Distler, Jack Louis, 96, passed away April 4, 2018. A graduate of duPont Manual High School, Jack became involved in flying and obtained his private pilot's license under the government's Civil Air program while at Speed Scientific School, University of Louisville.
After World War II was declared, Jack received a direct commission in the Army Air Corps. He completed his first overseas tour in the China-Burma-India theater, flying C-46 Transports from India to China. On his second tour he was stationed on Okinawa and flew all over the Western Pacific. Separated in 1946, he soon returned to military service and married his wife of 70 years, Martha Floyd of Morganfield.
Jack retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1966 as a lieutenant colonel, and upon his return to Louisville, taught at the United Electronics Institute in Shively. In addition to being an avid photographer, he played the tuba in several local community bands: Corydon Community Band, Holy Name Band, River Cities Concert Band, and Bourbon City Brass Band.
Jack and Martha (Martha passed January 8, 2018) were blessed with three wonderful children, Sherry, Kenneth, and Donald; and seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10 am at Evergreen Funeral Home Dignity Chapel, with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2 pm-8 pm at the funeral home.
