Klyne David Nowlin

Klyne David Nowlin, retired Air Force Colonel, former industry manager, and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) advocate for military retiree benefits, died April 23, 2014 in Satellite Beach. Col. Nowlin, a Floridian, was born to the late Dudley W. and Kathleen M. Nowlin of Daytona Beach where he was a 1950 graduate of Mainland High School. In 1954, he graduated from the Florida State University and was commissioned an Air Force Officer. While on active duty he earned his Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in 1967. Klyne began his military career in 1954 and earned his pilot wings in 1955. During a successful 28 year career, he served in a variety of combat pilot, instructor, and staff/command positions. For his first thirteen years, he served in Strategic Air Command, first as a B-36 combat pilot with 15th Air Force, later as a B-52 combat pilot and an Instructor Minuteman Missile Combat Crew Commander with 8th Air Force. During the Vietnam War, he was assigned to Special Operations in 1968 as a U-10 command pilot, Psychological Warfare Advisor and flew numerous combat missions. Later he served seven years with the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. In 1975, he took command of the Air Force Plant Representative's Office, Lockheed Missile and Space Company, retired from Wright-Patterson AFB as Contracting Director of research and development of such notable aircraft as the B-1B Bomber, KC-135 Refueling Tanker and the C-17 Globemaster military transport, to name a few. As a career military officer, he believed strongly that everyone should serve a tour in the military. "I believe a military experience is a prerequisite for young men and women to become good citizens, dedicated to serving mankind and their country," Nowlin said. In 1982, he came to Brevard County and joined Harris Corporation as contacts senior manager until he retired in 1991. Klyne was very active in MOAA, serving on the state council's board of directors for over ten years, including president in 1999 and 2000. As president, he traveled throughout the state visiting chapters, and he campaigned for equity in military retiree benefits by meeting with U.S. senators and representatives in Congress. He was a life member of the national organization and local Cape Canaveral Chapter of MOAA. He also was a former president of the Brevard Seminole Club and a member of the Florida State Seminole Boosters, Varsity Club, and Alumni Association. As a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, he was chairman, Shepherd's Center-Beachside, dedicated to providing meaningful projects for older adults. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juliette O. Nowlin, and his brother, Dudley H. Nowlin. He is survived by his sons, David D. Nowlin of Melbourne and Michael J. Nowlin of Satellite Beach; daughters, Colleen M. Nowlin of Palm Bay, and Donna K. Olson of Satellite Beach; and nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 10-11am at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Indialantic, with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11am.