John Houston Oliphint
December 8, 1921 – December 19, 2011
John H. Oliphint was born in Hemphill, Texas to Tressie Post Oliphint and John H. Oliphint. He is survived by his spouse, Ruth Bartlett Oliphint of Dallas, Texas who lives in Colorado Springs. He is also survived by his children: John H. Oliphint, III, of Colorado Springs, Marietta Steinbring of San Antonio, Texas, and Suzon Simes of Helena Montana; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
He retired as a successful contractor in Colorado Springs in 1980. He has served in a leadership position in several organizations such as: US Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, Disabled American Veterans, American Ex-Prisoner of War, P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association, 359th Fighter Group Association, Retired Officers Association, Daedalian’s, Free Mason 32 degree Scottish Rite, El Kauebar Temple Shrine-Shreveport, Louisiana.
He was in the US Air Force for 26 years and served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded Command Pilot wings and 43 medals including the Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 8 Air Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, Bronze Star, Commendation Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, and numerous theater and foreign medals.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Masonic Home Endowment Fund for Children, 5800 Masonic Dr., Alexandria, LA 71301 or Alzheimer’s Association, 2315 Bott Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80904.