Col. Henry F. “Hank” Lackey flew his final mission to Heaven on Sept. 14, 2019 at age 86. Henry Lackey was born March 23,1933 in Gallatin Co. (Junction, IL). He graduated from Equality Township H.S. 1949. He began his USAF career as an enlisted man April 1953. He graduated from Pilot Training & was commissioned 2nd Lt. through the Aviation Cadet Program Feb. 1955. After completing Advanced All-Weather Interceptor Training, he was assigned to Air Defense Command, & from 1956-1960, served as a pilot, Flight Commander & Assist. Air Operations officer with the 331st Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Stewart AFB, NY & Webb AFB, TX. From 1960-1963, he served as Operations Officer & Group Chief of Safety at Aviano AB, Italy. Upon his return to the U.S., he was assigned as an F-102 pilot & Group Chief of Safety at Truax Field, WI. In 1966, upon completion of F-106 Combat Crew Training, he was assigned to the 95th FIS at Dover AFB, DE, as a pilot & Chief of Safety. In 1969, he was assigned as Chief of Safety for Air Forces Korea, Osan AB. He returned to serve with the 87th FIS at Duluth International Airport, MN & K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI, as F-106 Flight Commander, from 1970-1973. From 1973-1977, he was assigned as Air Defense Weapons Center Chief of Safety, at Tyndall AFB, FL. Then Col. Lackey was assigned as Director of Safety, Office of Inspector General, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. He retired with 31 years, 11 months of service in Feb. 1985. He obtained a B.S. Degree from the Univ. of Nebraska. His military education included Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces & Air War College. A Command Pilot with +5,500 hours in fighter & trainer aircraft, Col. Lackey holds the Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, & the Combat Readiness Medal. Col. Lackey was a lifetime member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), & of the MOAA (Military Officers Association of America). After his military retirement, for the next 20 years, Col. Lackey gave his testimony for Jesus, & taught Biblical principles in Christian fellowships & churches, throughout the world. Later, he (& wife Lill), became “Health Ministers”, teaching & practicing heathy diet & living. He represented (for free) & won a large settlement, with the Dept. of Labor, for a Christian friend, after a hired attorney was unsuccessful. In 2015, Col. Lackey published his biography “Farm-Boy to Fighter Pilot”. Col. Hank Lackey was a grand marshal in the 2017 Memorial Day “Heroes Parade” in Lakewood Ranch, FL. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian. They’ve lived in the Lakewood Ranch (Bradenton, FL) area for the past 20 years. Until recently, they were able to attend the Happy Gospel Center. They have a son, Mark Lackey (Kathy) of Lynn Haven, FL & a daughter, Lisa Hill (Wayne) of Powder Springs, GA. Grandchildren, Erin Hill, Graham Hill (Shannah), & Ryan Lackey. And, great granddaughter Eleanor Hill. Memorial visitation is at the Palms Funeral Home Chapel, Sarasota, FL. Thursday 9/19 from 12:00-1:00 pm. A Committal Service will follow at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 2:30.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Lackey family.
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