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Frank William Bexfield, 84, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2000. Bill was born November 28, 1916 in Oak Park, Illinois. A graduate of the University of Illinois and Georgetown University, he joined the Army Air Corps in June of 1941. A year later, on July 12, 1942, he married Mildred Johnson of Gallup, New Mexico. He served two tours in WWII, flying 39 combat missions in the European theater with the 385th and 94th B-17 Bomb Groups. The group leader on numerous missions, Bill was a decorated pilot, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Croix de Guerre, and the Legion of Merit. In the early 1950s he worked for the Joint Chiefs of Staff followed by tours as Vice Commander of Stead AFB, Chief of Contingency Planning in London, Professor of Air Science at Colorado State, Secretary of the US/Philippines Mutual Defense Board, and ROTC Area Commandant at Maxwell AFB. He retired as a Colonel from the Air Force in 1970. For the next 15 years he worked in the area of medical administration in Oklahoma and Santa Fe, retiring as Chief of the Health Facilities Services Bureau. 20-year residents of Cochiti Lake, Bill and Mickie moved to Albuquerque in 1996. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mildred Bexfield; his son, Jim Bexfield and wife, Judy; his two daughters, Susan Fedel and husband Gary, Becky Tilley and husband, Don; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2001 at 1 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit on Wednesday, October 3, 2001 at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas NE, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, Attn: Carla Ramirez, 5800 Lomas NE, 87110.
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