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BORN
1921
DIED
2009
FUNERAL HOME
Carl Luksic Obituary
Col. Luksic had been a resident of Panama City, Fla., since 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked. He retired after serving 29 years of active service as a fighter pilot/instructor.
His tours of duty included World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He completed his flight training in 1942.
He shot down five enemy aircraft in one combat mission, making him the first ace fighter pilot in the 8th Air Force.
After destroying a total of 17½ enemy aircraft, air and ground, Col. Luksic was shot down on Mothers Day 1944. He was a prisoner of war in Stalag 3 for nine months. He and a friend managed to escape, surviving the German winter for three months before being liberated by the U.S. Army near the Rhine River.
Colonel Luksic received many awards while serving in the Air Force, but most notable were the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
After retirement, he remained active as a lifetime member of the Carl J. Luksic Amvets Post 2298 which was dedicated in his name in 1993. He also was a member of VFW Post 8205 and the Marine Corps Legion No 8.
Col. Luksic was preceded in death by his father, John Luksic; his mother, Frieda Koutz Luksic; his son, Dwight; brother, Ryland; and sister, Betty Luksic Ivensec.
He is survived by his wife, Patti Luksic, three sons, John, Matthew and Michael; daughter, Pamela Kirby; his brother, Robert Luksic; sisters, Delores Spiers and Lorraine Pickett; and his longtime friend, Ted Beegle of Panama City.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Emerald Shores and Covenant Hospice of Panama City for the great support and service they provided.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 16, 2009, at Brock's Home Town Funeral Home Chapel, 5907 State 22, with Chaplain Black officiating.
Following services at the funeral home, the procession will be escorted by the Bay County Sheriff's Department and the Patriot Guard of Panama City to Garden of Memories for interment. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, CMRC-116D, 215 N. Main St., White River Junction, Vt. 05009.
Funeral Home
5907 State 22
Callaway, Fla. 32404
850-874-0818
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Memories and Condolences
for Carl Luksic
6 Entries
Abe B. Cox
June 8, 2024
As a tech-rep I worked with/for Col. Luksic in South Korea at Suwon Air Force Base 6146th Det 2 and he was one of the greatest military officers I ever met or Knew. He treated me very well and we shared great times together. Had I known of his passing I would certainly have tried to attend his visitation!
South Korea 1953-65
May 9, 2023
I shared a couple years with the Colonel in 1963-65. He was the greatest military person I ever met and dealt with. I was young and somewhat un--experiernced when he 'took me in' and treated me quite well. I feel we became great friends and he was one of the greatest military people I ever encountered.President Kennedy was assassinated while I served with him (Carl). I am sorry I never got to get back with him after tech-repping in S. Korea!
J.. Williams
June 15, 2009
It's difficult when we lose someone we love to death no matter what the circumstances may be. May Our Heavenly Father the God of peace, comfort you during this difficult time. Hold fast to His promise at Psalm 46:9 which says "He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; The wagons he burns in the fire." What a glorious day we have to look forward to. You all are in my prayers.
SMSgt Edmund Disel
June 15, 2009
A friend, an American Hero, and a fellow veteran. To know you was an honor and a priviledge. May you rest in peace.
Butch Francisco
June 15, 2009
I will never forget being a young private pilot during one of your visits here to Minneapolis. I was very excited when you and Carl agreed to go for a short evening flight with me in the little Cessna 172. I remember Carl asking to do a landing and that he made the smoothest landing using only elevator trim and power adjustments, rarely touching the control wheel. He taught me how to do the same and told me I "kissed it on". Ever since that flight my pilot skills have been superior. A great loss to the family and to the world of aviators.
Butch Francisco-nephew
Pete Nadeau
June 15, 2009
It was an honor to have known Col. Luksic. May he rest in peace.
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CLOSED-Brock’s Home Town Funeral Home5907 State 22, Panama City, FL 32404
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