Col. Henry F. 'Hank' Lackey, formerly of Junction
Col. Henry F. "Hank" Lackey flew his final mission to Heaven on Sept. 14, 2019 at age 86.
Henry Lackey was born March 23, 1933 in Junction, in Gallatin County. He graduated from Equality Township High School in 1949 and began his U.S. Air Force career as an enlisted man in April 1953.
He graduated from pilot training and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Aviation Cadet Program in February 1955. After completing Advanced All Weather Interceptor Training, he was assigned to Air Defense Command, and from 1956-1960 served as a pilot, flight commander and assistant air operations officer with the 331st Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Stewart AFB, New York and Webb AFB, Texas.
From 1960-1963, he served as Operations Officer and Group Chief of Safety at Aviano Air Base in Italy. Upon his return to the U.S., he was assigned as an F-102 pilot and Group Chief of Safety at Truax Field, Wisconsin. In 1966, upon completion of F-106 combat crew training, he was assigned to the 95th FIS at Dover AFB in Delaware as a pilot and Chief of Safety.
In 1969, he was assigned as Chief of Safety for the Air Force's Korea, Osan Air Base. He returned to serve with the 87th FIS at Duluth International Airport, Minnesota and at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan, as F-106 Flight Commander, from 1970-1973.
From 1973-1977, he was assigned Air Defense Weapons Center Chief of Safety, at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Then, Col. Lackey was assigned to be director of safety, in the office of the Inspector General at Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
He retired in February 1985 with 31 years and 11 months of service. He held a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska, while his military education included Squadron Officer School, Air Command & Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Air War College.
A command pilot with 5,500 hours-plus in fighter and trainer aircraft, Col. Lackey was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Combat Readiness Medal.
Col. Lackey was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and of the Military Officers Association of America. After his military retirement, for the next 20 years Col. Lackey gave his testimony for Jesus and taught Biblical principles in Christian fellowships and churches throughout the world.
Later, he and his wife, Lill, became "Health Ministers," teaching and practicing heathy diet and healthy living. He represented (for free) and won a large settlement from the Department of Labor, for a Christian friend after the friend's hired attorney was unsuccessful.
In 2015, Col. Hank Lackey published his biography, "Farm Boy to Fighter Pilot." He was the Grand Marshal in the 2017 Memorial Day "Heroes Parade" in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lillian. Together, they lived in the Lakewood Ranch area of Bradenton, Florida for 20 years. Until recently, they were able to attend the Happy Gospel Center.
Hank and Lill have a son, Mark (Kathy) Lackey of Lynn Haven, Florida and a daughter, Lisa (Wayne) Hill of Powder Springs, Georgia. Their grandchildren are Erin Hill, Graham (Shannah) Hill and Ryan Lackey and there is a great-granddaughter, Eleanor Hill.
Memorial visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Palms Funeral Home Chapel, Sarasota, Florida, followed by a 2:30 p.m. committal service at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com.