He is also the beloved father of Susan Browne-Middleton of Ohio; stepsons Robert Phillips, Frank Hyde (predeceased), and John Hyde. Jon always spoke of Susan as the “cutest thing I’d ever seen,”and later commented often about how proud he was of her. Jon raised his stepsons from early childhood, as his own sons; his boys called him “Dad,” and spoke of him as an inspiration.

Jon joined the Navy in August, 1941, before the USA entered WWII. After the war, he studied music, and then re-enlisted, in 1949: this time in the Air Force. He became a career non-commissioned officer. He served in counter-intelligence in the Strategic Air Command, on board the B-36 “Peacemaker” aircraft, which carried nuclear weapons as a deterrent to the Soviet Union. Jon was chosen to be featured by the Post Dispatch as one of the 2020 “Stories of Honor” (published on June 7, 2020), recognizing him for his valor, loyalty, and heroism.

Jon is sorely missed by his daughter, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his numerous nieces and nephews who adored him, and so very many friends.

Special thanks to all the wonderful people who helped him at Mason Pointe LSS and Meramec
Bluffs LSS. There will be no memorial service. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks at a later date.

Condolences can be sent c/o Peggy Browne, 1900 Ridgemoor Lake Ct., STL, 63131.

Tributes may be sent to: Equine Assisted Therapy, 3369 Hwy 109, Wildwood, MO 63038, the Humane Society of MO, or a charity of your choice.

His story from STLToday can be found here: https://www.stltoday.com/brandavestudios/stories-of-honor/war-and-peacemaker-veteran-recalls-service-in-wwii-cold-war/article_df298fba-a124-11ea-88e1-ef8f069b09a6.html