More detail on this person: Lt Col David Howerter Trexler, 87 Obituaries Winston-Salem Journal (NC) - Wednesday, August 19, 2009 WINSTON-SALEM - Lt. Col. David Howerter Trexler, now of Winston-Salem, NC, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, took his last flight August 17, 2009. He was born January 14, 1922, in Kempton, PA, to the late Paul and Bertha Trexler. He graduated from Shillington (PA) High School in 1939. In 1965 David earned a BGE in Military Science from Omaha University (now University of Nebraska in Omaha). Enlisting in the Army Air Corps January 20, 1941, the youthful Dave trained as a Glider Pilot and flew the combat CG-4A based in England during WWII. Making the Air Force his career, he applied for power training and was assigned to fighters, mostly in the Air Defense Command. In 33 years of service, he qualified in and flew 31 types of aircraft and totaled 6,000 hours. Highlights were two combat tours: based in Japan, he flew the F-82 Twin Mustang over Korea; based in DaNang, Vietnam, he made 116 missions over Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam in the F-4, known as Phantom II. In the mid-1950s, Dave flew the F-J3 jet off carriers during a two-year tour in the Navy, and flew the F-102 while stationed in Thule, Greenland, for a year. He flew the F-106, his favorite aircraft, when he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, DC, and at George Air Force Base in California. Retiring in 1974, Dave lived in Boulder, CO, until the timely move last year to Winston-Salem, NC. An enthusiastic volunteer in meals-on-wheels or whatever need came up, he held offices in the Optimist Club, Elks, Daedalians, Air Force Association, and the National Association of Glider Pilots, serving on the board of the Association' s Silent Wings Museum. Dave was an avid golfer and enjoyed socializing. He often visited and reminisced with many lifelong friends across the country. Surviving are his wife, Roburta; daughter Paula E. Ward (Mike); sons David M. Trexler (Francisca) and John C. Trexler; granddaughter Nikki Trexler and great-grandson, Brandon Trexler; grandsons Alfred and Arthur Trexler; sister Anna Marie Hutcheson (Jim); and brother James Trexler (Evvie). Upon marriage to Roburta in 1973, he acquired six stepchildren, Robert Harmon (Marilia), Donna Astiz (Mark), Linda King, Karen Adams (Tom), John Harmon (Colleen), and Mary Roemer (Henry) (of Winston-Salem). All survive him, as do 16 step-grandchildren and valued friend Ron King. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred (Hunt), and brothers Samuel Trexler and Daniel Trexler. The family wishes to thank the wonderful neighbors and staff of the Homestead Hills community for their friendship and support. A private memorial service and interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorials can be made to: Silent Wings Museum Foundation, 3501 40th Street, Snyder, TX 79549, or Adventist Deaf Ministries, P.O. Box 6114, Mesa, AZ 85216. Vogler & Sons Reynolda Chapel is assisting the family.
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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