Wendell Hoyt Shawler

Colonel Wendell Hoyt Shawler, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Atlantic Beach, Florida on January 17, 2025 at the age of 96. Wendell was born to Hoyt Nathaniel and Mildred Lura Carpenter on July 16, 1928 in New Berlin, New York. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Hartwick College in 1950, where he majored in mathematics and physics with a minor in education. Wendell also held the record for the 120 High Hurdles for Hartwick College from 1949-1973. In 1970, he received an MBA from Golden State University. His life was a testament to dedication, adventure, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Wendell developed an early passion for aviation, which blossomed into a distinguished career spanning 27 years in the United States Air Force (USAF). His work as a test pilot pushed the boundaries of combat aircraft development and contributed to advances that inspired generations of aviators. Shawler flew the F-94 in the Korean War and served as a Forward Air Controller in the O-1 during the Vietnam War. He also tested the Chinese version of the MiG-17 over Vietnam. He flew a total of 296 combat missions, encompassing 580 hours in combat. 

A 1956 graduate of the USAF Flight Test Pilot School, Shawler flew many of the nation's early military jets. His flight test career spanned 40 years, during which he accumulated over 9,000 hours in 78 types of aircraft, including the U-2, T-39, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-4, A-7, A-37, T-38, F-14, and F-15. He served as Chief of Fighter Flight Test at Edwards Air Force Base and was the first director of the F-15 Joint Test Force, becoming the first USAF pilot to fly the F-15 Eagle on August 12, 1972. Additionally, he became the first USAF pilot to be qualified in the United States Navy’s F-14.

After retiring from the USAF, Shawler became Chief Test Pilot and Edwards Test Site Director for Fairchild Republic Company, overseeing the A-10 and T-46 programs. He conducted the first flight of the YA-10B and initial flight tests of the Night Adverse Weather System, as well as test flights on the T-46. He later served as Executive Director and test pilot instructor at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, CA. 

Colonel Shawler was a Fellow and Past President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP). His honors include two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals, three Air Force Commendation Medals, and recognition on the Aerospace Walk of Honor in Lancaster, CA. Wendell's remarkable career earned him the respect of his peers and left an indelible mark on the aviation community.

Wendell shared a love story for the ages with his wife, Mary Tilley. Married for 69 years, their bond was one of unshakable devotion and mutual admiration. Together, they built a life full of joy, love, and adventure. Their enduring partnership was a source of inspiration to all who knew them, and their connection was a beautiful reminder of the power of true love.

One of Wendell and Mary’s greatest joys was traveling the world together. Over the course of their marriage, they visited 93 countries, embracing new cultures, exploring new landscapes, and creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. Whether wandering the streets of Europe, marveling at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, or savoring the natural wonders of the Amazon, their shared passion for adventure and discovery was a defining feature of their lives together.

Wendell is survived by his loving family, who will carry his legacy forward. We take comfort in knowing that he has reunited with his beloved son Kenneth David Shawler (June 11, 1956 - March 14, 1972) and the love of his life Mary Standish Tilley Shawler (March 19, 1930 - July 31, 2023). Wendell is survived by his son Stephen Shawler (Marcia), daughter Patricia Flynn (John), and five grandchildren - Stephanie Flynn (Tyler), Will Flynn (Jordan), Michael Flynn (Maegan), Evan Shawler (Rachel), and Avery Shawler (Jacob).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunrise Community Church at 298 Aquatic Drive in Atlantic Beach, Florida on February 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the SETP Foundation (https://www.setp.org/setp-foundation/foundation-donations.html), a prestigious international society for all test pilots dedicated to advancing the future of aviation.