More detail on this person: Michael Robert Armstrong of Jacksonville, FL, passed away Thursday,
June 2, 2016. He was born July 20, 1935 in Dixon, IL to Robert Lee and Fama Ruth (Allen) Armstrong.
Mike grew up in Oregon, IL where he attended the Silica School (a one room country school) and
Oregon High School, class of 1953, then went on to earn a degree in Industrial Engineering from
Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He received his commission through the Air Force ROTC program and
entered active duty as a 2nd Lt. in 1958. While in Pilot Training School in Bainbridge, GA he met
the love of his life, Eleanor Parker. They were married in December of 1959. Mike served a year tour
in Vietnam where he was a Helicopter Gunship Instructor Pilot with the 20th Special Operations
Squadron, The Green Hornets. He was a Command Pilot with a career log of over 4,100 hours of flight
time in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and was awarded the Senior Missileman Badge. His
decorations include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Meritorious Service Medals,
Presidential Unit Citation, eight Air Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Vietnamese
Cross of Gallantry with Palm and seven Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, including four with Valor
device. He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 21 years of service and began his second career of 19
years as the Plant Engineer for Sikorsky Aircraft in Jupiter, FL . He was a life member of several
organizations including Masonic Oregon, IL Lodge 420 AF & AM, the VFW, Oregon IL Post 8739, NRA,
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Air Force Association, Special Operations Association, Military
Officers Association, NAUS (National Assoc. for Uniformed Services), USAF Helicopter Pilot
Association. He also served as a Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach,
FL. While living in Jacksonville he was a member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church where he especially
enjoyed participating in the Pathfinders Sunday School class each week.
His greatest joy was spending time with his Eleanor - RVing, "antiquing" and creating beautiful
quilts. They were happily married for 55 years years until, in November of 2014, Eleanor lost her 17
year battle with breast cancer. Mike had a huge heart and a generous spirit. He had a deep,
steadfast love for his family and he especially loved being a grandfather. His life of integrity,
honor and faith has positively impacted the lives of countless others and he will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his only daughter, Delta Armstrong Kraus (Bob), three grandchildren, Daniel, James
and Lauren, and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended relatives. Mike was preceded in death by
his parents, his brother, Lee Allen Armstrong, and his wife, Eleanor Parker Armstrong.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent in memory of Michael Armstrong to Narcolepsy Network 46
Union Drive, #A212 North Kingstown, RI 02852 or donate online at http://www.narcolepsynetwork.org
Visitation will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday, June 12, 2016 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral
Home of Mandarin. The funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Monday, June 13, 2016 in Mandarin
Presbyterian Church, 2501 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223. Followed by the committal service in
Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801
San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
This information was last updated 06/07/2016
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Date posted on this site: 06/15/2024
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