John Lewis Schulze III, retired Air Force colonel
Lt. Col. John Lewis Schulze III, USAF RET, better known as Jack, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Lewes with his wife at his side Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. He was born Jan. 22, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of John Lewis Schulze Jr. and Grace Taylor Schulze.
Mr. Schulze was a 1946 graduate of Haverford High School and graduated from Penn State in 1951, where he was on the wrestling team. Continuing his education, he earned his master’s degree in aerospace management from USC and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He then served in the U.S. Army, serving in Occupied Japan. His career with the military further evolved with a 23-year decorated career with the U.S. Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lt. Col. His career had involved the teaching of the first seven astronauts’ survival training as well as pioneering the first Air Force Survival School in Nevada. He was one of the first advisors into North Vietnam and was involved with the Strategic Air Command as well as having served as a Vietnam advisor in Hawaii.
Jack was an avid fisherman, hunter, scuba diver and champion Alpine skier. During his early years he was a member of the Boy Scouts, earning an Eagle Scout rank.
After his retirement from the military he and his wife purchased his family’s business, Home Appliance Center, Paoli, Pa., which they retired from in 1990 after 16 years of ownership where he had received Businessman of the Year.
Their retirement led them to move to Lewes, where Jack was very involved in the local community. He was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes, and was a founding member of the Lightship Overfalls Foundation, where he was a member of the Dirty Hands Gang, served on the board of the Friends of Prime Hook, was presently serving as a board member of the Bethel Methodist Cemetery, had served with Lewes Parks and Recreation for 18 years, which culminated in a citation for service from the city, and board member of the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Anne Teal Schulze; four children, Jon D. Schulze of Reno, Nev., Chris A. Lenzora (Dick) of Reno, Steve C. Schulze (Sandy) of London, England, and David M. Schulze (Stacy) of Downington, Pa.; four grandchildren, Samantha Schulze of Reno, Stephanie Loomis (Lt. Jonthan) of New York, Savannah Schulze of San Francisco, Calif., and Ryan Inskip of Reno; sister Grace Schulze Rose (Dr. Norman); brother Richard Schulze (Nancy); beloved cousins, Louis N. Schulze, Judy and Barney Schulze, all of Lewes, Sue Schulze of Trappe, Md., Dr. Kay Schulze of Gainesville, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Delaware Hospice, especially Gloria Webster, CNA, who took such loving care of Jack. He truly loved her for her kindness and care.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m., at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30, at the Washington Memorial Chapel Cemetery, Valley Forge, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Visit Mr. Schulze's Life Memorial webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
