Tull, 89, was Tuskegee Airman

Lt. Col. Harrison Tull, one of Bellevue’s most noteworthy veterans, died of cancer Sunday at age 89.

Tull was one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first black American pilots, who flew in Europe during World War II while the military was still segregated.

In 2007, Tull was one of 300 Tuskegee Airmen to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor that Congress can bestow upon civilians.

Tull also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Tull’s daughter, Dr. Janet Tull of Charles City, Iowa, said her father didn’t talk about his military accomplishments. She didn’t even know he was a Tuskegee Airman until a year or two before he received the Congressional Gold Medal.

“He never talked about it,” she said.

Tull retired after 27 years in the military, then began a career in education.

He taught biology at Omaha’s Technical and Northwest high schools. After receiving a master’s degree, he was a counselor at Monroe Junior High School in Omaha. He retired from education in 1990.

Tull volunteered regularly at First Baptist Church’s Backdoor Boutique, which provides clothing and food to victims of domestic abuse.

“He was a real servant,” said Bernie Wrye, who also volunteers there. “He’s a guy that people ought to emulate.”

Janet Tull said service was an important part of her father’s life, whether on the library board or in the Bellevue Civil Service Commission.

“I’m proud of my dad,” she said. “He was a big influence on people, helped motivate people. That was just him.”

Tull was preceded in death by his wife, Charleyne. Survivors also include daughter Elaine Tidwell and son Kevin, both of Bellevue; and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Bellevue Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church.

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