Donald Loosley

Lieutenant Colonel Donald J. Loosley USAF (ret.) passed away peacefully after a short illness in Salisbury, NC, on May 10. He was 92 years old.

Don was born on 30 August 1931 in Oakland, CA, to parents Louis and Hazel Loosley. He grew up in Ukiah, CA, and received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy in 1951.

Upon graduating with the Class of 1955, Don was commissioned in the U. S Air Force. Don had a 22-year Air Force career as a fighter pilot flying test missions in Florida and close air support in Vietnam. He had accumulated 3,500 flight hours when he retired.

After retiring from the Air Force, Don worked at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington DC as program analyst for the nuclear waste management program before retiring for the second time. He then moved to Southport, NC, where he enjoyed the ocean breezes, was elected Commissioner of the Southeast Brunswick Sanitary District on three occasions, and played trumpet in the Brunswick Concert Band, the Brunswick Big Band and the Harbour Towne Fest Band.

In 2018, Don and Donna moved to Trinity Oaks Retirement Community in Salisbury, NC, and spent 5 ½ years enjoying all the amenities Trinity Oaks offers, especially the history classes and veterans activities.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Donna, his daughter, former wife, and step-son. Also surviving is Don's brother, nephew and family.

Donations may be made in Don's name to Trinity Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund, 728 Klumac Rd, Salisbury, 28144. Don will be cremated and no service is planned.

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