Paul Richard Stucky, Lt. Col. USAF Retired

Paul Richard Stucky, Lt. Col. USAF Retired, was born July 3, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN. He went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2022, at home in Litchfield Park after a fight with cancer.

Paul attended Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, MN, and the graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1973. His love of flying began early by hanging out at the local airport in Florida. He pumped gas, cleaned airplanes, and earned flying lessons. He soloed on his 16th birthday before he had a driver’s license.

Paul was better known as “Bear” within the fighter pilot community. During his 20 year Air Force career, “Bear” was a Fighter Weapons School Graduate flying the F-4E Phantom II, F-15A/C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle and as Bandit 40 in the 4477th Red Eagles, “Bear” flew 230 sorties in the Soviet MIG-21 Fishbed and 96 sorties in the MIG-23 Flogger. Additionally, during a Pentagon tour he was instrumental in the development and launching of the follow-on F-15 replacement the F-22 Raptor.

“Bear” was humble, approachable but most of all credible and generous with his expertise. Ask any fighter pilot who crossed paths with “Bear” or flew with him and they will all speak of “Stook” as a leader, their brother and all have lively stories to tell of their crazy adventures together.

Paul had his final flight in the military at Luke Air Force Base with family in attendance. He continued his flying career as a pilot in the Southwest Airlines family. Still dedicated to excellence, he was always going the extra mile. He assisted with pilot interviews, taught at the Adopt-a-Pilot Program at Litchfield Elementary School, and worked with the newly-formed President’s Council to make Southwest Airlines an even better place to work. For this service with the airline, Paul earned the honor of being one of Southwest’s first Pilots of the Quarter.

His leadership had a positive impact not only on his country but also the lives of many in his community. He served as a member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission and on the Litchfield Park City Council for twelve years. He supported the Boy Scout Troop 90, managing their Flag Program on all 11 holidays for 14 years. In 2006, seeing a need for more eyes on the community, he established the Litchfield Park Posse. For this outstanding service, Paul as Posse Man of the Year by Maricopa County.

Paul was incredibly proud of his family, which he always prioritized first. As a father of two boys, Paul was always quick to take on a project and could usually be found in his home workshop. If not in the workshop, Paul could be found at football games, tennis matches, shooting matches, helping with homework assignments, fixing bicycles, taking fishing trips, and/or renovating old cars. Put simply, Paul was the quintessential father.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Martha Carolyn Stucky. He is survived by his wife Meredeth and two sons Jacob (Sarah) and Eric, as well as his sisters Jan Abell, Julie Stucky, and Joellyn Kacynski. A memorial service will be held at the Church of Litchfield Park this fall. Memorials may be made to Southwest Lending Closet in Avondale, AZ.