Harold Anthony Dilger

Harold (Hal) Anthony Dilger, Sr. 88, passed away on June 28, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Harold is survived by Nancy Pfenenger Dilger, spouse of 62 years, and daughters, Loretta Dilger, Charmaine Valencia, Leann (Arthur) Ramon, Carla (Frank) Stark, Nanette (Jesse) Cruz and daughter-in-law, Courtney James Dilger, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Joseph H. Dilger, father, Laura Schwoerer Dilger, mother, all of his siblings, Harold Anthony Dilger, Jr. only son, and Micaela Cruz, granddaughter.

Harold Anthony Dilger, Sr. was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on January 22, 1935. He graduated from Corpus Christi College Academy in May 1953 and joined the United States Army in December 1953. He served in Korea until December 1956. He attended Parks College in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1957-58, earning a degree in Aircraft Mechanics. He met Nancy Pfenenger in March, 1960 while working at the airport in Jefferson City, Missouri. On September 30, 1961, they were married in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and moved to Joplin where he worked as an aircraft mechanic.

He moved his family to Corpus Christi, Texas in April 1964. He and Nancy moved to Bonham Street in September 1965. They joined Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church where he ushered until 2000. He began his career at Aradmac working on helicopters in December, 1965. Later known as Corpus Christi Army Depot/Naval Air Station, he was promoted to Director of Aircraft Management, working with the Pentagon coordinating which aircraft left and arrived from NAS. He retired from CCAD in 1988. During this time, from 1969 to 1970, he attended Del Mar College, earning a degree in Automotive Air Conditioning.

From 1974 to 1979, he was a Captain, then a Major in the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 42026 at Cabiness Field. He taught defensive driving classes in the evenings at the naval bases in Kingsville and in Corpus Christi. In 1971, he opened his own business on Sacky Street where he installed air conditioners in the new Fiats and other sports cars. He also worked on private vehicles, air conditioners and refrigerators. He closed the shop in 2000.

Hal and Nancy traveled most of the United States in an RV they built between 1988 and 1994. They took their first six week trip to Indiana in 1994. Later, they continued to travel by car. They were still traveling in Texas in March 2023.

The Rosary and Mass for Harold Dilger will be held on September 15, 2023, at 10:30AM at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church.

Internment with full Military Honors will be at Coastal Bend Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas and will be held at 1PM sharp. There will be a BBQ at Sts. Cyril and Methodius from 2PM until 4PM.

Memorial donations can be made in Harold's name to American Legion Post 364 at 5323 Kostoryz Rd. Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.

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