Ronald F. Opfell

OPFELL, RONALD F., 76, Colonel Retired USAF passed away Wednesday August 1, 2007. The parents of Edward Uriah Opfell and Evelyn Walker of Iowa City, Ron was born November 18, 1930 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Ron is survived by his wife Yvonne Nevers Opfell of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and three children, Marc and Tom Opfell, and Annamarie Burnette, along with four grandchildren and one great grandchild. A graduate of The University of Iowa (BA), and The Air force Institute of Technology with a BS and MS in Aerospace Engineering. Ron spent 25 years with the United States Air force before retiring in 1977. During his distinguished service to his country, Ron received The Air force Commendation Medal; The Bronze Star, and The Legion of Merit Medal. From 1975 - 1977, the Air force called upon Ron to become Deputy of two important programs, RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicles) and ALSM (Air Landed Cruise Missiles). Ron loved to fly and flew C-119's and later became a Command Pilot in the C-130 transport aircraft. Ron retired from the Air force in 1977 and moved to Orlando where he went to work for the Aerospace Division of Martin Marietta Corporation until 1987. Following a distinguished career at Martin Mareitta Corporation, Ron settled into a more relaxed pace enjoying Genealogy, The Computer Club of Orlando and Senior.Net. Ron was a member of the Breathers Club at The Health Center Hospital in Ocoee where he was Editor of the newsletter. Ron was also a member of the Pulmonary Rehab Center at Health Center Hospital. The family will receive friends from 5-7PM on Tuesday August 15, followed by a Memorial service Wednesday August 15th at 11AM in the Chapel at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Goldenrod, located at 7520 Aloma Ave, in Winter Park. The family has graciously asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ron Opfell's memory to the Rotary Foundation, c/o Rotary Club of Orlando East, P. O. Box 583, Goldenrod, FL 32833. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Goldenrod 7520 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, FL. 32792 407-677-5091