Delbert Thomas Kunz, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
December 26, 1929 – March 19, 2009

Delbert Thomas Kunz, 79, of Victor, Idaho, passed away March 19, 2009, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

He was born Dec. 26, 1929, in Driggs, Idaho, to Milford and Lucy Kunz. He grew up and attended schools in the Teton Valley area and Ricks College. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany from 1950 to 1953. He was a command pilot in the United States Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with more than 20 years military service.

He was a highly decorated officer, for gallantry in action against an opposing force; he was awarded the Silver Star, the Sikorsky Winged “S” for air rescue and five air medals for meritorious achievement in aerial flight. Among other medals awarded to him were the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Distinguished Unit Emblem, Organizational Excellence Award, Nat6ional Defense Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Marksmanship, Air Force Longevity, Air Force Reserve and Vietnam Campaign Medals. During the final years of his military career, he flew the EC-135 electronic countermeasure aircraft, in support of the Apollo flights, intelligence satellite launches and the MIRV (Multiple Warheads) program.

After retirement from the United States Air Force, he bought and operated the Circle Cross Ranch in Teton Valley.

Survivors include two children, Steven M. Kunz and Debra A. Kunz; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three siblings, Homer Kunz, Doris Moss and Kent Kunz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Lucy Kunz; six siblings, Willard Kunz, Victor Kunz, Pearl Bundte, Ruby Murray Lott, Carole Hamlett and Grant Kunz; and a stepdaughter, Michelle Taylor-Kunz.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2009, at the Victor LDS church.

Interment will be in Driggs Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleymortuarydriggs.com.