John Matt Kresl

KRESL, JOHN MATT, 81, of Shalimar, FL, died Feb. 22, 2008, surrounded by family at his daughter Beth's home in Orlando. He lived three years longer than doctors predicted, battling lung cancer with fierce determination. Born in Leopolis, WI, John grew up in a Czech family on a small farm that he liked to say grew mostly rocks. He was 17 when he graduated and was inducted into the Army Air Corps. He was a navigator on B-36's and B-52's and served in Vietnam before retiring as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force. He was chosen to be the navigator on the final crew that flew the B-36 into Amon Carter Field in Fort Worth, TX, where the B-36 was built. John worked as a realtor and high school substitute teacher in math and science at Choctawhatchee and Fort Walton Beach High Schools in Florida. He also taught statistics for Saint Leo and Troy Universities. He met Joan Davis in 1955 in Puerto Rico where he was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base and she taught at Ramey Air Force Base Elementary School. John and Joan were married for 52 years and traveled the world together, raising their four children in bases in Turkey, Hawaii, Utah and more. John is preceded in death by beloved sons Greg and Kevin. In addition to Joan Kresl, he is survived by daughter, Beth Prince (spouse Greg), and son, Blake Kresl (spouse Lisa) as well as grandchildren, Kelly, Brett and Rebecca Prince, and Lucie and Will Kresl. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Papa was known for serving milkshakes to grandchildren for breakfast, taking family photos in the special spot at the house on Poquito Bayou and making everyone feel at home and treasured. An avid golfer, he made annual golf trips to North Carolina with the boys. The family will receive guests March 15, 3PM, at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL. A memorial service follows at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Comforter online at:
www.hospiceofthecomforter.org