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Don Muller Obituary
Col Muller was a highly decorated combat pilot with over 4300 hours of flying time in several different fighter aircraft. Col Muller flew the F-100, F-4, F-5, and F-15. In addition Col Muller flew both the Mig 17 and Mig 21 with the famed 4477th Red Eagles, Tonopah Air Base, Nevada. Col Muller's awards and decorations include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, Eleven Air Medals, an Aerial Achievement Medal, the Legion of Merit, and numerous other service awards and citations.
Col Muller was born on the of Oct. 13, 1943 in Evanston, Ill. to the late Alvin and Elizabeth Muller. He graduated high school from Loyola Academy in Evanston and went on to graduate from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He earned a Master's Degree in Science Systems Management from the University of Southern California. He was also a graduate and instructor of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) while on exchange duty with the US Navy. Col Muller's assignments ranged from the Pacific to Europe, in positions from Combat Pilot, Operations officer, Group Commander, Air Division Vice Commander, to Major Command Director of Safety, USAFE.
Don was an active member of the Bay Point community, past Commodore of the Bay Point Yacht Club, and past President of The Krewe of Dominic Youx. Besides his passion as a fighter pilot, he loved boating, being around friends and family, and attending football games at the Auburn University, as he would always say in passing, "War Eagle." Most of all, Don was a social guy. His best times were with his family, friends, and a single malt scotch.
Col Muller is predeceased by his parents and his sister Diane Muller. Col Muller is survived by his wife, Joyce of 43 years, daughter Valerie Reno and her husband Joe, his son Jeff and his wife Jennifer, and five grandchildren, Alli and Alex Reno, and Kayley, Hayden and Bryce Muller.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church Saturday, at noon, Nov. 20, 2010 with Fr. Ted Sosnowski officiating. Interment is to be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warrior Beach Retreat, Inc. (www.warriorbeachretreat.com) in Col Muller's name.
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Memories and Condolences
for Don Muller
Sponsored by SAINT.
Dumpy Wyrick
November 13, 2023
Devil was part of a discussion I had with a close friend just this past Veteran's Day, Saturday. It was refreshing to recall Devil's qualities and zest for life - a real fun guy, but equally a very serious warrior. He was one that could always prioritize the important things and throw away the chaff. We miss him and his warrior attitude and abilities. Keep the mach up devil and check six! Godspeed - your memory remains robust.
Msgt. Geoege Sarris (Retired)
June 19, 2022
Col. Muller was my "Eagle Driver." I was his "Eagle Keeper."
In 1984, we were faced with an interesting dilemma; ground the jet for an increasingly worn and tattered ejection seat cushion, or find an alternative solution. Since there were no spare cushions available, I used my discretionary powers to fabricate a custom cover. I asked Col. Muller what color of fabric he wanted. He answered, "Red velvet". Textiles were limited in the small town of Alamogordo, but I managed to find a remnant of crushed purple velvet. The wife of a maintenance flight-chief skillfully pieced together a replacement seat cover using the new fabric. It was a perfect fit.
The purple seat cushion became a curious attraction when the jet was on cross-country missions. It was still in the aircraft when I left Holloman AFB in October 1985. Another unique feature, which Col. Muller loved to show off, appeared only when the speed brake was deployed.
Crew Chief
George G. Sarris
F-15A 77-0116
Dumpy Wyrick
November 12, 2021
We miss you Devil and the stories that made us all feel as brothers. I am sure that your stick and rudder gifts have you performing the good Lord's work on a daily basis. Go man!
BARBARA SALVO
November 12, 2019
JOYCE SO HARD TO BELIEVE IT'S 10 YEARS ,,,,SUCH A WONDERFUL FRIEND !!!! THINKING OF YOU C MUCH LOVE
Vicki Kasper
June 2, 2013
Just found out, how sad. My condolences to Joyce, Val and Jeff. Love Vicki, Jeannette and Trina. San Diego friends.
Richard Fry
April 23, 2012
Flew with Devil in the Navy. Superb fighter pilot but modestly skilled at the "boat." GREAT GUY! Saw him years later going into the POAC and he shared his cancer experience at dinner. His Navy buddies think of him often. Frenchy
March 23, 2011
Saint, Since Devil is not around to tell his story "his way", the next best alternative would be to gather stories from the people who knew him during his career and compile these into a semi-biography so that his family knows what he did for his Air Force and his country. I would gladly volunteer to be the ghost writer for this document. If anyone has stories about Devil they would like to share and add to his semi-biography, just send them to me at my home email address of [email protected]. Bob Drabant, Las Vegas, NV
March 22, 2011
I KNEW DEVIL IN VIETNAM AND AT NELLIS IN THE LATE 70S. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL KNOW BUT HE GOT SHOT DOWN TWICE IN NAM, HIS 2ND MISSION AND HIS LAST. HIS RESCUE FROM THE SECOND IS QUITE A STORY. I WISH JACK CLAPPER WAS ON BOARD TO TELL THE STORY, HE WAS WITH HIM ON THE MISTY FLIGHT. IT WAS A BIG AFFAIR.--- JUST PASSING ON SOME INFO ON DEVIL--- KEEPING THE MEMORY
I THINK OF HIM OFTEN - SAINT
Stanley Parker
March 20, 2011
Just heard about Col Muller. I served with Devil in 84 to 85 with the Black Sheep. He was a great person always willing to help others. He'll be missed. I build plastic models and just finished an F-15 model in the markings of Devils plane while with the sheep, 77-116 in Nov 2010.
Ed & Karen Flynn
November 29, 2010
Joyce, Valerie and Jeff
Karen & I were very sorry to learn of Don's death. We recall the fun all of us had in Tampa so many years ago. Don was a superior fighter pilot, Air Force officer and friend. May he rest in peace.
Bob Corson
November 26, 2010
So very sorry to hear of the passing of a great fighter pilot and patriot.
Kerrie Townley
November 26, 2010
Dear Muller Family,
I was so saddened to hear of "Devil's" passing. I worked with him at the F-15 Eagle Academics a few years back and will always remember him as someone who always enjoyed a good laugh and had a ready smile. He was a good man and an incredible pilot and instructor. He left a great legacy, and I will always remember him fondly. May the Lord give you and your family peace.
Robert Drabant
November 24, 2010
Dear Joyce, Val & Jeff,
I knew your Dad when we worked together in the Red Eagles at Nellis AFB and Tonopah Test Range Airfield. He had a great sense of humor and I always enjoyed being around him. I will miss him. I wish to give you my most sincerest condolences.
Bob & Amber Drabant, Las Vegas, NV
Dumpy Wyrick
November 22, 2010
Dear Joyce, Val & Jeff,
We were completely devasted to learn of your tremendous loss. In fact, Devil's passing is a great loss to all of us, the military, and our beloved country which he so personified. He was a wonderful person, a charming and engaging individual, and one that I shall always remember. I first knew him when he was a young Lt. in SEA and later shared many happy moments with him in Okinawa. May GOD bless you all and keep you, and remember that Don was a true warrior, and even now he is soaring as he keeps watch over all of us. "RIP Devil!"
Dumpy & Barbara Wyrick, Sun City Center, FL
Toni Baker
November 22, 2010
Dear Muller Family,
I worked with Devil for a few years while he was instructing on the F-15 program; never was their a finer, more pleasant and happy co-worker who loved training our young warfighter pilots. While we are sad at the loss of our friend we have been enriched through his presence in our lives. I know he wouldn't mind me ending this note with a heartfelt WAR EAGLE!
Toni Baker
Gina Bradley
November 22, 2010
What an amazing guy! I had the pleasure of working with Devil as a Sim Tech on the F-15 Sims at Tyndall AFB. Greeting each other with "War Eagle" was common place for us. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his precious family at this difficult time.
tom lorden
November 22, 2010
Rest in peace my friend. Heaven takes a hero, and the world is a lesser place. Spanky
Avis Fossey
November 21, 2010
Dear Joyce and family,
You loss must be overwhelming. With 43 years of memories, Don will remain in your heart forever and , in time, will be your comfort.
Our prayers are with you.
Avis & Keith Fossey
Marion Smith
November 21, 2010
Joyce:
I am so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Molly Hunt
November 21, 2010
Dear Joyce, Val and Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss and also to Joe and Jen and all of the lovely grandchildren and Nonny that you can all continue to heal everyday and know that he will ALWAYS be with you now. When you feel that warmth around you...just remember its him hugging you. I look at this picture of Don and just remember his laugh and I could always see how much love he had for all of you. Thank you for allowing me to know him Val ..I love you all.
Molly ~Egan~ Hunt
MIKE PELOQUIN
November 21, 2010
JOYCE
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
BARB SALVO
November 20, 2010
JOYCE OUR SNOWBIRDIE TIME IN PANAMA CITY WILL BE SO EMPTY !!!!! WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU SOON STAY STRONG OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY MAY HE RIDE THE SKIES FOREVER REST IN THE BLUE YONDER DEVIL!!! LOVE BARB AND FRANK
Buddy Martin
November 19, 2010
Joyce, Janet and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Don will be truly missed by all.
Buddy Martin & Janet Murray
Chuck Edwards
November 18, 2010
Devil, you will be truly missed. My best to Joyce and family.
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