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U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Lt. Col. Eric J. Brister
U.S.A.F. (Ret.) Lt. Col. Eric J. Brister, was born to Luther J and Verda Nel Brister, July 13, 1933, Hillsboro, Texas. He grew up in Corpus Christie, Texas; entered Texas A & M University September 1950 then transferred to Baylor University graduating in 1954 with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration.
On April 14th, 1955 he entered flying training in class 56-P, proceeded through Jet qualification earning his wings at Bryan AFB July, 1956. He was selected to go to F- 86 fighter leading training being 1 in 4 in a class of 222 student pilots to be selected to fly the F86 F at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Upon graduation, flew the following fighters: F86F, F86H, F100C and D model, F106, T33, T37, T38 and numerous other air frames. He preceded to Ramstien Germany July 1958 Flying F100c and F100D's.
Upon returning to the states July 1962 he was stationed at Laughlin AFB Texas as a T37, T33, T38 instructor pilot. In July of 1965, he took over Chief T37 standardization/evaluation check pilot at Laughlin AFB Texas, transferring to Randolph AFB July 1966 taking over as Chief Commander, T37 standardization/ evaluation at the command level. Subsequently, progressed to ATC Headquaters Chief Standardization/evaluation Pilot. Was transferred August 1969 to F-105D fighter leading training at McConnel AFB Kansas. September 1970 was deployed to Southeast Asia flying combat missions in Thialand.
Returned to the States to McClellan AFB CA as chief maintenance officer responsible for the overhaul, inspection and repair of F100, F106 and F111 combact aircraft. Completed his tour at Laughlin AFB Texas serving T37 operation officer, deputy director of operations. Retiring May 26, 1978 as operations officer. After retiring from the Air Force he opened 3 Corporations, Brister Construcion Services Inc. Val Verde Used Cars and Parts and BSB Inc., serving the Del Rio area for the next 30 years. On January 2009, Mr. Brister was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer and succumbed to that illness on October 17, 2009.
Brister had no active outside hobbies and preferred to put projects together and bring them to culmination as quickly and profitable as possible. Leaving behind the love of his life, Marilyn Brister, his four children and grandchildren and three loving sisters, Brister died with a smile on his face, proud of his accomplishments stating that this has been one hell of a party.
God Bless all of my friends, family, and poo poo dog and I will see you when you pass through the gates.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 family will be receiving friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm, Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, Chapel of Remembrance.
Chapel Service will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 2 p.m.
Interment will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2009 1:45pm, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by United States Air Force Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers Memorials can be made to American Cancer Society.
Please visit our website at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.com and sign our online guest book.
Local funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 Bedell Ave., Del Rio, Texas 78840 (830) 778-2020
Published October 19, 2009
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