Col. L. McCracken

Lt. Col. Robert L. McCracken July 19, 1924 - April 26, 2011 Lt. Col. Robert L. McCracken (USAF, Ret.), 86, of Sassafras Lane, died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at his home. Mr. McCracken and his only brother, Joe Emerson McCracken, grew up on a farm in Hopewell, Indiana, just outside of Franklin. He graduated in 1942 from Franklin High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Beulah Irene David, whom he later married. In 1944, Bob graduated from Cadet Army Air Corps training as a fighter pilot. That same year, he flew the P-51 Mustang fighter plane in a Tactical Reconnaissance Unit in France until VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Colonel McCrackens military career also included a tour of duty with the Army Corps of Engineers in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, Colonel McCracken fulfilled many roles throughout his career in the United States Air Force. He was a flight instructor in numerous locations; he was Flight Commander with the 7330th Flight Training Squadron, where he helped train NATO officers to qualify as jet aircraft pilots as well as helped rebuild the new German Luftwaffe; he worked in flight operations; he retired as Chief of Flight Safety for the Inspector General of AFSC (Air Force Systems Command). Colonel McCracken also held pilot ratings with the German and French Air Forces. Bob and his wife Beulah had many wonderful memories and adventures together as a military couple. Throughout the 25 years of Bobs career they raised five children. Upon retirement, Bob and Beulah returned to Indiana where he started his second career at Arvin Industries. He worked as a cost analyst for 19 years. After the death of his wife, he enjoyed companionship with his friend, Carol Donnell. Bobs strong faith led him to many activities at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church. He was an elder and deacon, served as a member of the Presbytery and participated in numerous other activities. Bob was highly active in the Bald Eagles (a group of people interested in aviation) and Hoosier Hills Rifle & Pistol Club. Born in Shelbyville July 19, 1924, Mr. McCracken was the son of Emerson Boyd McCracken and Mary Elizabeth Lee McCracken. He married Beulah Irene David June 27, 1944. She preceded him in death Oct. 17, 2008. Surviving are daughters, Janeen McCracken (W. Scott) Taylor of Bloomington and Judy Hanson of Columbus; a son, Kevin (Laura) McCracken of Columbus; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Lee McCracken; a daughter, Linda Ruth Colegrove; two grandchildren; and a brother, Joe Emerson McCracken. Funeral Information FUNERAL: 10 a.m. Saturday at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Anne Marshall officiating. CALLING: 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Entombment will be at Garland Brook Mausoleum. A time of fellowship will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Hospitality Room at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Donations Information Memorial contributions may be made to Fairlawn Presbyterian Church Pre-School. DirectionsVisitation: Fairlawn Presbyterian ChService: Fairlawn Presbyterian ChCemetery: Garland Brook Cemetery