Col. Rebecca Gentry

Col. Rebecca Jo Stricker Gentry, 70, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), at her home in Jackson with her husband, David Gentry, at her side.

Rebecca was born Sept. 12, 1952, at St. Mary's Hospital in Cairo, Illinois, to Raymond Martin and Anna Frances O'Neal Stricker of Charleston, Missouri, where she spent her childhood years. She and her family were members of St. Henry's Catholic Church.

She attended St. Henry's Elementary and High schools, a member of the last junior class at the high school. She graduated from Charleston High School in 1970. In 1974, she earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology, minoring in mathematics, and graduated again from Southeast Missouri State University in 1976 as a distinguished graduate in the master of art program in counseling psychology. She then joined the U.S. Air Force.

Rebecca graduated from Squadron Officer School in 1982, Air Command and Staff College in 1991 and Naval War College in 1998. In 1990, she was assigned to Izmir, Turkey, as commander of Systems Engineering Support Squadron, Joint Signal Group, supporting NATO's Headquarters of Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe and Sixth Allied Tactical Air Force. She served in multiple mission essential positions in her 27-year career in the USAF in the United States, Europe and Asia. She was promoted to colonel Nov. 1, 1999.

She was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters. She was recognized as the Air Force Space Command Company Grade Maintenance Manager of the Year for 1986 and Space Information System Division Outstanding Communications-Electronics Company Grade Manager of the Year in both 1985 and 1986. She retired from the military in 2005. She then served 15 years in a government civil service director position at the U.S. Pentagon. She was diagnosed with ALS two years ago, forcing her full retirement in October 2021.

On April 21, 1977, Rebecca married David Roland Gentry, who also grew up in Charleston. Although the two had known each other growing up, had each attended St. Henry's School a few grade levels apart and were both members of St. Henry's Church, the two had re-met while each was serving in the USAF. Due to their careers, the couple often lived apart, yet never let the distance come between them, always keeping in close contact. Their marriage of 46 years was a true tribute to them both.

She will forever be remembered for her loyalty, dedication and her love for family and country.

She is survived by her husband, David; sister, Kathy Stricker; several nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Stricker.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour of 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Charleston. The Rev. David Dohogne will officiate. Interment with full military honors by the Air Force will follow in the Calvary Cemetery near Charleston.

Should you choose to do so, a donation to the ALS Foundation -- www.als.org/donate -- would be appreciated.

McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.