Willis F. Fagan

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Willis "Will" F. Fagan flew his final mission and "slipped the surly bonds of Earth" on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015. Celebration of life: 1 p.m. Friday at White's Funeral Home in Azle. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, lls.org, in Will's memory. Will was born in Haworth, Okla., to the late Ellis and Helen Fagan on June 19, 1933. After living in many locations in McCurtain County, Okla., Will graduated from Idabel High School in 1951. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M College (Oklahoma State University) in 1955. Upon graduation, Will was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. After training he flew B-25s, B-47s and, his favorite, the B-58 supersonic bomber. Will served his country in Vietnam flying the F-4. Upon returning from Vietnam, Will commanded a munitions maintenance squadron at Carswell AFB, commanded the Munitions Training Group at Lowry AFB in Denver, Colo., and served his final three years on the general's staff for Eighth Air Force at Carswell. Will retired in 1985 after 30 years in the Air Force. He and his wife, Sharon, treasured the many friends they made during his long and rewarding career. Willis will be forever remembered by his family and friends. Will was predeceased by his parents, Ellis and Helen Fagan of Idabel, Okla.; and his son, Dean Cochran of Idabel, Okla. Survivors: Will is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon; his daughters, Mary Helen Fagan, Stacy Ringer and husband, Guy, Laura Johnson and Tony Johnson, and Beth Fagan; grandchildren, Noah Ringer, Britton Douglas and wife, Sarah, and Graham Douglas; and his brother, Fred Fagan.