Odis Gerald 'Gerald' Wehrly

Lt. Col. Odis Gerald Wehrly (USAF Ret.) aged 77, Embarked on his final flight today September 2nd, 2013. Colonel Wehrly was born in Angleton July 2nd, 1936 to John Odis Wehrly and Esther Danlene Meador. Both Gerald and his father were born in the same room in the old "Phillips' House" near the Angleton Cemetery. Gerald was a small town, country boy with big dreams. He planned to go to The University of Texas and become a pilot, as well. With only a few hitches along the way he accomplished both dreams. After graduating from high school and attending U.T. for two years Gerald had to return home to care for an injured father, 2 siblings and a mother. He worked as an engineer for the highway department in Brazoria County. As an engineer for the highway department he designed and helped build the bridges that are currently being re-designed on South Highway 288 B. The family has always referred to them as "Gerald's Bridges". After a few months Gerald applied to the Aviation Cadet School in the Air Force. With a little help from then Senator Jimmy Phillips and Frank Steves he was accepted to the last Air Force Aviation class to ever be offered to non-college graduates during his junior year at U.T. He was immediately noticed for his proficiency in trainer air craft and later assigned to Strategic Air Command where he excelled to high commendation and rank as well as command. During his tenure as an Air Force pilot he flew models of various trainers, both propeller driven and jets. He received his wings and was assigned to Strategic Air Command where he flew the B-47 bomber in the later stages of its development and was promoted to duty on the new B-52. He then became so proficient as a pilot of the B-52 Bomber that SAC made him a check pilot where he evaluated all of the B-52 pilots in S.A.C. He was stationed at many bases across the United States and overseas from California to Caribou, Maine. He spent a short exploratory tour in KC-135 Tankers and the not very well known supersonic B-58 Super Bomber. He flew over 400 combat missions in Viet Nam from 1967 to 1972. During this time he received many special assignments earning several honors and distinguished awards and medals. He came home with many exciting tales, one of which you might remember…Gerald, then only a young Captain did a very low fly-over in a B-52 while passing over his hometown of Angleton. He was said to have been only 500 feet above the tree tops and scared a goodly many citizens but thrilling many more including his parents. Gerald married "the girl next door" and long-time sweetheart Ruth Greenawalt on December 23rd, 1958. Gerald and Ruth had two children, a daughter, Tami Elaine and a son, Gerald Rustin. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Odis and Esther Wehrly and a younger brother, John Robert "Bob" Wehrly. Surviving his death are his wife of 55 years, Ruth, daughter Tami of San Antonio, and son Gerald Rustin "Rusty" of Brazoria. Also surviving is his sister Debra Hutchinson married to Rick, three nieces Sandi, Susan and Elizabeth as well as a nephew Clint Wehrly and various grand relations. In addition, the Greenawalt family mourns his passing as well. Members of the Greenawalt family include Patricia Greenawalt-Stone, Bill Stone, Deborah and Jack. Others include Marie Greenawalt-Hill, Pam and Morris Massingill, Jon and Lorrie Hill, Glenn Hill and several more grand relations. Gerald was an active member of The First Methodist Church of Angleton. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his family travelled extensively, enjoying the new adventures they encountered as a campers and explorers. There will be a private visitation for family on Friday September 6th from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and a visitation for friends 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton. There will be a military graveside service on Saturday September 7th at 10 am at the Angleton Cemetery Pavilion. Pastor Robert Sinclair will be presiding. The Air Force will be providing an Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Justin Massingill, Jordan Massingill, Glenn Hill, Jon Wayne Hill, Clint Wehrly and Wayne Springs. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Stone, Jack Stone, Rick Hutchinson and Morris Massingill. Following the service there will be a luncheon for "family and friends" in Danbury at the home of Morris and Pam Massingill. Maps will be provided as needed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. National Project Center P.O. Box 758541 Topeka, Kansas 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Odis Gerald "Gerald" Wehrly, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Friday, September 6th, 2013 6:00am - 7:30am, Palms Funeral Home 2300 E. Mulberry Angleton, TX 77515 Service Information Saturday, September 7th, 2013 10:00am, Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515 Interment Location Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515