Jack Richard Salsbery

Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Jack R. Salsbery passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026. He was raised in Kokomo, Indiana, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, having already served two years in the Navy Reserve while in high school.

During his more than 26-year military career, Jack served at numerous bases across the United States, including Eglin AFB, Chanute AFB, and Lackland AFB. He also served at the Yale Chinese Language School and retired in 1979 while stationed at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Indianapolis. His overseas assignments took him to Japan, Germany, and France. While serving in France, he met and married his wife, Denise, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Linda (Pat) Calhoun, Scott (Karen) Salsbery, Philippe (Susan) Salsbery, and Billie (Veronica) Salsbery.

Jack was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Nick Forth, Haley Forth, Aimee (Erik) Zoeller, Megan Zoeller, Sophia (Evan) Thomas, Olivia (Mark) Salsbery, and Hannah (Wilmer) Cabrera; and four great-grandchildren: Elliot Muehlhausen, Marek Villanueva, Jackson Sackville, and Owen Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Almeda Salsbery, and by Philippe’s late wife, Lorene Salsbery.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Jack became an active member of Lions Club International. In his home club of Lawrence, he served multiple terms as President and later as District Governor of Indiana District 25F. He played a key role in establishing the District 25 Vision Screening Program, which provided free vision screenings in schools, health fairs, and nursing homes. He trained many Lions volunteers and often said, “We screen from Diapers to Depends!” Jack also worked with Prevent Blindness and served as a Trustee at Camp Woodsmoke, a camp dedicated to serving individuals with special needs.

Jack was a devoted father who celebrated his children’s accomplishments and took pride in the lives they built. He and Denise traveled extensively both overseas and throughout the United States and enjoyed several cruises together. They cherished their visits with Denise’s family in France and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there with both American and French loved ones.

Denise often described Jack as “a diamond in the rough.” His favorite hobby was reading, especially books about World War II. While living in Europe, he guided many groups to the Normandy beaches, sharing his deep knowledge of the history there.

Jack will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Per his wishes, there will be no services. A private inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery at Crown Hill, and a Celebration of Life will be held later in the year.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Community MD Anderson Cancer Center – North (Drs. Bhatia and Wei and NP Kristi Orbaugh); Clearvista Lake Health Campus Rehab (Leo, Sharon, and Robin); and Community Hospice (Erin, Kaja, Brooke, and Bobby). Special thanks also to his primary physicians, Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Seshan.