Dennis F. Carruth

Dennis F. Carruth, 74, passed away from complications associated with Severe Vascular Dementia at Kutztown Manor Nursing Home, Kutztown, PA, Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Born in Los Angeles, California, February 23, 1947, he was the son of the late Ullman J. and Marie G. (Godsey) Carruth.

He graduated from George C. Marshall High School, Falls Church, VA, in 1965 and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management. Following graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force’s Officer Candidate School at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, and as a Second Lieutenant, enter the Undergraduate Pilot Training Course, Vance AFB, OK, and was awarded his Pilot Wings in October 1970. He then received an assignment to the B-52 bomber training course at Castle AFB, CA. Following initial B-52 training, he completed an Initial Survival Training course and was then assigned to his first duty base at Warner-Robins AFB, GA, where he became operational in the newest, B-52H model bomber aircraft. Following B-52H Combat Crew Training, he was sent to Andersen AFB, Guam, for 3 consecutive 6 month temporary combat duty assignments where he was awarded 3 Air Medals for Valor in support of ‘Arc Light’ interdiction missions flown throughout the Vietnam War zone. Missions were flown over Laos, Cambodia, S. Vietnam and Linebacker I&II missions over North Vietnam from 1972 through early 1973.  Upon his return, he spent some time as an Air Operations Controller working in the base Command Post until he was released from Active Duty on June 8, 1974. He remained in the Air Force Inactive Reserve until his Honorable Discharge on December 27, 1985.

Following his Air Force commitment, he worked in the automotive industry in operations and sales roles. The companies he worked for were American Parts System, Subaru of America, Quaker City Auto Parts (NAPA) and AutoZone. In later years, he sold insurance before he suffered a series of minor strokes that affected his brain function and had to be placed in the Kutztown Nursing Home for care.

He is survived by his brother Michael Carruth (Jeannie), and their daughters Cherilyn McCall (Michael) and Melissa Saint-Victor (Daniel).  He was formerly married for almost 30 years to Susan Fultz Carruth.

A private family service and interment are planned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Boy’s Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA 24426 // www.boyshomeofva.org