Obituary of Owen Dale Stickles

Chino Hills, CA – Owen Dale Stickles, 87, of Chino Hills, CA, formerly of Columbus, IN, died Monday, January 4, 2016 in California. Born February 16, 1928 in Bedford, he was the son of George and Mary (Smale) Stickles. He married Ruth E. Luttrell on September 2, 1945 and she preceded him in death on April 11, 1992. He was a high school graduate. He started his military career in the U. S. Navy during World War II, he then served in the U. S. Airforce during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He flew with the 71st Special Operations Squadron. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve after thirty-seven and one half years of service as a chief Master Sergeant. He received the distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/80LC, Combat Readiness Medal w/30LC, AF Good Conduct Medal w/50LC, WW II Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal w/2BSS, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon w/10LC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, RVN Campaign Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/30LC, Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He was a member of Garden City Church of Christ, a member of the American Legion Post in Edinburg, IN where he served as past commander and a member of the Air Force Assoc. After retiring, he volunteered at Hospice of South Central Indiana for 20 years. Survivors include five grandchildren, Amy (Rick) Malson, of Seymour, Michael Stickles, Jr., of Florida, Susanne (Patrick) Meyer, of California, Katrina Smith, of Texas and Lyndzee Stickles, of Kokomo; eight great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a sister, Carol Taylor, of Bedford and a daughter-in-law, Sara Stickles, of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three sons, Owen Dale Stickles, II, Michael D. Stickles and Jerry A. Stickles; a daughter, Judith Ann Stickles; one brother, Ralph Stickles and a companion, Cris Howard, of Columbus. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 16th at the Garden City Church of Christ in Columbus, IN with Pastor Brian Gilroy officiating. A committal service will take place at 3:30 pm on Saturday, January 16th at the Beech Grove Cemetery in Bedford with military rites by members of the Edinburgh American Legion Color Guard. Visitation will be from 10:30 am until the hour of service on Saturday, January 16th at the Garden City Church of Christ in Columbus, IN. The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of South Central Indiana at 2626 East 17th Street, Columbus, IN 47201 or 1-800-841-4938 ext. 8000. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.