It is with great sadness that the family of Bernell (Bernie) L. Hiskey, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Air Force (Retired) announce his passing on November 28, 2024, in Ruskin, Florida, at the age of 90 years.
He was born October 7, 1934, to William O. and Evelyn Hiskey of Mission, Kansas, who preceded him in Death.
He graduated from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism in 1956, and was a member of the PHI KAPPA PSI Fraternity.
He was commissioned that same year as a 2nd Lieutenant serving the U.S. Air Force as a Navigator, for over 27 years. During his service, he was Missal combat crew and staff commander for the Minuteman II ICBM crew in Grand Forks, N.D for 4 years. He was deployed to Vietnam where he served from 1970 to 1971. A decorated officer who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medals and Vietnam Service Medals.
Bernell retired from the U.S Air Force in 1984 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and moved to Brandon, Florida in 1985.
Once settled in Brandon, Bernell continued to serve his community and country as a member of The Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, where he served as exalted ruler (President) from 1999 to 2000, during which time the Lodge was awarded “All American Lodge” honors. He was also a member of The First United Methodist Church of Brandon. He was deeply patriotic and always displayed the “Stars and Stripes” at his home.
He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Patricia Hiskey; daughters, Laurie Colman of Norcross, Georgia and Linda Parrish of New Port Richey, Florida; step-daughters, Debbie Gallagher of Dresher, Pennsylvania and Tina Strong of Bradenton, Florida. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Norma Renteria, Austin Zitch, Ryan Kulak, Mike Zitch, Regan Gallagher, Jami McKibbon and Jimmy Gallagher, as well as 8 great-grandchildren: Grace, Evelyn, Sophia, Autumn, Quinn, Brooke, Patrick and Paige.
Graveside services with full Military Honors will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL. There will be a Past Exalted Ruler Memorial Service at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, at the Brandon Elks Lodge #2383, Brandon, FL. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Elks National Foundation: 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256.
Previous Events
Graveside
11
Dec
9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
Memorial Service
11
Dec
800 Centennial Lodge Drive
Brandon, FL 33510
A reception will follow.
Elks National Foundation
Chicago, IL 60614-2256
