Albert Franklin Oppel

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Oppel Family on April 30, 2002:

Memorial services will be held for Albert Franklin Oppel at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs Village, AR on May 2, 2002 at 11 am. Al died suddenly Sunday morning near his Hot Springs Village home. He was 68. Al was the son of Madge and Curt Oppel and was a 1951 graduate of Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas, where he was an All-American football player. Al then attended United States Military Academy. He was a member of H2 Company, class of 1955. While at West Point, Al continued his football career under the coaching of Vince Lombardi. After graduation, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Al, however he chose to serve his country as a career military officer. Al was an active member of the West Point Alumni Society. Al served in the United States Air Force for 24 years, retiring as a full Colonel. He was an F105 fighter pilot in Vietnam where he completed 117 missions in one year. After Vietnam, Al continued his service as a B52 pilot and squadron commander. Eventually he was promoted to a commander of maintenance. During his career, Al was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and four Air Medals. Al's passion was education. While on active duty, Al earned two masters degrees, an MBA from Central Michigan University and a MS in Engineering Mechanics from Texas Tech. Additionally, Al greatly enjoyed helping others learn. He taught at numerous colleges and universities, including the United States Air Force Academy, Iowa State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Al also taught at the Arkansas School of Math and Science and was a dedicated and active member of the Fountain Lake School Board. Sally, his wife of 45 years and their four adult children survive Al. Daughter Sandra Oppel Gollnick and her husband Paul live in Buffalo, NY. Daughter, Sherry Fuerst and her husband Brian of Richardson, Texas. Son Curt Oppel and his wife Kirstin of LeClaire, Iowa and son Craig and wife Natalie reside in Muscatine, Iowa. No words can describe how much Grampa will be missed by Andrew, Lauren, Alison, Nicole, Erin and Alex. Other survivors included his brother Richard and family of Edmund OK, and numerous cousins. The family suggest that instead of flowers, donation be made to the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs, AR, 71901. Al was an avid reader. Gifts may also be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 199 Barcelona Road, Hot Springs Village AR, 71909, where Al served as usher and lecturer. Services will be under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home. http://www.west-point.org/class/usma1955/wwwdocs/al.html

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