Brigadier General William Arthur Bloomer, USMC (Ret.)

The world lost a gentle giant on June 2, 2026. Brigadier General William Arthur “Art” Bloomer, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps aviator and proud Kansan who loved his family and country deeply, passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by the family who adored him. Standing 6’4”, Art was a towering presence in every room he entered, yet he was defined by his quiet strength, enduring faith, approachable nature, and generous heart. To the nation, he was a leader of men; to his family, he was simply their safe harbor, beloved husband, father, “Grampaw,” and “Great-Grampaw.”

Born January 23, 1933, on the family farm, in Lebanon, Kansas, to James and Nettie Bloomer. Art was the oldest of three sons. He attended Lebanon High School where he was the 1951 valedictorian and excelled in sports. Art went on to attend Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University).  He graduated in 1955 as a stand out athlete and the last person to letter 4 years in both football and basketball. Later Art was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus. The Bloomer Veteran Hall of Honor at ESU is named for Art and his wife, Sue.

Following graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps, embarking on a distinguished 31-year career where his physical stature was matched only by his courage. As an experimental test pilot and combat aviator, Art flew over 50 aircraft types and completed 330 combat missions during two tours in Vietnam. For his heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” and 17 Air Medals. Notably, he played a vital role in Operation Frequent Wind during the 1975 evacuation of Saigon. Art also received the Republic of China (ROC) Kuang Hua Medal. His stellar career culminated as Commander of Marine Corps Air Bases, Western Area, where his installations won the Department of Defense’s Commander-in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence in both 1985 and 1986, presented by President Ronald Reagan.

Yet, for all his military accolades, Art continued his hard work after his retirement. He transitioned seamlessly into life as a corporate executive, served his community as an Irvine, California City Councilman, and put his memories to paper by authoring his memoir, The Iron Workers.

Of all the titles he held, none meant more to Art than that of family man. Art met the love of his life, Sharon “Sue” Vernon, on a blind date during college. Art and Susie-Q, as he lovingly referred to her, were married on May 30, 1954. Together, they built a life rooted in love and laughter. Part of Art’s enduring legacy is the beautiful 72-year marriage that will have an impact for generations to come. Those large, capable hands that expertly guided fighter jets were the very same hands that gently held his family.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers (James and Joseph) and a grandson (Brian).

Art’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Sue; their children, Leigh Anne Baysinger (Steve), Jeffrey Bloomer (Susan), and Brenda Hargett (Joe); his seven grandchildren, Eric Baysinger (Sara), Matthew Baysinger (Emily), Audrey Coad (Kasey), Adrienne Mathews (Dave), Ashton Provence (Dane), Heather Logan (Zach) and Tyler Hargett (Maddie); and his 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Wichita, KS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. Services will be live streamed and available to view by clicking on the “Watch Funeral Service” button below. His burial with full military honors will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bloomer Athletic Scholarship c/o Emporia State University Foundation, 1500 Highland Street, Emporia, KS 66801, Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 West 21^st Street, Wichita, KS 67205 or Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill Street, #403, Wichita, KS 67206.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.