David L McCracken
Rank: Unknown
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2006-07-14
Dave started his career in Combat Control during 1965 at Sewart AFB, TN during March, 1965, and graduated from Combat Control School in Class 65-3. He was transferred in December, 1967 to the 8th Aerial Port Squadron Combat Control Team; Ton Son Nhut AB, RVN where he operated throughout Viet Nam.
Dave was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions at Khe Sanh on February 25, 1968 – plus many other awards and decorations for his outstanding service to our great nation. He departed from this military assignment during November, 1968.
After leaving Viet Nam, he was employed by FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. He worked his way to become the Director of Automation for the East Coast before his retirement in 1995.
Dave was an avid golfer, sailor and motorcycle enthusiast. I’m happy to say that I signed him up as Life Member 603 in the Combat Control Association where he was an active participant in events. Through his many activities, he helped others achieve their goals by giving a helping hand whenever an occasion arose. Fortunately for us, and many others, he never met a stranger.
He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Cyndi, his son, David Jr. from Tennessee, his daughter, Mary, from Texas, and the delight of his life, his four grandchildren, Shawn, Sarah, Laura, and Jessica. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Beulah McCracken, Columbus, his sister, Dr. Janeen Taylor, Columbia, Md., and sister and brother Judy Hanson and Kevin McCracken, both of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Shirley and Mary David, Russell and Mary Voris, his sister, Linda Colegrove, and nephews, Tommy and Lee Colegrove.
Dave was honored with military honors by the Wright-Patterson AFB Honor Guard and the Flag was presented to Cindi.
May God Rest Your Soul