SICKLESTEEL, Milton E., III

Milton E. Sicklesteel III, Retired Lt. Col. USAF, flew his final mission and passed into Heaven on December 26, 2003 after a short illness. He was the son of Milton E. Sicklesteel Jr., of St. Clair Shores, MI and Louise Smith of Ashville, NC. Born on August 23, 1923 in St. Claire Shores, MI, he attended the University of Michigan prior to joining the US Army Air Corps in 1942. He served the Military for 23 years as a fighter pilot, seeing combat action in the Pacific during WWII and flew 125 F-86 missions in Korea; a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, and finally an instructor pilot. His military decorations included but not limited to; Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and Award of Commendation Ribbons. After retiring from Luke AFB, he remained active in Kiwanis, the Episcopal Church and worked for 14 years for the Hyatt Hotels in AZ, FL, and CA. He loved to sail and built his own custom 44 foot sailboat in his Phoenix backyard; once completed, he sailed the Gulf Coast of Texas and Florida. His brother, Thomas of Port Huron, MI, preceded him in death. He leaves two other brothers, John of Rockford, Michigan and William of San Antonio, Texas; two loving sons, Milton Edward Sicklesteel IV and Jeffrey Sicklesteel, both of Riverside, CA and Wayne Eggins of Chandler, AZ; two loving daughters, Lora Schulz of Scottsdale, AZ and Lisa L. Pennington of Mesa, AZ. He was loved by 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. His great generosity gained him numerous caring friends from all over the world, many of which came to help him in his time of need. He will be loved and truly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Special thanks to Wayne Eggins and to all whom aided in his comfort and hospice, it is much appreciated by the family. Memorial services were held at All Saints Episcopal Church 6300 N Central Ave, Phoenix on January 16th, 2004. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to be made in Milton's name to the Phoenix Children's Hospital. Published in the Arizona Republic from 1/11/2004 - 1/12/2004.