George Edward Glaeser

He would answer to George, but preferred “Pong”, a name he took on and cherished when his young grandchild could not pronounce Grandpa.

George was born in San Antonio, Texas, the eldest of 3 sons to William and Myrtle Glaeser, South Texas descendants of German Immigrants. Following graduation from Alamo Heights High School in 1952, he attended the University of Texas in Austin for a year before attempting to join the Navy. The Navy had no aviator slots at the time so he joined the US Air Force as an Aviation Cadet in 1954 and began an interesting and honorable career as a US Air Force Navigator and Pilot.

Ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, George had many fascinating career highlights.

The numerous aircraft types and missions he flew included coastal airborne radar surveillance in the C-121 Constellation, Cargo flights to many parts of the world in the C-124 Globemaster, Cargo flights in the C-123 Provider, and training flight in the T-28 and jet powered T-33 which he fondly remembered as a lot of fun.

Following those aircraft types, his career moved to a specialty in Search and Rescue. This was a part of his career that he found extremely rewarding and interesting. Beginning initially in California flying the Grumman HU-16 Albatross, a flying boat that could land on the water as well as a runway, he trained for deployment to Vietnam. There the mission was to land on the water to retrieve Air Force and Navy pilots that had been shot down and were able to make it to water. George is credited with saving several downed aviators, an achievement that was a source of pride for himself and his family. On one particular rescue mission that was across prohibited boundaries, he and his co-pilot made the decision to go anyway. After successfully retrieving the downed aviator, the shaken man proclaimed that he would gladly grovel in gratitude for his rescue. His words were of an adult nature not to be printed here!

Eventually George moved to the C-130 Hercules aircraft, which had new and enhanced capabilities for Search and Rescue. Some notable missions included aircraft presence on site during Apollo mission re-entry and long-range search for missing aircraft.

Prior to retirement, George attained the role of Squadron Commander for the 36th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron based in Yokota Japan. He retired in 1974 and moved his family to the Austin, Texas area where they have remained and multiplied since.

Following retirement, George re-enrolled at the University of Texas where he completed his bachelor’s degree and worked another decade around Cedar Park managing the warehouse for a local technology firm.

George met his devoted wife “Tootie” (Adelyn) in 1955 while attending aviator training in her home State of Alabama. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1957 and built a family and life that would last more than 66 years together. Pong loved being visited by family, especially children, friends and neighbors, and enjoying music and reading in his favorite chair. Pong had a passion for antique cars and trucks, as well as airplanes in his working life and in retirement he enjoyed owning a 1930 Model A Ford and a 1949 Chevrolet pickup truck on which he loved to tinker. Pong will be remembered often as his family sorts through hundreds of boxes of antique car parts that we may not be able to identify. His parents William and Myrtle Glaeser, as well as his son Douglas R. Glaeser predecease George.

Pong leaves behind many loving descendants and family members that will miss him greatly. He leaves behind his wife Tootie; son John and Christine Glaeser of Briggs, Texas; daughter Susan Glaeser of Cedar Park, Texas; grandchildren Jordan and Bre Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Justin Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Jarred and Carmen Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Tayler and Justin Connelley of Cibolo, Texas, Tanner Sawisch of Georgetown, Texas, and Tori Sawisch of Austin, Texas. Pong also leaves behind great-grandchildren Rhyder Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Ellie Thomas of Burnet, Texas, Everly Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Jenson Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Birdie Jo Glaeser of Burnet, Texas, Adelyn Connelley of Cibolo, Texas, and one Glaeser on the way!

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on Thursday September 28, 2023 in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, with a graveside service with Full Military Honors to follow at 11:00 a.m., in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Glaeser family.