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George Brendle Obituary
George Robert Brendle (Colonel USAF – Retired), of Delray Beach, Fla., passed away in his home in Delray Beach on Tuesday, April 6, surrounded by his family.
The "Greatest Generation" lost a true inspiration to all who were fortunate to have known him. He lived his life to the fullest and gave great happiness to his family and friends.
He was born in Edwardsville on March 8, 1918. He is a 1936 graduate of Edwardsville High School and worked at Shell Oil Company, in Wood River, prior to being drafted into the Army in 1941.
He married to the former Mary Ellen Rowekamp, also from Edwardsville, in 1943 in Sweetwater, Texas.
George was selected for Officer's Candidate School and pilot training, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943. He flew 67 missions over Europe as a pilot flying B26 Marauder. He was promoted to Captain and flight leader by the completion of his combat assignment. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal with 12 Oak Leavf Clusters.
Following the war, he attended the Royal Air Force Staff College in England and joined the Strategic Air Command, becoming squadron commander flying B-47 jet bombers. With the de-activation of the B-47, now Colonel Brendle became one of the early staff officers in the new Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile program.
He became wing commander of the 351st Strategic Missile Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, in 1966 where he served with distinction until his retirement from the Air Force in 1972. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his achievements in the leadership development of the missile program. He is both a Command Pilot and Command Missileer.
Following retirement, George and Mary moved to Palm Beach County. George was an associate for Hart Realty in Tequesta for 17 years.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, his son Stephen and wife Toni of Boca Raton, Fla., his daughter Andrea and her husband Thomas Unrine of Highland Beach, Fla., two grandchildren Stephen Brendle II and his wife Erica of Delray Beach, Fla., and Robert Brendle of Atlanta, Ga., and a great-grand son Brodie Brendle.
Graveside services will be at South Florida National Cemetery, in Lake Worth, on Wednesday, April 14 at 11 a.m.
Lorne & Sons Funeral Home in Delray Beach, Fla., 745 NE 6th Avenue, is in charge of arrangements. Phone: 561-276-4161.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Brendle
Larry Fuller
April 3, 2019
It's been a year from the passing of our great 315st Wing Commander. From all of us, still living, that served under his leadership may I be privileged to say "Gone, but never forgotten"
Eleanor Cochrane
May 5, 2010
Dear Mary and Family,
I am the daughter of Eleanor Cochrane. She wishes me to bring her heart to you. As we reflected on the loss of a great hero, my mother said that her husband Bob Cochrane had once said that George was one of the smartest and wisest officers he had known. My mom remembers playing bridge with you at Whiteman, so that brought back many fine memories. Your family has blossomed which brings much laughter and joy. My mom and many others were blessed to have walked, sat, or visited with your husband. A great soul that we once knew has gone to heaven. We bow our heads in respect of his life. Cyndee Oppenheim
Paul Murphy
April 19, 2010
He was my Best! Wing Commander.
Dave & Annabelle Cunningham
April 13, 2010
Mary and family,
Our love and condolences to you and your family. We often think of our short visits and cherish the memories.
Larry Ellis
April 12, 2010
Mary and Family,
Colonel Brendle was a commander and leader whose influence on those who served under him created a better Air Force. His character and professionalism were unmatched. He inspired many of us to seek distinction that only he achieved. I was a better officer for having served under his command.
Nancy and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
April 12, 2010
Colonel Brendle was the Commander at my first assignment, and after I left, he immediately became the standard of integrity, fairness and leadership against whom I measured every other officer I ever worked for. Only one other came close. I have thought of him often since. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. David Ramagos (Colorado Springs, CO)
Peter Hutcheon
April 12, 2010
It was an honor to have served as a JAG officer in the 351st SMW, under Col. Brendle's command.
Dick Charland
April 11, 2010
Thank you for being an inspiration and leader to this brand new second lieutenant when I arrived at Whiteman. You were a good and fair man. My condolences to the entire family.
Larry Fuller
April 11, 2010
Mary and family. Let me express my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and our never forgotten leader. he was my commander at Whiteman from 1966 to 1969. I admired him very much. He was a people person who cared for all of us and our families. I will never forget the affect he had on me during my early career years. He was the ultimate role model for us all.
Burt Bright
April 11, 2010
Colonel Brendle, thanks for the memories of; WWW (Win With Whiteman), Loyalty to all of us and the leadership you provided--you reflected the best of the Greatest Generation.
Gerry Stowe
April 10, 2010
My first Air force assignment was to Whiteman during Colonel Brendle's leadership. He was a great leader who showed the rest of us how to live by the example he set. He was respected by all and will be missed.
Deaun Wilson
April 10, 2010
Chuck and myself, Deaun, had Col. Brendle and his wife over for several parties at our house, had a good time, was a terrific man. Chuck passed away Sept. 26, 2009, so I am sure they will be having a good time together in the other world. God bless them both.
William R. & Avil Brooksher
April 9, 2010
Dear Mary and family,
Avil and I send you our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences on the loss of Colonel Brendle. He was a superb officer, a great commander, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of serving under his command. We are keenly aware of how indebted we are personally to him for all he did for us. We hope it is some small comfort to know that there are others who share your sense of loss and whose thoughts are with you at this time. All of us realize that we and our country are better because he passed our way. May God give him the rest and peace he so richly deserves and give comfort while he watches over you and your family,
With deepest respect,
Bill and Avil
Enis Ingold
April 9, 2010
Mary and family- I send you my deepest sympathies at the passing of your beloved husband George. He was a great man, and leader at whitemen A.F. B. Mary Sliight ( a dear friend of mine from Texas) also send her sympathies. May God comfort you at this time of loss. Enis Ingold
John McPherson
April 9, 2010
I had the honor to serve under Colonel Brendle for 3 years at Whiteman AFB. He was an inspiration to those who knew him.
Reece Kain
April 9, 2010
With great sadness I note Colonel Brendle's passing. I was a missile crew commander at Whiteman under his command. He was a true gentleman and leader who elicited the very best from those who were fortunate enough to serve under him. The world is a smaller place in losing a man of his stature.
Santa & Jim Pero
April 9, 2010
Good bye to a great Air Force Officer.
They don't make them like that anymore.
Mike Creedon
April 9, 2010
He was a Great Commander, Husband, and Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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