William "Bill" Reeder joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952, had his wings pinned in 1954 and retired in 1974. He served as an instructor pilot, maintenance officer and pilot. He was stationed at five bases and checked out in five planes. The B-57 was his favorite. He flew recon over Russia from 1962 to 1966. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in Vietnam. While in the service he earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from OSU and went on to achieve a master's degree from USC in aeronautical engineering. He also volunteered at the Eglin AFB Armament Museum since 1993. Bill flew the Patricia Lynn aircraft at Tan Son Nhut AB. He was my boss [Gayle Johnson] at the Recce unit in the Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin 1971-73. Bill loved his jokes. He loved to read them, he loved to email them, he loved to tell them and sometimes you were lucky enough to enjoy the same joke more than once. Fortunately for us, he loved his family even more than his silly jokes. This beautiful, adoring man who was full of love and life, even in his hardest hours, entered eternal life on March 10, 2015. His spirit is carried on by his devoted wife of 62 years, Joanne Cox Reeder; his children, Mike Reeder and wife "B", Kim Radford and husband Jim, Cindy Seitz and Tim Reeder; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandbabies; a dynamic sister, Louise, who is 95 years young. Though our hearts ache for the loss of his physical presence, we can find great joy in knowing that his soul is soaring high above the clouds and he will always be watching over his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Air Force Armament Museum Foundation, 100 Museum Drive, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542.