GULF STREAM — Ronald Gene Standerfer died Jan. 14 at the Thomas H. Corey VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. He was 91.
Born in Belleville, Illinois, Ron was the only child of Gene and Aline Mobley Standerfer.
While attending the University of Illinois, he took his first airplane ride on a vintage World War II-era B-25 bomber and it changed his life. He served in the Air Force and Air National Guard. He flew 237 missions over Vietnam and Laos in 1968-1969, earning two Silver Stars, the Purple Heart and 13 Air Medals.
In civilian life, he owned an aircraft charter and management company and later was a writer and publisher.
Mr. Standerfer was pre-deceased by his parents and his son, James G. Standerfer. He is survived by his wife, Marzenna “Maya” Standerfer, his stepsons John Harrell of Lorton, Virginia, Steve (Rayna) Harrell of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, Michael (Vivienne) Krynski of New York City, and his four grandchildren, Ethan, Irene and Dominick Harrell, and Maximus Krynski.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., in Delray Beach, with a reception to follow.
Burial will be scheduled later at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Standerfer’s memory can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org).
— Submitted by the family
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