Col. John R. Niemann

Niemann, Col. John R., of St. Peters, MO, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at the age of 84. Loving husband of 63 years to V. Joyce Niemann; beloved son of the late Eugene and Marie E. Niemann; devoted father of Richard (Ann) Niemann and Sheryl (Russ) Wilshusen; cherished grandfather of Andrea, Melody, and David. He is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Niemann

Col. John R. Niemann, USMC, Past President of MOAA St. Louis chapter in 1999. Started out as Treasurer, and followed up the ladder to President.

John received his BS in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Illinois. Entered military service in 1952 as a Naval Aviation Cadet.) In 1953, met Carrier Landing Qualification on the USS Monterey), commissioned as a 2^nd Lt. in the Marine Corps in 1953. In 1954 John received his Naval Aviation Wings, was designated as a Fighter Pilot. His first duty station was MCAS El Toro, CA where he flew the F9F2, F9F5, T-33, and C45. During this time, he closely observed Nevada Nuclear testing, while in a surveillance aircraft. August 1955, he was sent to K3 Korea for 15 months. Although the Korean conflict was over, the Marine pilots frequently returned to K-3 with 50 Caliber holes in the aircraft.

John enjoyed flying numerous aircraft, i.e.: Hellcat, AD-Skyraider, T-33, Panther, Skyhawk, F9F8 Recon, C45, among others. John flew in Reserve Units in eight states while employed with McDonnell-Douglas, Boeing, Flight Test at Edwards A.F. Base for both the Army and the Air Force, and AVSCOM in St. Louis, retiring in 1993. He is a member of ANA, Navy League, Marine Corps Association, Marine Corps Aviation Association, and Historical Society.

John and his wife Joyce have been married for 63 years, had 3 children, Richard, Sheryl, and the late Doug, and 3 grandchildren, David, Andrea, and Melody. The families live in the local area. John enjoyed classical music, western books, going out to eat and spending time with his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society.