Francis Earle Rundell, II's Obituary
FRANCIS EARLE RUNDELL II
COL USAF Ret.
COL “Bud” Rundell passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012 at Falcons Landing Air Force Retired Officers Community in Potomac Falls, VA. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone August 18, 1921 to Francis Earle, an Army officer, and Beatrice Rundell. Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated from West Point in June, 1943. Entering World War II as a B-17 pilot, 401st Bomb Group in England, Bud was shot down over Germany, safely landing his crew, and was a POW. In 1947, Bud married Nancy Torlinski. He received a MS in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan. During his 30 year military career, Bud served as Chief of several guided missile and armament programs, CIA Technical Intelligence, and Assistant Director of the Supersonic Transport Program. He then worked for TRW including 2 years as Advisor to the Iranian Air Force, at the time, a U.S. ally under the Shaw, and also worked for ANADAC. Bud and Nancy traveled extensively abroad and loved golf and bridge. Bud was a woodworker and gardener and contributed time to charitable organizations. A respected leader, Bud was compassionate, caring and helpful to all. Always a twinkle in his eye, he was a true gentleman. Bud is survived is by Nancy, his beloved wife of 65 years, and two daughters Susan of San Diego, CA and Leslie of Sonoma, CA. A Memorial Service will be held Oct. 4, at 2pm at Falcons Landing, Potomac Falls, VA. Internment and service at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
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