Col. Ralph D. Haaf, U.S. Air Force (retired), 97, died Aug. 11, 2019, in his home.

As a child, he spent his summer with his family in Haafsville and would see planes.

He dreamt about being a pilot and entered the Army Air Corps in 1942 and was commissioned in 1944.

He piloted B17s during WWII, C54s during the Korean War, and was aircraft commander of C135s at McGuire Air Force Base.

He piloted many dignitaries, including Robert S. McNamara, the former secretary of defense.

The first squadron commander of the C5 in Altus, Okla., he retired from the Air Force after 30 years of military service.

A graduate of Allen High School, he attended Muhlenberg College and Penn State University.

After retiring, he joined the Weisenberg Township Planning Commission for 17 years.

He enjoyed his second passion of farming at the family homestead, Iron Run Farms, Haafsville.

The son of the late George D. and Elsa (Yunkert) Haaf, he was predeceased by sisters, Marie and Marjorie, and a brother Homer.

His survivors include daughters Valerie Wessner, Jane Gilbert, Barbara Stauffer; sons David, and George Haaf with whom he resided; grandchildren Ralph D. Haaf II and wife Samantha, David W. and Jonathan D. Haaf; great-grandchildren, George, Emory and Penelope Haaf.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions may be made to the Topton American Legion, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Home, Fogelsville.