Monday, September 8th, 2025
Col. Walter Bernard Bills
Farm Boy to Fighter Pilot
Walter, known to all as Walt, grew up on a Chickasaw, Ohio farm in a loving family built on hard work and an unshakable Catholic faith. Searching for his path, he dropped out of high school and worked in a factory before enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War. Stationed overseas as an air traffic controller, he soon discovered his natural talent when he tested into pilot school, eventually becoming an instructor pilot.
Before joining the Air Force, Walt had met the love of his life, fellow farm girl Vera Gehle. One night, he slipped off base and hopped the fence to propose. Vera said yes, beginning a 25-year Air Force adventure together that took them to 22 homes across the United States and Europe. As Walt rose quickly through the ranks, Vera was by his side-typing his countless papers, charming his fellow officers, and offering unwavering support. Walt often credited Vera as the foundation of his success.
Walt transitioned to fighters and despite most of his previous flight hours being in multi-engine aircraft, he graduated second in his class of F-4 pilots and earned the coveted Top Gun award multiple times. He was assigned to the squadron that would take the first F-4E Phantoms into combat over Vietnam where he flew 200 combat missions. Among the highlights of his career was commanding the 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in Bitburg, Germany. He received Top Gun awards for the entire USAFE (Europe) while there, and his responsibilities included having nuclear bombs in his squadron.
Yet, no matter how high he climbed, Walt never forgot his Ohio farm roots. On trips home, he often flew low over the family farm, buzzing the barn and pulling off acrobatics-much to the delight of his father and concern of his farming neighbors.
At home, Walt and Vera had six children within a span of ten years. Walt's big military shoes became a source of fun as the children would sit on them while he walked around the house. Known for his "combat naps" in the middle of a noisy living room, Walt could sleep through the chaos of six children at play. But if he caught them glued to the "idiot box" on a Saturday morning, they'd soon find themselves outside shagging his golf balls.
After 29 years in the Air Force and more than 8000 accident-free military flight hours, Walt retired-but not from flying. In his garage, he built a single-engine experimental aircraft, proudly naming it "Miss Vera." Walt was a man of many interests who loved golf, racquetball, playing cards, and had a well-earned reputation as a poker shark. As a grandfather, he loved to tease, to slip a ten-year-old behind the wheel on backroads, and make Jeopardy more exciting by offering cash prizes for correct answers.
Tall and slim with a military bearing, perfectly combed hair, and a ready smile, Walt carried himself with positivity, humor, and common sense.
When Vera passed away in 2022, Walt was never quite the same. His body and mind declined, but his spirit grew gentler, sweeter, and more grateful-for his family, his caregivers, and his faith. Surrounded by loved ones, Walt passed away peacefully at home, finally reunited with Vera, the love of his life.
Walt is survived by his six children: Jeffrey (Debby), Michael (Sonjia Smith), Tina Friar (Ed), Victoria Hanson (Ken), Steven (Elizabeth), and David (Carol Dullmeyer). Walt was blessed with 18 grandchildren: Zach Bills, Jessica Ames (Randy), Steven Bills (Lauren Foster), Brian Bills (Michaela Ross), Kendall Bills, Cameron Bills, Jon Friar (Anne Lilly), Kate Friar, Michelle Hokans (Hans), David Hanson, Daniel Hanson, Henry Hanson, Sarah Bills (Ben Onnink), Joseph Bills (Rebekah), Halle Bills, Griffin Bills, and Carlin Bills. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Benjamin Friar. Walt is survived by 15 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his older sister Norma Swink and youngest sister Barbara Smith. He was predeceased by his brother Paul Bills, and sister Esther Elking.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home Lynchburg.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with a reception to follow. Interment with full military honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
