Dennis Leroy Pfeil

Dennis Leroy Pfeil died at his home in Howard March 1, 2019. He was born March 15, 1947, in Pleasanton, Texas, to Jewell and Leroy Pfeil. Growing up in a military family, he was able to see much of the nation he loved so much, spending most of his younger years in Texas, California and Hawaii. His childhood was spent playing basketball, baseball and football. Mr. Pfeil graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1965, and attended college at the University of Texas-Austin to study zoology. When his birthdate was pulled for selective service in the Vietnam conflict, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed pilot training. He was not deployed to Vietnam, but he realized that he loved flying fighter jets. This led him to finish officer training school. He flew A-7s with the Green Demon squadron based omMyrtle Beach, South Carolina, and F-5s with the Aggressors squadron in the Philippines and Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. While in the military, he received a Master in Business Administration specializing in contract negotiation. He served the remainder of his military career as a defense contractor in Colorado Springs, working in the civilian sector after retirement. Mr. Pfeil met and married Bonnie Andermatt in 2003. He and Bonnie moved from Colorado Springs to Howard in 2005 after retirement. The rural setting and wonderful people he found in the area suited him well. He found new places to hunt and fish, quickly made friends with the folks at Western Archery and Salida Golf Course and discovered a love for motorcycles that netted him thousands of miles across the West. He loved the outdoors. His lifelong favorite pastimes found him hunting through quiet morning woods, casting lines into his favorite fishing holes whenever he thought the time was right and playing golf at any course he could. Family members said he was a man of strong character, wisdom, humor and integrity. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, his two sons, Ken and Todd, and five grandchildren. Family and friends of Dennis and Bonnie Pfeil are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life Service and Texas-style barbecue reception at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Coaldale School House. Arrangements were with Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com. Facebook Twitter Email Print Save

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