Ralph Pingel

FARMINGTON - Ralph Walter Pingel of Farmington passed away surrounded by family on October 26, 2015 at Community Manor at the age of 92. He was born December 3, 1922 in Biehle, Missouri to the late August and Agnes (Unterreiner) Pingel. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Hallie (Hagan) Pingel in 2008; a son-in-law, Reginald David Cleve; one brother and six sisters. Ralph grew up in Perry County, Missouri and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he proudly served his country during WWII from 1942 through 1945. He was an aircraft commander on a B-17 bomber. He was reactivated on May 1, 1951 and served until April 16, 1953 during the Korean conflict where he flew a Douglas C-47 and A-26 Invaders in combat. In Korea he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. In civilian life Ralph operated a crop dusting service and in 1962 he moved to Farmington to become the manager of the then new airport. He was manager there for 25 years until his retirement. During his career he shared his love and dedication of aviation and trained hundreds of pilots in the Farmington area. In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, gardening and yard work. Survivors include his children, Karen (Alfred) Allina, Beverly (Stephen) Noller, Kenneth (Pam) Pingel, Ralph "Chuck" (Joan) Pingel, Sandy (Dennis) Miesner, Lisa Rozier, Scott (Patti) Pingel and Monica Ray; fourteen grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and two in the hangar; one sister, Ruth Pingel; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Thursday, October 29, 2015 from 5 - 8 p.m. Visitation will resume Friday morning in the funeral home from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10 a.m. with Father James Dyer as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the afternoon at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Honor Flights or Wounded Warriors. View the online obituary and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 07:00 AM - 09:30 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, October 29, 2015 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Friday, October 30, 2015 2900 Sheridan Road Saint Louis, MO 63125 Directions Mass of Christian Burial

St. Joseph Catholic Church of Farmington

Friday, October 30, 2015 10:00 AM Farmington, MO 63640 Directions