Eddy Jack "The Colonel" Doerschlen
Col. Eddy "Jack" Doerschlen, 85, of Dexter, Mo. died Sunday, July 17, while doing what he loved, enjoying a hike at Otter Slough with his beloved dog, Joe.
Eddy "Jack" was a fighter pilot who achieved the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and served for 27 years. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other honors and commendations in addition to being a member of the Hundred Missions Over North Vietnam Club.
He was married to Betty Jane Doerschlen for 60 years, and she preceded him in death in 2012. Survivors include two daughters and one son: Laurie Doerschlen-Williams of Honolulu, Hawaii, Linda Marie Arathoon Doerschlen of Dexter, Mo., and Martin Leon III of Scottsdale, AZ; one grandchild Bettina (Arathoon) Comstock of Perryville, Mo.; two great-grandchildren Amari Moore, age 13 and Treven Comstock, age 9.
Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his two daughters Debbie, age 16, and infant Bettina at birth.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Chiles Cooper Funeral Home located at 106 N. Prairie in Bloomfield, Mo. on Friday, July 22, from 5-6 p.m. for family, and from 6-7 p.m. for friends which will immediately be followed by the service. The graveside burial along with military honors will commence directly after at the Walker Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Memorials may be made to the Alheimer's Foundation in honor of his wife, Betty, and/or to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.