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Howard Baugh Obituary
In July 1943, he was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron in Sicily. Flying from Sicily and Italy, he flew 135 combat missions in P-40s and P-51s. In January 1944, he and his wingman were credited with shooting down one German FW-190 fighter bomber over the Anzio beachhead. Howard was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the usual theater and campaign medals. In June 2004, the French Government presented him with its highest and most prestigious military award, the French Legion of Honor.
During 25 years of active duty he amassed almost 6,000 pilot hours, including 250 combat hours. Howard flew over 15 different types of planes to include 1,100 hours in 4 types of jet aircraft. After retirement from the Air Force in 1967 he was employed by Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. In 1984, he retired from Eastman Kodak and moved back to Virginia.
Howard L. Baugh departed this life on Saturday, August 23, 2008.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Constance Layne and his older brother, William.
He is survived by three devoted sons, Howard L. Baugh, Jr. of Plantation, Florida, David P. Baugh of Richmond, Virginia, and Richard A. Baugh of Crownsville, Maryland; two daughters-in-law; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Olivette Robinson of Midlothian, Virginia and Carolyn Dorsey of Frederick, Maryland; one brother, Herb Baugh of Midlothian, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and countless others whose lives he touched and inspired.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008 at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry Street, Petersburg, VA. The Reverend Dr. George W. C. Lyons, Jr., pastor, officiating. Interment, 9 a.m., October 30, 2008 with full military honors at the Arlington National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the funeral establishment.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Howard L. Baugh TAI Statue Fund", c/o Col. James R. Clark, Jr., 20214 Sheffield Place, Ettrick, VA 20213.
Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Baugh online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com and where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Baugh
August 20, 2009
I often think of your father.I truly feel honored to have known him. I'll never forget the "Mr. Baugh" I came to know while he lived at Jefferson Pointe. I was the fortunate one who helped him when he came in to inquire about an apartment. I knew right away he was someone special, just his presence, his demeanor. The moment he told me he was a Tuskegee Airman, I almost wanted to faint; the honor of having a living legend right here in front of me was more than I could have expected.
Since his passing, I've learned so much more about him and his personal role during the war...
I just wanted you to know Mr. Baugh will never be forgotten by me or my family.
My thoughts will remain with Lt. Col. Baugh and his family.
Diana Lilley
Leslie Gross
September 18, 2008
Howard made a great impact on the students of Bailey Bridge Middle School!
Leslie Gross
Kay Stewart-Shea
September 15, 2008
David,
You ,and your family, are in my prayers.
Ann Loatman
September 9, 2008
My Condolences to the Baugh Family (My Family)
May you know that God blesssed our family with an angel. I had the opportunity to speak with Uncle Howard two months ago. With his kind voice and wonderful words of wisdom, his concern was "how is your health"? What an honor to have had such a legend in our family. May God Bless and keep all of you.
Winifred F Pettis
September 8, 2008
My prayers are with you during your bereavement.
Ryan Murphy
September 5, 2008
I met Mr. Baugh for the first at the Chesterfield Air Show last year. I'm very proud of the photo I took of him with my twin eight year old boys. They will be taking the photo and a report on him to school for Black History Month this year. It only took a couple of minutes speaking with him to see what a distinguished man he was even beyond his wartime achievements.Very glad to have had the honor. My prayers are with the faimily.
Willis Madden
September 5, 2008
With Love and Condolence to the Baugh Family.
Belden Granada
September 4, 2008
I met Lt. Col. Baugh just once at a Wagner High School reunion in Portland, Oregon. I spoke to him for just a few minutes. To this day and for the rest of my life I will tell people of the indelible impression he left on me. The Lt. Col. was a true officer and a gentleman. Though a warrior in the skies his behavior exuded chivalry, implacable manners, and a genuine passion for life. God Bless, God Speed, and thank you, Lt. Col. Howard L. Baugh.
Carol Perry-Square
September 1, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Hattie Brown
August 31, 2008
To the Baugh Family, my sincere condolences to each of you. I truly enjoyed all of my conversations with your loved one, what a dedicated man. My prayers are with each of you.
Mark & Arthena Roper
August 29, 2008
Lt. Col. Baugh became a friend to us as well as our school system 3 years ago when he graciously shared his life, experiences, family success stories and wisdom with us annually.
We will miss him Greatly.
Jeanne Johns Adkins
August 28, 2008
Colonel Howard Baugh is an example of a life well lived.
Jim Moser
August 28, 2008
Howard’s post-military career was with Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY. It was my pleasure to work with him and appreciate his gentlemanly manner and good spirit. He continued his excellent performance in his civilian career. At a Kodak retiree’s lunch today we toasted Howard and fondly remembered this remarkable man. May he rest in peace.
Pastor Michael A. Turner, Sr.
August 28, 2008
To the Baugh Family:
May you be comforted with the presence of the Holy Spirit during your time of depletion and loss. "Cast your cares upon the Lord for the Lord cares for you."
LIZ CAIN
August 27, 2008
Wonderful human, happy family man, hero... oh, how we danced! Howard Jr. and family, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful father with us. He was a good sport and took our hero-worship in stride. The autographed photo he gave me is in its golden frame in a place of honor in our home. May God bless you and your family.
Howard & Cindy with Colonel Baugh at 2004 Portland Reunion of Clark AB Philippines School
Gene and Jean Whitman Brown
August 27, 2008
We have fond memories of meeting and spending time with Colonel Baugh at his son Howard's Clark Air Base, Philippines, reunions. He was a true hero and we admired him tremendously. We all wanted our photo taken with him!
Our sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed but we know he is flying high in joy and peace.
Polly Walker
August 27, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Fellow member of Gillfield Baptist Church,
William Palmer
August 26, 2008
Sympathy to the entire Baugh Family.
Jerry Long
August 26, 2008
WE AF Brats from Clark AFB, members of WHOA SALUTE Col. Baugh for his service, his leadership and his devotion to country and family. We were priviledged to see him in retirement at our reunions dancing the shine off the dancefloor and charming all the former classmates of his son Howard. Given what is going on in Denver, it was poignant to get the sad news today of a real hero in the struggle for change...an honored Tuskegee Airman soars on. Thanks for your vision Howard L. Baugh.
Donna & Roger Smith
August 26, 2008
Much sympathy to the family and especially to our dear friend, son, Howard. You are in our thoughts
Yolanda Vessels Madden
August 26, 2008
My deepest sympathy...
Hattie Brown
August 26, 2008
To The Colonel's Family, My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I really missed your loved one when he moved back to Petersburgh, we were neighbors. When I was moving in he was the first one to greet me and talk to me and we became friends. I knew about the Tuskegee Airmen, but he educated me more and I just loved how he went all over to educate everyone on his experience, good and bad. I have your picture still on my desk which I displayed at my work place during the month of February, Good Bless.
Phillip Brashear
August 26, 2008
I am so glad I knew Lt Col Baugh. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have had a friend like him. I have direct ties to the greatest African-American military legends of our time, LtCol Baugh of the Tuskegee Airmen and Master Diver Carl Brashear
Willie May (MSG,USA,RET)
August 26, 2008
I give thanks everyday to Col. Howard L. Baugh and others like him for paving the way for me. Without their military careers and
accomplishments there would be no me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Angela Tomlinson
August 25, 2008
To the Baugh Family, I want you to know I loved your dad, we were introduced when I was one of his team mates in the PEA bowling league at Walnut Hill bowling alley. He was a mentor and friend, always having a word of advise to share. He spoke and informed my co-workers at FCC Petersburg, of his journey as one of the first Black Historian of the Tuskegee Airman. My prayers are with you and your family. I will miss my friend, but I know I'll see him again one day.
Diana Lilley
August 25, 2008
From all of us at Jefferson Pointe Apartments...Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. We will always feel blessed that we had the honor of meeting Mr. Baugh who has made his home here for the past year.
We will truly miss him.
s blackwell
August 25, 2008
Howard...Didn't know your Dad, but the stories about him will surely leave a legacy. Keep those memories close to your heart and he will live on forever. My deepest sympathies to you and your family
Mark Ailsworth
August 25, 2008
I wish to express my gratitude for Lt. Col. Baugh's faithful service to his country. My father was among the many B-24 Liberator crewmembers who safely returned home from war, raised families and lead productive lives as a consequence of the extraordinary
performance of their protectors, the Tuskegee Airmen, heroes all.
ROBERT & JUANITA PEARMAN
August 25, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Joe Person
August 24, 2008
To the family of Col Howard L. Baugh. In everyone's lifetime they have the chance to achieve or become famous. Col Baugh did both. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Col Baugh on veterans day 2004. He was the guest of Dr. Grady Powell interim pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church in south side Richmond. I Had the pleasure of shaking Col. Baugh's hand. As I have it noted on my web page. I met a real hero.
Soldier of the cross. Stand tall in the Army of our Lord. Battle is fought. The victory is won. Enter the master's joy.
Leslie Gross
August 24, 2008
We loved having Howard visit Bailey Bridge Middle School and talk about his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman. This fine gentleman will be truely missed!
Lt. Col. Baugh with Doris A. Overton and Dr. Roy Belfield, Ettrick, VA, Aug 1996
Doris A. Overton
August 24, 2008
I offer my deepest condolences to the Baugh family. Col. Baugh and I became close friends while members of the Board of Finance at Gillfield Baptist Church. His leadership, coupled with good judgment, fairness, and honesty, further distinquished him as a man of extraordinary integrity. I will sincerely miss his beautiful soul.
Doris A. Overton (formerly Doris O. Venable)
M--
August 24, 2008
I have been so priviledged to know your father. He has enriched my life by sharing his memories and stories of sometimes diffucult circumstances. May you keep those memories in your heart always.
Jacquelyn Bailey Kidd
August 24, 2008
You have my sincerest condolences. We were so proud of your Dad. Be blessed
Dave Draine
August 24, 2008
David and the Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of one of our legends. I was your daughter's counselor at Open High School.
Dave
813-235-9288
Salonia Merritt Pasman
August 24, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Salonia Merritt Pasman
August 24, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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