Our precious Daddy peacefully went to heaven on Friday, October 23, 2015. He was born in Akron, Ohio on February 6, 1928.
He was a great patriot, but most important of all, he was a great human being. Daddy was the most considerate and humble person ever. He had a hilarious quick wit and charming smile. He was always quick to say, "I love you" and to tell each of us how special we were to him. Gratefulness and appreciation were his constant hallmarks. One of the greatest gifts he gave to each of us was music. He frequently sang to us, taught his grandchildren how to waltz, and always had a song in his heart.
He spent his entire career in the service of his country, enlisting at a very young age in the United States Navy where he served for over 22 years. During his naval career he rose to the rate of Senior Chief Petty Officer and was assigned to numerous ships and Land stations throughout the Atlantic Fleet. It was during one of assignments in early 1960 when he landed here in Panama City, Florida. He was assigned to the USS Vigor, MSO 473 operating out of what was then the Mine Defense Lab. His talents as a problem solver did not escape the attention of his supervisors at Mine Land Headquarters located on the Charleston Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina where he was reassigned to the Headquarters IG Team.
While his time on the USS Vigor was relatively short, Daddy made many friends in the area and upon completion of his naval career he returned to Panama City and to the many friends and neighbors that he had grown to love. That was not to be the end of his service to his country.
It was not long after returning to Panama City that he learned that the Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency, AFCESA, headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base was looking for an experienced Electrical Superintendent to head up the newly established Civil Engineering Maintenance Inspection and Repair Team, CEMIRT. His new focus was to supervise a select group of highly skilled technicians that would travel virtually worldwide to US Air Force Bases, rebuilding and upgrading Power Generating plants and training Air Force technicians in the proper operation and maintenance of those plants. He spent the next 18 years building a reputation as one of the most respected and loved members of this highly recognized team.
His heritage that is left to fondly reminisce and cherish him includes his wife of 66 years, Harriet Corpening; daughters, Roberta Jean Zlatkovich (Charley), Cheri Lee Peebles (Bob), and Cari Ann Gygax (Gene); grandchildren Natalie Schwartz, Nicole Peebles, Danielle Peebles, Sam Peebles, Anthony Peebles, Valerie Peebles, Bob Gygax, Mary Kate Gygax, Ben Gygax, Sara Beth Zimmerman, Bram Gygax, Sharon Gygax, and Annie Gygax; great-grandchildren Joshua Schwartz, Jonathan Schwartz, Ellie Gygax, Evelyn Gygax, Ian Gygax, Tamsin Gygax, and Genevieve Ogbe.
A remembrance of our amazing Daddy will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, November 1, 2015. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm with services starting at 2 pm.
Those that feel led can contribute to the Wounded Warriors, Daddy loved his country and those serving it.