Robert M Massengale
Rank: Lt Col
Entered Into Eternal Rest
2024-05-03
Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michael Massengale, 79, passed away in Fredericksburg, Texas, on 3 May 2024. Mike was born on 16 July 1944 in the Station Hospital on Childress Army Airfield, in the Texas Panhandle. His parents were Colonel Herbert Williams Massengale, Junior, and Dorothy Pearl Nagle Massengale. Growing up in a military family, Mike enjoyed moving every few years as the family was assigned to new duty stations. Summers spent at Maysfield, in Milam County, Texas, with his grandmother, Mary Ethel Massengale, and his uncle, Alfred Leroy Massengale, were among his best memories.
Following graduation from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, Mike attended Tarleton State College, part of the Texas A&M System, in Stephenville, Texas. Not yet ready for academic pursuits, after three semesters he enlisted in the Air Force. During his four-year enlistment, he served stateside and in Europe. He aspired to become an officer and a pilot, so he returned to Tarleton State and earned his bachelor’s degree and an officer’s commission in December 1971. While attending Tarleton State, he met Alice Faye Kennedy, and they married in Fort Worth, Texas, on 31 July 1971.
Mike rejoined the Air Force, and in 1972 he completed pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. He served as an O-2A Forward Air Controller and as a C-141 transport pilot, flying missions in support of the Vietnam War and the Israeli Yom Kippur War. In August 1977 he earned his paratrooper wings at Fort Sherman in Panama while serving with the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group. Mike flew extensively throughout the Pacific, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His non-flying duties included Combat Control, Tactical Airlift Liaison assigned with the Army Special Forces, Aircraft Maintenance and Munition Officer, Weapon Systems Test and Evaluation, and Squadron Commander. He served proudly for nearly 30 years in the United States Air Force.
Mike earned a master’s degree from Webster University. He was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church, and he served his community as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout troop leader. He was a life member of the Order of Daedalians, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, the Forward Air Controller Association, and the Combat Control Association. He was also a member of the Jamestowne Society and Sons of the American Revolution.
On 9 August 1985 Mike married the love of his life, Shari Louise Korpela Massengale, in Red Lodge, Montana. He is also survived by four children, the Honorable Michael Christopher Massengale and his wife Dr. Lindsey Harris Massengale, M.D., Matthew Williams Massengale and wife Erin Marsh, Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Scott Massengale, U.S. Navy and his wife Dr. Lindsey Rubus Massengale, Ph.D., and Meagen Anne Massengale Laman and her husband Major Matt Laman, U.S. Army. Mike’s legacy is continued by five grandchildren, Richard Sidney Massengale, Anabal Mae Laman, Brynn Marie Laman, Kaitlin Molly Laman, and Katherine Marie Massengale.
In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michael Massengale may be directed to the Combat Control Association or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Arrangements are by the Schaetter Funeral Home
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com
