Raymond Jackson Bartholomew, 81, of Breinigsville, died Feb. 12, 2024.

He and his wife, Diane C. (Yocum) Bartholomew, were married 58 years.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Raymond H. and Marguerite (Forbell) Bartholomew.

A 1960 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State in 1965.

He was immediately commissioned as a second lieutenant into the U.S. Air Force and began pilot training, proudly serving his country for 30 years.

A command pilot with more than 4,300 flying hours, including over 500 combat hours, his service awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 18 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and Combat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

He was a devoted and loving husband and father, strong in character and faith.

A quiet man, quick-witted and gentle in spirit, he loved sharing stories from his flying days

He spent his retirement years supporting his church and The Gideons International, mowing a lot of grass, woodworking and tinkering in his shop.

He passed from this life into eternal life and is in heaven with God and Jesus.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Dora Partain (Brad) of Florida, Diana Smith (Patrick) of Arizona, and Julia Bouder (Glen) of Virginia; siblings William Bartholomew (Gina) of Breinigsville, Jean Kim of Berwyn, and Mary Bartholomew of Florida; grandchildren Connor, Kylee, Jessica, Caleb, Martina and Jackson; and great-grandchildren Alexandra, Eli and Sadie.

He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Bartholomew.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 23 at Bible Baptist Church, 511 Farmington Road, Breinigsville.

Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m.

Private interment at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery, Annville.

Condolences may be offered at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to either The Gideons International or Bible Baptist Church c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051 or online at kfcp.org.

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.