Col. Otto Reed Haney

Otto Reed Haney, born 18 September 1916, died May 9, 2016, just months short of his 100th birthday. Col. Haney was born in Waynesville, Missouri to Harry Raymond and Loto Haney. The Missouri farm boy joined the Army Air Corp in 1940 with his first assignment after flight school graduation at Hickam AFB, Hawaii in December, 1941. As WWII broke out that same month, Colonel Haney flew B17s in the battles of the South Pacific including the battle of Midway and Guadalcanal. An amazing 29 year military career followed as this aviator traveled the world becoming the Air Attache in China working with General George Marshall and General Joseph Stillwell as well as Chiang Kai-Shek, to Wing Commander of the 6595th Aerospace Test Wing at Vandenberg AFB, California. Involved early in the United States space program, Colonel Haney oversaw the initial beginnings of space travel and the launching of numerous international payloads. Receiving degrees from the University of Missouri, and George Washington University, diplomas from Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Air War College, and attending Harvard University for the Advanced Management Program, Colonel Haney remained forever an avid learner. After retirement from the Air Force in 1969, Colonel Haney devoted his remaining years as a public servant and volunteer. He negotiated the sale of Roxborough Park to the state of Colorado and championed the development of both the Park and the community which surrounds it. Colonel Haney leaves behind his wife of 73 years, Catherine Park Haney, his son Reed Park (wife Mary), daughter, Michele, grandchildren Erick Burke (wife Reanna), Reed Haney, John Haney (wife Claudia), Emily Haney, Michael Haney, great grandchildren Oriane, Otto and Orestes Burke as well as nieces, nephews and many, many friends Colonel Haney was the recipient of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Colonel Haney was a Command Pilot and an Air Force Master Missile Maintenance officer. Colonel Haney will receive a military burial at Ft. Logan. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in Colonel Haney's name to Wounded Warriors or a charity of choice. Please feel free to leave memories and condolences for the family by signing the guestbook below.