Elmo Walter Geppelt, 95, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on June 27, 2019. He was born July 27, 1923 in Caddo, Texas to Walter Albert and Eunice L. Geppelt. In 1942, Elmo Geppelt enlisted in the United States Air Force. Elmo began basic training in February 1943 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon graduation, he began his college training at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri from March until May 1943. During his training, Elmo was appointed Cadet Group Executive Officer and Deputy Commander. After college training, Elmo was transferred to the AAF Classification Center in San Antonio, Texas. He then began the AAF Navigation School in Ellington Field, Texas. Whilst attending school, Elmo was also the assistant editor for the class yearbook. After his pre-flight training, he began advanced navigation training in San Marcos, Texas. He completed his training in January 1944. Upon his completion of his advanced navigation training, Elmo joined the 358th Combat Crew Training School in Blythe, California, for overseas training. In April 1944, he joined the 460th AAF Base Unit in Hamilton Field, California. On June 2, 1944, Elmo joined the 458th Bomb Group, where he was appointed Lead Navigator and Squadron Navigator at the AAF Station 123, England. From June 1994 through February 1945, Elmo completed 30 successful missions throughout France and Germany. After Elmo's achievements, he began instructor's school and soon became an instructor, at the 2517th AAF Base Unit in Ellington Field, Texas. After proudly serving for the United States Air Force, Elmo transferred to the separation center in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where he joined the Air Force Reserve in September 1945. In January 1954 until May 1954, he began his duties as an Assistant Training Officer at the 9851st Air Reserve Squad in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In May 1954, Elmo was promoted to Training Officer. One year later, he was promoted to Executive Officer. In October 1956, he was appointed as an Information Service Officer, which he served as for 4 years. In February 1960, he joined the Air Reserve Group Guidance Staff where he became supervisor for individual counseling at the 9176th Air Reserve Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Lastly, in July 1961, Elmo joined the 9417th Air Force Reserve Recovery Squadron in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Here, Elmo served as command and electrical staff officer, disaster control officer, and explorer scout project officer. Elmo was deeply devoted church member who always volunteered in all areas of worship. He was preceded in death by his son Neil Geppelt, first wife, Betty Geppelt, and parents, Eunice L. Geppelt and Walter Albert Geppelt. Those left to cherish Elmo's memory is his current wife, Joanna Geppelt, son, Gary Geppelt and wife Linda, daughter, Lyn Barela and husband Tom, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Christ United Methodist Church. Legacy Touch Code: DXJWCN3Z