Cammack, Luther S., Jr., Col

Luther "Luke" S. Cammack, Jr. (Col. Retired USAF) died at home, surrounded by his family, on the morning of May 16, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer. His funeral will be at Minter Lane Church of Christ on Wednesday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation at North�??s Funeral Home between 6:00 and 7:30 on May 18. He will be buried at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Friday, May 21, alongside his father, Luther Cammack, a World War I veteran, and his brother, James Cammack, an Air Force instructor pilot. Donations to Sears Hospice Care in Abilene or flowers will be appreciated.

Luke Cammack was born June 13, 1928 in Smackover, Arkansas. The backdrop of the Great Depression instilled in him the values of hard work and resiliency that remained a bedrock of his character. His first job at age thirteen was as night watchman in an icehouse, which he took over from his father who had become too ill from his experiences in World War I to continue. When he was eighteen he joined the Air Force and for many years sent his entire paycheck back home to support his family.

He had the distinction of being one of few men who came up through the enlisted ranks, attended Officer Candidate School, finally achieving the rank of full colonel, all without the benefit of a college education. He always said that he was as proud of the promotion to staff sergeant as he was his promotion to full colonel.

In the summer of 1955 he enrolled in flying school in Greenville, Mississippi, where he met his future bride, Frances Bethany. They were married in 1956. Luke spent most of his career in the Air Defense Command flying T-33s, T-39s, F85s and F89Js. He spent four years in Tucson in a fighter squadron, four years in Europe during the Cold War flying high altitude RV-57s over the Soviet border, seven years in Colorado Springs at the Air Defense Command, and a year in Vietnam where he served with distinction flying the OV-10 over enemy territory engaging in psychological warfare and forward air control. He served four years at the Pentagon as Division Chief of Support Services in Manpower and Organization, and then served a second tour in Germany as head of Manpower for all of Europe at Headquarters USAF. But flying always remained a love of his life.

His decorations included Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Longevity Service Ribbon with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and at the end of his 34 years of service he received the Legion of Merit.

Luke and Fran had a life of travel and adventure, eventually having four children. They adopted their grandson, Devin, in 1986, who became the joy of their later years. Retiring to Abilene, Texas in 1980, Luke and Fran continued to have very active and service-oriented lives as both small business owners and volunteers. They were embraced by the Minter Lane Church of Christ where they served on the Mission Committee. Luke also was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, The Literacy Council, the Republican Party, and was active in several military organizations at Dyess AFB.

Luke Cammack will leave a hole in many lives, but most especially those of his family: his mother, Virginia Cammack, a noted artist in Arkansas; his sister, Ayleen Bequette, and her family; his cherished wife, Frances; his adoring children, Luke III, Tom, Bethany, Tamara and Devin; his seven beloved grandchildren, and his nephews, nieces and cousins. He will be deeply missed by us all.

Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com