Arthur Frank Surovic

1935 - 2025

Arthur Frank Surovic
July 31, 1935 - August 12, 2025
Colonel Arthur F. Surovic USAF (Ret.) passed away on August 12, 2025 at the age of 90. Surovic resided with his wife of 67 plus years, the former Betty Gaye Burkett in San Antonio a number of times, the last beginning in 2010. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois on July 31, 1935. His parents were James A. Surovic and his wife, Anna S. (Zika) Surovic, both deceased.
He attended Piper Elementary school in Berwyn, Illinois. His family moved to Yuma, Arizona in1948 where he attended Crane Elementary school and graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1953. He then attended Arizona State University in Tempe Arizona, graduating in 1957 with a B.A. in Education. He was selected to be the AFROTC Cadet Wing Commander his senior year and was one of a handful nation-wide to be selected for a Regular Air Force Officer Commission.
While awaiting his call to active duty he taught at Yuma Union High School. During this period he met Betty Gaye Burkett who soon became his wife.
He entered the Air Force on December 26, 1957. He served in Hawaii, Spain, two tours in Germany and a combat tour in Viet Nam in 1967-1968 (TET Offensive). He additionally served stateside assignments in Texas, Mississippi, Illinois and Alabama. While assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base Germany as Director of Personnel, his activity was selected as the "Best in Command." three consecutive years and the "Best in the Air Force" in 1976.
He retired in 1981 while serving as the "Director of Personnel Programs" Headquarters, Military Airlift Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. His Decorations included, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with oak Leaf Cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, plus numerous service awards.
He suffered a vision problem and two strokes which disability hastened his retirement and was the first of numerous, substantial, medical problems that followed. He went back to college and earned an additional degree and was a successful licensed real estate broker until speech problems came on.
His life-long interest in history turned his efforts to writing numerous articles for publication in historical magazines. He also authored a historical novel "The Texas Tetrad"
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of sixty-seven years, Betty Gaye (Burkett) Surovic and their son Gregory James Surovic and his wife Laura and three grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne , Daniel Patrick and Anna Marie Surovic.