IN MEMORIAM

Hower Charles Geihel Obituary

Homer was born on May 30, 19l8 and raised in poverty in Peasant Lake, a small farming community located in North Central North Dakota He died in Torrance, California on June 14, 2()()4, at the age of 86, with his family members at his side, as the result of heart failure. Homer's aviation career lasted for over 3() years, first with Lockheed as an aircraft inspector, then as a Naval Aviator, and finally with the FAA. He was primarily a transport pilot for the Navy and an air traffic controller and flight inspection pilot for the FAA. His FAA duties took him to Battle Creek, Fargo, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Sioux Falls. Homer helped many friends obtain jobs with the FAA. He held both fixed wing and helicopter flying licenses, to include an Air Transport Pilot rating, basic and instrument Certified Flight Instructor ratings, and an air traffic controllers rating. He gave flying lessons to his son Jim. Homer had to retire from flying in 1976 for health reasons, but he continued his interest in the aviation industry for several years by doing some consulting work. Homer continued his education in retirement by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills in June of 1982 when he was 64 years old. Despite his worldly travels and his love of aviation, Horner never forgot his love of agriculture, horses, trains, and of his family's home in Pleasant Lake. Homer also enjoyed exercising and cross country driving. Homer was a simple and private, yet proud man. Homer still believed that your word was your bond. Homer met his wife Faye through mutual friends and they were married for over 55 years. Homer is survived by his wife Faye, son Jim, daughters Gina and Katie, five grandchildren, and many relatives, friends, and business associates across this country. The family requests that donations be made in Homer's memory to the American Heart Association

Wheels up, Dad!