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John. Major John Lawrence Bettinger, USAF retired, 88, a resident of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho since 1962, passed away on March 19 after a long illness. He was born December 31, 1916 in Jacksonville, Florida. He served in WWII and the Korean War during a distinguished military career that spanned nearly 22 years. Among the many awards he received during his years of service were the Commendation Medal, four Bronze Service Stars, six Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Asiatic-Pacific Company medal, the American and National Defense Service Medals, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. One of his commands was the 823rd Engineering Group "A" Company, an all black regiment in Anchorage, AK, where he was affectionately know as "Long John" by his troops. Long before law mandated it, he believed in the equality of all the men under his command, regardless of color. After retiring from the military in Albuquerque he worked for the City of Albuquerque as head of the Weed and Litter and Animal Control departments. He was a past member of the Civitans and former Secretary of the local chapter of the China-Burma-India group. He is survived by wife, Virginia Logan Bettinger of Rio Rancho; sons, John P. Bettinger of Downey, CA and Brian A. Bettinger and wife, Kathryn of Chino Hills, CA; daughter, Diane E. Bettinger Sperling of Hemet, CA; grandchildren, Dennis, Danielle, John, Gary and Tracy Bettinger, and Michael and Phillip Cadez; stepchildren, Larry Logan and wife, Sonya of Albuquerque, Richard Logan and wife, Mary of Victoria, TX, Mildred Griffee and husband, Jim of Albuquerque, Joie Malinski and wife, Carol of San Marcos, CA, Lynn Igou of Prunedale, CA and Pam Malinski Tonks and husband, Craig of Napa, CA. For your influence which touched us in ways both great and small. The sense of adventure and love for challenge that you shared with us. For the love of learning that gave us a sense of independence that let us stand tall. For the compassionate nature that showed you cared about all those around you, and maybe, most of all, for the advice that has served us well through the years. You cannot imagine how much you will be missed. A viewing will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2005, at Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Chapel. Entombment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of: Fitzgerald and Son Funeral Directors 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE 884-1188
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