James Darwin Naler, USAF

Col. James Darwin Naler, USAF, (Ret.) James D. Naler, 85, made his final solo flight Monday at a local hospital just before the close of Memorial Day. The Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St., Abilene on Friday, May 30, 2008. Burial, with full military honors, will be at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Abilene State School Chaplain Dr. Bill Spencer will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Greg Kennedy, Senior Pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends today, Thursday, May 29, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm in the chapel at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. James D. Naler was born October 15, 1922 in Waco, TX to William Naler and Vera Corbell. At the tender age of seven in San Antonio, TX, hearing of Lindbergh's historic trans-Atlantic flight, Jim resolved to become a pilot. He enlisted as a Private in the U.S. Army Air Corps in August of 1942 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in December 1943. Col. Naler served his country in three wars. In World War II, Col. Naler flew 50 combat missions over Europe as a B-24 Liberator Bomber pilot, flying from England, North Africa, and Italy in 1944 and 1945. He flew in the "D" Day Mission in 1944. In the Korean conflict, he piloted the B-29 Bomber. In 1948, he flew 325 sorties during the Berlin Airlift. In 1949, he served as a B-29 Instructor Pilot and was in the first Air Refueling Unit, flying the KB-29. In 1951, Col. Naler was a pilot in the first unit to fly the B-47, a six engine jet bomber. In 1954, in a B-47, he set the World Record by piloting the first jet plane to fly non-stop around the world, refueling in flight. He and his crew made the cover of Life Magazine and were featured in an article with pictures from the Life photographer who accompanied them on the historic flight. Col. Naler was one of the few pilots to earn the USAF Triple Rating of (1) Command Pilot, (2) Navigator, and (3) Bombardier. Col. Naler served 3 tours of duty in Viet Nam, flying the RF-4 Phantom Fighter from Phu Cat Air Base, Viet Nam and the B-52 Bomber from Guam. From 1970 – 1973, he served as Commander, 96th Bombardment Wing at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene. He retired from the USAF on July 1, 1973 with 32 years Honorable Service in the grade of Colonel. During his distinguished military career, he received sterling evaluations and was decorated numerous times. Col. Naler earned the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and many other notable awards. He was a passionate patriot who served God and country with honor and pride. An active pilot for 65 years, he logged over 25,000 hours of flying time. Following his military career, he pursued a business career. On July 3, 1973, Jim joined Western Marketing, Inc. as President and retired in1986. From 1987 – 1991, he served as President and was a partner in Avis Lube, Abilene, Texas. From 1991 – 1994, he served as Vice-President of Marketing for Pride Refining until his third retirement in January of 1994. James D. Naler attended Wichita University in Kansas, pursuing a Business degree and the University of Oklahoma, studying Petroleum Engineering. He graduated from the USAF Air War College and earned a Masters Degree while there. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, with 60 years in the Masonic Lodge in Wichita KS, and 50 years a Shriner, a member of the Tampa Fla. Shrine Temple. James D. Naler married his childhood sweetheart, Roberta Jean "Bobbi" Kaiser, on Christmas Day, 1943. He is survived by his wife, Roberta "Bobbi" Naler of the home; by two daughters: Mrs. Jamie Louise Thomas and husband, John, of Shreveport, LA, and Ms. Nancy Ann Naler of Abilene. He is survived by three Granddaughters: Mrs. Julie Ann Hinton and Mrs. Joy Naler Reynolds, both of Shreveport, and Ms. Johnette Christine Thomas of San Antonio, TX. He is survived by four Great Grandchildren: Jordan Ann Hinton, Tobin Clayton Reynolds, Joseph Thomas Hinton, and Carter Mason Reynolds. He was a strong advocate for and staunch supporter of Abilene State School, having served on the Abilene State School Volunteer Services Council Board and twice as President of the Abilene State School Family Association. He was an active participant in Abilene business and civic affairs. The family requests Memorials be made to the Volunteer Services Council of Abilene State School, P.O. Box 451, Abilene, Texas 79604; or to the charity of the donor's choice. Honorary Pallbearers include: Rodger Brooks, Harvey Gardner, Barry McIntosh, MD, Pat O 'Reagan, Bob Schumacher, Bill Senter, Carlos Tatum, and Mack Turley. Obituary and Guest Registry online at: www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.