Mr. Studdard

Gary L. Studdard

Gary L. Studdard, 64, of Highland, Calif., died June 25, 2008, after an extended battle with cancer.

Graveside services are July 2 at 10 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 at Staging Area I.

Mr. Studdard was born Aug. 28, 1943, in Cassville, Mo., and he lived most of his younger years in Texas and the southwest.

He graduated from Ozona High School in 1962 and attended East Texas State University where he was student body vice president, in "Who's Who Among Students in Colleges and Universities," vice president of Sigma Chi Fraternity and commander of the Air Force ROTC program where he was awarded the President Gee Memorial Trophy as the distinguished ROTC graduate of 1966.

Mr. Studdard was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force in August 1966, and immediately started pilot training. In September 1967 after graduating training, he was assigned to the Air Force's first-line fighter jet, the F- 4E Phantom. After aircraft qualification, he was assigned to Thailand from 1968-69 to fly missions in the Vietnam conflict.

During the rest of his military career, he was stationed at and traveled to many Air Force bases in the U.S. and overseas.

After serving for 22 years, Mr. Studdard retired in August 1988 as a lieutenant colonel and command pilot.

During his career he earned the following medals and awards: the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Organizational Excellence Award, Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and Meritorious Service Medal.

After retirement, Mr. Studdard worked for the San Bernardino County Jobs and Employment Service Department as a line supervisor, district manager and reigonal manager. He retired in December 2002.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy Studdard; three daughters, Candace Studdard, Michelle Grossi and Sherry Kelley; two sons-inlaw, Daniel Kelley and Toni Grossi; and seven grandchildren, Joey Segura, Elaine Garcia, Gregory Valdivia, Melanie Valdivia, Jaida Kelley, Hailee Grossi and Harlow Kelley; his mother, Ima Dean Studdard; an aunt; and a number of cousins in Texas.