Final Flight: Don Moomaw
March 23, 1923 – Sept. 6, 2015
1943
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I regret to report the passing of Don Moomaw. I just heard from his son that he passed. Below is part of an e-mail I wrote to his son. It will help you to understand how Don was connected with my website. Also view this link to my website.
http://shopwornangel.imaginarynumber.net/his…/donald-moomaw/
We corresponded quite a bit and talked on the phone a few times as well.
We met in a most incredible way. I was browsing Ebay and saw a posting for a model of the Shopworn Angel. On a weird hunch, I wrote a “question to the seller” asking him why he built this model to begin with and if he had some connection to the plane or B26’s. I also mentioned my father flew in the plane. That is when he wrote back telling me he was an eyewitness to the plane’s demise and we stayed in touch thereafter.
He helped me so much with my website by providing information and verifying information gotten from others.
When we talked on the phone, I could sense his strength and integrity.
Please accept my condolences and prayers.
Obituary:
.Donald Moomaw, 92, Harrisonburg, Va.
HARRISONBURG, Va. — Donald L. Moomaw, 92, of Harrisonburg, Va., passed away Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. Donald was born March 23, 1923, in Smithville, the son of the late Paul William and Hazel Mae (Hartzler) Moomaw.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a bomber pilot in World War II, and in the Army and later the Army Reserves. He had served in the Korean War. Donald remained in the Army Reserves until 1990, when he retired as colonel.
He lived and worked in Wayne County for many years. Working in transportation most of his life, he began his career with the Pennsylvania Railroad and was later employed with several trucking companies. Donald retired from Wooster Motor Ways as vice president of operations in 1987.
He was honored with the Wayne County Veteran of the Year award in 2011 from the Wayne County Veteran Services Commission. Donald commanded the 555th Honors Detachment Group in Wayne County, providing military rites and honors to national cemeteries in the area.
He supported and held membership at Smithville United Methodist Church, also in Wayne County. In 2012, he and his wife relocated to the Shenandoah Valley to be closer to family.
On Oct. 5, 1947, he married Elizabeth “Betty” (Byler) Moomaw, who survives along with their children, Jerry Moomaw, and wife, Connie Burk, Janice Jenner and husband, Hadley, Karen Platt and husband, Marshall, and Cheryl Moore and husband, Richard; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. at Sunnyside Meredith Chapel with Chaplain Paul O’Gorek officiating. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 420 Neff Ave., Suite 210, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.
