Bodycombe, Richard 4/29/1922 - 1/23/2019 Toledo, OH Richard Bodycombe, age 96, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019 in Toledo, OH. He was born on April 29th, 1922 in Pittsburgh PA. He was the son of the late Abraham and Henrietta Bodycombe of Etna, PA. Richard was a graduate of the University of Michigan in 1948 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and then later a Master of Science degree in Education in 1952. Richard was president of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He also played Varsity baseball under coach Ray Fisher. During WWII, he was a captain of a B-24 bomber and served with the 782nd Bombardment Squadron, part of the 465th bombardment group, 15th Air Force in Italy. After being released from duty after the war, he was recalled to the 60th Troop Carrier Group in Wiesbaden, Germany where he flew in the Berlin Airlift. In 1955, he was selected for duty at the newly formed Air Force Academy at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado as a part of the original cadre that set up training for cadets. Later in 1959, the family moved to Ann Arbor, MI to begin a new career as a corporate pilot for the Ford Motor Company air transportation department. There, Richard was promoted to Chief Pilot and simultaneously continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve program. He served as Vice Commander at headquarter AFRES in 1976, advancing to the grade of Major General. He commanded the Air Force Reserve of the United States from 1979 through 1982. Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Karin Lindh Bodycombe and son Peter Lindh Bodycombe. Richard is survived by sons Brian (Lori) and Christopher (Laura) Bodycombe. Grandchildren Johnathan Bodycombe and Brooke (Mark) Souder, as well as great-grandchildren Jordan, Alexis, Lauren and Emma. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Yankee Air Museum, Van Buren Township, MI. A memorial service for Richard will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Ann Arbor News from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bodycombe

Sponsored by The Family.

12 Entries

Jack and Della

January 20, 2025

Will always be remembered.

Jack & Della Blanchard

January 22, 2021

RB we still miss you every day. we are so grateful that we had you in our lives for so many years. I'm sure we will meet again!

RYAN LARE LARE

August 17, 2019

I had the Pleasure of Meeting General Bodycombe at The Yankee airforce Museum and at the Air Shows it was Fun talking to him he was one of a kind and truly Missed Thank you for your Service The Yankee Lady flies proud in your Honor.

Ryan Lare

Ray Hunter

February 27, 2019

I first met Gen Bodycombe in 1985 when I was assigned to the AFROTC program at UM. He was always willing to help me by teaching classes on the Berlin Airlift and speaking at various functions such as cadet banquets. He was an inspiration to the men and women in my program who eventually became senior leaders in the Air Force. He encouraged me to become active in the Yankee Air Museum and eventually welcomed me into the Flight Operations Department as a C-47 pilot and later as a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. Dick was a member of the Romeo club that met a Knights each Wednesday. His stories of his missions in WW II were inspirational. We will all miss him. RIP my friend.

Dick Bodycombe with family members at the barber shop.

Bill Krebaum

February 4, 2019

Condolences to Richard's family and friends. I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Dick, in his later years, when I began cutting his hair at Pitt's Barber Shop around 2010. I enjoyed hearing him speak of his experiences in the Air Force, as a pilot for Ford Motor Co. and of the Yankee Air Museum. A very personable and unpretentious man, he will be missed.

John A. Clark

February 1, 2019

It was my great privilege to know Major General Richard Bodycombe for many years as a Senior Life member of the Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan. General Bodycombe was a founding member of the Yankee Air Force/Yankee Air Museum and was the driving force behind the acquisition of both a B-17 bomber and a C-47 cargo aircraft which the museum renovated to air worthiness and provided flight experiences for museum visitors. General Bodycombe flew these aircraft from storage to the museum at Willow Run. Prior to this General Bodycombe served as a B-24 pilot in Italy during World War ll completing a complete combat tour. Following the war General Bodycombe was the officer in command of the USAF Reserves and served on the committee that founded the USAF Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was also the chief pilot for the air transport fleet of the Ford motor Company for many years.

Grant Schwartz

January 29, 2019

Dick was among my most significant mentors in aviation. His support and friendship over 30 years will always be cherished.

I miss hearing his well told stories, even those I'd heard a dozen times!

Peace to you sir, and your family.

Kathleen Hines

January 28, 2019

I met Dick at the Yankee Air Museum while part of the B-17 Air Crew. He was one of the finest people I've ever had the opportunity to spend time with. While others treated him with celebrity at the air shows, from his perspective he was just one of the team. Always lending a hand, doing the heavy lifting and side by side with all of us, he led by example.

Rest in Peace General Bodycombe. And thank you for your service.

Jack Blanchard

January 27, 2019

RB and I met in 1968 when I went to work for Ford Air Transportation. Having shared many flights and squash games we became great friends. I will miss our many conversations and get togethers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

J P

January 27, 2019

I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Richard. May the God of all comfort grant you peace and strength during this difficult time (Psalm 29:11).

January 27, 2019

Mr. Bodycombe was such an accomplished young man he will be missed greatly. Keep his memories close at heart. May God strengthen the family in this time of distress. My deepest sympathy.

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