Louis Frank Makowski
Gulf Breeze, Florida – Colonel Louis Frank Makowski (Lou) USAF
(Retired)
After a short, hard fought battle with Covid, Lou went home to
be with the Lord on September 8, 2021. We have been blessed to
know such a kind, courageous man.
Lou is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph Makowski and
Mary B. (Wilkowski) Makowski, his siblings Edwund Makowski,
Edwin Makowski, Irene Byram and Genevieve Perin. He is survived
by his sister, Eleanor Dasher and his loving wife of 66 years,
Kay (Roberts) Makowski; daughters, Cheryl Ward (Jim), Rhoda
Reeves (Mark); sons, Matt Makowski (Valerie), Roger Makowski
(Sara). He was also survived by granddaughter, Danielle Hayes
(Nick) and grandsons, Joshua Reeves (Mell), James Tyler Ward and
Zachary Reeves; and great grandchildren, Merritt Hayes, Harry
Hayes, Jackson Reeves and Charlie Reeves.
Lou was born at home in the rural town of Wauchula, Florida,
(then called Vandolah, Florida) October 22, 1930. His father was
a farmer and owned his own bar. His mother ran the local post
office, the first post mistress in the state of Florida. Faith,
Family and Hard Work were the foundation of the Makowski family,
setting the stage for the commitment, dedication and love of his
Catholic Faith, his wife, family and country.
Lou was in the ROTC during high school and upon graduation moved
to Atlanta where he attended Emory University (later finishing
at Troy University), enlisting in the Aviation Cadet Program for
Navigator Training on May 19, 1953. He was awarded his navigator
wings at James Connally AFB, Texas on June 16, 1954. Lt.
Makowski next completed Navigator-Bombardier Training and B-47
Stratojet Combat Crew Training in November 1955, followed by
service as an RB-47 navigator with the 10th Strategic
Reconnaissance Squadron at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, from January to
February 1956. Major Makowski continued his advancement in the
Air Force attending Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB
Alabama and then served as a B-57B Canberra navigator with the
13th Bomb Squadron at Clark AB in the Philippines from July 1956
until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as
a Prisoner of War on October 6, 1966. After spending 2,342 days
in captivity, Col. Makowski was released during Operation
Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to
recover from his injuries at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and then
attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB from August 1973 to June
1974. His next assignment was as Deputy Director of Plans,
Policy and Programs: Executive Officer for the Deputy Chief of
Staff for Plans: Deputy Director for Manpower: and then
Assistant Director of Administration with the Deputy Chief of
Staff for Plans with Headquarters Strategic Air Command from
August 1974 to December 1979. Col. Makowski then served as
Assistant Deputy Commander for Maintenance of the 9th Strategic
Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, from December 1979
to June 1981, followed by service as Special Assistant to the
Commander of the 14th Air Division at Beale AFB from July 1981
until his retirement from the Air Force on November 3, 1983.
During his career he was decorated with the Silver Star; Legion
of Merit W/1D; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star; Air
Medal W/2D; AF Commendation Medal W/1D; Purple Heart; AF
Longevity Service Ribbon W/6D; National Defense Service Medal
W/1D; Vietnam Service Medal; AF Outstanding Unit Award W/1D;
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; Republic Campaign
Medal.
Upon retirement Lou moved with his family to Gulf Breeze,
Florida where he served and attended as a member and usher at
St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Lou was proud of his family and took
great enjoyment in maintaining his beautiful lawn and landscape.
Unfortunately due to Covid, his Celebration of Life Service will
be with family only.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be in
Lou’s Memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,
Memphis, TN.
A Committal Service will be held later with Full Military Honors
at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola NAS, Florida.