Barney Oppel
7 MAY 1933 - 29 APR 2002
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Barney Oppel
2002
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H - 2
1st Row: Dick McCarthy - Meekison - Pop Warner - Frost - Pond
2nd Row: Dickson - Raymond - Clayton - Vulgas - Matteson
3rd Row: Grey - Weaver - McIlroy - Chambers - Booras
4th Row: Oppel - Hagan - Pickett (Absent: Kinzer)
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It is very difficult and sad to say goodby to any teammate and classmate that I have been close friends with - but to many who knew him - Al was kind of special. Al was part of that valiant group of cadets who played under Coach Blaik who toiled along with the rest of us to rebuild the Army team during those early - difficult dark days of the '50s. He played guard and he was very tough in the trenches - yet he had that wonderful Texan sense of humor that kept us all laughing. Although I saw Al very little after graduation - those few meetings stimulated so many fond memories and affection. Goodby - Al. Save a locker for me up there in the House of the Lord. Ski Ordway Godwin Ordway April 29 - 2002 During our cadet days - I got to be pretty close with Barney. He was in H2 and I was in F2. Our paths never crossed after graduation but Barney was a friend I will never forget. He was a hell of a good football player and had a brain - to my envy - that allowed him to cruise through WestPoint in Cruise Control. Well done old friend - be at peace with The Lord. Willie Willie Welter April 29 - 2002 Memorial services will be held for Albert Franklin Oppel at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs Village - AR on May 2 - 2002 at 11 am. Al died suddenly Sunday morning near his Hot Springs Village home. He was 68. Al was the son of Madge and Curt Oppel and was a 1951 graduate of Highland Park High School - Dallas - Texas - where he was an All-American football player. Al then attended United States Military Academy. He was a member of H2 Company - class of 1955. While at West Point - Al continued his football career under the coaching of Vince Lombardi. After graduation - the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Al - however he chose to serve his country as a career military officer. Al was an active member of the West Point Alumni Society. Al served in the United States Air Force for 24 years - retiring as a full Colonel. He was an F105 fighter pilot in Vietnam where he completed 117 missions in one year. After Vietnam - Al continued his service as a B52 pilot and squadron commander. Eventually he was promoted to a commander of maintenance. During his career - Al was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses - the Legion of Merit - the Defense Meritorious Service Medal - the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and four Air Medals. Al's passion was education. While on active duty - Al earned two masters degrees - an MBA from Central Michigan University and a MS in Engineering Mechanics from Texas Tech. Additionally - Al greatly enjoyed helping others learn. He taught at numerous colleges and universities - including the United States Air Force Academy - Iowa State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Al also taught at the Arkansas School of Math and Science and was a dedicated and active member of the Fountain Lake School Board. Sally - his wife of 45 years and their four adult children survive Al. Daughter Sandra Oppel Gollnick and her husband Paul live in Buffalo - NY. Daughter - Sherry Fuerst and her husband Brian of Richardson - Texas. Son Curt Oppel and his wife Kirstin of LeClaire - Iowa and son Craig and wife Natalie reside in Muscatine - Iowa. No words can describe how much Grampa will be missed by Andrew - Lauren - Alison - Nicole - Erin and Alex. Other survivors included his brother Richard and family of Edmund OK - and numerous cousins. The family suggest that instead of flowers - donation be made to the Garland County Library - 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs - AR - 71901. Al was an avid reader. Gifts may also be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church - 199 Barcelona Road - Hot Springs Village AR - 71909 - where Al served as usher and lecturer. Services will be under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home. http://www.west-point.org/class/usma1955/wwwdocs/al.html Oppel Family Albert Franklin Oppel Obituary April 30 - 2002 For the good times and thanks for all those Saturday afternoons. Al Parker B-2 May 1 - 2002 Al: sorry to see you go - but we know that you are in a better place. We had one thing in common during our careers - time at Iowa State College of Engineering. Thanks for your service to West Point and to the Nation. Dan dan Ludwig May 2 - 2002 I regarded Al as a dear friend - even though we did not see each other for years after I left USMA for MIT. We corresponded a lot by email - and I had planned to get to AK to see him some time soon. I have been to so many funerals lately and been called upon to give so many eulogies that I have decided to try to remind people of the good times - the good memories - rather than suffering and loss. In many cases that is difficult - but with Barney he was such a dear and humorous person that it may not be. In particular - I recall the day in "Beast Barracks" when Al appeared in fatigues for a formation - wearing his steel helmet without the plastic liner. No one had instructed him how to put it on. I think now this reflects very badly on the First Class Man in charge of his platoon. But at the time there were Firsties descending on Al like ants at a picnic who had found a piece of chocolate cake! The usual drill ensued. "Mr. Oppel - What is the motto of the military academy?" Al's voice boomed - echoing from within the steel cave that came down over his face - "Every Man An Athlete - Sir". This stimulated an even faster flux of Firsties to his position. I believe I may have been at least partly responsible for his nick name - Barney. We were at Buckner - and Al was assigned to drive a 6X6 loaded with all sorts of stuff (heavy - in other words). Al parked the truck at our departure point: a hill top. We all went off in the woods for some drill or other - and when we returned to the site where Al had parked the truck . . . . there was no truck There was - however - a fairly neat - brand new trail cut through the young pines - about the width of a truck. The brakes - of course - had not held. Al - I believe was cleared of any question of negligence. But in a joking way I started calling him Barney Opelfield - a play on the name of the old great race drive - Barney Olfield. The nick name seems to have stuck. I hope my poor aging memory has this story right. In any event - best to those of us who knew Al and who will remember him dearly. And most of all - Best To Al's Family. Charles A. Berg X '55 I-2 May 2 - 2002 Once Beast Barracks was over - since Al and I were assigned to different cadet regiments - the only times I seemed to see him were at football practice. My most vivid and lasting impression of Al was that he was easily the fastest interior lineman on the team. A guard - he could pull on sweeps and knock down a defensive end before the guy had a chance to set up. If the end didn't come across - Al was around end and down-field blocking better than anyone. He was a great team mate on C-Squad and B-Squad ... great sense of humor - unexcitable and a 100% performer on evry play. Al - we miss you and will never forget you. James E. Drummond May 9 - 2002 I knew Al Oppel as a cadet but not very well. I got to know him very much better in retirement here in Hot Springs Village. I learned even more about him in death from the wonderful outpouring from other classmates - his family - others who knew him and from the input that went into writing his obituary. // Al became aware that Carole and I were looking at the Village for retirement - and encourage us to do it. He welcomed us to the Village and we began a long process of reinforcing each others' concerns for our class and for the leadership of the Military Academy - of the Armed Forces and of the Nation - in that sorry era we all hoped is now behind us. Al sponsored the last H2 reunion - which was held here in the Village two years ago (Carole and I were honored to be their guests at some of their activities). He was really looking forward to this year's H2 reunion back east - and a side trip to West Point to investigate the columbarium facilites there. // I knew Al was a distinguished educator - but i did not know how much he gave to others through his guft as a scholar until I read his final obituary. I had known him as a very principled person with strong confictions. He and I discussed his work as a school board member for one of our local school districts - which suffered from mismanagement and the tendency for everyone who succeeded in the district being related to others in the hierarchy. Starting as a lonely voice for good administrative practices - academic standards and fiscal responsibility - he was on the board for the arrival of a new superintendent. he was there to see a more serene atmosphere of steady progress in all areas and the "unexpected finding of monies within current budget figures" for pay raises for all faculty members this year. // Al recognized he was having problems even before his doctors - but they cooperated with him and ran the appropriate tests. The last test results led to an instant decision to hospitalize him that Wednesday for a double by-pass operation (with a possibility of a triple by-pass) that Friday. It was to be a triple by-pass - which appeared to be a complete success. He looked great and was increasing in "strength and wisdom" every day thereafter. He was in church for services Saturday(Sally and his usual practice) and on Sunday morning he was out for an early morning walk. His neighbor saw him on the ground on the cart trail. He probably died instantly of a massive heart failure. // From his memorial service - from a passage requested by the family (Book of Isaiah - Cahpter 43 - Verse 4) - I would close with "Since thou wast precious in my sight - thou hast been honourable - and i have loved thee . . ." Donald M. Buchwald May 17 - 2002 We grieve with Sally and family; I knew Al first as a fellow classmate in H-2. Our closest conection was our working together to help him speak German without a southern drawl. I also remember his common sense. Al was admonished by a TAC for giving a "3" out of "5" on a performance report. The TAC observed 'all cadets are above average.' Al leaned backed with that way of his - looked the TAC in the eye - and drawled "But you have to admit - some cadets are more average than others." Ellie and I became really close with Sally and Al when they were stationed at KI Sawyer AFB in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in '76-78. We recall how great their kids were with the Gwinn High School swim team (Craig won an Olympic medal?) They joined our St. Paul's Church in Marquette and we became even closer. We went to Hot Springs Oct 12-15 - 2000 - for an H-2 reunion graciously hosted by Sally and Al. Al got a former classmate - Bud Poulson - to join us. Al leaves so many fond memories. What a wonderful person who so fulfilled the roles of family patriarch - professional soldier - community leader - and personal excellence. Well done and God Bless, Ellie and Al Raymond Allen Raymond June 7 - 2002 Barney Oppel leaves this life with a great memory of the fine - considerate and warm sense of the great person - friend and Classmate that he was and is. He will be remembered for the alert sense of friendship and joy he always showed and caused us all to emulate. A day with the presence of Barney was a day to be treasured and remembered - because he was everyone's friend. Hard to match - easy to remember. See you later - old friend. Chuck Roades June 7 - 2002 I never knew Barney at West Point other than to cheer for him on the football field. When I was assigned to the Air Force Academy Barney was my sponsor. He secured for me most desirable quarters with a partially finished basement and an office directly across from his that had a large picture window overlooking the beautiful mountains to the south of the Academy. Barney and I shared looking at each other over the next four years. Through Barney I met Sally and wondered how Barney landed such a pretty lady. It soon became clear to me as Barney was one of the nicest people both inside and outside that I ever had the pleasure to know. How lucky Sally was to have him as a husband and friend. Through the next four years Barney and I shared car pools even to the point that 6 of us purchased an old Buick for $25 each which served us for many months. I spoke with Barney after his recent bypass surgery telling him that my Ruthie had that surgery figured out years ago and what took him so long. His reply was typically Barney in that he said he was just somewhat slower than others. Barney - you are missed. Rest in Peace. Ron Rule June 26 - 2002 Albert Franklin Oppel was born in Dallas, Texas, on 7 May 1933, the second son of Curt and Madge Swint Oppel. He was named after both of his grandfathers, Albert Oppel and Franklin Swint. Until the second grade he was known as Franklin, at which point he decided on his own that he wanted to be known as Al. This was not to be his last name change. As a child, Al's older brother, Richard, called him "The Colonel", the first of several nicknames through the years which included Alloysius, Peaches and Grizley, to name a few. Al attended grammar through high school in Dallas. He first began to play football in junior high school and continued at Highland Park High School. Al excelled at several positions in the line, both on offense and defense and received All-State honors in his senior year where he earned a reputation for blocking kicks. He was very popular with the student body as well as with the coaches and teachers. He entered the Military Academy with the Class of 1955. During field training at Camp Buckner, Al and Charlie Berg were assigned to drive a 6x6 truck loaded with equipment. Al parked the truck at the top of the hill while they went into the woods on a mission. When they returned, the truck's brakes had failed and the truck rolled down the hill into the bushes. Charlie nicknamed Al "Barney Oppelfield" after the racecar driver, Barney Olfield, and the name Barney stuck. Teammates who played football with Al at the Academy remember him as the fastest lineman (guard) on the team. He was a great team player who always put out 100% and had a wonderful sense of humor. They also remember how much they enjoyed being around Al during the difficult days of rebuilding after the summer of '51and how fortunate they were to work under legendary Coaches Red Blaik and Vince Lombardi. Al lettered every year. First class year, Al was invited to join the Pittsburgh Steelers but opted, instead, for a career in the Air Force. At graduation, Al was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. He went to Moore Air Base in Mission, Texas, and Greenville Air Force Base in Mississippi for flight training. After receiving his wings he transferred to Bryan Air Force Base in Texas to be a single engine jet instructor pilot. While he was at Bryan he married Sally June Snider on 6 April 1957 in Dallas, Texas. From Bryan, Al went to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, to continue instructing pilots and later entered graduate school at Texas Tech. While they were in Lubbock, Sandra Diane was born in 1959, Sharon Elizabeth was born in 1961, and Al graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. From there he joined the Engineering Mechanics faculty at the Air Force Academy. Al was a very popular instructor with both his fellow faculty members and the cadets. Their son, Curt, was born at the Academy in 1963. In 1966 Al left the Air Force Academy, checked out in the F-102A and was assigned to the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Keflavic, Iceland. Their second son, Richard Craig was born there in August 1967. From Iceland, Al was checked out in the F-105 prior to his assignment in 1968 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. While there he flew 117 missions, earned 8 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. From Korat, Al was assigned to 13th Air Force at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands. He was there until 1972. From Clark, Al was checked out in the B-52 and commanded the 524th Bomb Squadron at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. He also earned a Master of Business Administration Degree in Management in off duty hours from Central Michigan University in 1975. From 1974 to 1976 he was assigned to Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offut Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska as Assistant for Senior Officer Management and Chief of the Training and Education Division. His next assignment was as Commander of Maintenance for the 410th Bomb Wing at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. From KI Sawyer Al returned to SAC Headquarters and retired in August of 1979 as a Colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit. His other citations during his career included the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters. The family moved to Iowa where Al was Director of the Motor Vehicle Division from 1979 to 1981. Subsequently he was an Assistant Professor of Engineering Mechanics at Iowa State University, Office Manager for Gannon Construction Company and co-owner of a Goodyear Center. In 1993 Al and Sally moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where he joined the faculty of the University of Central Arkansas, and was also on the faculties of University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Arkansas School of Math and Science. In addition he was elected to the Fountain Lake School Board, where he instituted many needed reforms. All of this fulfilled his lifelong love of teaching and education. In October of 2001 Al and Sally hosted a reunion in Hot Springs Village of H-2 company mates and their wives. In February of 2002 Al had triple bypass surgery to correct blockages and seemed to be recovering . Al collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack while on a walk on 28 April 2002. His funeral was held on 2 May at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs Village. Several classmates attended services with the family there and at West Point on 7 June when Al was inurned with honors at the Columbarium. Al was survived by his wife, Sally, their four children and six grandchildren and his brother, Richard. He was loved and admired by his many friends, classmates and associates who had the great blessing of his friendship and sense of humor. Stan Harvill, classmate Assembly, Jan/Feb 2006 |
USMA 1955 Roster
USMA 1955 Pictures