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Earl Van Sickle Obituary
He was married to Eunice Jean Wright on December 18, 1947 in Norwich, Norfolk, England.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; daughter, Deborah J. Van Sickle - Halbeison of Westminster, Colorado; and two sons, Guy R. Van Sickle of Bismarck, North Dakota and Major General Paul M. Van Sickle, USAF (Ret) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He is also survived by three brothers, Major General Neil D. Van Sickle, USAF, (Ret), Harold R. Van Sickle and Ross W. Van Sickle; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Col. Van Sickle graduated from The United States Military Academy, West Point, NY in 1946, attended The Air War College and held a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He also attended the Harvard Graduate Business School Advanced Management Program. During his 23 year Air Force career he served in a variety of staff and command positions throughout the Air force.
He held flying ratings of Command Pilot, Navigator, and Radar Bombardier. He served in the Strategic Air Command during the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War in England, Germany, Spain, North Africa, Guam and Japan. He was a pilot qualified in 11 different Air Force aircrafts. Most of his thousands of flying hours were achieved as a Command Pilot flying bomber type aircrafts in the Strategic Air Command from the B-29 thru the B-47and B-52.
After retirement from the Air Force he held positions of Account Executive for Merrill Lynch, London, England and Harris Upham, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Senior Consulting Safety Engineer for Texas Employers Insurance Association, San Antonio, Texas; and Professor for University of Southern California in the Graduate Safety Systems Management and Analysis Program.
He served as President, of the then 2500 member Pikes Peak Chapter of The Retired Officers Association. He is a former member of the East Colorado Springs Rotary Club, Colorado Springs Airport Advisory Board, The US Olympic Planning Committee, Tri-Lakes Care and Share Board, Pikes Peak Hospice volunteer, Prison Fellowship and Stephen Ministry. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Star in the West Lodge, Minot, North Dakota. Colonel Van Sickle was a member of Flight 11, The Order of Daedalians, Monument Hill Sertoma and Kiwanis Clubs, National Association of Securities Dealers and Chicago Board of Trade.
Memorial Service, 10:00AM, Friday, August 1, 2014, The Church at Woodmoor, 18125 Furrow Road, Monument, Colorado.
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors, 11:30AM, Friday, August 1, 2014, USAF Academy Cemetery. Services will be officiated by CH Colonel Brian Van Sickle, USAF (Ret) and CH Colonel Robert Browning, USAF (Ret).
Reception to follow graveside burial at the Eisenhower Golf Course.
Memorials may be made to Flight 11, The Order of Daedalians Scholarship Fund and/or to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Van Sickle
August 7, 2014
AeroShell Team
July 30, 2014
It was a joy to work with Earl at Harris Upham. Roger Rawlings
Glenda Van Sickle
July 29, 2014
Earl's character embodied the true meaning of "Class Act" and was always a reminder to me of what a wonderful family I now belong to. We will miss his companionship, his insights and wisdom, and his continual humor he brightened our lives with. God must have said, well done old soldier, it's time for you to come with me so your spirit may soar in it's full glory of youth, health and vigor. I see Earl as finally meeting my mother and dad, who passed on many years ago, and look forward to seeing him again when it's my time.
Pete Bowers
July 29, 2014
One of the very best, If he lived close by he would easily qualify to a member of that extremely exclusive Frederick Maryland "good old boys club". His probably most Inernationally famous accomplishment, which has long gone unheralded all of these years, was his cleverly orchestrated "pork chop capper"--in which Jean was the co-star. My the good Lord bless Earl and Jean and deepest sympathy to all of his loved ones.
July 28, 2014
Paul, Bill and I will be driving up for the memorial service. Thank you for sending this along. We will see you in Monument on Friday. My memories are so wonderful. Starting at age five. He we visited often. When he would call me he'd say Nannette!!!! Very commanding. I would answer back Uncle Earl!!! He'd laugh and tell me something I needed to do or at times he just wanted to talk about Daddy or my family. Tears just will not go away. I send you a heart full of love and a hug. See you. Nannette
July 28, 2014
We were honored to know such an interesting, accomplished man and a wonderful soul. Linda and Barry Goldstein
Patrick Aversa
July 27, 2014
It is my honor to be a close friend of the Van Sickle family. I will cherish my memories of Earl. I am a better man for knowing him.
Mark & Ingrid Fredenburgh
July 27, 2014
He was the kindest, truest gentleman we every met. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Rest is peace my friend.
Robert & Donna Spillman
July 27, 2014
Our sympathies to Paul and the entire Van Sickle family. What an accomplished, knowledgable and giving man!
Our society has lost a real asset.
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