Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

Bullock, Roger Preston, 72, of Bellbrook, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016. He was born January 28, 1944 to Wilma (Hoverson) Bullock and Melvin Bullock in St. Louis, Missouri.

After receiving his degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Roger enlisted in the Air Force in 1969. He reported to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, as one of a few Airman First Class Aerospace Engineers. He was assigned to the Structures Branch, Flight Systems Engineering, Aeronautical Systems Division. In 1970, he was selected to be the lead mass properties engineer for the source selection of the B-1A bomber. In 1973, he transferred to the civilian core. Roger took on the duties of the lead mass properties engineer on the AMST program in 1978 which fostered the C-17 and the C-5B programs. His work with the Military Airlift Command and his mass properties analyses greatly helped to establish the initial set of requirements for the C-17 including basic cargo bay dimensions, short field performance and payload/range performance.

In 1997, Roger was given the Award for Outstanding Civilian Career Service in recognition of his distinguished service to the Aeronautical Systems Center, Air Force Material Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio from April 1969 to January 1997. "His outstanding career had a major impact on the research, design, development, and effectiveness of emerging aeronautical weapon systems. His technical expertise, dedication and unique vision significantly contributed to the unprecedented superiority of the Strategic, Transport and Tactical Air Forces."

Roger was very passionate about flying. He obtained his pilot's license before his driver's license. He ventured on his first cross-country flight out west when he was only 20 years old and flew many types of his own planes over the years to numerous destinations logging over 5,000 hours. Roger was active in the Dayton Pilot's Club for many years and maintained one plane as crew chief. He also loved riding his motorcycle. He loved to travel and went to Alaska and New Zealand with friends. He would fly, drive or bike to the annual Osh Kosh, Wisconsin Flyin Airshow and visit with pilots from all over the world. Roger was also a member of the Bellbrook Amateur Radio Club and used the call sign WOAJE.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sister Linda Hawthorne (Bob) of Limon, Colorado and their children, Rob Hawthorne (Stephanie) and children Jackson and Haven, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Adam Hawthorne of Denver, Colorado; as well as numerous cousins.

There will be no services locally, however, the family invites friends and neighbors to leave a condolence and/or contact information on Roger's online Book of Memories at www.connerandkoch.com by clicking on his name. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2555 S Dixie Dr #110, Dayton, OH 45409; the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431; and/or the Limon Education Foundation, P.O. Box 297, Limon, CO 80828.

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