William Francis Cummings

Colonel William (Bill) F. Cummings
March 23, 1933 – July 18, 2025
Colonel William F. Cummings was born on March 23, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to John G. Cummings and Nellie Gray Cummings. He was the younger brother of John (Jack) Cummings, who still resides in Detroit, Michigan. Bill graduated from F.E. Bellows High School in Mamaroneck, New York, in 1951. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in economics from Duke University in 1955, where he also received his commission into the United States Air Force. In 1953, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Louise "Pat" Clark. Together, they began a lifelong adventure of raising a family and traveling the world in service to their country.
Col. Cummings' early Air Force career included roles as a T-33 and T-38 flight instructor. In 1964, he transferred to the Tactical Air Command and flew F-100s in Europe. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1967, he transitioned to the F-4 Phantom and served as an instructor pilot. In 1969, he deployed to Southeast Asia for a 12-month tour with the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Thailand, where he flew 187 combat missions with courage and distinction.
Throughout his distinguished career, Col. Cummings held numerous leadership roles. In 1973, he was assigned to Headquarters Tactical Air Command. From 1975 to 1977, he served as Squadron Commander of the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida. He later served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel at the U.S. Security Service, Kelly AFB, Texas, and he retired in 1986 as Chief of Staff of the Electronic Security Command. A command pilot with over 5,500 flying hours, Col. Cummings exemplified dedication, bravery, and excellence.
After retiring from the Air Force, Bill continued to serve his community as a business manager for Assumption Seminary. He and Pat were active and devoted members of St. Luke's Parish, generously volunteering their time and talents.
Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his service to others, humor, strength, and deep faith. He loved God, spending time with his family, flying planes, golfing and reading. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat Cummings, and his grandson, Blake Thomason. He is survived by his children: John (Christopher) Cummings (Debbie), Linda Thomason (Tommy), Victoria McCulloch (Keith), Kathleen Fitzsimmons (Tom), and Carolyn Kiourkas (Nick); eleven grandchildren: Kimberly, Emilee, Wesley, Chelsea, Christine, Lindsey, Shauna, Steven, Mitchel, Ryan, and Madelyn; and eight great-grandchildren: Chloe, James, Quinn, Margot, Harrison, Lucas, Saxon, and Dylan.
Colonel William "Bill" F. Cummings signed off duty from his final earthly assignment on July 18, 2025. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We take comfort in knowing he has entered the pearly gates-likely playing 18 holes with a perfect swing, Pat right by his side.
A special thanks to Independence Hill for their care and support of our parents and family.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, 8/3/2025 from 5-8pm, with a Rosary at 6pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, 8/4/2025 at 11:30am, followed by a reception at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment will be at 2:00pm at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.