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Col. (Ret.) Edward Morris Gavin, 92, died peacefully at his home in Santa Fe on January 19, 2001 after a long illness. His immediate family was in attendance. Col. Gavin was from Fort Gaines, GA. He graduated from Auburn University in 1931 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1931 as a member of the first class of cadets at Randolph Field, received his wings at Kelly Field, TX, and served as an officer in the United States Air Force until his retirement in 1956. He was a graduate of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology and an instructor at the Air Force Command and Staff School, Air War College and Armed Forces Industrial College. During the Second World War, Col. Gavin commanded the 38th Bomber Group and saw service in England, North Africa, Alaska and the Pacific. He was twice assigned to the flight test engineering division at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, flying and testing all types of experimental aircraft. During one of these assignments, he invented and patented a new type of valve for aircraft engines. Among his many honors and awards were the Silver Star, the Air Medal, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and various citations for meritorious duty. When the Air Force Thunderbirds visited New Mexico, he was one of four New Mexicans chosen to be honored for outstanding military service in a ceremony preceding their performance. He married Mary Blanche Bauer in 1936 in Texas. Col. Gavin retired in 1956 from Kirtland Air Force Base where he had served as a liaison officer with the Los Alamos National Laboratory. While he lived in Albuquerque, he was a member of the All Faiths Receiving Home Board and was active in the Episcopal Church. After retirement, the Gavins lived on their ranch near Pecos, where they sponsored some of the state's first Hunter Trials and Combined Training Events. After they moved to Santa Fe, Col. Gavin became instrumental in founding the state's New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. After its establishment, he served for many years on its foundation board. He is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter, Anne Gavin Cruikshanks of San Luis Obispo, CA; a son, William M.B. Gavin and his wife, Renee Wyman Gavin of Bozeman, MT; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. He will always be remembered for his love of flying, his devotion to duty and his family, his rock solid integrity, his ease with his fellows, his wit, and his ability to"fix anything". He was always, in the highest sense, an officer and a gentleman. A Funeral for family only will take place at the National Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held in March. Donations in his memory may be sent to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or the Hospice Center, 1400 Chama Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87505.
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