U-2 Pilot Killed In Crash Memorialized At Beale Air Force Base

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE (CBS13) – With full military glory, a fallen hero from Beale Air Force Base is remembered.

Lt. Col. Steve Eadie died after his U-2 plane crashed into the Sutter Buttes. Thursday, he was remembered as a loving and caring father, husband, friend and mentor.

As the color guard marched in with military precision through the ranks, a noticeable heaviness of grief and sorrow filled the hanger where thousands gathered to remember Eadie.

It was hard to say goodbye.

Choking back tears, his children painted a vivid picture of the life of Eadie, simply known them as dad.

"He didn't care if I flip burgers or went to school, he loved me anyway. He was like a breath of fresh air," Eadie's son said.

Eadie was a decorated aviator and instructor. As if the crash happened yesterday, his colleagues and family members are still stunned.

But they're confident he died doing what he loved.

"He was genuinely happy and fulfilled doing his work. He loved to teach, he loved to fly," said an airman who spoke at the service.

In a military funeral ceremony formed decades ago, Old Glory was neatly folded by the color guard and presented to the fallen hero's widow, Ashley.

And then in a fitting tribute, everyone looked up to the sky to witness a spectacular Air Force tradition: The missing man flyover for the man known to his Beale as "Shooter."

A fund has been set up for Eadie's family. Head here to donate.