Col. Lucien Byron, Jr. (USAF Ret)

Col. (ret.) Lucien Byron Jr.

On July 6 ,   2021, Lucien passed away peacefully with his wife Dorothy by his side. He was born on October 19, 1928 in Tampa Florida to Lucien and Myrtle Byron.  He graduated from Florida Military Academy and then attended The Citadel in Charleston South Carolina and the University of Florida. In 1949, he entered pilot training with the U.S. Air Force. By 1950, he was flying air supply missions over Korea including the Chosen Reservoir Campaign. On his return to the United States, he met Airline Stewardess Dorothy Goff and their mutual love lasted 69 years. They had two sons, Bradley and Bruce and the family lived in five states along with 3 years in Germany at Sembach AFB with the Mace Missile program.

Over the years Lucien qualified in 9 different aircraft and was the commander of an Experimental task force testing new technology in nighttime detection systems in Southeast Asia. He returned to the war as the Director of Operations at a covert operations base in Thailand earning the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross.  When Lucien retired from the Air Force, he found a career in selling and servicing heavy equipment, and he later became a volunteer with the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office until 2020.

His parents, his sister Jane, and his son Bruce predecease Lucien. His wife of 69 years Dorothy and one son Bradley survive him.

Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:30 pm, Monday July 19, 2021 with full military honors.  Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

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