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BORN
1916
DIED
2019
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Ralph Aldenderfer Obituary
Lancaster - Ralph W. Aldenderfer, 102, of Lancaster, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at his home. He was born September 22, 1916 and was the son of the late Perry and Minnie (Spangler) Aldenderfer. Ralph was a member of the Lancaster Seventh Day Adventist Church and various veteran's organizations. He was a WWII veteran and served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force. Ralph earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his military service he had a career in the auto supply industry and real estate.
He is survived by his special friend, Freda Shultz; great niece, Pam Bussert and her husband, Jim; great-great nephew, Brian Bussert and his deceased nephew's widow, Clara Fox. He was preceded in death by sisters, Florence Fox, Lucille Kohler, Helen Strous and Mabel Aldenderfer.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Taylor Funeral Home in Amanda with Pastor Tom Hughes officiating. Burial and military honors will follow in Tarlton Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Condolences may be made at www.mytaylorfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Aldenderfer
Sponsored by Taylor Theller Funeral & Cremation Service.
5 Entries
January 29, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Psalm 146:5,9
Mike Rawlins
January 12, 2019
Ever meet a true American hero?
Rhonda and I were fortunate to meet Ralph 10 years ago following his meeting with Jean Mcdonald at an air show in Lancaster. Ralph met us at the door with spit shined boots, sport coat and tie!
Jean's father Bill Norris and Ralph had the distinction of being WWII Hump pilots. They flew Coverted DC-3, C-47 and C-46 transport planes across the China,Burma,India (CBI)Himilayan mountains. This was one of the few air spaces the Japanese did not have control of.
Flying the Hump was treacherous and pilots knew it. Heavy cargo loads, high altitude and poor weather were some of the issues. Ralph said with heavy loads, the carburetor heater had to be temporarily shut off to make it over the Hump. It was critical to turn it back on once the mountain was successfully crossed. Many did not make it.
By the end of 1945, 509 planes crashed into the Himilayas, 81 lost and 1,314 confirmed dead
.
Proud to have known Ralph. Job well done...Rest in peace.
Pam Hock
January 10, 2019
You were a very special person and will miss you more than you will know, will see you again someday.
Love Pam and Michael
Nancy Beery
January 10, 2019
Ralph - You, Sir, touched my life with your superb intelligence, great wit, absolute attention to every detail in everything you were involved in, awesome storytelling, and complete love for your country. I am, and will always be, in awe of your superior mind. I thank-you for your service to our country. I thank God that I moved into your neighborhood, even if for only a short time, because becoming your friend will last for my lifetime, and I am so honored. I will see you and Blackie again. I love you - Nancy
Linda Throckmorton
January 10, 2019
RIP Ralph,You will be missed
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Jan
11
Calling hours
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Taylor Theller Funeral & Cremation Service111 West Main Street P.O. Box 176, Amanda, OH 43102
Jan
11
Funeral service
12:00 p.m.
Taylor Theller Funeral & Cremation Service111 West Main Street P.O. Box 176, Amanda, OH 43102
Funeral services provided by:
Taylor Theller Funeral & Cremation Service111 West Main Street P.O. Box 176, Amanda, OH 43102
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