Edwin L. Gant

1923 - 2005

Edwin Lee Gant, 81, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at his residence.

Memorial service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church, 800 W. Fifth St., Fort Worth.

Ed was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Hunter, Kan., to Edgar and Myrtle Gant. In 1928, his family moved to Idaho, where he graduated from Melba High School in 1942. He married the former Maxine Peck in 1946. Ed and Maxine enjoyed many years traveling, volunteering, square dancing and spending time with friends and family. He was an inspiration and friend to everyone. He loved his family very much and loved to play and watch golf.

Ed entered the Army Air Corps in 1943. He served as an armorer and tail gunner and served overseas during World War II and the Korean War, flying a total of 35 combat missions over Europe. Ed was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. He achieved the highest non-commissioned officer rank for the Air Force, chief master sergeant. Ed received the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Good Conduct Medal with bronze loops, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with bronze oak leaf clusters, the USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon and the United Nations Service Medal. He served as bombardier-navigation system supervisor with the 43rd Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron, stationed at Carswell Air Force Base, and then retired at Little Rock Air Force Base in 1965 after 22 years, 6 months and 14 days.

After retiring from the military, Ed worked for the U.S. government, at Lockheed, until his final retirement in 1988. He played golf weekly at Squaw Creek Golf Course with the same foursome. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. He was a charter member of the Fort Worth Scottish Rite, a Scottish Rite 32nd-degree and a master Mason at the Arlington Heights Lodge.

Ed was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Scott; son-in-law, Pat Scott; his parents; four brothers; and one sister.

Survivors: Wife, Maxine Gant; son, Ed Gant and wife, Judy; daughter, Pam Armstrong; granddaughters, Dani Su Armstrong and Heather Gant; grandsons, Mark Armstrong and Coleman Gant; brother, Al Gant; sisters, Gail Critchlow and Aletha Jenson; and many nieces and nephews who were dear to him.