LCDR Bertie G. Homan, USN (retired), passed away on February 6, 2009 at St Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD. He was born in Newman Grove, NE on February 8, 1925.

He attended schools in the Madison County Nebraska School system and later attended Nebraska Wesleyan University prior to entering the Naval Service in 1943. He received his Navy Wings of Gold in April 1946.

He met Betty A. McGehee soon after receiving his wings in Pensacola, FL. They were married in Norfolk NE on May 21, 1946. He received his baccalaureate degree from Wesleyan in January of 1949 and became a Navy Fighter Pilot. He served in Jet Squadron 721 which was ordered to fight in the Korean War from the deck of the USS Boxer, CV21. He flew 55 combat missions over North Korea.

He retired from the Navy October 1, 1966 and started a new career as a teacher at St Johns Country Day School in Orange Park, FL. In 1972 he became the headmaster of St Johns Country Day School. In 1976, Bert and his wife Betty opened the Homan School, Inc in Orange Park, FL. They spent the next 10 years operating a very successful accredited school for Pre, Kindergarten, and First grade students. Dr. Homan was also a licensed Judge by the American Kennel Club to judge sporting dogs.

He obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Jacksonville University and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on June 19, 1975. While he was President of the Homan School he was also an active member of the Orange Park Rotary Club (President 80-81) and a member of the association of Naval Aviation (Bald Eagle Squadron) in Jacksonville, FL.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty Ann Homan of Lexington Park, MD, his son Billy Bert Homan and daughter in law Delight Homan in Lexington Park, MD, grandchildren; Rodney Homan and wife Melissa Homan of Lexington Park, MD, Russell Homan of Lake Elisnore, CA, Kimberly Lashley and her husband Kevin of Drayden, MD.

He is also survived by his great grandchildren; Rodney and Tyler Homan of Hollywood MD, Kimber Burney of Orlando, FL, Bradley and Annika Homan of Lake Elisnore, CA, and Alex and Lance Lashley of Drayden, MD. His surviving relatives in Nebraska include: Scott and Janene Michaels, Donna Rae Michael, Rodger and Deanna Langemeir, Don King, Dean and Sharon King, Robert, Barbara and Joyce Schmitz.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 3:00 PM in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.