Foil: 17 Panel: 1 Column: 3 Line: 81

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Cheryl S. Merrill

Robert Russell Singer left the University of Akron, where he was active in ROTC, in December 1941 to serve his country in what was then the Army/Air Force. He earned his wings and wanted very much to be sent overseas to combat duty. But it was not to be. His superiors felt his skills could be better put to use as a pilot instructor. Although he didn't see combat, his days training new pilots were full of adventure. Among his students were a number of famous people, including the actor, James Stewart.
He took his duties very seriously. However, he was a young man and he managed to have fun as well. When training near his home, he used to "buzz" (fly over) his house, alarming his neighbors in the small town of Akron, but delighting his mother. When he was stationed in San Francisco, he and his crew ruffled more than a few feathers by flying under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Eventually he earned the rank of Captain and returned home in 1946. The deep relationships he established with his fellow airmen lasted throughout his life. He served in the Reserves from 1950 until 1955, attaining the rank of Major. His interest in aviation never waned: his career continued in aviation sales for B.F. Goodrich. He always loved the sheer joy of flying and never tired of sharing his flying adventures.
Our father passed away a few years ago but we picture him now, in the words of John Gillespie Magee, Jr., from his poem High Flight, ". . . dancing the skies on laughter-silvered wings."