Malcolm C. Sponenbergh

News Death Notice

SPONENBERGH, Malcolm C. (Mac), Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) age 93 of Fairborn, died July 8, 2011 in Fairborn, Ohio. An area resident since 1963, he was born in Fulton, New York, May 14, 1918, son of Raymond W. and Eliza E. (Phelps) Sponenbergh. Attended Fulton High School, learned to fly with the Civilian Pilot Training Program, and joined the Army Air Corps as a Flying Cadet in 1941. He earned his wings and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant December 12, 1941 at Craig Field, Alabama. Assigned to the 49th Pursuit Group he sailed with the Group January 12, 1942 for Australia. After completing 67 fighter (P-39) combat missions in New Guinea, he served as an Operations Officer with V Fighter Command, adding 13 more combat missions in a variety of aircraft. He served in staff positions with Third and Ninth Air Forces, Tactical Air Command, Fifth Air Force in Korea, Oklahoma City Air Material Area, and Air Force Logistics Command. He retired April 1966 after 25 years of service having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was rated as a Command Pilot with over 4000 hours in 40 civilian and military aircraft. Upon retirement he conducted an accounting and tax service for another 25 years. He was a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church Fairborn, member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Fairborn, charter member of the Dayton Chapter Retired Officers Association, New Carlisle Masonic Lodge #100, Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite, New Carlisle Chapter #57, New Carlisle Council #143, Palestine Commandery #33, Antioch Temple Shrine, the Order of Daedalians, the Senior Citizens Association of Fairborn, Syracuse University Alumnae Association, and served on the Board of the Greene County Council On Aging. He is a member of the Southwest Ohio Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame, where he volunteered twice weekly. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Jo (Riley) in 2000. He is survived by his son, Charles Scott and daughter-in-law, Roberta; his daughter, Lisa Parker and son-in-law, Hunter D. Parker, Jr.; grandchildren, LCDM Courtney Taft and her husband, LCDM David Taft; Jeremy Parker; and great-grandson, Neal Eastep. A memorial service will be held Saturday September 10, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in the First Presbyterian Church, 1130 Highview Drive, Fairborn, Rev. Thomas L. Harmon officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Childrens' Hospitals c/o Antioch Temple, Dayton -or-the First Presbyterian Church, Fairborn. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn. Condolences may be made to the family at www.BeltonStroup.com.