Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Howard C. Deakyne Jr., 88

SMYRNA - Howard C. Deakyne Jr., of Smyrna, passed away Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, in Christiana Hospital. He was 88.

Mr. Deakyne was born Dec. 17, 1919, in Clayton, to the late Howard C. and Helen Johnson Deakyne.

Mr. Deakyne retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1969.

He served as a pilot and flew missions during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War and retired after 28 years.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Deakyne returned to college and received a bachelor of science and a master's of education.

He taught school for a year in Elsmere, and for 12 years in the Capital School District of Dover.

Mr. Deakyne was a member, elder and deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna and sang in the choir for 34 years.

Among his other interests, he was an avid golfer, was active in the Power Squadron and sang with Modern Melody Makers.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Tullie Duke of San Antonio; his parents; his brother, Robert Warren Deakyne; and sister, Mary Louise Deakyne.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Johnson Deakyne; his children, Howard C. Deakyne III of Dripping Springs, Texas, Judy Deakyne Fields of Helotes, Texas, and Douglas P. Deakyne of Longmont, Colo.; five grandchildren; nieces, Mary Louise Deakyne and Bobby Deakyne; and special friend, Marti Hudak.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, where friends may call one hour prior.

Interment will be at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio, next to his first wife, Tullie.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Smyrna, 118 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977.

Arrangements are by the Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 29 S. Main St., Smyrna.