Obituary of Col. Steven Cadwallader USAF

Salisbury - Col. John Steven Cadwallader USAF, Ret. died on the day of his birth, December 5, 2009 at age 91. John was born in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Douglass Pope and Edna Francis Cadwallader. A service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday 11.00 am, December 16, 2009 at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 131 West Council Street, Salisbury, NC 28144. The service will be conducted by the Reverend Whayne M. Hougland, Jr. Visitors will be greeted in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. Proceeding John in death was his beloved wife Ave S. Cadwallader, his son Bruce R. Cadwallader of King's Mountain, NC, and his brother Douglass R. Cadwallader. Interestingly, John's most recent admission into the hospital was on the birthday of his late wife Ave. He is survived by his sister Lucile C. Peck and family, his son Craig W. Cadwallader of Manhattan Beach, Ca, and his daughter Janice C. Maddox and husband Kenneth P. Maddox III of Greensboro, NC. John resided with his daughter in Greensboro during his multiple struggles with Atherosclerosis. Col. John Steven Cadwallader USAF, Ret. served his country for nearly thirty years. He was a pilot and aviation instructor. He flew 71 missions while serving in WWII, and Korea. During the Vietnam years he worked at the Pentagon until his honorable military retirement. During his Armed Service John was awarded numerous medals including The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, Bronze stars, EAME Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, American Campaign Medal, Air Medal with 5 OLC, OFC with 1OLC, WWII Victory Medal and Army Command Ribbon. After retirement he owned a consulting business and also worked for General Electric then Fiber Industries. Since retiring, John dedicated himself to public service and charitable work. John was a hard working and devoted family man. While continuing to work and care for Ave and his three children, he earned his Bachelors Degree in Economics from Colorado College, Co. , and his Masters Degree in Personnel Management from George Washington University, Washington DC. John was a very active citizen of Salisbury, NC. His activities included being the former President of The Salisbury Rotary Club and The Chamber of Commerce, an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, The American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, The English Writing Society, Catawba College, The Waterworks Art Gallery, The Salisbury Symphony , The Country Club of Salisbury, The United Way, The Nature Conservancy, and Parks and Recreation, to mention only a few. John Cadwallader was a prolific philanthropist. The list of charities he helped sponsor is remarkable and too extensive to list here. One of his greatest joys was his inclusion in the 'Flight of Honor' to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC this spring. He joined many other veterans and was especially grateful for the help of his friend Dianne Scott, current President of the Salisbury Rotary Club. John Cadwallader and family would like to thank the Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Home of Greensboro. Many thanks go to his wonderful friends and neighbors for their help and support during this difficult time. Many thanks also go to the physicians and staff from both the Salisbury and Greensboro Hospitals for their highly attentive and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, or the charity of one's choice.