Born the son of Arthur and Mary Wangler on June 7, 1920, in Pilot Point, Texas, Al enjoyed and looked forward to living the century his life encompassed. His talents and knowledge were both broad and deep. Growing up during the depression and dustbowl days, Al knew early what hard times life could bring but it gave him resilience for the future.
He was a pioneer in the Oklahoma City Public School system, being a first of many young men to be taught to cook and bake as a part of a class designed for young men. His early schooling also taught him home construction, welding and engine mechanics.
He learned to farm and ranch at his father’s side and remembered fondly the events of his youth that gathered neighbors together to help each other with fall crops and livestock as well as curing hams and sausage production. One of his best memories was his father’s homemade wine, which many of the neighbor men shared and was only brought out for such a special occasion.
Al served in World War II in Europe in Belgium, Germany, France and England. His heart was moved by the suffering people endured there. He was so moved that when he and his fellow soldiers were ordered to have target practice in the woods on deer, he and his fellow soldiers found a way to get the much-needed meat to the local town’s starving residents.
His early education in welding and mechanical repair was put to use in Europe during the war as he performed many mechanical repairs on various vehicles.
Al married the love of his life, Carmen Rangel, Jan. 25, 1947. They were together 60 years before his beloved wife, Carmen, went to her heavenly reward in 2007. Together they had 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls. Each of these men and women have become successful in their own right.
Al worked for the Department of Defense at Tinker Air Force Base for more than 30 years. He retired in 1980 as a supervisor on the 135th Division, working in the hangars, on the flight line, and other locations and working predominantly on the KC-135 re-fueler/tanker and B-52 planes. His time at Tinker even included work on the B-29.
He enjoyed his retirement years working in his garden, and being with his late wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Mary Wangler; wife, Carmen Rangel Wangler; three sisters, Mary, Josephine, and Bertha (Wangler) Gentry.
He is survived by his 10 children, Tony Wangler and wife, Linda; Shirley Taylor, Russell Wangler, Carmen J. Lemoine, Cindy Cavenah and husband, Dennis; Carol Weigand and husband, Joel; Al Wangler and wife, Rhonda; Art Wangler, Ralph Wangler and Marlene Kringen, 18 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
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