Arnold E. Hector

Colonel Arnold E. Hector of Colorado Springs Colorado died on January 19, 2011. He had been a resident of Colorado Springs since June 1974. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ben (Benny) Hector. They were married July 1948 at Selfridge AFB, MI. He is also survived by his daughter, Peggy Hector of Colorado Springs, Colorado and his daughter, Rebecca Leonard of Grand Junction, Colorado. He has one grandson, Caleb Leonard (Teal) of Englewood, Colorado and one great-grandchild, Madison Olivia Leonard of Englewood, Colorado; and his sister, Irene Hahn of Auburn, Nebraska.

Colonel Hector was born 9 March 1923 in San Benito, Texas to Karl D. and Elizabeth (Grube) Hector. He attended Peru State Teachers College in Peru, NE. prior to entering the military.

Arnie entered military service on 20 February 1943 as an aviation cadet and graduated from flying school at Luke Field, AZ. In WWII he was assigned to Air Training Command as an instructor pilot and then assigned to Germany in occupation duty. He entered jet pilot program in 1947 and flew 107 combat missions in Korea. From 1950 to 1962, Colonel Hector performed duty as fighter/interceptor pilot in squadron, group and major air command assignments. He graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College in 1963 and was then given command of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Japan. His continuous military services included assignments with HQ PACAF; NORAD/ADC; and TUSLOG until his retirement in May 1974.

His awards and commendations include the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Services Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

He was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather to his family. Golf, skiing and bowling were among his many activities in life and shared with his family. He will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the memorial fund of First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave COS 80907 in memory of Arnold.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Private burial will take place at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.