John "Jack" Lingo's Obituary
COLONEL John E. Lingo, USAF (Retired) of Rehoboth Beach and John’s Island, Vero Beach, Florida died November 13, 2015 at the age of 91. He was the loving husband of Margaret H. (Peggy) Lingo.
Jack, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather was a Rehoboth Beach native. He attended the University of Delaware, drafted in World War II and trained as an aviation student and cadet at Gettysburg College. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1944. He completed flight training and became a Strategic Air Command triple rated aviator acquiring bombardier, navigator and command pilot wings.
In WWII he flew combat missions in the South Pacific. During the Korean War he participated in the Inchon Invasion, the Battle of Chosen and many airborne assaults. In addition to combat decorations he received at the Legion of Merit. He was a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and War College. During the Cold War Airborne Alert he commanded a B-52 combat ready Bomber Squadron. He attained the rank of full Colonel. His final military assignment was Chief of the Congressional Inquiry Division, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon.
He was a member of the exclusive CATERPILAR CLUB composed of pilots whose lives were spared by emergency use of a parachute.
After completing 26 years of active duty in the Air Force he entered the real estate business with Anderson-Stokes Real Estate Company in Rehoboth Beach. He formed Jack Lingo, Inc. Realtor in 1974. His four sons continue operation and expansion of the company with offices in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Millsboro.
Jack was former vestry member of All Saints Church, Chairman of the Delaware Real Estate Commission, member of the Sussex County Realtors Hall of Fame and a director of JG Townsend, JR, and Company.
Surviving are Peggy, his beloved wife of 71 years, four sons and wives: John E Jr. (Carol); T. William “Bill” (Jenkie); Derrick O. II (Ann); Bryce M. and eight grandchildren and two great grand children: John E III “Jack”, Carrie, William D. “Bill”, Maggie, Lillie, Margaret “Meg”, twins Regan and Leigh and Raelee and John IV. He was predeceased by his mother and father, a brother Kenneth, and a beloved granddaughter, Amy Elizabeth. She died at the age of three and he carried her memory throughout his life.
If desired, Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church of Rehoboth Beach or the Rehoboth Beach Museum. At the request of the deceased, burial will be private for the immediate family only.
.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?