after a cartoon character he liked). He purchased a fifth of rum in Hawaii and in New Caledonia gave it to a mechanic and had the cartoon painted on the nose. Carl completed 6000 pilot hours in some 30 different aircraft during his military career. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. Lt. Col. Sackett's varied military career included overseas tours in Newfoundland and Germany. He received letters of accolades during his Logistics Command recognizing his expert knowledge of material management and outstanding performance in addition to his wartime service. Lt. Col. Sackett was selected as a member of the USAF Financial Management Team in Washington DC where he was recognized for his expert knowledge and contribution to a group that completed a SAF directed, comprehensive examination of the adequacy of financial management data made available at wing/base and the next higher echelon.

During his military career he received the following decorations and awards: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

On July 01,1965, Lt. Col. Carl L. Sackett retired from the United States Air Force at Hill Air Force Base, Utah after more than twenty-three years of service. In the spring of 1951, Carl graduated from The University of Chicago with a Masters of Business Administration. In 1973, Carl founded his own company known as "Mr. Health of Texas" in which he sold fitness, sauna and steam room equipment for residential and commercial use. His clientele included public, private and university schools, professional athletes, gyms, country clubs, and resorts in South Texas and Mexico.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents Carl L. and Margaret Woods Sackett, and two sons Marshall Kevin and Peter Graham Sackett. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Norma Sackett, his son Dale Sackett (Diane), step-daughter Tamera Anderson (Jesse), step-son Ronald Sanders (Mary), grandson Eric Sackett and granddaughter Darcie Gampetra (James) and two great grandchildren Mariana Leigh and Jack Sackett Gampetra. In writings discovered, Carl closed "With praises to my loving wife, Norma (xx) and family. Carl Sackett

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, September 22, 2016 between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, at Porter Loring on McCullough. Father Derek LaBranch will officiate the Funeral Service in the chapel on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM.

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The San Antonio Garden Center or The Assistance League of San Antonio.