Alfred F. Endler

Alfred F. Endler, of Warner Robins, GA, passed away on November 19, 2008 at the Heart of Georgia Hospice, Perry, GA, after an extended illness. He was 88 years old. Visitation will be held at the McCullough Funeral Home, Houston Lake Road on Friday, November 21 from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 2PM at First Presbyterian Church in Warner Robins, with interment at Parkway Memorial Gardens. Al was the younger of two sons born in Muhlheim-am-Ruhr, Germany to the late Heinrich and Johanna Endler. His family immigrated to the United States in 1923, and settled in Pittsburgh, PA. As one of the "Greatest Generation", he was raised during the Depression and learned the value of hard work and the importance of family and friends at an early age. As a teenager, he met his future wife, Ellen, while she was working for a neighbor in exchange for babysitting her baby sister. Their courtship spanned ten years and never ended during their 61 year marriage.
Al developed his passion to fly following an airplane ride granted as a birthday wish when he was a boy. Following high school, Al worked for Meadow Gold Dairies in Pittsburgh running up and down the hills of Pittsburgh delivering from a hand cart until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September of 1941. He became a crew chief/flight engineer on a B-17, and was assigned to various locations, including Hendrix Field, Sebring, FL. He applied for pilot training, and graduated with his wings and a commission in 1944. On January 8, 1945, Al and Ellen were married in San Antonio, TX, while he was assigned as an instructor pilot. At the end of the war, they returned home to Pittsburgh and began their family. Al resumed his job with Meadow Gold, but shortly after began his own business in automotive repair and maintenance. He continued flying by restoring a Piper Cub on floats, flying it out of a seaplane base on the Ohio River in Pittsburgh. During the Korean War, Al was recalled to active duty, and the family relocated a number of times, living in California, England, and eventually Warner Robins. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 after his final assignment in Viet Nam.
In 1971, Al began a ten year career with the Flint Electric Membership Corporation as the Director of Purchasing and Maintenance. Al continued to pursue his aviation hobby by building and flying a Whitman Tailwind and a Stoddard Hamilton Glasair. He was an antique automobile enthusiast, and his workshop was a hub of activity for many of his fellow aviation and automobile buddies. His knowledge and abilities with all things mechanical was broad and deep. Al was an active member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association chapter and the Middle Georgia chapter of the Antique Automobile Association of America. He was also a Mason, being a member of Lodge 45, the Duquesne Commandery in Pittsburgh, PA, and Al Sihah Temple, and The Royal Order of Jesters, in Macon GA. Al enjoyed playing bridge, both reading talking about airplanes or cars with his friends, and working in his shop. He loved to entertain by sharing food, fun, laughter, and good conversation. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Warner Robins. Following Ellen's passing and a period of declining health, Al moved to assisted living at Summer's Landing in Warner Robins where he received support and care that exceeded his expectations. He will be missed by family and his many friends in the aviation and antique automobile hobby as well as those in the community.
Al is survived by his son Rick (Linda) Endler, Aiken, SC, daughter Jo Ellen (Noel) Robbins, of Warner Robins, granddaughters, Elizabeth (Jimmy) Wells, Houston, TX, Sarah (David) Pitrie, Fairhope, AL, Mary Ellen (Chad) Miller, Winter Park, FL, step-grand daughter, Ashley (Bill) Pontius, great granddaughter Madeline Pitrie, great grandsons Manning Pitrie, and Oliver Miller, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, his brother Henry, and his granddaughter Rebecca Lynn Endler. Al will be deeply missed by his family, and his many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Warner Robins, Heart of Georgia Hospice, or one's favorite charity. Friends may call at the residence of Jo Robbins, 25 Willow Lake Drive, Warner Robins. McCullough Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.




Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088