Maurice Joseph Inkel, 92, of Pensacola, FL passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023.

Maurice was born in Barre, VT on August 30, 1931, to Oliva and Marie Anna Inkel. He graduated from McGill High School followed by a couple years at Spring Hill College, both in Mobile, AL. Maurice enlisted in the US Air Force on April 12, 1951. While in the Air Force, he quickly completed his bachelor's degree, was selected for officer training, commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and selected for navigator training. During this time, he married the love of his life, Ramona "Ann" Heyer, of Mobile, AL. Maurice crewed various aircraft including the B-25, B-26, C-47, C-119, T-29, and B-66. Halfway through his USAF career, he transitioned to nuclear missiles with a final assignment to Whiteman AFB, MO. He retired as a Major on April 30, 1971. Now raising five children, he and Ann returned south to Pace, FL.

Maurice started a second career teaching several high school business courses. After retiring once again, he and Ann moved to St. Meinrad, IN where they got to fulfill a dream of building their own cabin as a retreat for their children and grandchildren to visit. In 2006, they moved back to Pensacola, FL.

Maurice is preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; beloved daughter-in-law, Michele Inkel; as well as his wife of 65 years, Ramona Ann Heyer Inkel.

Survivors include his two sons, Maurice "Joe" Inkel, Jr. (Bonnie) and Steven R. Inkel; his three daughters, Donna M. Mason (Tom), Barbara A. Inkel, and Diane L. Wahlstedt (Eric); 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Guy Inkel (Mary).

Visitation will be held 11:30 am-12:00 noon Monday, December 18, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 12:10 pm for a Funeral Mass that will begin at 1:00 pm Monday, December 18, 2023, at Lady of Loretto Catholic Chapel, aboard Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL, with Fr. Hank Lech and Fr. Pete McLaughlin concelebrating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Maurice J. Inkel III, Christopher M. Mason, Nicholas J. Mason, Robert Manning, Larrence O. Inkel, Henry Neuhoff V, Eric R. Wahlstedt, and John C. Wahlstedt.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Guy Inkel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor Indianapolis at ( https://www.littlesistersofthepoorindianapolis.org/our-giving-opportunities/ ) or to St. Jude Children's Hospital at ( https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now ).