Lewis Gerald Aufdemorte Jr.

Colonel Lewis G. Aufdemorte, Jr (Lew), 89, of Shalimar, Florida, passed away on May 13, 2022.

“Lew” was born in New Orleans on October 16, 1932, to Lewis and Mary Aufdemorte. He was married in Valley Stream, New York, for 69 years to the love of his life, Helen O’Rourke.

Lew served his country proudly, retiring from the United States Air Force in July 1980. In recognition of his service, Lew was awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation medal, and Air Force Expeditionary Medal, in addition to other awards and devices.

Lew served two tours in Southeast Asia flying over 200 missions in the F-4 and A-7 aircraft.

Lew’s military career took him and his family to Arizona, Germany, Nevada, Alabama, Virginia, Southeast Asia, South Carolina, Texas and Florida. During these assignments, Lew was a flight commander, fighter weapons school instructor, squadron commander, staff officer, and director of operations.

His last assignment was the Deputy Commander of Headquarters Tactical Air Warfare Center (TAWC), Eglin AFB.

He was a BMW enthusiast and enjoyed many years of Swift aircraft ownership. A proud supporter who was a member of the Dedalians, BMW Car Club of America, Aero Club, Gun Club, Northwest Florida Military Officers Association, and Experimental Aircraft Association.

Lew was a gifted piano player and provided countless hours of entertainment for friends and family. You could always find him at the piano on many a Friday night.  He was also a prolific artist and enjoyed painting. He particularly enjoyed copying the “old masters” and gifting his art to family and friends.  A fighter pilot’s pilot, he also had a reputation while serving on active duty for providing humorous doodles during many a meeting. He will be missed greatly.

Lew is survived by his loving wife, Helen; son, Lewis Aufdemorte, III and wife Holley of Myrtle Beach SC; daughter, Sunny Feeley and husband Bob Feeley of Shalimar, Florida, and Bridgton, Maine; and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

There will not be a service. A celebration of his life will be scheduled in the near future.