LTC Russell Fairbanks, Jr., (USAF RET), 94, of
DeRidder, passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016. He was born on September 12, 1921, to Russell Usher Fairbanks, Sr., and Sallie knight Fairbanks in Sicily Island. He had been a resident of Vernon\Beauregard Parishes since 1965. He was of the
Methodist faith and believed in God, family and country.
Mr. Fairbanks spent 20-plus years in the USAF. He was a P47 Thunderbolt pilot and flew this plane in WWII on D-Day; he also flew in Operation Market Garden. He flew the P38
Lightning in the
Pacific Theater. He proudly served under General Patton.
Mr. Fairbanks was the most supportive Republican, EVER! He taught Aero Space Science, Biology and History at Rosepine High School for 29 years. He was a
patriot, hero, and loving husband, who loved Celtic music. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Mr. Fairbanks was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Billie Fairbanks; parents, Russell Usher Fairbanks, Sr., and
Sallie knight Fairbanks; three brothers, Carey, John and Buddy Fairbanks.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Autumn Fairbanks, and Debbie Mathieson and husband, Rick; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, August 19, 2016, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Hixson Funeral Home in Leesville. Services will be Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery Leesville.
In lieu
of flowers donations can be in the honor of LTC (USAF RET) Russell Fairbanks, Jr. to the WWII Museum in New Orleans 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA. 70130
Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our online register at
www.hixsonfh.com