Bernard Joseph Schutten, Jr., Colonel, USAF Retired

Bernard J. Schutten, Jr., Colonel USAF Retired, of Biloxi, MS, died Monday, May 31, 2010, in Biloxi. "Ben" was born April 11, 1918, in New Orleans, LA, and graduated from St. Aloysius College. After graduation he was employed with G. H. Leidenheimer Baking Co., which was founded by his grandfather. In 1942 he enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps. During WW II he flew fifty combat missions with the Republic of China Air Force. The Chinese Pilot Wings were awarded him by General Chiang Kai-Shek, the president of China. In addition he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and the American Defense Medal with four battle stars. During the Korean War Ben flew many missions with the 1503rd Troop Carrier Wing. After the war his military career was oriented toward staff positions. Ben was among the first officers trained and assigned to the Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile program. His last assignment before his retirement in 1967 was Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscon, AZ. After settling in Biloxi he returned to the Leidenheimer Baking Co. to serve on the executive board of directors for 32 years. Ben enjoyed fishing, golf and gardening. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard J. Schutten, Sr. and Elizabeth Leidenheimer Schutten and a sister, Julie Schutten. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Louise Schutten; two sisters, Dorothy S. Guste and her husband, William, and Julie S. Pitot and her husband, Henry; a brother, Monsignor Marion F. Schutten; and sixteen nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.