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Alex Boudreaux Obituary

BOUDREAUX Alex A. Boudreaux, (Tuskegee Airman WWII), died peacefully February 20, 2011 at Summit Trace Healthcare Center at the age of 90. Born November 17, 1920 in Carencro, Louisiana and by age 21 was inducted as a pilot in The Tuskegee Airmen. In 1946 he was appointed as the first African-American Air Traffic Controller in the United States at Port Columbus Airport, where he remained until his retirement in 1977. Alex was involved in numerous community activities, such as St. Dominic Catholic Church, Life Member of Tuskegee Airmen, charter member of Motts Military Museum, founding member of Ohio Museum of Flight Port Columbus, American Legion 40 & 8th, Knights of Columbus and volunteered in many community youth organizations. In 2005 he was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame and in 2007 he received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President George Bush. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary and eldest son Charles Anthony. He leaves to cherish his memory son, John (Vickie) of Columbus; daughter, Anita of Los Angeles; daughter-in-law, Mary (Anthony Curry) of Columbus; grandchildren, Anika Boudreaux, Renee (Todd) Suddeth, Annette Solomon and John Solomon; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be prior to the Funeral Mass from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, February 24 at St. Dominic Church, 455 North 20th St., where the Funeral Mass will be Thursday 11 a.m. Burial St. Joseph Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all the staff at Summit Trace Care Center and Odyssey Hospice for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Tuskegee Airmen Ohio Memorial Chapter Scholarship Fund and Motts Military Museum. Arrangements are by EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. Broad St. Visit www.egan-ryan.com for condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Alex Boudreaux

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TOM Feldman

February 15, 2025

He was a good friend !

Gene Cowgill

February 15, 2021

Remembering a true gentleman who I greatly respected when I worked with him as an air traffic controller at Columbus Tower. His warm professional attitude is one I will never forget. My blessings to the family.

Thomas Feldman

February 15, 2021

AB was always thought of as a good friend. Hope to meet again FN

Gene Wise

February 15, 2021

I was reminded of Alex this morning when I saw in the paper that the history Channel had a documentary about, The Tuskegee Airman, which I set up to record. I had the pleasure of working with Alex for several years at the Columbus Control Tower. He was well respected and very well liked.
Gene Wise ATCS Retired

Charlie Pyles

February 15, 2020

I will always cherish the memory of my friend as long as I live.

Gene Wise

February 16, 2019

I worked with Alex at the Columbus Tower from 1971 until his retirement. He was always a an excellent work mate and helpful to me as I learned my profession. I always looked forward to seeing him at our get togethers and he honored me by attending my retirement party in 2006. He was a great gentleman and is fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with him,

Gene Wise

Donna Bowles

March 2, 2011

So sorry for your loss I hope with our prayers you will heal soon. From your friends and family at G.J.'s

AMVETS Post 300

March 2, 2011

Deepest sympathy.

Bunny Pannell-Neal

February 26, 2011

Dear Anita & Family, So sorry for your family's loss. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic's and it was an honor to know him. I pray that your family finds support and comfort in the good memories that he and your mother left. God Bless you.

Bunny Pannell-Neal

February 26, 2011

Anita & Family, I am so sorry about your loss. I know your Father was a faithful member of St. Dominic's and I was proud to have known him. I will be praying for your family that you find support and comfort in each other reliving good memories of him and your Mom, who I also miss. God Bless

Jocelyn McDonald

February 26, 2011

Anika & Family, I am praying for God's continued strength and comfort during this time. What a great man who loved his country and left a great legacy, for his family. May you find laughter in memories and comfort in thoughts.

THE LION OF YEHUDA <3

BEV PUNZALAN

February 25, 2011

MAY HIS MEMORY REMAIN A BLESSING <3 MAY HE REJOICE WITH THE ANGELS AND SING PRAISES TO HIS G-D <3 MAY HE SEE THE FACE OF HIS SAVIOR <3 WITH A GRATEFUL HEART <3 BEV PUNZALAN AND FAMILY ~

TIMOTHY DUNN

February 25, 2011

HE WAS A TRUE AMERICAN. A LEADER WHO INSPIRED OTHERS AND LET NOTHING GET HIM DOWN. HE WILL BE MISSED. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY. THE MEN OF REYNOLDSBURG AMERICAN LEGION POST #798, COMMANDER MR. TIMOTHY DUNN.

Tom Foley

February 25, 2011

Alex, you were an officer and more importantly a "Gentleman" from the first day I met back in the mid- 80's while I served as the chief of Rickenbacker ANGB public affairs office...your friendship, knowledge and council will always be remembered. May the Peace of the Lord God be always with you ---God has one of the best soul controllers, now. Tom Foley

Citizen Of

February 24, 2011

Thank You for your Service To Our Country. Mr. Alex Bourdreaux you are a true American Hero. There was a beautiful article wrote about you. It made me cry, your sacrifice should never be forgotten. Because of you, we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

http://black-history.blackvoices.com/2011/02/24/black-history-month-tuskegee-airman-alex-a-boudreaux-dies?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk2%7C203228

February 24, 2011

I met Alex at an FAA Retiree's Group luncheon when I married Jack Faulstich. Alex was such a dear man, so kind and friendly. His service to his country and continued interest in service to others is an inspiration to young folks. He never let obstacles define who he was and had a kind word and smile for everyone. God will now enjoy his company.
Sincerely,
Kathi Faulstich

Kristopher Bickel

February 24, 2011

I had the honor and privilage of escourting the guest Tuskegee Airmen at an airshow at Rickenbacker AB while I was serving with the Ohio Air National Guard. I was impressed with these Gentlemen not only for their impressive wartime service but their continuing service in civilian life after the war. I am a sponsor of the Red Tail Progect a replica of the P-51 aircraft that exibits the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. May Alex and the others rest in peace.

Seth Pymer

February 24, 2011

I was honored to have had the opportunity to sit and talk with Alex at Summit's Trace many times. He was a member of a heroic group of men. He was also a very gracious, smart, and honorable man. I know he is in a better place with a new mind and purpose. We will never be able to repay his service as a Tuskegee Airman nor as a role model. Thank you Alex, may you go with God.

February 24, 2011

I am a Vietnam vet and I want to say to the family of Mr. Boudreaux that his sacrifices in WWII are still appreciated to this day. THANK YOU for your service! Thank you for being a pioneer! Thank you for such a man of HONOR! You were an example for ALL service men and women. Your sacrifices will always be remembered as long as there is an United States of America. May God bless Mr. Boudreaux's famiy.

Denise Stephens

February 24, 2011

Dear Anita,
It is times like this that I wish I could jump on a plane and be with you! I am so thankful that we got reunited and that I was able to visit with you Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in the fact that your Dad is in a better place....all confusion is gone, he is at peace. I love you.

February 24, 2011

Anita, we were so sorry to here of the passing of Alex. He was always such a great supporter of the museum. He was an inspiration to many and especially to us here at the museum as well as a dear friend. May God bless you and your family.

Warren Motts, Founding Director
Motts Military Museum
Groveport, OH

erik stier

February 24, 2011

A salute to a great man who should be an inspiration to all people.

Mindy Conrad

February 24, 2011

Anika sorry to hear about your grandfather may he rest in peace.

Cornell Stockton

February 24, 2011

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Mr. Boudreaux on several occasions at events honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and Veterans at the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. I have to admit that each conversation was a memorable moment that I will never forget. Rest in Peace Mr. Boudreaux and thank you for your military service.

Arnett Howard

February 24, 2011

God bless you, Mr.Boudreaux. You live a long, good and very proud life.

February 24, 2011

Dear Boudreaux Family,

We gratefully acknowledge Mr. Boudreaux's service to our country, so that we can embrace the freedoms we have today. The courage and character of the Tuskegee Airmen was like non other in that period of war. May God bless all of your families.

Sincerely,
Blue Star Mothers of America
Buckeye Military Moms, Chapter 9
Worthington/Cols. OH

Jesus Garcia

February 24, 2011

Our condolences to the Boudreaux family. We met Alex through the Knights of Columbus Fr. Huber Assembly 809. He was a great person and will be missed.

Anika Boudreaux

February 24, 2011

Grandpa, I remember all of the bounces on the knee along with the open arms when we ran your way. I've learnred an awful lot from you, most importantly how to never give up on defending myself for what's right. To be treated fairly was all you ever desired so you could make your place in this world. Because you suceeded and was an instrument in helping others, you are now in the best an most important place. I'm honored to be your granchild and blessed to have had you for 38 years. We miss and love you so very much.

February 23, 2011

May God bless him and his family for keeping our skies safe during war and peace. My thoughts and prayers to a great patriot with a great family.

Marshall & Elizabeth Barnes

February 23, 2011

Mr. Boudreaux was a special neighbor and friend. And he lives on in our hearts. His contribution to the Eastgate neighborhood and to the history of our country will not be forgotten. Our sincere condolences to all of the family.

Richard Long

February 23, 2011

We lost a great American and I lost a friend. He fought two enemies and defeated both: the Nazis and American prejudice. He now goes to claim his reward. May God bless him.

martha ebron

February 23, 2011

Anika I remember the day I met your grandfather. It was at your house and he showed me his medal that he had just receive. I felt so honor to just be in his present. Rest in preace my soilder. I will be praying for you and your family. Martha Ebron

Edith Payne

February 23, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Boudreaux family. Your Father will be missed by many. He was a very special person, I am glad we kept in touch for awhile after Aunt Mary passed.

May Banks

February 23, 2011

Mr. Boudreaux left a memorable history to the people here in Columbus, Oh. Speaking on the stories of the Tuskeegee Airmen during February Black History Month has enlightened us young and old alike. He and his fellow Airmen appearing at Nationwide Insurance downtown and most recently at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium brought awareness many people were not even known. We are forever grateful for their contribution and sacrifices to their country.

May Banks Family

Charlie Pyles

February 23, 2011

I'll always remember Alex. He treated me like a son during our times at the Ohio History of Flight Museum. Rest in Peace my friend.

Charlotte Perry

February 23, 2011

Alex would often come by after church and visit ‘Perry’ (William David Perry, aka POP, deceased) and our family who would talk and talk and talk with us and our children. Alex would always ask me what she had baked lately, and loved my peach cobbler. He was sorry that Perry had such a great mind but was confined to his wheelchair but always offered words of comfort and support to keep Perry’s spirits up. Alex sometimes would assist Perry playing his pinochle cards with friends. Thank you Alex, I will miss you.

Charlotte E. Perry (Tina)

Rich Queen

February 23, 2011

Alex is in good company, as he steps onto the 40/8 boxcar on its way to places unknown to man. His friends Luther B, Fast Eddy W, Ed A and Henry R have been waiting on him. Voyageurs, have a great trip.
Rich Queen, Commissaire Intendant
Am-Le Voiture 15, 40 & 8, Columbus

Patricia Jackson

February 23, 2011

To The Boudreaux Family, please accept my condolences. I would like to also thank your family for Mr. Boudreaux's service to our country. May his legacy live on inside each and every one of you. It was a pleasure to meet him on several occasions. May your heart be filled with wonderful memories of his life here on earth.

Michael De Coux

February 23, 2011

Uncle Alex was a wonderful role model and story teller to me. I always loved going to visit him and Aunt Mary at their house on Greenway. I'm extremely grateful that I was able to introduce my son Maximilian to Uncle Alex who of course was wonderful as usual; encouraging and inspiring my son on the importance of education and telling him stories of his good old days.

Thank you for the fond memories. We will miss you and your kind spirit.

RIP, Michael and Maximilian De Coux

February 23, 2011

We lost a great American

Richard Long

February 23, 2011

We lost a great American

February 23, 2011

We lost a great American

Richard Long

February 23, 2011

We lost a great American

Renita Peck

February 22, 2011

My condolences to the Boudreaux family. May God bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow. Renita Gomer Peck

February 22, 2011

John and family.. our deepest condolences on the lost of your Dad. Paul, Donna and Jason Byrd

Cynthia Engram

February 22, 2011

May our Father wrap you in His comfort during this most sorrowful of times. Be blessed. Cynthia and Thomas Engram

Jewel Jones

February 22, 2011

"Please know our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with all my cousins and family at such a difficult time. Masses are being said in his memory at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community Church in Orange, Texas." Jewel (DeCoux) Jones and Darryl Jones and family

February 22, 2011

This world could use more men like Alex Boudreaux. I enjoyed my many talks with Alex on the Midnight Shifts
Ron Evans, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Kim Invergo

February 22, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you draw comfort from the time you enjoyed together.

Kim DeCoux, Michael and Alex Invergo

February 22, 2011

Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy is with you during this difficult time.
Wishing you all the peace that only God's grace can provide.
Please know that we are there with you in spirit and masses are being said in his memory at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Pflugerville, Texas.
I will hold fondly the memories of Alex and the many enjoyable conversations over meals shared.
Sincerely, Alex DeCoux, Jr. Pinky and Family.

DeAudra Bell

February 22, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gwendolyn Napper

February 22, 2011

May the Lord bless and keep each of you during this difficult time. Mr. Boudreax was a gentle giant.

Janet, Anne, John,Pat,Steve and Mike Gilmore

February 22, 2011

We always enjoyed talking with Alex at Kensington. What a fine man he was.

February 22, 2011

Alex was a lovely man and a true gentleman. I met Alex when I was employed at Hospice at Riverside and he lost his wife on the program. He bought a memorial brick for the walkway in Mary's memory. It was a delight to get to know him. My condolences to his family.
Nancy Truelove Wilkes

Prostell Thomas

February 22, 2011

As a former Columbus controller and manager Alex inspired me to be more than I ever thought I could be. He was a mentor as well as a friend. My condolences and prayers go out to his family.

Steve Ebersole

February 22, 2011

A true hero. Your brothers and sisters in the American Legion will miss you. Rest in peace.

Connie Jones

February 22, 2011

Although I can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in my thoughts from afar.

Arthur J Cato

February 22, 2011

Although we can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in our thoughts from afar.

Connie Jones

February 22, 2011

Rest in peace, Uncle Alex

Arthur Cato

February 22, 2011

I'am sorry to here this. May he rest in peace. love you Uncle Alex

Connie Jones

February 21, 2011

Uncle Boudreaux to me ( I already had two uncles named Alex). I'll always remember you. My deepest sympathy to my cousins and the family. Connie Cato Jones

Cynthia Cummings

February 21, 2011

Mr. Boudreaux was a wonderful man. My father, Herndon M. Cummings, and he were close friends. (My father also was a Tuskegee Airman.) I am so sorry for your loss.

toni rhodes

February 21, 2011

Rest in peace, Uncle ALEX;
Toni E. Rhodes[Little Toni]

Ron Albers

February 21, 2011

Alex,
You will be missed by many, my good friend. Your biography reads like the stuff that movies are made of. You have led an incredible life and positively influenced more people than you could have ever realized. I have been proud and honored to be your friend these past ten years. I only wish I had met you earlier, Alex. I will never forget you and all the great times we have enjoyed together. Rest in peace. You have earned it. Please give our sincerest best wishes to Mary when you see her up there.

February 21, 2011

Offering our deepest sympathy during your loss, our family thought a lot of Alex we loved him dearly. The Family of Mary Jo Borghese wife of nicholas Borghese , Knights of Columbus 400. Columbus,Ohio

The Families and Staff of Egan-Ryan Funeral Home

February 21, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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