Col Stu
art E MacTaggart (Stu) passed away on February 20, 2017 at the age of 74 after a long and brave fight with multiple sclerosis. Stu spent almost 50 years as a professional aviator. He spent 27 of those years as a US Air Force Pilot, serving numerous tours in Southeast Asia during Vietnam, and flying over 150 combat missions.
After retirement from the Air Force in 1992, Stu flew for the Methodist Hospital Outreach Program. Later, he served as a pilot and was appointed as the Director of Aeronautics for the State of Nebraska by Gov. Johanns. He continued to serve under Gov. Heineman until his retirement in 2009.
Stu was an Eagle Scout, an Admiral in the State’s Honorary Navy, and a member of several brotherhoods and fraternal organizations in the Air Force. He directed and led several youth-oriented aviation outreach programs through the State, and had a particular knack for storytelling. Stu enjoyed the mountains, hiking, and fishing with friends and family. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was lovingly devoted to his wife Kay, to whom he was married for 47 years.
He is preceded in death by father Elmer McTaggart Lt Col USAF (Ret) and brother Bruce McTaggart. He is survived by his wife Kay; son Rob MacTaggart (Christon); daughter Stacey Mielke (Craig); grandchildren Kaylee, Gavin, Conner, Owen, Lily; mother Jane McTaggart; sister Susan Hamblin (Bill); brother Sandy MacTaggart (Suzanne); and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be on Monday February 27, 2017 at 9:30 at the Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel (2202 Hancock St) in Olde Towne Bellevue.
Interment at the new Omaha National Cemetery (144th and Schram Road) with Military Honors on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon following.
Memorials to National Multiple Sclerosis Society (http://www.nat
ionalmssociety.org) & Order of Daedalians (http://daedalians.org).
9 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss. I met the Col while stationed at Minot. I reported to him. He was a great leader and a great mentor. It was because of him and one other Col that I was able to become the person & the leader I was. I remember one night during a snow storm I was out on the runway controlling snow removal when he appeared While we were talking I received a radio call from my unit letting me know that my daughter had been bit in the face . Without me saying a word he just looked at me and told me to go, to get to the hospital where I belonged with her. He told me he would take over my job until I got everything taken care of. He was a great person, a very caring person. I have met and worked for many COL but by far he was and is one of the greatest and I could never say nor thank him enough. To me, Col Stu is a great American and a Great American Hero. RIP my friend, you are with God and the pain is all gone now. Have a great flight to heaven.
What an amazing man. Our thoughts are with you Rob, Christon and family during this difficult time.
Thinking of my cousin Stuart. I remember looking up to him as the “big kid” when Stu and our family went on a burro trip in the Sierras. My condolences.
We are so sorry to hear of Stu’s passing. We were young officers and friends living across from each other on Mather Air Force Base. He was one of my best friends and an outstanding example of a fellow officer.
We have lost a very dear friend in Stu. Nobody has ever had a closer comrade, neighbor, friend or associate than Colonel Stu MacTaggart and he will be greatly missed. Our whole family spent many long and glorious hours and days with he and his family, times we will cherish forever. Although Stu has made his last flight by slipping the” surly bonds of earth” he is now in the hands of the almighty and resting in peace. Good bye great friend until we meet again.
Dear Kay and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Stu was a special man not only to the family but to the many lives he touched in the military. Bob had such respect for Stu as a commander and as a friend. Our girls send their condolences to Rob and Stacie also. The family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I had the opportunity to meet Stu while he was Director at the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics. You couldn’t help but like Stu from the first introduction.
He shared a couple of stories with me about trying to grow a mustache (after seeing mine) like his Air Force buddies. As it grew in thin he tried using black shoe polish to make it stand out. His buddies caught him in the shower room with black polish on his face and hands and gave him a bit of razzing. At his retirement party at the NDA offices I gave him a gift–black shoe polish! He chuckled pretty loudly at this.
I can only imagine the number of great stories he could tell from his life of great service. I was blessed by getting a few and knowing a great man, he will be missed. My condolences to your family.
Stu was truly one of the greatest guys I knew. He was a role model and a great leader.
He and John Harrington have both “gone west” and I am sure still swapping stories and
enjoying a drink or two or…
Kay and family. Dee Dee and I have lost touch with all of the fine guys/families I served with at Castle AFB. What a shock to hear of Stu’s passing! May the :Lord comfort you during this troubled time.
Garry & Dee
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