Donald S. Croston, Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Donald S. Croston, Colonel, USAF (Ret)

July 25, 1933 ~ April 18, 2024

Age 90

Donald S. Croston, Colonel, USAF (Ret) was born July 25, 1933 in San Diego, California to Louis H. and Hazel A. (Surber) Croston. He was raised in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from East High in 1951, and Morningside College in 1956. After graduation, he was employed by Dun and Bradstreet.

He entered the Naval Reserve in 1951 during the Korean War, and in 1957 entered the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet Program to train as a pilot. On December 20, 1958 after receiving his pilot wings and Second Lieutenant commission; and, thereby fulfilling a lifelong dream he had since a young boy (8-12 years old during WWII), he married Judith K. Larsen in Sioux City, Iowa. The family lived in Texas, Georgia, California, Washington State, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Nebraska. While Don was in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, flying 316 combat missions, Judy and the children lived near relatives in Sioux City, Iowa.

In 1969, when he returned from Vietnam, Don was assigned to SAC Headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base, NE as Chief of the Reconnaissance Section. In 1974 the family moved to the Michigan Upper Penninsula at K. I. Sawyer AFB where Don served as Operations Officer and Commander of the 46^th Air Refueling Squadron. He later served as Deputy Base Commander where he was promoted to Colonel and reassigned to SAC Headquarters where he served as Director of Intelligence Support. Don retired from the Air Force in 1982, with over thirty-one years of military service.

Don was a Command Pilot with 5,000 flying hours in both propeller-driven and jet aircraft.  His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, with eight Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm.

Don was Charter President of the Sarpy County Area Kiwanis Club from 2000-2002, and a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church since 1969, where he served as elder, trustee, greeter, reader, and usher. He and Judy spent many years delivering Meals on Wheels from the Bellevue Senior Citizens Center.  Don was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Order of Dadaelians (military pilot organization), Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers of America Association, Distinguished Flying Cross Society, and also belonged to the National Association of Uniformed Services and Vietnam Veterans of America.  He was a docent at the Strategic Air and Space Museum. Don was a Life Scout, and served as committee chairman of Cub Scout Pack 453. He proudly rode with the American Legion and Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle clubs, honoring our fallen military Heroes.

He is survived by his sons Craig (Maria), Scott (Theresa); daughter Beth; brother Craig (Mary); grandchildren Ryan & Isabella Croston, Alexander (Gabriela) & Jacob Croston; great-granddaughter Adeline; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 54 years Judy.

Memorial Service: Saturday, April 27, 11:00 a.m., Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 2311 Fairview Road, Bellevue.

To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/donald-s-croston-col-usaf-ret-yzdiozbzanv3q1a6a5i3?_gl=1*19knevk*_ga*MjU4NzU1NDYzLjE2OTYwMDg0MTg.*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcxMzU2NjE4MC4xNTYuMS4xNzEzNTY2NDQ2LjAuMC4w

Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard & American Legion Post 331

Private Inurnment:  Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa

Memorials may be directed to the Veteran organization of your choice.