Russell E. Klinginsmith

Russell Ellis Klinginsmith, Colonel USAF Retired, passed away on January 23, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas, leaving his beloved wife of 58 years, Moragh (Miki). The fifth of ten children, he was born to Ellis and Gertrude Kasson Klinginsmith on their family farm near St. Paul, Nebraska on September 9, 1921, where he learned the rewards of hard work.

He graduated from St. Paul High School in 1938. He was awarded a BA from Ohio State University and MBA from Michigan State University.

In 1954 Russell married his life’s companion, Moragh Fergusson, in Germany where he was stationed and she was working after her discharge from the British Army.

From 1942 to 1974, he served his country with valor and courage, as one of the best generation’s officers in WWII and beyond, never wavering from his commitment to do the best job he could ever do.

An accomplished airman with nearly 7000 hours flown in the service of his country across five continents and three decades, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, two Air Medals and two Air Force Commendation Medals, among the many Decorations in recognition of his service.

On February 16, 2012, the anniversary of the 1945 battle to retake Corregidor, he was asked by the Air Force to help dedicate the two newest C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, “The Spirit of Wau” and “The Spirit of Corregidor”, delivered to the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Abilene TX. Both were named in recognition of the Presidential Unit Citation awards the group received during WWII.

The group is the direct descendent of the 317th Troop Carrier Group he served with during the war in the Southwest Pacific. He was honored and very proud, as one of the last surviving C-47 Corregidor paratroop drop pilots to represent all the valiant the men and women he served with during our county’s hour of need.

After his retirement from the Air Force, he embarked on a twenty-year career in the real estate business. During this period and well after, he continued his mission to serve his community in many ways, from adults to youth, encouraging the next generation. He and Miki enjoyed traveling extensively, visiting all fifty states as well as crisscrossing the globe. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, gardening and especially his annual fall trips to Nebraska.

To his family he will be remembered as a cherished and devoted father and grandfather. He imparted an unshakeable sense of honor, kindness and importance of family to the ones he loved. His nurturing words and wisdom will be treasured by them and serve to support and guide them each day.

Russell is survived by his wife, Moragh, his son Gregory Ellis Klinginsmith and wife Linda; daughter Stephanie Collins and grandchildren Rebecca and Christopher Collins, sister Ruby Steffey, three sister in-laws, fifteen nieces and nephews, thirty two great nieces and nephews and twenty great-great nieces and nephews.

Beloved by all he met, Russell’s service to his community and anyone in need is his legacy to promote the best possible world he could help to create and inspire all to follow his example. And he did so.

Services were held Friday February 1, 2013 in St. Paul, NE

Instead of flowers, the family prefers a tribute in his honor to the organization of your choice.