Lothar Thomas Maier

Lothar "Nick" Maier was born in Buffalo, NY on August 30, 1932. He was educated in Buffalo, NY schools and attended Buffalo State Teachers College where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity. In 1977 he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from McMurry University in Abilene, TX. He entered pilot training with aviation cadet class 55-M, January 1954, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, April 1955. He was assigned to B-47's at Smokey Hill Air Force Base, Kansas, His crew was the first to be assigned to B-52 upgrade training at Castle Air Force Base, California in 1956. Nick was a B-52 Aircraft Commander flying the B through G model aircraft. He received a SAC crew of the month award for saving a B-52 in 1967. Nick was selected to be a pilot for the SR-71 (First Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron) at Beale Air Force Base,California, in 1967. Served one B-52 Arc Light Tour in 1969 with 70 combat missions and was 8th Air Force Command Post Senior Controller at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, during linebacker II in1972. He was awarded the Bronze Star, 3 Air Medals, 3 Air Force Commendation Medals and the Cold War Medal. Retiring as a Major in 1977, he worked 16 years in travel industry management. His writings have been published in several military and travel related periodicals. He enjoyed reading, traveling the world and especially being part of the group of volunteers at the History of Aviation Collection at UTD.

Nick is survived by his wife Mary Beth of Plano, his son Robert and daughter-in-law Debra of Duncanville. Sister Marilyn Pickard of Buffalo, NY, brother Eric Maier of Williamsville, NY and Lance Maier of Boston, MA. and niece Cindy Mendonca of Buffalo, NY. Preceded in death by his father and mother, Lothar and Ida Maier, brother Lief, sister Karla and his son Curtis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.