Gale Clinton Oberndorfer Obituary (1923 - 2010)

“Obie”On September 1, 2010, Obie folded his wings and crossed into the blue. An only child, he was born on January 18, 1923 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania to Ernest John Oberndorfer and Charlotte Clinton.He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and flew B-25’s and P-38’s. He earned his degree in aeronautical engineering from North Carolina State. He went on to work at NACA (later NASA) and private industry as an engineer for over 21 years, including working in the Ranger Moon program. He often joked that his fingerprints were on the Moon. He later started and operated a home inspection business in Yardley, PA, until his retirement in 2006. He was a lifetime member of the P-38 Association, a member of the Commemorative Air Force, a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, and a Mason.With his shoes shined, his pants creased, and his P-38 pin on his collar, Obie always had a joke or story to tell and could engage family members and even strangers in conversation for hours, especially if they wanted to talk airplanes or space vehicles. He could always remember his anniversary because it was the day he earned his wings. He was a dedicated aviator and engineer.He is survived by his wife, Beth, of 65 years, sons, Richard (Gail) and Reed (Debbie), 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The family thanks the VA Medical Center, LifePath, and CareSource for the health and hospice care provided.Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 7, 2010 11:00am at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road (Redwood Road), Riverton, Utah.