BOMKAMP, Fred A.

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 13, 2003 Fred A. Bomkamp, 71, passed away on April 8, 2003, in Phoenix, Arizona. The son of an Army family, he was born in Walter Reed Hospital, in Washington, D. C. to Major Fred A. and Virginia. He joined the Army, at the age of 17, and earned the purple heart in Korea, when he stepped on a land mine. He was sent to the Army Hospital at the Navajo Ordnance Depot in Bellemont, Arizona, where he met his wife, Darleon, who was a civilian, employed by the Army. After his discharge in 1953, they were married, and lived in Alton, Illinois, where they were employed by McDonald Douglas. He was laid off along with the entire Engineering Department there, and they moved to Winslow, Arizona, Darleon's home. He opened Fred's Texaco Station, at 2nd Street and Warren Ave. there. While living in Winslow, he was a Write In Candidate for Mayor of Winslow, and lost by 17 votes. He expanded his business to include numerous stations in Winslow and a Bulk Plant there. Then, he expanded his business to include stations in Flagstaff, Holbrook, Kingman, Payson, Prescott, Gallup, New Mexico, Phoenix and Tucson. He owned 19 service stations with convenience stores in Phoenix during this time. He had Truck Stops or Travel Centers in Bellemont, Phoenix, Tucson, Gila Bend and Kingman. He was an independent marketer, marketing under various trade names, and was an Officer of the Independent Oil Marketers Association. He loved his work, and every day was an exciting, wonderful challenge to him. In 1967, he earned his Private Pilots License, and took up flying, so that he could more efficiently manage his businesses and be home with his family in the evening. He became skilled in aerobatics, and after a busy day, he loved to do aerobatics in his Citabria or Decathlon. He also enjoyed several Cessna 182s and 210s over the years. His wife, Darleon also took up flying, and in 1976, received her Private Pilot's License. They never took yearly vacations, but on the weekends, they flew to Lake Powell, where they kept a trailer and boat, Mazatlan, Mexico, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Mulehe, Baja, Montana, Washington D.C. to visit Fred's family there, to name a few. He was a Life Time Member of the Elks Club. He was a compassionate person, and loved people, flying, his family and his work. Survivors include his wife, Darleon, son, James Allen Bomkamp, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, daughter, Linda Kyle, of Phoenix, Grandchildren, Steven Bomkamp, Alicia Bomkamp, David Kyle and Michael Kyle, brother, Lester Jacobs, Sisters, Betty Anne Fones, Janet King and Linda Taylor, Mother in law, Helen Doonan. Viewing will be on Sunday April 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and services on Monday April 14 at 11:00 a.m, at the Lundberg Mortuary White Rose Chapel, 5310 W. Northern Ave. The graveside service will immediately follow. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.