Lee Roy Test was the ultimate American patriot and citizen.  The Baldwin Park veteran served in the Army Air Corps as a co-pilot during WWII.  But long after completing his service, Test worked to keep the memory of those who served alive and remind everyone what they fought for.

"Roy kept America up front, that is what he was for," said friend Bob Benbow of the Baldwin Park Historical Society.

Test died Dec. 20 at the age of 88 from complications from a fall.  Test's family and friends will hold a memorial service at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Baldwin Park Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Test was born in Parsons, Kansas, where he trained in linotype in high school.  In 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps serving as co-pilot in the 398th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force.

Test and his crew completed 32 missions over Europe in 1944, including D-Day.

Having a sense that someone may be interested, Test was real good at keeping records of his missions and taking photos of his crew and the planes.

"He was very organized," said daughter Peggy Costales.  "He was very concerned that people know what happened and what people did in those days. It was important for him to share what it was like to serve your country."

Test earned two Bronze stars, the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross.  After his service, Test worked as a linotype operator in Los Angeles while raising his two children with his first wife in West Covina.

His love of sports cars and rallies led him to help start the 4N Car Club in West Covina.  "He was never a race car driver but he liked race cars," said Costales.  "When we were kids he bought different cars.  He kept trading them in and getting a different one each time."

Costales said Test enjoyed taking the family on trips to national parks such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

Being a social butterfly, Test met his second wife of 37 years, Irene, at a Parents without Partners club dance.  "We loved to dance," said his widow Irene, 86.  "We've always led a very active life."

The couple were retired and became involved in various community organizations and clubs including the Baldwin Park Adult and Community School, Baldwin Park Historical Society, Computer Club in La Verne, among others.

Test was also a member of organizations such as the Commemorative Air Force and the B-17 Combat Crewmen and Wingmen, a docent at the Planes of Fames Air Museum in Chino.  Irene plans to donate one of Test's uniforms, diaries, photos and other memoirs to the Baldwin Park Historical Society Museum.

Benbow said the items will be displayed in the museum's Hall of Heroes, where Test many times volunteered as a docent. Dressed in his uniform (that still fit), Test happily answered questions during museum tours.

"I was very proud to be his friend. He will be missed," said Benbow.  Costales said she admired her father and felt proud when she saw young people come up to him and thank him for his service.

Her father taught her that it is an honor to be able to salute your flag.  "I teach my students that," said Costales who teaches at West Covina High School.

"Even though it's just a small symbol, you have to show respect."

Test is survived by his wife Irene Test, his son Roger, daughter Peggy Costales (Eddie), two stepchildren, granddaughter Cristina, and other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the restoration of a B-17, the Piccadilly Lilly II at the Planes of Fame Air museum in Chino, in Test's memory.