In Loving Memory of Lieutenant Colonel George “Don” Meserve, Jr. (Ret), USAF
Apple Valley, Calif. – George “Don” Meserve, Jr. took his final flight on August 15, 2024, just days shy of his 88th birthday.
Born on August 26, 1936, in Marlboro, MA, Don’s adventurous spirit soared from an early age, sparked by a thunderous formation of World War II fighters that zoomed over his family’s farm in Hudson, MA. By the time he was 15, he had the unforgettable experience of taking the controls of a B-17, sealing his fate as a dedicated aviator.
After his time in ROTC at the University of Kansas, Don began his distinguished and decorated career in the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1959. He earned his wings, graduating from pilot training in 1960 and joining a B-47 flight crew during the height of the Cold War, even finding himself on the front lines during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was at Forbes AFB in Topeka, KS, where he met his soulmate, Vonnie, and they tied the knot in 1964.
Don’s passion for aviation only grew as he transitioned to flying B-52s, where he would complete 135 combat missions during the Vietnam War, including contributions to Operation Arc Light and Operation Linebacker II. After retiring from the Air Force in 1979, he shifted gears to manage the KC-10 Training Facility at March Air Reserve Base, Riverside, CA.
But Don’s love for flying never waned. He remained an active private pilot and continued to support the aviation community through organizations like the Civil Air Patrol, EAA, and AOPA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George D. Meserve, Sr. and Doris Foster Meserve, and his sister, Janet (Ted) Tidwell. Don leaves behind a legacy of love and adventure through his children: Daniela (Tony) Patag, Douglas (Lena) Meserve, Daphne (Dan) Bartz, Donald (Natalie) Meserve, and Derek (Monica) Meserve. He was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Don will be remembered not just as a seasoned pilot and dedicated serviceman, but as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. He lived a life full of passion, adventure, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 9:00 AM, at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA. Friends, family, and those whose lives were touched by Don are invited to attend and pay their respects.
