Henry Clay “Hank” Bozarth, affectionately known as “Papa B,” was born May 27, 1922 in Caldwell County Kentucky. He served a distinguished career in the Air Force and in public school administration. Hank earned a BA, Master’s degree and Ph. D. in Education from the University of Texas. He taught in the Austin, Texas Independent School District, was an elementary school principal with the San Angelo Texas School District, and was an assistant professor at both East Texas State College and the University of Texas at Austin before becoming the Director of Elementary Education in the Port Arthur Texas School District in 1962. In 1964 he and his family moved to Las Vegas where he was hired as a Director of Education for the Clark County School District. He was later assigned to the position of Curriculum Coordinator for the school district from which he retired in 1988.
Hank served a distinguished career in the Army Air Corps from 1943 – 1945 and continued as an Air Force reservist until 1968. Upon completion of pilot training, Henry Bozarth flew 63 missions over Europe during World War II. The B-26 Bomber named “Flak-Bait”, was the first bomber to survive over 200 combat missions in that conflict. Its nose section is on display in the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. A picture of Henry and his crew is posted in a display in front of the exhibit. Hank achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force reserves.
Hank’s greatest joy was to share the cabin he and his family built within view of Brianhead, Utah. His favorite summer vacations were spent with construction projects for this home away from home.
Mr. Henry Clay “Hank” Bozarth passed away on January 22, 2005, and is survived by his wife, Mrs. Blanche Bozarth, and several family members.
