Gone West: St. Louis Aviation Community Mourns the Passing of Dick Windler, B-29 Pilot

By Carmelo Turdo

The St. Louis aviation community mourns the passing of Dick Windler, 92, former B-29 pilot and friend to many. Mr. Windler was a decorated WWII USAAC Veteran from St. Louis who flew 35 missions over Japan as aircraft commander in B-29's. We were honored to have Dick as a plank owner in the Missouri Aviation Historical Society. Last August, he rode in the only flying B-29, Fifi, during it's time in St. Louis - the first time he was in the aircraft since the early 1950s. His health started failing a few weeks ago, he was placed in hospice last week. A memorial service is being planned.