Ellis B. McClintick, Col USAF (Ret)

ELLIS BURNETT McCLINTICK

COLONEL USAF, RETIRED

World War Two Veteran and longtime resident of Sarpy County, Ellis McClintick passed away on November 12, 2023 at age 101. He retired from the U.S. Air Force at the Strategic Air Command Headquarters on November 1, 1972, after completing over 30 years of active duty service. He was the husband of Rhoda “Rae” (Enslow) McClintick for nearly 50 years and they were the parents of four sons, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren. Rae preceded him in death in August 1996. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Wm. Alta and Louella (Burnett) McClintick, three sisters, three brothers and their wives.

Ellis served in Europe during WWII as B-17 “Flying Fortress” aerial navigator in the 390^th Bombardment Group. After he survived his tour of aerial combat against the Hitler regime, he completed pilot training and continued to serve during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and the Cold War as a Command Pilot, staff officer and commander. Among the medals he received in recognition of his service are four Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the French Legion of Honor.

After his retirement, Ellis actively supported the public effort to ensure all military veterans are honored and remembered. He joined and financially supported a wide array of organizations and museums memorializing the sixteen million veterans that served in WWII, as well as those serving in subsequent conflicts. He was a Charter Member of the American Air Museum in Great Britain and the WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA. He was a Life Member of the Daedalian Foundation, the Strategic Air Command and Space Museum near Ashland, NE and the 390^th Bombardment Group Museum in Tucson, AZ. He was a member and supporter of the U.S. Air Force Museum at Dayton, OH, the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Midland, TX, the WASP (Women Air Service Pilots) Museum at Sweetwater, TX and the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum and Historical Society near Savannah, GA. He was also a member and supporter of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Love of family was most important to Ellis and he conducted regular and frequent family gatherings to help insure his offspring remained close. Family reunions and published family memories were essential activities. He is survived by four sons: James E. (Deanna), Lincoln, NE; Phillip R. (Deborah), Louisville, KY; Thomas R.; William A. (Elizabeth); plus eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren across the USA.  Also survived by devoted companion, Bonnie S. Heald of the Hillcrest Grand Lodge and a sister-in-law, Laurene McClintick of Indian Wells, CA.

The family will greet friends at the Bellevue Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 17 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 10:30AM at the Bellevue Memorial Chapel.

To view the service, click in the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/mcclintick-funeral-service-ect0gpbxotwdzetcukmz

A Committal Service with Military Honors will be conducted at the Bellevue Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to 390^th Memorial Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd., Tucson, AZ 85756; or online at www.390th.org