John had an interesting and accomplished life. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He worked at the Office of the Chief Signal Officer in the second wing of the Pentagon, and also at the AAF headquarters in Air Defense, Radar, and guided missile development. He received both his private and commercial pilot’s licenses. He served as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force, John was Chief Engineer in the FAA’s Aircraft Division in N.Y. In 1967, he moved to Atlanta as Chief of Flight Standards for the eight state Southern Region of the Federal Aviation Administration.
After his first wife, Frances Supernaw, passed away, John was blessed with a long and happy second marriage to Polly Sims Vogel. They have lived happily in Peachtree City for the last 40 years. They have traveled extensively to Alaska, Scandinavia, Holland, Germany, Austria, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, the Caribbean and Mexico. His last major responsibility before retirement in 1976 was to lead a team of FAA Engineers to Brazil on behalf of the US State Department and US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.
Throughout his life, John was committed to community service. He served over 20 years as a volunteer fireman in New York, and was a very involved member of the PTC Rotary Club, serving as President from 1979-80. He and Polly have especially enjoyed being active members of PTC United Methodist Church.
John was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandparent and great-grandparent. He was loving, honest, dependable and had a great sense of humor and perspective on life. He will be deeply missed by everyone he knew, especially his wife Polly Vogel, his daughter Verna Bunting, grandchildren Deborah, David, Beth, Brian, Jessica, and great grandchildren John David, Grace and Luke Plechner, and his stepchildren Beverly and Rick Shoenberger, and their families: Bea, John and Sarah Shoenberger, Norm Richey, and Rivers, Kyoko, Leaves, Mia and Leo Cuomo.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Peachtree City United Methodist Church, Peachtree City. The family received friends Monday from 5 until 7 p.m. at Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church at 225 Robinson Rd, Peachtree City, Ga. 30269 or call 770-487-6499.
Carl J. Mowell & Son, Peachtree City – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
