Gary Michael Paul Loepke, Nashville, TN
https://www.simplecremationtn.com/guestbook/gary-loepke
Master Sergeant Gary Michael Paul Loepke, US Air Force [Retired] July 2, 1954 to January 3, 2022. Gary Loepke, a veteran of Vietnam Era, Cold War Era, Desert Storm and Desert Shield and longtime resident of Nashville, passed away suddenly, after long time health complications, on January 3, 2022 while in the hospital.
Gary, as he was known to most everyone he knew, was born July 2, 1954 in Chicago, IL to William and Anna Loepke and attended San Bernardino High School, California before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as Still Photographic Specialist [later changed to Still Photographic Craftsman].
As an Airman, Gary was involved in various unique photographic documentation throughout his Air Force career, and he had many amazing stories of his various assignments. While stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California he was an honorable member of the former 1369th AudioVisual Squadron, an important part of the former Aerospace AudioVisual Service whose headquarters incidentally was in his home town at the former Norton Air Force Base.
He served 2 August 1990 to 30 September 1994 in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also served for 5 years laterally as an Education and Training Craftsman.
Gary was Honorably Discharged upon his Air Force Retirement after having service 20 years, 11 months and 15 days effective 1 October 1994. While at Vandenberg AFB, he met and fell in love with the former Sharon Kay Miller, and they had four wonderful children.
The United States Air Force recognized Master Sergeant Loepke during his military career for his honorable service with: The Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, The Air Force Achievement Medal, The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and The National Defense Service Medal. Other awards include: The Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster [for NCO Orientation Course and NCO Leadership School], Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and The Air Force Training Ribbon.
He was also a proud member of the Facebook Aerospace AudioVisual Service and Combat Camera Groups. After his Air Force military career, Gary lived for some years in Steubenville and Toronto, Ohio and then moved to the Nashville, Tennessee area to be closer to his family. He always had a sharp mind, an encyclopedic memory, keen sense of humor and wit, and was really a humble man. He was a huge Disney fan, having been to both Disneyland and Disney World.
His contribution to his Air Force career was appreciated by his coworkers and his superiors, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents William & Anna Loepke, his brother Eric Loepke. He’s survived by his brother William & [Carla] Loepke, his former wife Sharon Kay Loepke [nee Miller], his daughters Ericka [& Joe] Albanese, Monica [& Blake] Bankston, Veronica [& Jessica] Ruble, and his son Matthew & [Khea] Phillips-Loepke A memorial service to honor Gary’s life and military service will be held to be determined by his family.
At his request, with honor and with pride of service, Gary’s ashes will be interred at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washinton D.C.