Colonel Clyde E. "Ed" Bodenheimer, age 71, died November 1, 2010. He was born December 2, 1938, in Enid, Oklahoma. He earned his private pilot's license while still in high school. Graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1962, he was commissioned in the USAF. He earned a Master's Degree from Troy State University and was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Air War College, and Defense Systems Management College. Ed earned his USAF pilot wings in 1963. He had a long and distinguished flying career which included over 300 combat missions in Southeast Asia. He was a bomber planner for the 1972 Linebacker II operation and later was commander of the 71st Air Refueling Squadron, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. He was selected for a one year research fellowship with the Center for Aerospace Doctrine and his research report on "Impact of New Technology Weapons on SAC Conventional Air Operations" was published in 1983. He then was assigned to Headquarters SAC, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel, January 1, 1983. The Colonel was a USAF Command Pilot with more than 4500 flying hours. His military decorations include Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with twelve Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Upon retirement in 1986, Ed began a second career investing in commercial real estate. He was a loyal member of the Crossings Choir, past president of MWC Rotary Club, an instructor pilot, avid golfer, and a true OSU fan. He was an international traveler, having visited 36 countries in the past twelve years with wife Brenda. Ed was a godly, generous, loving man; he was our hero. Memorial service will be conducted by Ford Funeral Service, Sunday, November 7, at 3:00 p.m. at Crossings Community Church at Portland and NW 150th. Ed is survived by his loving wife Brenda; daughter Heidi Valenzuela; son-in-law Colonel Bill Tully; grandchildren Julia Tully, Hannah Tully, and Bret Valenzuela; and sister Ramona Carter and husband Richard. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Brett Tully, his father Onie, mother Elsie, and sister Eileen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Crossings Music Ministry, 14600 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.

Published in The Oklahoman on November 4, 2010