Donald E. Muncy

Donald “Don” E. Muncy, age 102, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Springfield Masonic Community where he has resided for 25 years. Don was born October 27, 1922 to the late Carmie and Imojean Muncy. He was born in Huntington, West Virginia, and grew up in Springfield, Ohio. He lived a life defined by dedication, both in his professional career and personal pursuits.

After graduating from Springfield High School in 1940, Donald joined the United States Navy, where he excelled in his duties as a Plane Captain assigned to the Atlantic Fleet in support of anti-submarine patrol missions. His exceptional performance led to his recommendation for the civilian air traffic control school in Kansas City, Missouri, marking the beginning of a remarkable 35-year journey in military and civil air traffic control.

Following the completion of his six-year Navy enlistment, Donald entered the inactive Navy Reserves for an additional four years. When the Korean War began, he resumed active duty as a Chief Controller at the Naval Air Base in Alaska. After the war, he returned to Cleveland, Ohio, to serve as a controller with the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). His enduring commitment continued through the Vietnam War, where he offered guidance as an advisor to the 20th air division and the Guam FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center.

His illustrious career culminated in significant contributions to air traffic management, including a pivotal role in the establishment of the world’s first Metroplex, BAY TRACON, which was commissioned at the passenger terminal of Oakland International Airport in 1967. Donald advocated for a more efficient approach to traffic control in the Bay Area, proposing the creation of a master radar approach control facility to streamline operations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Donald was a proud member of the Masonic community, having been initiated into the St. Andrews lodge in 1945. He retired in 1977, after 37 years of service, and he and his beloved late wife enjoyed 13 years in Grass Valley, California. During these years, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, indulging in their shared passion for golf, playing over 400 courses while covering more than 100,000 miles in their 36-foot trailer.

Donald was also an avid learner and educator. Under the mentorship of a retired Disney studio artist, he developed a passion for painting that lasted over four decades. His love for the arts extended to his later years when he returned to Springfield to care for his mother and established an arts program for residents at the Masonic Home. His efforts were recognized and supported by the community, raising over $1,000 for the Masonic Foundation through his art lessons.

A member of the Ohio Eastern Star, Neal Chapter, and a longtime participant in the Scottish Rite 32nd degree, Donald's legacy reflects a man of service both in the skies and within his community. His contributions to air traffic control and the arts will be remembered by all who knew him.

He has one surviving daughter, Diana L. Glasgow, who resides in Springfield and grandsons, Scott Hallmeyer and Kevin Hallmeyer and special great-grandson Beckham Hallmeyer. He was preceded in death by his wife who was his childhood sweetheart and married for 78 years, Virginia “Ginny” Muncy and son, Ronald Muncy.

Viewing will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 from 11:30am-1pm at the Masonic Home Rickly Auditorium with services beginning at 1pm. Burial will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens where he will be laid to rest beside his late wife. Arrangements in care of Jackson Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center.