Colonel William Henderson Laseter (USAF retired) climbed into the cockpit of his RF-4C Phantom for his final flight – to Heaven – on February 10, 2012, at the age of 94. One of America's "Greatest Generation," Col. Laseter was a pilot who served in WWII, the Korean War, and in Vietnam.
He was born on September 24, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Montgomery and attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1940. He joined the United States Army in August, 1941. While stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., he met Janie Elizabeth Bagby of Ft. Worth, Texas. They married on September 3, 1942.
Colonel Laseter transferred to the Army Air Corps in August, 1943. Upon receiving his wings, he promptly saw combat in North Africa flying the A-20 and A-26 medium attack bombers as well as the B-25. In 1944, he flew in the D-Day strike force assigned to the 416th Bomber Group of the 9th Army Air Corps. This mission suffered heavy losses due to the flight conditions – flying at low altitude in dense fog. The mission resulted in the 416th receiving the Distinguished Unit Citation.
He was later stationed in liberated France at Laon/Athies Air Base from 1944-45. He flew the A-26 and began what was to be his later military career in aerial photo reconnaissance. He received medals and commendations for aerial photo confirmation that some of the German concentration camps were still in operation.
After WWII, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama, where he and Janie started their family. The Korean War started and the "Cold War" in Europe was looming. The Alabama Air National Guard was recalled to active duty in 1951. After this, civilian life was " in his rear view mirror."
For the next 23 years, he served additional tours in Europe and multiple assignments in the U.S.
Col. Laseter was 50 years old when he started his tour of duty in Vietnam. Armed only with the aerial cameras in his RF-4C Phantom, he flew over 100 reconnaissance missions in North and South Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Legion of Merit, The Air Medal (fifth oak leaf cluster) and two Silver Stars for service in Vietnam.
Bill and Janie retired in 1974 to Valparaiso, Florida. He earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and served Valparaiso as a County Commissioner.
They eventually moved to be closer to their 3 children and their families. They built a home in Lago Vista, Texas. With Bill's leadership, governance was established so that Lago Vista could become a city instead of a community annexation for Austin, Texas. He proudly served as Lago Vista's first mayor.
Bill and Janie enjoyed very good times (on and off of the golf course) with their many friends. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed attending as many "Recce" reunions as possible as well as their annual trips to The Masters Golf Tournament.
Col. Laseter is survived by Janie, his beloved wife of 69 years, Dallas, TX; son William Thomas Laseter (Shovana), Kathmandu, Nepal; son Donald Lee Laseter (Georgiann), Dallas, TX; daughter Elizabeth Ann McLain (Craig), Kingwood ,TX; grandson Craig Alan McLain (Jana), Kingwood, TX; granddaughter Candice Brook McLain, Kingwood, TX; and sister-in-law Mary Bagby, Maypearl, TX. Also surviving is a most extraordinary and special family friend, Augusta McBride, Frisco, TX.
The family sends its sincerest thanks to all of the staff at Walnut Place for the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they have provided for both Bill and Janie since 2005. Thank you to the amazing caregivers of Faith Hospice for helping Bill and our entire family during his last days. Our appreciation is also extended to Wilshire Baptist Church. Janie and Bill have not been able to attend church services for many years, but they were never forgotten by their church family.
Inurnment with honors will be held at the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291
Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
He was born on September 24, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Montgomery and attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1940. He joined the United States Army in August, 1941. While stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., he met Janie Elizabeth Bagby of Ft. Worth, Texas. They married on September 3, 1942.
Colonel Laseter transferred to the Army Air Corps in August, 1943. Upon receiving his wings, he promptly saw combat in North Africa flying the A-20 and A-26 medium attack bombers as well as the B-25. In 1944, he flew in the D-Day strike force assigned to the 416th Bomber Group of the 9th Army Air Corps. This mission suffered heavy losses due to the flight conditions – flying at low altitude in dense fog. The mission resulted in the 416th receiving the Distinguished Unit Citation.
He was later stationed in liberated France at Laon/Athies Air Base from 1944-45. He flew the A-26 and began what was to be his later military career in aerial photo reconnaissance. He received medals and commendations for aerial photo confirmation that some of the German concentration camps were still in operation.
After WWII, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama, where he and Janie started their family. The Korean War started and the "Cold War" in Europe was looming. The Alabama Air National Guard was recalled to active duty in 1951. After this, civilian life was " in his rear view mirror."
For the next 23 years, he served additional tours in Europe and multiple assignments in the U.S.
Col. Laseter was 50 years old when he started his tour of duty in Vietnam. Armed only with the aerial cameras in his RF-4C Phantom, he flew over 100 reconnaissance missions in North and South Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Legion of Merit, The Air Medal (fifth oak leaf cluster) and two Silver Stars for service in Vietnam.
Bill and Janie retired in 1974 to Valparaiso, Florida. He earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and served Valparaiso as a County Commissioner.
They eventually moved to be closer to their 3 children and their families. They built a home in Lago Vista, Texas. With Bill's leadership, governance was established so that Lago Vista could become a city instead of a community annexation for Austin, Texas. He proudly served as Lago Vista's first mayor.
Bill and Janie enjoyed very good times (on and off of the golf course) with their many friends. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed attending as many "Recce" reunions as possible as well as their annual trips to The Masters Golf Tournament.
Col. Laseter is survived by Janie, his beloved wife of 69 years, Dallas, TX; son William Thomas Laseter (Shovana), Kathmandu, Nepal; son Donald Lee Laseter (Georgiann), Dallas, TX; daughter Elizabeth Ann McLain (Craig), Kingwood ,TX; grandson Craig Alan McLain (Jana), Kingwood, TX; granddaughter Candice Brook McLain, Kingwood, TX; and sister-in-law Mary Bagby, Maypearl, TX. Also surviving is a most extraordinary and special family friend, Augusta McBride, Frisco, TX.
The family sends its sincerest thanks to all of the staff at Walnut Place for the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they have provided for both Bill and Janie since 2005. Thank you to the amazing caregivers of Faith Hospice for helping Bill and our entire family during his last days. Our appreciation is also extended to Wilshire Baptist Church. Janie and Bill have not been able to attend church services for many years, but they were never forgotten by their church family.
Inurnment with honors will be held at the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291
Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
Colonel William Henderson Laseter (USAF retired) climbed into the cockpit of his RF-4C Phantom for his final flight – to Heaven – on February 10, 2012, at the age of 94. One of America's "Greatest Generation," Col. Laseter was a pilot who served in WWII, the Korean War, and in Vietnam.
He was born on September 24, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Montgomery and attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1940. He joined the United States Army in August, 1941. While stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., he met Janie Elizabeth Bagby of Ft. Worth, Texas. They married on September 3, 1942.
Colonel Laseter transferred to the Army Air Corps in August, 1943. Upon receiving his wings, he promptly saw combat in North Africa flying the A-20 and A-26 medium attack bombers as well as the B-25. In 1944, he flew in the D-Day strike force assigned to the 416th Bomber Group of the 9th Army Air Corps. This mission suffered heavy losses due to the flight conditions – flying at low altitude in dense fog. The mission resulted in the 416th receiving the Distinguished Unit Citation.
He was later stationed in liberated France at Laon/Athies Air Base from 1944-45. He flew the A-26 and began what was to be his later military career in aerial photo reconnaissance. He received medals and commendations for aerial photo confirmation that some of the German concentration camps were still in operation.
After WWII, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama, where he and Janie started their family. The Korean War started and the "Cold War" in Europe was looming. The Alabama Air National Guard was recalled to active duty in 1951. After this, civilian life was " in his rear view mirror."
For the next 23 years, he served additional tours in Europe and multiple assignments in the U.S.
Col. Laseter was 50 years old when he started his tour of duty in Vietnam. Armed only with the aerial cameras in his RF-4C Phantom, he flew over 100 reconnaissance missions in North and South Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Legion of Merit, The Air Medal (fifth oak leaf cluster) and two Silver Stars for service in Vietnam.
Bill and Janie retired in 1974 to Valparaiso, Florida. He earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and served Valparaiso as a County Commissioner.
They eventually moved to be closer to their 3 children and their families. They built a home in Lago Vista, Texas. With Bill's leadership, governance was established so that Lago Vista could become a city instead of a community annexation for Austin, Texas. He proudly served as Lago Vista's first mayor.
Bill and Janie enjoyed very good times (on and off of the golf course) with their many friends. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed attending as many "Recce" reunions as possible as well as their annual trips to The Masters Golf Tournament.
Col. Laseter is survived by Janie, his beloved wife of 69 years, Dallas, TX; son William Thomas Laseter (Shovana), Kathmandu, Nepal; son Donald Lee Laseter (Georgiann), Dallas, TX; daughter Elizabeth Ann McLain (Craig), Kingwood ,TX; grandson Craig Alan McLain (Jana), Kingwood, TX; granddaughter Candice Brook McLain, Kingwood, TX; and sister-in-law Mary Bagby, Maypearl, TX. Also surviving is a most extraordinary and special family friend, Augusta McBride, Frisco, TX.
The family sends its sincerest thanks to all of the staff at Walnut Place for the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they have provided for both Bill and Janie since 2005. Thank you to the amazing caregivers of Faith Hospice for helping Bill and our entire family during his last days. Our appreciation is also extended to Wilshire Baptist Church. Janie and Bill have not been able to attend church services for many years, but they were never forgotten by their church family.
Inurnment with honors will be held at the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291
Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
He was born on September 24, 1917, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Montgomery and attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1940. He joined the United States Army in August, 1941. While stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., he met Janie Elizabeth Bagby of Ft. Worth, Texas. They married on September 3, 1942.
Colonel Laseter transferred to the Army Air Corps in August, 1943. Upon receiving his wings, he promptly saw combat in North Africa flying the A-20 and A-26 medium attack bombers as well as the B-25. In 1944, he flew in the D-Day strike force assigned to the 416th Bomber Group of the 9th Army Air Corps. This mission suffered heavy losses due to the flight conditions – flying at low altitude in dense fog. The mission resulted in the 416th receiving the Distinguished Unit Citation.
He was later stationed in liberated France at Laon/Athies Air Base from 1944-45. He flew the A-26 and began what was to be his later military career in aerial photo reconnaissance. He received medals and commendations for aerial photo confirmation that some of the German concentration camps were still in operation.
After WWII, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama, where he and Janie started their family. The Korean War started and the "Cold War" in Europe was looming. The Alabama Air National Guard was recalled to active duty in 1951. After this, civilian life was " in his rear view mirror."
For the next 23 years, he served additional tours in Europe and multiple assignments in the U.S.
Col. Laseter was 50 years old when he started his tour of duty in Vietnam. Armed only with the aerial cameras in his RF-4C Phantom, he flew over 100 reconnaissance missions in North and South Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Legion of Merit, The Air Medal (fifth oak leaf cluster) and two Silver Stars for service in Vietnam.
Bill and Janie retired in 1974 to Valparaiso, Florida. He earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and served Valparaiso as a County Commissioner.
They eventually moved to be closer to their 3 children and their families. They built a home in Lago Vista, Texas. With Bill's leadership, governance was established so that Lago Vista could become a city instead of a community annexation for Austin, Texas. He proudly served as Lago Vista's first mayor.
Bill and Janie enjoyed very good times (on and off of the golf course) with their many friends. They loved to travel and especially enjoyed attending as many "Recce" reunions as possible as well as their annual trips to The Masters Golf Tournament.
Col. Laseter is survived by Janie, his beloved wife of 69 years, Dallas, TX; son William Thomas Laseter (Shovana), Kathmandu, Nepal; son Donald Lee Laseter (Georgiann), Dallas, TX; daughter Elizabeth Ann McLain (Craig), Kingwood ,TX; grandson Craig Alan McLain (Jana), Kingwood, TX; granddaughter Candice Brook McLain, Kingwood, TX; and sister-in-law Mary Bagby, Maypearl, TX. Also surviving is a most extraordinary and special family friend, Augusta McBride, Frisco, TX.
The family sends its sincerest thanks to all of the staff at Walnut Place for the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they have provided for both Bill and Janie since 2005. Thank you to the amazing caregivers of Faith Hospice for helping Bill and our entire family during his last days. Our appreciation is also extended to Wilshire Baptist Church. Janie and Bill have not been able to attend church services for many years, but they were never forgotten by their church family.
Inurnment with honors will be held at the DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291
Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
