Judy Ann Bullard

Judy Ann Bullard, 70, of Lake Charles, LA, died July 27, 2024, at her residence. 

Ms. Bullard was born May 26, 1954, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Bob Jewell Bullard and Dorothy Bernice Brackelsberg. She grew up in Leesville, LA, and graduated from Leesville High School, where she served as a drum majorette, an editor of the yearbook, and earned the senior class superlative “Best All Around.” Outside of school, she was a competitive water skier with the Poseidon Ski Club. She was also a student pilot, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and father. She took her first solo flight at age 16. 

Ms. Bullard translated her love of aviation into a career in the United States Army, where she was among the first women to serve as a helicopter mechanic. Stationed in Alaska, she helped maintain Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. These helicopters nicknamed “Hueys,” were used in combat operations during the Vietnam War. 

While Ms. Bullard spent time in Baton Rouge, La., and Austin, Texas, she resided in Lake Charles for most of her life. She had a long and rewarding career in process operations at a local refinery, and she obtained a bachelor’s degree from McNeese State University. 

Ms. Bullard was a private, Christian woman and proud veteran who appreciated a well-organized Microsoft Excel sheet, a cold Milwaukee's Best, and a hot link of boudin from Homsi’s Deli. She lived near Chennault International Airport and enjoyed watching air traffic in and out of the facility, including the visits of two sitting U.S. presidents. She also enjoyed spending time with her neighbors. 

Ms. Bullard is preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Joleen Dunn. She is survived by sisters Jewell Cutright, of Clarksville, Ark., and Jan Walker, of Lake Charles; brother Bobby Bullard, also of Lake Charles; and many nieces and nephews. 

A service of remembrance will take place on Wednesday, Aug.28, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville.