Obituary
Guest Book
1921
2010
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Lawrence Taylor Biehunko, 89, of Moulton, Texas, formerly of Victoria, passed away August 19, 2010. He was born June 18, 1921, to the late Frank and Ernestine Koenig Biehunko in Moulton. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at Randolph Air Force Base as a private in 1940. He worked as an assistant Air Craft Mechanic until 1941. Because he wanted to learn to fly he took an exam to qualify for enlisted pilot training. He entered into the pilot training program in September of 1941 and graduated as S/Sgt Pilot on April 29, 1942 from Kelly Air Force Base.
After graduation his first assignment was Las Vegas Army Air Field Gunnery School. In December of 1942 he was promoted to flight officer and in June of 1943 to 2nd Lieutenant. In April of 1945 he was promoted to 1st Lt. and went into the B-29 flight training at Pyote. From there he went to Topeka, Kansas, for training overseas when World War II ended.
He was then assigned to Clovis Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he married his wife, the former Leona Malec. He joined the newly organized B-17 radio control unit which was in route to the Marshall Island where the first atomic bomb test took place. He served as an aircraft commander on a B-17 aircraft which gathered data for scientists who were assigned to the Marshall Islands.
After completing his assignment in the Marshall Islands the Radio Control B-17 unit returned to Field 9 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to undergo further training. They later returned to Eglin, and in January of 1947 he participated and tested aircraft equipment under the cold weather conditions at Ladd Air Force Base, Alaska.
On May 27, 1947, while testing an aircraft at the air proving school he developed engine fire in the plane which caused the whole crew to bail out into the Gulf of Mexico. After treading water without a may west for over thirty minutes, he was picked up by a fishing boat. Four of his crew were lost when they drowned. On June 8, 1947, he was made a member of the Caterpillar Club because of an emergency parachute jump from the burning aircraft.
In May of 1947 he was elevated to Senior Pilot Rating and assigned to Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, as a propulsion and assembly officer on the Matador Missile Project, and as a pilot of a T-33 and F-86 chase plane on the Matador Missile. While there he was checked out in the F-86 by General Chuck Yeager, the first man to break the sound barrier, who at that time was a 1st Lieutenant. While at Holloman he was promoted to Captain. In 1950 the Matador Missile Project moved to Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, where Colonial Biehunko flew the F-86 chase plane at Cape Canaveral, Florida. In 1952 while flying the F-86 Fighter his aircraft developed engine trouble going into a flat spin which he managed to regain control of the aircraft and crash landed at Cape Canaveral.
He was promoted to Major in 1951, and in 1952 was transferred to Randolph Air Force Base for B-29 refresher course and a few months later assigned to the 19th Bomb wing in Okinawa. He served as aircraft commander and operations officer flying combat missions over Korea.
In 1953 he returned to Pinecastle Air Force Base, Florida, with the Strategic Air Command 19th Bomb Wing to serve as aircraft commander on a B-47 bomber.
In 1957 Col. Biehunko was appointed a Major in the air force and was elevated to command pilot before attending command and staff college at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
He was later assigned to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi as a B-52 Aircraft Commander with the Strategic Air Command.
In 1960 he was promoted to Lt. Colonel and assigned as a commander of the Command Post at Columbus Mississippi.
In 1961 he was assigned as a project officer of the 2nd Airborne Command Post in Barksdale Air Force Louisiana where he retired.
During his 23 years Col. Biehunko accumulated 8500 hours flying time and flew 31 different military aircraft.
In 1962 he retired and returned to his hometown of Moulton and went into the insurance business with his father and remained active in the insurance business for over 33 years. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and Moulton Chamber of Commerce in which he served as the first President of the club. He was also a member of the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department and served as secretary for the Moulton Community Development Corporation when it was organized in the 1960s. One of his accomplishments was getting a new post office for Moulton. Colonel Biehunko was honored as citizen of the year in Moulton in 1998 and received the Community Builders award from the Moulton Masonic Lodge. He was a mentor to many young men and ladies in the community of Moulton.
He is survived by his wife Leona Malec Biehunko of Schulenburg; sons, Terry Biehunko and wife, Becca, of Southlake, Michael Biehunko and wife, Angie, of Victoria; five grandchildren, Kelly Biehunko, Airman Clayton Biehunko, Jack Taylor Biehunko, Elizabeth Biehunko and Sarah Biehunko.
In addition to his parents, Frank and Erna Biehunko, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Ernest "Buddy" Biehunko, who followed his brother's footsteps becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force but was tragically killed in 1961 in California while piloting his F-106 Fighter Jet.
Lt. Colonel Biehunko will lie in state at Rosewood Funeral Chapels, 3304 Mockingbird Lane in Victoria, Texas, Saturday, August 21, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at Rosewood from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Lt. Colonel Biehunko will lie in state at Smith Funeral Home, 404 W. Bobkat Drive in Moulton beginning at 10:00 am Sunday, August 22, 2010. The family will receive friends at Smith Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 pm Sunday evening.
Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Monday, August 23, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 601 N. Pecan Street in Moulton, Texas, Rev. David Berger and Msgr. Dennis Darilek concelebrating. Burial with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard will follow at the Moulton City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be General James Freytag, General Robert Biehunko, Chris Bludau, Thomas H. Hoyer, Joe Sullivan, Ervin Patek, Albert Pozzi, and Adolph Welfel.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hank Furrah, Kathleen Chovanetz, Bobby Olle, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Newton, Mr. and Mrs. Hank Furrh, Al Fojtik, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Fisbeck, Mrs. Minnie Lee Fisbeck, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Pilat, Mr. Larry Finch, Clarence Walker, Patsy Mikulencak, Robert and Kelly Moller, Dolores Grieve, and Doris Lala.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dolores Grieve and the Regency Nursing Home staff for all the love and support given in their time of need, to Dr. Susan Kraemer for her kind devotion and care, and to Hospice of South Texas for their tremendous support.
Memorials may be made to the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department or Hospice of South Texas.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapels, 3304 Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, Texas, 361/573-4546.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 28, 2010
Hello, I have a A-2 bomber jacket that has a patch of the artwork of "Jack of All Raids" the patch sewn is Lieut. Col. Jack Taylor. The crew was "Stick Campbell, Reg Baldwin, Bert Gibson, Reno Carpenter, Nick Speletto, W. V. Radovitch, Hank Rydell, Mickey Griffen, Ball Peen Zevrowski, Martin Green. I was just wondering if this had anything to do him or a grandfather? Trying to find out about history of jacket. Diana [email protected]
September 17, 2010
Sidonia Mayer
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 5, 2010
Robert Peterson
My condolences to Mrs. Biehunko and family of Lt.Col. Lawrence T. Biehunko. I worked for
then Major Biehunko who was Operations Officer for the 6555th Test Support Squadron at Patrick AFB. I started as a
PFC and was promoted to Sgt and later
appointed to Aviation Cadet Class 53G.
I have thought about him and Patrick often over the years. His advice and counsel during that short time truly guided my life. I am attaching a photo
of the F-86 Chase Plane that he flew
at Patrick. I will always remember him.
August 28, 2010
Doris Lala
Leona & family
How blessed I am to have had Taylor in my life and I continue to enjoy a deep friendship with Leona. You both have been the dearest friends,best neighbors and like grandparents to my sons.I am very thankful for the memories that you both provided in my life. Like us enjoying a day by the pool;watching the boys swim and listening to Thomas and Taylor chatting.Also the trip to Las Vegas,I remember Taylor and Thomas having a blast and to this day I can still see their faces as they sat at the slot machines. On my last vist with Taylor he wink at me as I looked back to say bye one more time. I knew that this was his way of saying goodbye. He was such a caring person and always had a big hug to offer. His caring ways will be missed very much. Taylor will always be on the top of my list as the sweetest and dearest person I have known. I am thankful for all the joy he brought into my life and the service he so generoulsy gave to his country. Love you Leona.
Doris A Lala
August 26, 2010
Mark & Kat Misiti
Mike & Angie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time. He is now on the Greatest Lake of all......
Mark & Kat
August 26, 2010
Martha Boothe
Mrs. Biehunko, Terry and family and Mikie and family I am truly sorry for your loss. All of you have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard from my brother Clyde Boothe through my Mom of Mr. Biehunko's passing. May God bless and keep you, always. Martha
August 25, 2010
Jim & Valerie Byrd
Leona & Terry:
We're so glad that we met & visited with L.T. in your Victoria home. We know how much you will miss him.
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
August 24, 2010
Mom, (Minnie Lee Fisbeck) shared with us your loss. We remember him as a kind and friendly member of the Moulton community. We offer our sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
David & Norma Leeper
Albuquerque, NM
August 23, 2010
Tim and Deborah Locher
Michael,
We are terribly sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. His service is something we can all be proud of.
August 23, 2010
Mike and family,
We were very sorry to hear of your fathers death.
Remember all the good times you have had together and cherish those memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Howard and Becky Hilton
Victoria, Texas
August 23, 2010
Cyndy Hundl
Leona, Terry, and Mike
I have fond memories of all of you and Taylor. Sending you my love during this difficult time.
August 23, 2010
Tim Orts
I happen to be one of the "young men" privileged enough to be mentored by the Colonel. He helped me get my appointment letter, which led to a career of serving our country. To the Mrs. - I know the feeling of losing a teammate and Best Friend, and I am sorry.
To the Col.- Thank you for opening that door, and enjoy your flight at Mach 6, Sir. Semper Fi.
August 22, 2010
Leona and family, I am so fortunate to have been Taylor's fishing buddy for those years we spent going out. It was so much fun sitting on the water with him from dawn to the afternoon hearing all the flight stories and just plain shootin the breeze about family and life. I really enjoyed those times with Taylor. I hope he did too.
He really lived a full vibrant life, and I will say he was a fortunate man to have you Leona and a great family.
I will always remember our good times out on the water. He even turned me into a priest out there one day (inside joke folks), he was a cool dude.
Love,
Danny Kozelsky
August 22, 2010
Robert & Jo Ann Biehunko
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I have many fond memories of my cousin. May his family be comforted by all his memories.
August 22, 2010
David,Dianne &Lacy Biehunko
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
August 22, 2010
Diana & Dennis Hughes
Sincere thoughts and prayers to the Biehunko Family in your time of grief. May your happy memories give you comfort and peace~
August 22, 2010
We send our condolences to your family as we remember Taylor from our days in Moulton. He was a special man, always smiling, always upbeat.
My mother, Hattie Darilek, also extends her sympathy. She has many happy memories of both Taylor and Leona.
Carole and Julius Kalisek
New Braunfels
August 22, 2010
annabelle
dear leona & family,we will all miss Taylor, but we choose to remember the good times we all had together, he was soo special & so are you
Love, annabelle & hank
August 21, 2010
James Evans
You have our sympthy. James and Judy Evans
August 21, 2010
Diane and Wayne Gonzales
Mike and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will keep you in our
prayers during this difficult time.
August 21, 2010
Mike and Marla Jasek
It dosen't seem very long ago that Leona and Taylor came to our house when Ross was born. They gave Ross a white teddy bear with the year on the bear's shirt-- 1987. Taylor and Ross are both in Heaven and in our prayers.
August 21, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko, Mike and Terry
Was very sorry to hear of L.T.'s passing.
He was always great fun to hang out with, talk aviation and listen to his stories. I know he enjoyed it when we brought the helicopter up there and parked next to his house. Those were fun times.
I am honored to have met the man and he will be missed.
Bill Meredith
Kingsland, TX
August 21, 2010
John Kloesel
Mike and Family: Please accept my condolences in the passing of your dad you all are in my thoughts n prayers.
August 21, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko, Terry, Mike and family
Our deepest sympathy to each of you at this time of loss. Mr. Biehunko was a special person and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Our prayers are with you.
Sam and Patsy Wotipka
New Braunfels, Texas
August 21, 2010
Tom, Gayle(Biehunko), & Megan Sette
Mrs. Leona, Terry, Mike, and extended family, our thoughts, prayers, and tears are with each of you at the loss of Mr. Taylor. He always had wonderful & exciting stories to tell us about his flying days. He will be so missed.
May God bless you and comfort you.
August 21, 2010
Leona, Terry, Mike, and extended family, Our prayers are with you all at this time. Taylor was definitely, one of a kind and a true friend.We will miss him. Our love to your family, God bless...Joe and Ouida Sullivan
August 21, 2010
Allen Kocian
My deepest sympathy to the Biehunko family. The greatest respect was always given to each person that was fortunate enough to meet this great man. I always had the greatest respect for him and Leona. He always gave us that same respect back to us many times over. He will be missed but we can all say that we were so very fortunate to have him touch our lives, and influenced so many to be better at what they could accomplish. Much love and God's blessings always.
August 21, 2010
Leona, Terry, Mike and extended famlies, Our prayers are with you at this special time. Taylor was definitely one of a kind,and a very true friend. We will miss him...Our love to the family..Joe and Ouida Sullivan
August 21, 2010
Terry Flores
Mrs. Biehunko and family, what a wonderful life Mr. Biehunko exemplified. A true hero, a loving husband, an awesome example of a father. A gentleman that was always a pleasure to have come visit our office. He made his mark here on earth and now is home with our Lord. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Terry (Dr. Wheeler's office)
August 21, 2010
Veda Kozelsky
Mike and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
August 21, 2010
LAURIE SASSIN
August 21, 2010
LAURIE SASSIN
TO THE BIEHUNKO FAMILY MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS EXPRESSED TO ALL OF YOU . MR BIEHUNKO WAS A VERY HEROIC WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN LOVED BY ALL . HIS LAST FLIGHT ON THIS EARTH WAS AN INCREDIBLE LANDING INTO GODS HEAVENLY HOME A DAY HIS FAMILY AND NURSE WILL REMEMBER FOREVER SINCERELY, LAURIE (LEOPOLD) SASSIN
August 21, 2010
LAURIE SASSIN
TO THE BIEHUNKO FAMILY MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IS EXPRESSED TO ALL OF YOU . MR BIEHUNKO WAS A VERY HEROIC WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN LOVED BY ALL. HIS LAST FLIGHT ON THIS EARTH WAS AN INCREDIBLE LANDING INTO GODS HEAVENLY HOME A DAY HIS FAMILY AND NURSE WILL REMEMBER FOREVER SINCERELY LAURIE (LEOPOLD) SASSIN
August 21, 2010
Terry Biehunko
Dad, I cannot put into words the emptiness I feel inside with your passing. It was a special honor to be with you during the last hours of your life. You left this world with the same dignity and honor that you lived throughout your years on this earth. We all will miss you. Keep watch over us.
August 20, 2010
Mike & Sharon Hoover
Mike and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
August 20, 2010
My deepest respect to the Biehunko Family. As a life long friend with Mike Biehunko, I knew how close Mike was to his DAD and how much respect he had for him. Mike was so very close to his father. His father was a true soldier that fought for our country. We must remember the sacrifice Mr. Biehunko gave to his country for our freedom. He will be missed but we can be assured he is watching over his son's and family. Doug Erdy-Houston
August 20, 2010
Doug Erdy
My deepest respect to the Biehunko Family. As a life long friend with Mike Biehunko, I knew how close Mike was to his DAD and how much respect he had for him. Mike was so very close to his father. His father was a true soldier that fought for our country. We must remember the sacrifice Mr. Biehunko gave to his country for our freedom. He will be missed but we can be assured he is watching over his son's and family. Doug Erdy-Houston
August 20, 2010
Doug Erdy
My deepest respect to the Biehunko Family. As a life long friend with Mike Biehunko, I knew how close Mike was to his DAD and how much respect he had for him. Mike was so very close to his father. His father was a true soldier that fought for our country. We must remember the sacrifice Mr. Biehunko gave to his country for our freedom. He will be missed but we can be assured he is watching over his son's and family. Doug Erdy-Houston
August 20, 2010
Leona, I am sorry to learn of the death of your husband, Taylor. My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Victor Gerdes
[email protected],
August 20, 2010
Calvin Albrecht
Terry , Mike and the whole Biehunko family. I am very sorry for you'lls loss. Taylor was truly a mentor for me when I was growing up and I will never forget him. I will be out of town this weekend and have Grand Jury Monday but I will be with you'll in thought and prayers.
August 20, 2010
Cindy bucek
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your Husband, Father and Grandfather, Mr Biehunko.
My sincere sympathy,
Ken and Cindy,Mike and Lara Bucek
August 20, 2010
Hilda Velasquez
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
August 20, 2010
Scott Teel
Everyone here gives their condolences and best wishes to you and your family, Mike.
Scott Teel and the staff at Goetz Funeral Home.
August 20, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko, Terry and Mike,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family on Taylor's passing. He enjoyed a long and interesting life.
Our thoughts and prayers are of you in this time of sorrow.
Oscar and Pat Abbott
August 20, 2010
Darlene Pavlicek Hill
Leona, Terry and Mike, please accept my deepest sympathy. Taylor Biehunko was a wonderful person. In a very special way, he was everyone's friend and was loved by all whose lives he touched. I feel so blessed to have known him.
August 20, 2010
Margaret Stephens
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family during this difficult time. Wonderful memories will help to ease your pain now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Margaret Krejci Stephens
August 20, 2010
Leroy & Bobbie (Richardson) Spiegel
Mike & families,
May your faith in God give you peace and comfort at the homegoing of your beloved Father, is our prayer, by seeing your own professional service 18 years for family and friends.
August 20, 2010
Mike,
Thinking of you and praying you and your family find comfort in good memories and dear friends. God be with each of you.
Anne Wood
August 20, 2010
Adam Nieto
Mr Biehunko was a very good man and it was an honor to have known him and call him a friend
August 20, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko
Ellen and I are sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Biehunko. In our 25 years in Moulton you and Mr. Biehunko were always so nice and supportive of us and our family. You will always be in our prayers and never forgotten. May God bless you and your family in this time of need.
Tom and Ellen Weeaks Buffalo,Texas
August 20, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko I am so sorry about your loss, we will keep you and your family in our prayers. I know he will be missed, I will always remember him as being strong and standing tall when he came into the office and how everyone admired his picture on our hero board.
Again know that you are in our prayers.
Brenda (From Dr. Wheeler's Office)
August 20, 2010
Robert & Kelley Moeller
Biehunko family....our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Taylor was loved and respected by many. He will always have a special place in our hearts. (Now God has an awesome "fishing partner"!)
August 19, 2010
Karen Tucker
I was first introduced to the Biehunko family in 1969 & became a permanent member in 1971. I was lucky enough to give birth to their first grandchild, Kelly,in 1976. I was immediately treated as one of the family and felt their sincere love for me; as I did for them. I only had to call.......if I needed anything at anytime. They were always there for me. Over the last 41 yrs., my love and respect for Taylor and Lee has never faltered. Even though life chose a different path for me, I do and still consider them my family...Taylor was truly "one of a kind"! I will miss him dearly.....Karen Biehunko Tucker (Austin, Tx)
August 19, 2010
Mrs. Biehunko, Terry and Mike. I feel your lose. I know how difficult a time this can be. Mr. Biehunko was a staple of Moulton society. Linda Meyer Caminiti, Atlanta GA
August 19, 2010
Ellen Denman
We love you all !!!!!
Ellen (Bonorden), Bryan and Morgan Denman &
Dorothy Ehler (Hallettsville)
August 19, 2010
Michael Biehunko
I could not have had a better dad and mentor. I am where I am today because of him. Love you dad and will miss you alot
August 19, 2010
Courtney Westerman
Biehunko Family,
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories & good times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Praying you find peace and comfort through God.
Sincerely,
Courtney Westerman
August 19, 2010
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Smith Funeral Home and Staff
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