Maj. William Smukler

Maj. William "Bill" Smukler (USAF Ret.), of Goshen, KY, died on September 6, 2018 at the age of 90.
Bill was born on April 22, 1928, in Denver, CO to his parents, Harold and Lena. In 1946, Bill joined the U.S. Army Air Corp (which became the U.S. Air Force) and trained to be a pilot. After Bill became a Captain he flew daily flights in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. Bill rose to the rank of Major and was the command pilot of a bomber wing during The Cold War. Bill later used this experience in various aeronautical careers with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where he gave the "thumbs up" before any Eagle power plant (engine) was flown on a variety of fighter jets, including the F-15 Tomcat and the F-16. He finished his career at Standiford Field in Louisville, KY, overseeing airborne deliveries for the United Parcel Service.
In 1958, Bill married Alma Jean Blanton of Wallins Creek, KY, and they had three girls and a boy. Bill's career moved the family from Bangor, ME, to Portsmouth, NH, to Chanute, IL, to Edmonds, WA, and Quartz Hill, CA. His extended stays abroad included India, Israel, and Iceland, where he was among those welcoming U.S. President Ronald Reagan to one of his historic summits in Reykjavic with Mikhail Gorbachev.
Bill was loved and will be missed by his surviving daughters, Lisa Smith, Joan Thomas, and Lynn Weeden. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Lena, his brother, Charles, his wife, Alma Jean, and his son, Joseph Smukler.
At Bill's request, his remains will be cremated. A memorial service may be scheduled later. condolences:www.stoessfuneralhome.com