Peter F. Lipko

Peter F. Lipko MSGT USAF RET, age 85, departed this life Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Pete started his Air Force career at Walker Air Force Base Roswell, New Mexico in the 509 Bomb Wing as an aircraft mechanic on KB–29's. The 509 Bomb Wing was the Bomb Wing that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan, the B–29 Enola Gay. Later the 29's phased out and the KC–97 came into the inventory. Pete worked his way up to be an Assistant Aircraft Crew Chief. He was selected to attend school for the B–47E. After graduation, Pete became a Crew Chief on a B–47E at the 509 Bomb Wing, Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, New Mexico. Several years later, the Bomb Wing moved to Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. His next assignment was Ramey Air Force Base Puerto Rico. He became a Crew Chief on a B–52G for four years and he received the Master Crew Chief Award, an award Pete cherished greatly. He flew in combat missions over the Gulf of Tonkin in Young Tiger on KC–135A. Pete soon received orders for Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas where he became a Crew Chief on a KC–135A. Four years later, he received orders for Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota where he was assigned Branch Chief on Non–Powered Age Section. Pete had 35 men under his supervision. When Pete finally had enough of the "cold", he cross–trained into the First Sergeant's Field followed by orders for Korat RTAFB Thailand, assigned to the 553rd Recon Wing. After his year of duty in Thailand was completed, Pete was assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota., After three years, Pete decided to retire and spend time with his family. He enjoyed his nineteen years in SAC and one year in PACAF. Pete was very proud of his nine ribbons and numerous letters of appreciation. After Pete's military career, he decided to retire in Arkansas where he and his family bought their first and only home. With the help from two other friends, he formed the Jacksonville Razorback Club. Pete was one of the three presidents for the club. He was also involved with the Jacksonville Lions Club and had held many offices of Tail Twister as treasurer, president, and zone chairman. Pete could not have been any luckier when he was hired at Lomanco, Inc. in Jacksonville where he spent 22 years being associated with the greatest co–workers in the world. Pete was very close to the "super people" at Lomanco, Inc. Pete was also close to his friends at the community center, John Reffner, David Oldham, and "Stevie." He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, whom he loved very much. Pete is survived by his two children, David Lipko and Barbara Ann Varcasia; daughter–in–law, Kathleen Lipko; grandchildren Angela Dowd, and husband, Calvin, Brian Lipko and wife, Catie, and Emily Ann Varcasia; great–granddaughters, Evelyn Dowd and Madelyn Dowd; younger brother, Andrew Lipko and wife, Agnes of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; sisters–in–law, Francis and Betty; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services are 10 a.m., Friday, February 22, 2019 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 4–6 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the funeral home, with rosary services beginning at 6 p.m. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. (501) 982–2136. www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.