Memorial

JOSEPH EMMIT TYLER, Jr., U S Air Force (retired)

We are sad to announce that Joe Tyler, age 90, passed away March 7, 2024. Joe Tyler served honorably in Korea and Vietnam and his commendations include the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Bronze Service Star. After retiring from active US Air Force duty, he spent a second career as crew chief for the 4950th Test Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He later volunteered with the Wright B Flyer organization building replicas of the original Wright B Flyer and accompanying aircraft to various air shows. His dedication to the Wright B organization and his friendship with the many volunteers will be missed. Joe never knew a stranger.

John R. Callander, U.S. Navy, General Motors

John R. Callander, long time Wright B Flyer volunteer, passed away on February 24, 2021 at the age of 90, John served in the U. S. Navy and afterward was employed by General Motors for 34 years in various management positions in different countries. In addition to his volunteer efforts at the Wright B Flyer, John was active in a Senior Center and a Rotary Club. At the Wright B Flyer, John produced the bases and mounts for the “Die Cast 1903 Wright Flyer”, one of the best selling items in our gift shop. We will miss his efforts on behalf of the Wright B Flyer, but most of all we will miss his friendship.

James “Jim” O’Moor, American Book Co.

Wright “B” Flyer Volunteer, James “Jim” O’Moore, died on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at the age of 81. Jim did leather work for many years and enjoyed participating in reenactments of the American Civil War and in Fast Draw. He was an ice hockey referee and worked at the American Book Co. and other printing companies throughout his career.

During his several years as a volunteer at the Wright “B”, Jim helped restore and convert a vintage Model T Ford to a fully functional utility vehicle. His humor and wisdom will be sorely missed by his fellow volunteers, relatives and friends.

Phil Beaudin, Wright B Flyer Board of Trustees Chairman

It is with regret that we inform you that former Wright “B” Flyer and Board of Trustees Chairman Phil Beaudoin passed away over the weekend of November 10 – 11.  Phil had been living in the St. George, Utah area since leaving the leadership position of the Wright “B” Flyer inc. His memorial service was Saturday, November 24, 2018, 11:30 am at the New Promise Lutheran Church, 244 S. Valley View, St. George, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations go to “Southern Utah Veterans Home”, 160 N 200E, Ivins, Utah 84738.

Thomas Dinwiddie, Wright B Flyer Volunteer

Former Wright B Flyer volunteer, Thomas Dinwiddie, passed away on January 10, 2018. Brigadier General Dinwiddie was born in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Fairview H. S. in 1947. After graduation from Miami University he flew combat missions over North Korea until the truce was signed on July 27, 1953. In addition to a successful military career, he accomplished a 31 year career in the private sector. Thomas Dinwiddie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha, his daughter, Brenda, and son-in-law, Lou.

There was a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery; In lieu of flowers donations were made to the Ohio Hospice of Dayton.

Peter (Peet) Odgers, U.S. Navy, Major General

Memorial Services was held for Major General Peter (Peet) Odgers at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center, Fairborn, Ohio on Saturday, February 10, at 2:30 pm. General Odgers died on January 20, 2018 from cancer. “Peet” was born September 10, 1932 and was raised in New Jersey. He attended Admiral Farragut Academy then entered the US Naval Academy to graduate with an engineering degree in the class of 1955. After being commissioned in the US Air Force he became at test pilot, following which he attended SMU where he was awarded a Masters degree from the Institute of Technology.

He flew combat missions in Vietnam, receiving three Distinguished Flying Crosses, nine Air Medals and the Bronze Star. He then returned to Dayton, Ohio where he was part of the A-10 program, Deputy Director of the F-15 program then Program Director of the B-1 program. “Peet” retired from active duty as a major General in 1987. He then joined the Northrop Corporation’s Aircraft Division as Manager of Test and Evaluation from which he retired in 2000. He was buried at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Ned Huesman, Wright B Flyer Volunteer

Ned Huesman passed away at age 81 on Monday, August 14, 2017 in his home in Springboro, Ohio. He was born on April 1, 1936 in Dayton, the son of the late George and Leona (Lang) Huesman. His wife of 55 years, Nancy Steele Huesman, his brother, Joe, and his sister, Germaine, preceded him in death. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Huesman, and his children Andrew & Kathryn Huesman of Miamisburg, David Huesman of Burlington, VT, Kay Ferguson of West Carrollton, and his sister Joyce Hovey of Centerville. A Mass of Christian Burial was said on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 9579 Yankee St., Springboro, with Father Jim Manning, celebrant. Private interment was at Calvary Cemetery. Contributions were made to Hospice of Dayton in Ned’s memory.

Sue Strother, wife of long-time Volunteer

We regret to announce that Sue Strother, wife of long-time Wright B Flyer volunteer Sam Strother, passed away on June 21, 2017 of an untreatable cerebral hemorrhage. Services were held on June 28 at 1:00 pm in St. Georges Episcopal Church, Far Hills and Rahn Road.

James R. Stoutemyer, Wright B Volunteer

James R. Stoutemyer died on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at age 86. James worked on avionics at the Wright B Flyer, Inc. for about 15 years prior to his death. He was the loving husband of the late Mary Jean Stoutemyer (nee Stubblefield), brother of Paul W. (Joyce Stoutemyer and brother-in-law of Paul Stubblefield. In addition to his brother and brother-in-law, he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbors.

Funeral services were held, Saturday, April 22 at the Montgomery Assembly of God Church, 7950 Pfeiffer Rd., Montgomery, Ohio 45242. Memorials were made to Montgomery Assembly of God church.

John Warlick, U.S., Navy, Wright B Volunteer

John Warlick passed away at age 91 on November 27, 2016, surrounded by family. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, John was a resident of Beavercreek, Ohio for the last 46 years. John was proceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn Martin Warlick, parents John and Eva May Warlick, and an infant sister. John was a long-time member of Aley United Methodist Church in Beavercreek.

During WWII, John was a decorated Navy pilot on three aircraft carriers; the last assignment was on the carrier, Coral Sea. Afterward he served in the Navy Reserve for a total of 22 years of military service, retiring as a Lt. Commander. John obtained his Bachelors of Science degree from Auburn University and then completed a Masters degree at Georgia Tech.

John was most proud of constructing and piloting the Wright “B” Flyer look-a-like. He and Evelyn organized and traveled with the Wright “B” around the United States and overseas. The Wright “B” Hangar in Miamisburg, Ohio is named in honor of John and Evelyn Warlick. John earned numerous military and civilian accolades which include being inducted into the Air Force Hall of Fame. But, most important to him was his family and especially his grandchildren. Visitation was held Wednesday, November 30, at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio. A military burial was held Saturday, December 3 at Elmwood Cemetery Chapel, Birmingham, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorials were sent to: Evelyn and John Warlick Wright “B” Flyer Hangar fund at 10550 Springboro Pike, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, or to one’s favorite charity.

Robert “Bob” Mayne, Wright Flyer Volunteer

Robert “Bob” Mayne passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the age of 93. Bob was a graduate of Oakwood High School and The Ohio State University. He served his country in the Army Air Corp during WWII. While in the Army he became one of the first service men to be trained in the operation and repair of radar. He enjoyed aviation history and volunteered for over 20 years at the Wright “B” Flyer Hangar in Miamisburg, Ohio. Bob was a founding member of the Wright Brothers Sea Plane Association and a past State President of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a past board member of St. Joseph’s Orphanage, past commander of Dayton Commandery #68, member of Reese Council #9, and past President of Kiwanis of Oakwood. Bob was a member of the Mystic Lodge #405, the Sottish Rite, and a longtime member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. Politically, he was a precinct captain for the local Republican Party.

Philip Chandler, U.S. Navy

Wright “B” volunteer Philip Chandler passed away on Saturday March 5, 2016 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born in Bennington, Vermont on July 16, 1945 to Allen and Mary (Coolum) Chandler. Philip served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and volunteered at the Grace Works and Dayton’s Children’s Hospital in addition to the Wright “B” Flyer, Inc. He was employed with Standard Register for 25 plus years and retired in 2004. All of us at the Wright “B” deeply regret his passing.

Wayne C. Pittman, U.S. Air Force

Leslie L. Dunning, U.S. Air Force Colonel

Long-time Wright “B” Flyer member, Colonel Leslie L. Dunning, U. S. Air Force Retired, of Kettering, Ohio passed away on September 13, 2015. Colonel Dunning received his bachelors degree from Purdue University and an MBA from the Air Force Institute of Technology. The WWII veteran played a prominent role in the development of the B-58 and the F-111 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, and helped the Wright “B” Flyer, Inc. build a flyable lookalike of the 1911 Wright B Flyer.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Colvin Funeral Home, 425 North Main Street, Princeton, IN 47670. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 PM also at the Covin Funeral Home.