Posted by Diana Hairston on February 13, 2013:

Pappy Hewett was quite a distinguished scholar, a soldier, a father, a husband, a true friend, and a visionary. I just read his grandson's eulogy and it touched my heart. About twenty five years ago, I watched the missing man formation pass over his memorial service. His daughter expressed her love of her father eloquently and his wife Irene was in shock that he had actually passed on. Shane was there-still a very young man. Pappy was very proud of his son's accomplishments in Paris in the film industry. Pappy was working on finishing his work of fiction; he was a romantic as well as a realist. "As Time Goes By" was Pappy and Irene's favorite song. The last time I saw Pappy Hewett he waved until I was unable to see him any longer as I drove back to Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base where I was stationed at Academic Instructor School. I will always treasure the stories my father, Guy Hairston, his classmate at West Point, shared about their adventures together throughout their friendship. We were all part of a very close knit military family. I can vividly remember visits between our two families throughout my young life. It does not seem that long ago that we were together. I can remember Pappy's son's band practicing in their garage. Pappy loved his family, his heritage as a military officer, and he loved his friends. He was a born leader and teacher. In heaven, I am sure he is with his wife enjoying the view. Shane, I am sure he is with you in spirit. Keep the faith.

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