CAP Talk

General Discussion => Final Salute => Topic started by: ironputts on July 07, 2018, 09:29:52 AM

Title: Lt. Col. Donald F. Timmerman
Post by: ironputts on July 07, 2018, 09:29:52 AM
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July 5, 2018

Lt. Col. Donald F.  Timmerman
Arizona Wing Headquarters Squadron
Arizona Wing

Capt. Donald F. Timmerman (USAF, Ret.) passed away on Wednesday, June 13, in Prescott, Arizona, at the age of 85. Don is survived by his wife, Donna (married 28 years) of Prescott; step-sons, Damon and Dean, both of Tempe, Arizona; and children, Annette, Kenneth and Kathy, from a previous marriage. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1933, Don entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950, completing primary and basic flight training in 1953 and combat crew training in April 1954. He flew the T-6 Texan in combat as part of the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron (known as the Mosquito Squadron) during the Korean War. He spent nearly 12 years in the U.S. Air Force flying various aircraft until a defective drag chute deployment caused his F-100F Super Sabre fighter to crash and inflict permanent disabilities on its pilot.
Medically retired from the Air Force in 1962 with nearly 2000 hours of flight time, Don spent two years at the University of Illinois before joining Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, where he retired as claims manager after a 20-year career.
While living in Nebraska in 1972, Don joined the Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. Despite his injuries, Don continued flying as a civilian, both for CAP and in his own aircraft. He flew as a CAP mission pilot and served as mission coordinator in four states, and was still a CAP member at the time of his death with the rank of Lt. Col. He also served on CAP's National Blue Beret staff, International Air Cadet Exchange program, and various squadron, group, and wing staff positions. During his life he owned four different aircraft and amassed approximately 3100 hours of flight time, mostly flying CAP missions. In addition to CAP, Don was also a member of the American Legion, Air Force Association, Mosquito Association, Yavapai County Sheriff Search and Rescue team, Prescott Military Pilots Group, Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Don received the Korean, United Nations, and National Defense Service Medals; Air Force Longevity Service Award with one bronze oak leaf cluster; several Civil Air Patrol Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards; CAP Commander's Commendation Award; and CAP recognition of 40 years of service.