H. K. Fawcett, Class of 1949

Lt. Col. Horace K. Fawcett, Jr. USAF (Ret.)

Class of 1949
Horace Keyes "H.K." Fawcett, Jr. died at Odyssey Hospice in
San Antonio on Sunday, July 20th, due to complications from
leukemia. He was 76. He was born December 21, 1931, the first of
four children of Horace Keyes and Eika Mae (Dedo) York
Fawcett in Del Rio. His sister and brothers include Frances
Helena, David York and Curtis James.
 
He grew up at the Dolan Creek Ranch, north of Del Rio. He
spent his youth hunting, fishing and helping his father on the ranch.
During his teens he took great interest in flying, and he earned his
amateur pilot license.
 
He graduated from Del Rio High School in 1949, and went on to
earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from
Sul Ross State University in 1953.

He joined the Air Force in October of 1953, beginning a distinguish-
ed career in the Armed Forcees. Among the most noteworthy of
his assignment were his two tours of duty in Vietnam in
which he recorded a total of 299 combat missions. He earned
numerous awards and decorations for his outstanding service to our
country. His service eventually found him back in Del Rio at
Laughlin AFB as a flight instructor. He advance to the rank of
Lt. Colonel before retiring from the Air Force in 1975.
 
While in the military, he met Jean Elizabeth Adams of South
Hampton, NY. The married in 1965 in Las Vegas, and in 1970
the couple adopted twins Elizabeth Jean and Edward
Keyes.
 
After retirement from the Air Force, H. K. sold real estate in
Del Rio. He also became interested in local politics, and he
was elected to the SFDRCISD School Board in 1983. He
served as a school board trustee until 1988. His interests in educa-
tion included his involvement as a volunteer instructor for 4-H
Shooting Sports, as well.
 
H. K. had many hobbies and interests including hunting, fishing,
cooking and gardening. He particularly enjoyed growing tomatos
and peaches. He always gave away the surplus fruits and veget-
ables to friends, family and local organizations.
 
He also received a local honor of acknoledgment for creating a
beautiful bird habitat in his backyard using native plants. He was
recognized in 1996 as Volunteer of the Year by the Texas Nature
Conservancy for his activities that supported their protection of
the wildlife and land of the Dolan Falls Preserve. He very much
enjoyed conversing with friends he met in an online community of
retired fighter pilots called the Super Sabre Society. He also loved
his dog, Jazz, who went with him everywhere.
 
H. K. was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Frances, his
brother David and his exwife Jean. He is survived by his children,
Edward Fawcett of San Angelo and Elizabeth of Denton; his
brother Curtis of San Antonio, his sister-in-law Andra Sides of
San Antonio, his aunt Jo Beth Fawcett of Del Rio and numerous
cousins, nieces and nephews.
 
He was a man of honor and integrity, generous with his time and
his talents. His influence and memory will live on in all those
whose lives he touched.
 
In lieu of usual remembrances, donations may be mae to
H.K.'s favorite charitable organiztions. West Texas Boys
Ranch Foundation, P.O. box 4077, San Angelo, TX 76902;
or online at www.wtbr.org. Or to support the Texas Nature
Conservancy's efforts to protect Dolan Falls Preserve,
donations may be made to: The Nature Conservancy, Attn:
Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA
22203 or online at www.nature.org.
 
The family wishes to thank the loving and caring nurses of
Odyssey Hospice House in San Antonio - his "angels;" and Puente
& Sons Funderal Home of San Antonio.
 
Memorial services will be held at a later date.