Michael Dennis Mechsner

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Dennis (Mex) Mechsner, 69, passed away on December 28, 2019 in Austin, Texas. Michael was born in Rosemead, California to Kenneth and Britomart Mechsner on August 12, 1950. Michael went to Rosemead High School and graduated in 1968. His love of aeronautics started young, and he earned his pilots license at the age of 15, even before he obtained his drivers license. He went on to earn a degree in Aeronautical Technology from Arizona State University in 1972, and was then drafted into Vietnam War, which was the start of his Air Force career. Michael had a passion for flying and was devoted to our country, serving as an RF4 pilot. He soon built a reputation for knowing the phantom inside out and was called to duty in the invasion of Grenada and later Desert Storm. He acquired over 3,000 hours in the RF4 and his knowledge of the plane and mission granted him the nickname "Mr. Recce." His patriotism earned him several medals of Honor including the distinguished Flying Cross and numerous Air medals. He retired from the military after 23 years of service in 1993. Michael went on to Northwest and delta Airlines as a commercial Airbus pilot where he continue...[more]

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o fly for another 17 years. After retiring, he enjoyed certifying flight instructors through the FAA in general aviation and passing on his extensive aviation knowledge to anyone interested in Aviation. He also enjoyed woodworking and rebuilding his 1967 Chevelle SS. He had a green thumb and enjoyed propagating Venus flytraps and orchids. After retirement, he was active in the Daedalians Organization. Outside of these hobbies, he enjoyed time with his wife, children and grandchildren and was well known to friends for his humor and wit. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Linda; his son, Christopher and wife Melanie, grandchildren, Caden, Taylor and Aubrey; Daughter, Sandra Peterson and husband Joel; Mother, Britomart Mechsner and sister, Susan; Niece, Lynn and nephew; Kenneth Mechsner and Antonio Cordova. His father, Kenneth, and 2 brothers, Martin and Steven, precede him in death. Funeral service will be held at Randolph Air Force Base Chapel in San Antonio, Texas on January 17th, 2020 at 10am. There will be a celebration of life reception following funeral and final burial will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:15pm. Harrell Funeral Home, in Austin, Texas will be handling the funeral arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Daedalians in memoriam of Michael Mechsner. The Mechsner family wishes to extend their gratitude to all friends and family for support in this time.