Harold Curtis "HC" Pluenneke

Harold Curtis “HC” Pluenneke entered eternal life on May 14, 2021. Born on the family ranch in Mason County, Texas on July 31, 1930, he was the son of Max Theodor Pluenneke and Louise Grosse Pluenneke. HC attended school in Hilda, Texas and graduated from Mason High School in 1948. He earned a B.S. in Physical Education from Southwest Texas State Teachers College (where he was on the football and track team) and a B.S. in Engineering (EE) from Texas Tech. In 1952, he was commissioned into the Air Force and completed pilot training. Assigned to the 5th 331 fighter interceptor squadron on Long Island, New York he flew F-86 jets. During this time, HC met the love of his life Eugenia “Genie” Anne Smith. Less than two years later they were married and over the years they were blessed with four sons. HC had a 27-year distinguished Air Force career which took him around the world including assignments in Japan and Vietnam. He was an engineer on the F-111 and B1 bomber program. During his service he received numerous awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Air Medal with four Oakleaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. Retiring from the Air Force as Colonel in 1979 he moved his family to Kansas to work for Boeing and made Wichita their home. HC was a devoted father, an avid golfer, and active in his church and community. At work and at home he was a trusted and respected leader. Papa was the rock of the family, steadfast in his faith and beliefs. His remarkable life provided him with wisdom that he humbly shared with a smile and never-ending sense of humor. A lover of both good and bad dogs, as well as ice cream, he was easy-going, cheerful, and always proud of his family. His children and grandkids were the light of his life. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at the Wichita East Heights United Methodist Church On Saturday July 10th at 9 am and a graveside service will be conducted at the Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery on Monday July 12th at 10 am. Survivors include his four sons, Hal (Stephanie), John (Patti), Robert (Kim), David (Mimi); and seven wonderful grandchildren, Max, Jack, Molly, Joe, Kate, Jordan, and Lydia. Memorials in his honor may be made to The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67214 or to the Seaquist House Foundation, Inc. PO Box 1496 Mason, TX 76856. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.