Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ronald H. Lache dies at 67

Retired Lt. Col Ronald H. Lache of the U.S. Air Force died at age 67 

Thomas H. Lache died Monday at his home in Springfield after enduring a long battle with lung cancer.  He was 67. 

Born November 3, 1943 in Philadelphia to Harry and Thelma Curry Lache, Lache was a member of the Newman Center and the Rock Bridge Lions Club.  (He had a particular love for baseball, coaching in the local little league for years and watching the game whenever provided an opportunity.  He particularly adored former Phillie, Richie Ashburn).

Five years ago, he and his wife, Dolores Carney, moved to Springfield from Dayton, Ohio, where they would spend the rest of their lives.     

His wife passed away on March 7 of this year of a heart attack.   

Lache was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force.  His experiences in the Air Force, including leading his squadron on missions to ensure the safety of Americans at home, were some of his most cherished possessions.

“Our squadron was one of the best trained in the Air Force, and that helped us get through tight situations.  If it was not for him, the squadron very well might not be here today.  We owe our lives to him.  He was a true leader,” said John Jay, one of his subordinates in the Air Force.  “He made all of us better people.”

He is survived by his mother, Thelma Lache, his son, Ronald Lache of Springfield, and his three daughters – Barbara Ann Peck of Dayton;  Patrice Louis Wylie of Indianapolis, Ind.; Cynthia Lache of San Mateo, Calif.; and a granddaughter, Jennifer C. Peck, Springfield.

Services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Parker Funeral Services at 606 Washington Avenue. He will be buried on Friday at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 303 Reimert Street.