Obituary for Franklin James Macon
The City of Colorado Springs has lost a local icon, and the nation another hero. Franklin James Macon, born August 4, 1923, passed away on November 22, 2020 of natural causes.
One of only two remaining documented original Tuskegee Airmen known to remain in the state of Colorado, Mr. Macon was extremely proud of his service during WWII. All of the Tuskegee Airmen had a passion for excellence, and frank was no different. He pushed himself to be the best he could be, and did the same to those around him, making us all better in the process.
Mr. Macon was a Colorado Springs native who first learned to fly at Pine Valley Airport, just north of town. Pine Valley is now the U.S. Air Force Academy’s General Benjamin O. Davis Airfield. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943, and began his military flight training in 1944 as part of Tuskegee’s Class 45a. After leaving the service, he became a successful businessman and civil servant.
In recent years, he has donated numerous items to local museums for preservation. Along with Ms. Elizabeth Harper he wrote an autobiography aimed at young readers with learning challenges entitled “I wanted to be a pilot: the making of a Tuskegee Airman”. He also established a trust fund to provide scholarships to young people who want to learn a skilled trade.
Frank will be buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank Macon trades scholarship charitable trust by visiting his web site at franklinmacon.org .
One of only two remaining documented original Tuskegee Airmen known to remain in the state of Colorado, Mr. Macon was extremely proud of his service during WWII. All of the Tuskegee Airmen had a passion for excellence, and frank was no different. He pushed himself to be the best he could be, and did the same to those around him, making us all better in the process.
Mr. Macon was a Colorado Springs native who first learned to fly at Pine Valley Airport, just north of town. Pine Valley is now the U.S. Air Force Academy’s General Benjamin O. Davis Airfield. Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943, and began his military flight training in 1944 as part of Tuskegee’s Class 45a. After leaving the service, he became a successful businessman and civil servant.
In recent years, he has donated numerous items to local museums for preservation. Along with Ms. Elizabeth Harper he wrote an autobiography aimed at young readers with learning challenges entitled “I wanted to be a pilot: the making of a Tuskegee Airman”. He also established a trust fund to provide scholarships to young people who want to learn a skilled trade.
Frank will be buried at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank Macon trades scholarship charitable trust by visiting his web site at franklinmacon.org .