Richard Bodycombe

Richard Bodycombe, age 96, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019. He was born on April 29th, 1922 in Pittsburgh PA. He was the son of the late Abraham and Henrietta Bodycombe of Etna, PA. Richard was a graduate of the University of Michigan in 1948 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and then later a Master of Science degree in Education in 1952. Richard was president of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He also played Varsity baseball under coach Ray Fisher. During WWII, he was a captain of a B-24 bomber and served with the 782nd Bombardment Squadron, part of the 465th bombardment group, 15th Air Force in Italy. After being released from duty after the war, he was recalled to the 60th Troop Carrier Group in Wiesbaden, Germany where he flew in the Berlin Airlift. In 1955, he was selected for duty at the newly formed Air Force Academy at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado as a part of the original cadre that set up training for cadets. Later in 1959, the family moved to Ann Arbor, MI to begin a new career as a corporate pilot for the Ford Motor Company air transportation department. There, Richard was promoted to Chief Pilot and simultaneously continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve program. He served as Vice Commander at headquarter AFRES in 1976, advancing to the grade of Major General. He commanded the Air Force Reserve of the United States from 1979 through 1982. Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Karin Lindh Bodycombe and son Peter Lindh Bodycombe. Richard is survived by sons Brian (Lori) and Christopher (Laura) Bodycombe. Grandchildren Johnathan Bodycombe and Brooke (Mark) Souder, as well as great-grandchildren Jordan, Alexis, Lauren and Emma. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Yankee Air Museum, Van Buren Township, MI. A memorial service for Richard will be held at a later date.