- Date Of Birth: September 13, 1935
- Date Of Death: October 16, 2007
- State: Florida
Col. William Edward “Bill” Takacs passed away Oct. 16, 2007. Bill was born Sept. 13, 1935, to Katherine Angeline and John Raymond Takacs, Sr., in Joliet, Ill. He graduated from Indiana University, which he attended on a football scholarship. He was married to Marilynn Joyce Dainko, his beloved wife of 28 years, and entered active duty in the U.S. Air Force in 1958.
Bill was brought in after the failed rescue attempt in Tehran as Commander of the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, where he was instrumental in building the SOF capability with H-53s. Much of today’s readiness can be traced back to the efforts of “Col. T,” and his team of officers, NCOs and airmen. After serving with the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, he retired in 1988.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Col.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, John R. Takacs; mother, Katherine Angeline Takacs; and his wife, Marilynn J. Dainko. Bill is survived by his brothers, John R. Takacs, Jr., and Robert F. Takacs; sons, William E. Takacs, Jr., (Libby), Douglas J.
