Richard Donald Egeland

Captain Egeland enlisted in the Navy in 1942 at the age of 19. He entered flight training as an Aviation Cadet in 1942, was commissioned an Ensign, and received his Naval Aviator’s Wings in 1945. By the time he completed training as a torpedo plane pilot, World War II was less than a month from ending. After his tour of duty ended, Captain Egeland remained in the Navy Reserve and attended Loyola University in Chicago, where he earned a degree in marketing.

In 1951, he was called back to active duty when the Korean War began. While serving in Korea, he earned several medals including an Air Medal with three stars. He also earned a commendation for meritorious service while participating in an aerial flight as a pilot of Attack Squadron 728, attached to the USS Antietam. He also learned to fly helicopters, serving in Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9.

During Captain Egeland’s Navy career, he was stationed at many Duty stations including Naval Air Station Cabiness in Corpus Christi, Texas, Naval Air Station Providence, Rhode Island, Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Naval Air Station Glynco, Brunswick, Georgia, Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois, Naval Air Station New Orleans, Naval Air Station Grosse Isle, Michigan, Naval Air Facility Detroit, Selfridge Air Force Base Mt. Clemons, Michigan, Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Detroit and aboard the USS Princeton, USS Valley Forge, USS Antietam and USS Mindoro.

During his three years at Naval Air Station Glynco, Brunswick, Georgia, he became an instructor, teaching pilots to fly bomber aircraft. Captain Egeland finished his career in the Detroit area where he served as commanding officer at Naval Air Facility, Detroit. He retired in 1972 after serving his country for 30 years and returned to their home on Simmons Avenue on St. Simons Island that they purchased during their tour of duty at Glynco NAS in the late 1950’s.

Socially, Captain Egeland was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling the country in his RV with first wife, Florence Wagner Egeland and their dog, Frederica. After Florence passed away in 1994, he remarried in 2000 and enjoyed taking his second wife, Betty Spruill Egeland to play golf and go to the casinos in Biloxi. He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post 166, Veterans of Foreign Wars #4092, Navy League, Military Officers Association of America, Navy Fleet Reserve Association and was a charter member of McDonald’s Club 27, a group of Senior Citizens who socialize over breakfast every morning on St. Simons Island. After retiring, he worked as a realtor for several years on St. Simons Island. He never sold much; he just liked talking to people. Captain Egeland also volunteered for many volunteer jobs. He was raised Lutheran with his family in Chicago, attended St. Williams Catholic Church with his wife, Florence and attended St. Simons Presbyterian Church with his wife, Betty.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence W. Egeland; second wife, Betty S. Egeland; son, Charles A. Egeland; parents, Hannah and Ben Egeland; five siblings, Harriett Egeland, Leona Egeland, Howard Egeland, Muriel Leu and Russell Egeland; his uncle, Fred Martinsen an aunt, Sophia Martinsen and a stepdaughter, Bonnie Stebing.

He is survived by three children, James R. Egeland (Denise) of Lansing, MI, Katherine A. Mensinger of St. Joseph, MI and William B. Egeland of Canton/St. Simons Island, GA; a daughter in law, B.J. Egeland of Brunswick; eight grandchildren, Andrea Epple (Ryan) of Fort Wayne, IN, Jeffrey Egeland of Rockford, IL, Jennifer Egeland of Brunswick, Amber Egeland of Brunswick; Dylan Egeland (Chelsea) of Canton, Landon Egeland (Lauren) of Canton; Robert Mensinger (Kelly) of Manchester, CT and Christopher Mensinger of St. Joseph, MI; four great grandchildren, Charles Egeland, Victor Stapleton, Elaina Egeland and Evie Egeland; a step-daughter, Allison Spruill Mutton (Gene); step-son in law, Ron Stebing (Star); four step-grandchildren, Kelli Roach (Jon), Ryan Stebing, Ashleigh Myers (Kyle) and Myranda Germer (Seth); four step great grandchildren, Elizabeth Souder, Kolbie Myers, baby boy Grady Myers who is due in November and Logan Germer.

Captain Egeland will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

A memorial reception will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Sea Palms Conference Center, 515 North Winward Drive, St. Simons Island, Georgia.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please consider donating to the American Legion Post 166, 1013 Arthur J Moore Dr., St. Simons Island, GA 31522