Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Fred W. O'Nions, 75

DOVER - Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Fred W. O'Nions, of Dover, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the Veterans Home in Milford. He was 75.

Born in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Harry and Gladys (Davies) O'Nions.

He graduated in 1954 from the University of Pittsburgh where he was enrolled in the R.O.T.C. program. While in college he was a member of the swimming and diving teams and was selected as an All-American.

Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force and served as a navigator. Some of his achievements included the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Aerial Flight on two occasions and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he retired from service with more than 20 years of active duty in 1974.

Upon his retirement he served with the Capital School District as instructor of the R.O.T.C. program.

He was a member of the Military Officers Association, the Air Force Association, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Delaware Economic Council.

In his quieter moments he enjoyed being with his family and friends along with fishing, camping, sailing an d cooking.

He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie J. O'Nions of Dover; his son, David F. O'Nions of Wilmington; a stepdaughter, Theresa J. Homlish and her husband Michael of Newark; two stepsons, Robert T. Jeffries of Greenwood and Philip C. Jeffries of Dover; his sister, Margaret Krey of Westminster, Md.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to military services and burial at 1 p.m. on May 16 at Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery.

The family suggests a donation in his memory to the Lt. Col. Fred W. O'Nions Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, 16th & DuPont streets, Wilmington, DE 19806.

Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Dover.