Herbert H. "Lil' Herbie" Stachler

STACHLER, Herbert H. “Lil’ Herbie” age 94, flew his last mission Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Herb was born December 14, 1918 in Cranberry Prairie, Ohio to the late Raymond and Matilda Stachler. Herb loved his family deeply and enjoyed life to its fullest. Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy, daughter Carol Jean, son James, brother Harold and sister Delores. He is survived by his children: Robert (Marsha) Stachler, Dr John (Linda) Stachler, Thomas (Sally) Stachler, Herbert Stachler, Dr Richard (Karen) Stachler, Joan (Greg) Guithues, MaryAnne (Ted) Blackshear, William (Liz Crowe) Stachler, 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, brother Walter Stachler and many other relatives. Herbert was a graduate of Parker (Patterson Co-op) High School in 1938. With the outbreak of WWII, Herb enlisted in the Army and later qualified for the Army Air Corp. He became a fighter pilot, flying the P-47 Thunderbolt with the 366 Fighter Group. He was in the first squadron over the English Chanel and flew 2 missions on D-Day. He ended his service as Captain Herbert Stachler after completing 102 missions and received many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. When he returned home, he continued his work as a toolmaker, married Dorothy Fackler and raised nine children. After 28yrs, he retired as a master toolmaker from Toolcraft Products. He was an active member of St. Charles Parish where he served as an usher for many years and a participant of the St. Charles McDonald’s Coffee Club. Herb volunteered as an usher at UD Arena and enjoyed meeting all the fans. He was a member and past president of the NAIM’s Group of Dayton, the V.F.W. #9927 and the American Legion #598. With his brother Walt he delivered donations to the homeless and Kettering Senior Citizens Center. Herb enjoyed the camaraderie of the Moraine Airpark Flyboys and the opportunity to pilot and co-pilot many of their vintage aircraft. A special thanks to the Texas Flying Legends Heroes who honored him at this past summer’s Oshkosh EEA Fly In and Air Show. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2013 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45429. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering, Ohio 45429. Burial Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 1540 Brownleigh Rd., Kettering, Ohio 45429 and Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. Condolences may be made to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com Please visit www.herbstachler.com