The world lost a member of the "greatest Generation" with the passing of Colonel Ben Settles, USAF retired, in the early morning hours of February third. Ben was born in Campbellsville, Kentucky on December 6, 1918 to Rev. Ben Edward Settles and Maggie Wathen Settles. He was the fifth of eight children and was preceded in death by all but one surviving brother, Col. (Dr.) David Settles. After graduating from high school, he attended Campbellsville College until his enlistment in the Army Air Corps. He graduated from flying school in the class of 1941-H and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. During his distinguished thirty year career in the United States Air Force, Colonel Settles became a Command Pilot with over 5,000 flying hours. He flew aircraft from gliders to supersonic jets and commanded a number of military bases throughout the world. He was a graduate of the Air War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In addition, he received his Bachelors Degree from Florida Southern University and Masters Degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. He was married to Dorothy Louise Lang of San Antonio in 1943 who preceded him in death on May 5, 1992. Together they had three children, Thomas Michael Settles, Arthur Edward Settles, and Benita Louise Settles. After Dorothy's death he married Gail Renee Probst and enjoyed an additional twenty three years of marriage. In addition to Gail Renee, Col. Settles is survived by his children, their spouses, six grand children and seven great grand children. Following his Air Force career, Settles served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Air Force Village Foundation for nine years before retiring. After his second retirement, he lived the life of a cattle rancher in Medina and Atascosa counties where he raised and showed registered Texas Longhorn cattle including the 1985 TLBAA World Champion female, Anita, and later Beefmaster cattle. In 2001 the Settles were recognized as South Texas Ranchers of the Year. Col. Settles was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Kentucky Colonels, the Order of the Daedalians, and a life member of the Texas Association of Homes for the Aged. The family would like to thank the staff of the Blue Skies/Air Force Village nursing home facility for their care during the final years of his life. We will miss you Big Dad. In the words of your granddaughter Kellye Lang Settles, "Thank you for being a real life example of bravery and for teaching us what it means to be Settles tough. Thank you for showing us that laughter and a smile can make almost every situation better. We so appreciate your being a role model of love and the leader of our family. The lessons you taught, the values you instilled, and the legacy you established will all live on. I am so grateful for every minute of your incredible ninety seven years and I can't wait to someday hold your hand in heaven."

A graveside service will be conducted at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Air Force Villages Charitable Foundation designated for Freedom House Alzheimers Care or a charity of choice.

Published in Express-News on Feb. 6, 2016