Robert Parmele was born in 1917 to Harry and Lily Parmele. He grew up on a farm in Bettendorf and developed a lifetime fascination with airplanes. Robert started his career in aviation during World War II when he served as a navigator in the Army Air Corps. During the war, he flew on B-17 and B-29 bombers and survived being shot down over Poland.

When the war ended, Robert returned home and founded the Bettendorf Airport in 1947. He soon launched Agonair Service and became a certified flight instructor in 1950. Under Robert’s management, the airport was able to offer charter flights, aircraft repair, and flight lessons. In fact, many pilots in the Quad Cities got their start in aviation thanks to Robert’s lessons.

Robert also utilized a small shop at the airport to manufacture an invention of his own. The device was a navigation tool aptly named the Parmele Navigator. It could help pilots plot a course using a large wall chart.

By 1963, the area surrounding the Bettendorf Airport was being built up with residential housing. This new growth left no room for expansion and the airport was forced to close down. Robert moved Agonair’s operations to the Davenport Municipal Airport. He also moved the equipment needed to manufacture the Parmele Navigator to Davenport. Unfortunately, before Robert was able to resume production of his invention, the equipment disappeared.

For many years, Robert worked for Tri State Mapping and Surveying Company flying a special Cessna 206 that had a camera attached to it. The camera produced topography images that were accurate to within a six inch margin.

Robert eventually retired from flying in 1986. He filled his time with photography, working on his computer, and making use of the Quad City bike path. In his later years, Robert was inducted into the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame. This honor was a tribute to his 23,000 accident free hours of flying. It was also in recognition of his development of the Parmele Navigator.

The charitable gift annuity that Robert established with the Community Foundation provides an annual income for his loved ones. In time, Robert’s gift will be passed on to the Foundation, thus ensuring that Robert’s generous spirit will live on forever in the community.