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Henry J " Hank " Schmel Goes West

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Dave Baxter

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HENRY JOSEPH SCHMEL

Age 88, passed away on March 29, 2018 in Riverside, California.
He was born on May 30, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Henry and Cecelia (Yasik) Schmel. He worked in the entertainment field as a pyrotechnician for Universal Studios for 25 years. He was a pilot, a photographer, and a printer. He worked for 25 years as a Boy Scout Leader and he loved to do Roller Dancing, which he did up until he was 82 years old. Henry also served his country in the United States Air Force from 1948-1952 earning the Japan Occupation Medal and the Korean Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal.

What is not said is that Hank was a great person and builder, initially he worked for Jim Appleby at Antique Aero that was at Flabob airport back in the late 70s and early 80s mostly learning the art of wing building for WWI aircraft and later was a fixture at Starduster Corp writing numerous articles about building the Starduster and Acroduster airplanes, he was also a proficient aerobatic pilot that test flew numerous first flights, as well as solving rigging issues . I have attended many Starduster fly-ins with Hank and also flew with him to several of these events. he was a consummate gentleman.

He also spent many yrs building his Starduster Too N49HS a most incredible IO-540 airplane, and one of a kind Eagle paint job and a salute to America. Its people like him you hate to see go west, but at 88yrs old most of us will never reach that! Blue Sky's Hank, it was a pleasure knowing you and flying with you... Dave
 

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