PCN Flight West Page

Flt West Page___Survivor's Page____PCN Home Page_____Flight West Lists______Report a Death___About Mark__Contact Blog Admin

___ PCN FLIGHT WEST is sponsored by the Pilot Communication Network and is a service of the PCN provided for the Delta Pilot Retired family of pilot groups. Flight West was started and is maintained to accomplish two main goals. After we become aware of a colleague who has Flown West, 1. We aim to produce a “timely” notice sent to our community that allows for support and interaction from our group toward the grieving family of our friend and colleague. 2. Then, we aim to “archive” that notice on our Flown West Blogspot as a lasting accessible place of Dignity and Honor of our colleague for family legacy and posterity. Contributor contact info is generally removed before posting (unless requested otherwise).

HOME PAGE SHOWs THE 5 MOST RECENT POSTS.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

DL Capt. John James Hurley

~ IN MEMORY ~
WWII veteran, DL Capt. John James ‘Jay’ Hurley
January 18, 1916 ~ October 26, 2012
 
Notification of the passing of DL pilot Captain John James Hurley, age 96.  Captain Hurley hired on with Delta 03-28-1946 and was based Miami at the time of his retirement.
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.mclanefuneralservices.com/ 
Services were held today Sunday, October 28, 2012.
 
Survived by his wife Betty personal condolences may be sent to the family at  
3701 Bermuda Run Drive ,  Valdosta  GA 31605-1059  ...  (229) 232-5220
 

John James (J.J.) Hurley
Valdosta Daily Times (GA) - Saturday, October 27, 2012
 
  — John James (J.J.) Hurley, 96, of Valdosta and formerly of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida died suddenly at his home on Friday, October 26, 2012. He was born in Washington D.C. on January 18, 1916 to the late John and Winifred Hurley. J.J was an aviation pioneer. He was a veteran of WWII and served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps and was the last surviving member of the 41B Squadron. Through his leadership and the collective training of other pilots, he was instrumental in the success and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen having been the lead pilot trainer for the historic group. He also trained the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during this time. He was discharged as a Lt. Colonel when the war ended and went to work as a pilot with Delta Airlines. He flew for Delta for thirty years until he retired. He was the airline's oldest living original captains. Following his tenure with Delta he became the director for Mackey Airlines. He loved golfing, fishing and boating. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ft. Lauderdale.
 
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Betty Hurley of Valdosta; daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Milan Curcija of Hahira, Sharon Yarnall of Cumming, Georgia, Colleen and Roger Monroe of Winter Springs, Florida, Elizabeth and Dave Hargrove of Huntsville, Alabama; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Maylin Hurley of Lighthouse Point, Florida, Patrick and Stacey Hurley of Naples, Florida; step-daughter and her husband, Karen and Mark Mosley of Valdosta; step-son and his wife, Glen and Sandra Williams of Cullman, Alabama; step-daughter and her husband, Kelly and Filemon Lopez of Weston, Florida; 18 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
 
Services for John Hurley will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the McLane Riverview Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Bob Willis and Deacon David Lassiter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Mausoleum chapel. The burial will follow upon completion of all services in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com  — Carson McLane Funeral Home.

Friday, October 19, 2012

DL Capt. Gregory E. Durio

~ IN MEMORY ~
Lt. Col. USAF (ret.) & DL Capt. Gregory Eugene Durio
February 3, 1952 - October 17, 2012
Gregory Eugene Durio, Lt. Col. USAF (ret.), 60, “slipped the surly bonds of earth” one last and final time on October 17th 2012.
 
Funeral services will include a wake at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas on Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., and a funeral Mass to be conducted on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 9:00 o’clock a.m. at St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana, with interment with full Military Honors at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, Louisiana.
 
“Greg” was the oldest son of James E. and Catherine Richard “Tat” Durio, born on February 3rd 1952, the first of their eight children. He joined Troops 30 and 31 of the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Eagle Scout badge in 1967. He received a Private Pilot’s license in 1969 and graduated in 1970 from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, where he was a National Merit Semifinalist and received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
 
In 1974 he graduated from the Air Force Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1975 he was recognized as the highest ranking graduating pilot or “Top Gun” in his flight school class at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. From 1975 to 1977 he flew the McDonnel Douglas F-4D patrolling the DMZ between North and South Korea. In 1977 he returned to the United States to join the first operational squadron to fly the A-10 “Warthog” close ground support tankbuster from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Retiring from Active Duty to Reserve status in 1980, he joined the 926th Fighter Group based at the Naval Air Station in Belle Chase, Louisiana. In 1985 Greg began a civilian career as an airline pilot for Delta stationed in New Orleans.
 
Greg married Nanette Howard of Selma, Alabama on Jan. 28th, 1978. He was the father of Jennifer Ashley and Jamie Howard Durio.
 
In 1990, Greg was activated in connection with Operation Desert Storm, the first Iraq war and flew with the 706th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Despite his age and fatherhood, because of his unsurpassed experience in the A-10, Greg was assigned to a front line unit flying the Warthog into Iraq from an undisclosed airbase in the Saudi Arabian Desert. For his service at the front he was awarded numerous air medals and citations that noted his many successful bombing and strafing missions including numerous enemy targets killed or destroyed.
 
Greg was an avid hunter and sportsmen from early high school at A.I.C., where he lettered in football. While at the Air Force Academy he was a member of the Lacrosse and shooting sport teams and was named the North American Intercollegiate 20ga Competition Shooting Champion in 1973. He bagged several Mule Deer in Colorado, hunted deer, ducks and turkey in Alabama, and deer ducks and geese in Louisiana, and became a successful bow hunter. He also became an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, travelling to many races with his son Jamie.
 
Greg was preceded in death by his brother Jeff and his parents Jim and Tat. He is survived by his wife Nan and children Jenny and Jamie, of Marietta Georgia, his brother Buzz and wife ReneĆ©, of Lafayette, brothers Rick and John of Carencro, sisters Cathy Chachere and Denise Carroll, and their respective husbands Donald “Buzz” Chachere and Jerry Carroll, of Opelousas, and brother Joseph of Baton Rouge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
 
Greg was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and served briefly as Commander of Post 2681 of Marrietta, Georgia. He was an expert historian and artifact collector of the Civil War and a member of the Sons of the Confederacy.
 
Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com   
 
Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas (2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, La. 70570, (337) 942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.  
 
Obituary Provided By:
LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Homes
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Gregory Eugene ‘Greg’ Durio
February 3, 1952 ~ October 17, 2012
Word has reached us that DL pilot Captain Greg Durio passed away October 17th at the age of 60.  Greg hired on with Delta 09-04-1985 and was based 030/ATL prior to his medical retirement.  The funeral home advised me today that Greg’s family will have his obituary ready for posting soon.  To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at www.lafondardoin.com/ 
I believe Greg is survived by his wife Nanette ‘Nan’ Howard Durio.  Their most recent address is listed as
4195 Parish Drive ,  Marietta  GA 30066-2377  ...   (770) 591-3976
Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street , Opelousas   LA 70570
10/21/2012 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Church
St. Landry Catholic Church
1020 North Main, Opelousas   LA 70570
10/22/2012 at 9:00 a.m.
Cedar Hill Cemetery
715 West Vine Street, Washington  LA 70589
From: George Rasar Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 10:54 AM   Subject: Greg Durio
Sad to pass the news of the passing of Greg Durio (Delta #815748).  Hired in 1985, he was medically retired.  Services will be held :   La Fond Funeral Home , 2869 S Union St, Opelousas, La. 70570. (337-942-2638)    Sunday Oct 21: Visitation 1800-2000 and Funeral at St. Landry Catholic Church, 900 N. Union St., Opelousas, Monday Oct 22, 0900.
Travis,
 Please post on the MSY network with  hope that some of our MSY folks may attend the funeral.  Greg was with us in MSY mid-80s.
Thanks to all.
Sonny Rasar
777 Captain (679839)

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NEA/DL Capt. Edmund C. Butler

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran & NEA/DL Capt. Edmund C. ‘Ed’ Butler
July 16, 1930 ~ October 9, 2012
Word has been received of the passing of USAF veteran and NEA/DL retired pilot Captain Edmund Carlton Butler, age 82.  Captain Butler hired on with Northeast 06-23-1952 and retired with Delta in 1990 at the mandatory age 60, based ATL.  Arrangements are not known yet but should we hear more, we will be sure to pass that information along.  Captain Butler is survived by his wife Joan.   Personal condolences may be sent to their residence at
572 Chelsea Place , Carson City  NV 89703-4623  ...   (775) 841-5110  
 
--------------------
Be advised that Captain Edmund (Ed) Butler passed away 
9 Oct 2012 in Carson City, NV 
I will keep you informed of any further  information
 
John Riffle


NWA Capt. Byron D. Otten

 
~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Byron D. Otten
December 13, 1937 ~ September 21, 2012

Word has been received of the passing of NWA pilot and RNPA member Captain Byron Otten.  Born in Minnesota to parents George G. Otten and Dorothy Kruger Otten on December 13, 1937 Byron Dean Otten was 74 years of age at the time of his passing September 21, 2012.  Captain Otten hired on with Northwest 03-15-1965.  Unfortunately, he had been on a medical retirement these past years due to injuries sustained in a light aircraft accident that occurred 09-24-1985 in Burlington WA.  Captain Otten is survived by his wife and former Northwest stewardess Rosalie Sharon Lindberg Otten.  Personal condolences may be sent to their home at   
 PO Box 574 , Eastsound  WA 98245-574   ...  360-376-2863

Services were private.



Sunday, October 7, 2012

NWA Capt. Marvin L. Lund

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA pilot & RNPA member Marvin Leroy Lund
Aug 28, 1918 – Sep 20, 2012
 
Notification of the passing of early NWA pilot and RNPA member Marvin Leroy Lund, age 94.  To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://bonneywatson.com/obituaries/detail.html?id=4359 
Graveside services and a memorial service were held September 26th & 27th in Washington state.
 
Survived by his wife Helen personal condolences may be sent to
29405 9th Place S. , Federal Way  WA 98003-3785   ...   (253) 839-2767
Captain Lund is also survived by his grandson F/O Christopher Lowe who is based MSP with Delta and flies the B767-ERs internationally.
 
 
Obituary
Marvin Leroy Lund was born in Minneapolis, MN on Aug 28, 1918. He passed away on Sept 20, 2012 at age 94. He is survived by his wife Helen and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage.  Marvin has a brother Ken who lives in Las Vegas. He has two children, Karen Lowe-Lund and William Lund.  He also has several grandchildren including Mi-Ky Lowe, Brian Lowe, Christopher Lowe (wife Jennifer), Derek Lund, Karen Coffelt-Lund, and Adam Lund. His great grandchildren include Emily, Natalie, and Ryan Lowe. Marvin served in the Civil Conservation Corp in the 1930’s building logging roads in the rural areas of Washington State. During World War Two he was trained in naval aviation and later became a line mechanic for Northwest Airlines.  He progressed from there to being a Flight Engineer and later a Pilot seeing service on the Boeing 747. Marvin was pleased that his grandson, Christopher Lowe, followed in his footsteps to become a Northwest Airline Pilot (now Delta Airlines). Marvin loved hunting and latter develop a passion for golfing. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Burial is on Wednesday Sept 26th, 12:30 p.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 Southeast 240th Street  Kent, WA 98042, and a memorial service will follow on Saturday, Sept. 27, 4:00 PM at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2415 South 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98003. All are welcome to attend both services.
 
Service:  Wednesday, Sep 26, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Tahoma National Cemetery
18600 SE 240th St.
Kent, Washington 98042

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

DL Capt. James R. Dalton

Update/Correction!  Please note ....  
friends of the Dalton family tell us that the article in the Atlanta Constitution/AJC posted the wrong location address for the Carmichael_Hemperley Funeral Home.  It should be 135 Senoia Rd. Peachtree City, Ga. phone is 678-369-1957.   www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com/ 
Carmichael - Hemperley Funeral Home and Crematory
135 Senoia Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269
 
~ In Memory of James Robert Dalton Sr.
March 15, 1919 - October 1, 2012
 
To view/sign the online guestbook and to view the photo gallery, please visit the funeral home website at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com/  or
 
Service Information
 
Visitation:   Wednesday, October 03, 2012 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Carmichael - Hemperley Funeral Home
135 Senoia Road
Peachtree City, GA
 
Funeral Service:   Thursday, October 04, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
Carmichael - Hemperley Funeral Home
135 Senoia Road , Peachtree City, GA
 
Thank you,
~ Carol



~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. James R. Dalton
WWII veteran - awaiting Civil Air Patrol Congressional Gold Medal award,
Delta Golden Wings & Delta Pioneers member
March 15, 1919 ~ October 1, 2012
Notification of the passing of retired DL pilot Captain James R. Dalton, age 93.  Captain Dalton’s obituary reads: “His commercial flying career extended from civilian flight instructor on C.P.T., Army Air Corps Primary Flight School, to Delta Airlines Captain on Douglas DC-3 to Boeing 747 equipment for 30 years.”  A veteran of WWII, he enlisted November 26, 1940.  Captain Dalton hired on with Delta 12-20-1943.  
Services honoring Captain Dalton's life will be held Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, East Point GA.  Visitation will be the evening prior from 5-8:00 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in College Park, GA. 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
Survived by his wife Nancy personal condolences may be sent to
108 Roundleaf Court, Peachtree City  GA 30269-1240  ...  (770) 487-6215
Obituary:
J. R. Dalton, age 93, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012. Mr. Dalton , a retired pilot for Delta Airlines was born March 15, 1919 in Toledo, OH and was a long time resident of East Point and Peachtree City, GA. His commercial flying career extended from civilian flight instructor on C.P.T., Army Air Corps Primary Flight School, to Delta Airlines Captain on Douglas DC-3 to Boeing 747 equipment for 30 years. He was also a member of the Airline Pilots Association, Delta Golden Wings and The Delta Pioneers. Mr. Dalton is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Hood Dalton; daughters, Carolyn Craig Lolley Joyner Robbins and Elizabeth Dalton Conn and son-in-laws, Stanley Lewis and Grady Jack Conn. Those left to cherish his memory include wife, Nancy Cheek Dalton; son, James Robert Dalton Jr.; daughter, Judy Dalton Lewis; step-daughters, Amelia, Betsy and Cathy; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Services honoring Mr. Dalton's life will held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11 am in the chapel of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home with Minister Clay Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 5-8 pm. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in College Park, GA.
.Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on October 3, 2012   
   Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, East Point
   2968 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344 | 404-761-1138
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CAP Congressional Gold Medal Bill
posted Jul 8, 2012 4:38 AM by Paul Creed III
Ohio Wing CAP Members,
..............message from our National Commander, MG Charles. L. Carr about the current status of the Congressional Gold Medal for our WWII CAP Veterans in the House of Representatives.  This situation directly effects all of our WWII Veterans from Ohio.
...........among the list of Confirmed and Unconfirmed Recipients:
DALTON, JAMES R.   AWAITING CONFIRMATION   OHIO
A large majority of these veterans flew Coastal Anti-Submarine Patrols from the CAP Coastal Patrol Base 14 in Panama City, FL during the opening months of WWII in 1942.  I have personally talked with Col. Robert Arn, CAP from Westerville, Ohio, and his recollections of the duty he and the rest of the Ohio folks at Coastal Patrol Base 14 is truly awesome and inspiring. 
...................support HR 719 for the Civil Air Patrol Congressional Gold Medal for our remaining WWII CAP Veterans. 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

DL Capt. Robert W. 'Bob' Fulkerson

Update/Obituary notice for Captain Fulkerson:
 
Retired Delta Pilot, Captain Robert (Bob) Fulkerson died August 15 in Calgary, Canada. Bob was a veteran Maui outrigger canoe paddler, and suffered an apparent massive heart attack during the International Vaa World Cup Sprint races. Bob collapsed near the finish line of the race.
Teams from around the world honored Bob with traditional protocols from their countries. There were honors from Hawaiian chants to a Scottish Bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. The competitors raised their paddles in honor of Bob and his passion for the sport as his body was transported from the race. While his family and friends were shocked and deeply saddened by the loss, they have taken comfort in the fact he died doing what he loved.
Bob was a Viet Nam Veteran and then served as a Delta Airlines pilot from 1972 to 2002. He was based in Los Angeles during his last three years with Delta and flew from LAX to Honolulu and LAX to Maui. Prior to this assignment, Bob flew internationally. He retired to the North Shore of Maui.
Bob is survived by his wife Kim Fulkerson of Maui; his sons, Robert (Bobby) Fulkerson and wife Sloan of Portland, OR, and Kurt Fulkerson of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his stepson Dana Heter and wife Amanda of Dallas, TX and stepdaughter Elizabeth Losito and husband Michael of Phoenix, AZ, his father Robert Fulkerson and wife Julia of Ajo, AZ, and his sisters Nancy Cranston and husband Steve of Honolulu, HI and Kathy McMahan of San Raphael, CA.
Services were held in Maui at the Kihei Canoe Club where Bob was a ten-year competitive paddler. His ashes were placed in the Pacific Ocean where he loved to paddle. Pastor Shaun Waite officiated.
The family suggests those wishing to make memorial donations in Bob’s honor send any gifts to Waipuna Chapel, 17 Omaopio Road, Kula, HI 96708. (See www.waipunachapel.com for more information on the chapel and its ministry.)

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Robert W. ‘Bob’ Fulkerson
May 2, 1942 ~ August 15, 2012
Word has just reached us that retired Delta Captain Bob Fulkerson suffered a massive heart attack while competing in canoe paddling competitions in Canada.  Bob hired on with Delta 11-27-1972.  He was based DFW for most of his career, then JFK, and prior to retiring May of 2002 was based LAX.  The Kihei Canoe Club held a Celebration of Life and Ashes to Sea ceremony for Bob on Sunday, August 26th.   Bob had planned to be in Arizona August 24th for his dad’s 90th birthday celebration.  Captain Robert Wilmarth ‘Bob’ ‘Bobby’ Fulkerson was 70 years of age at the time of his passing August 15, 2012. 
For those wishing to send personal condolences, I believe Kimberly White Fulkerson can be reached at
1704 Treehouse Lane,  Plano  TX 75023-7432
and Captain Fulkerson’s father
Robert L. Fulkerson can be reached at  140 W. Morondo Ave., Ajo AZ 85321-2417
Thank you,
~ Carol 

Hawaiian Canoe Club
Celebration of Life for "Haiku Bob" Fulkerson, 8/26.
​Alberta - Bob Fulkerson, a veteran paddler from Haiku, died Wednesday while competing in the International Va'a Federation World Sprints. He was 70. ​
According to the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association's website, Fulkerson "suffered a massive heart attack" during a race.​
Kihei Canoe Club will be having a Celebration of Life and Ashes to Sea ceremony at 10:00 AM Sunday, 8/26 at their club beach in north Kihei.  All Maui Canoe Club members are invited to attend. 
According to the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association's website, Bob Fulkerson "suffered a massive heart attack" during a race. Fulkerson, of Haiku, Maui, was 70 years old.
During the Kupuna masters race, Fulkerson from Maui suffered a massive heart attack. Volunteers and emergency response did all they could.
Racing commenced after a blessing by New Zealand in honor of Bob’s passion for the sport.
“Although I am deeply saddened that I was not with Bob in Calgary, I am comforted that my precious husband was surrounded by wonderful friends and the paddling community. Thank you for honoring my husband and paying tribute to him in such a special way. We love you Bob!”
           ~ Kim Fulkerson
Maui paddler dies during World Sprints
August 17, 2012
The Maui News
CALGARY, Alberta - Bob Fulkerson, a veteran paddler from Haiku, died Wednesday while competing in the International Vaa Federation World Sprints. He was 70.
According to the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association's website, Fulkerson "suffered a massive heart attack" during a race.
"Everyone who talked about him remembered how he loved life," said Sharon Balidoy, one of the head coaches at Lae'ula O Kai, Fulkerson's team during this year's Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association season. "He was really fun, happy - always had nice things to say."
Fulkerson collapsed near the finish line of Wednesday's race.
"It happened right before us," Balidoy said. "He kept paddling with his hands, even without his paddle."
Balidoy said participants and staff at the sprints paid respects in their own fashion when Fulkerson's body was taken away, with honors from Hawaiian chants to Maori haka to a Scottish bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace."
Paul Luuwai, who was in Calgary as the Hawaiian Canoe Club keiki coach, said the demonstration was moving.
"All the cultures there were trying to do their protocol when someone dies," he said. "It was kind of touching to see them honor one of our kupuna like that."
Fulkerson, a former Delta Airlines pilot, was in his first year with Lae'ula. He had known Balidoy from their participation in one-person events, especially races from Maliko Gulch.
"He used to say, 'I can fly all over the world, I should be able to navigate this course,' " Balidoy recalled.
Fulkerson had previously paddled for Kihei Canoe Club, and served on the club's board of directors.
"Bobby, he was an honest man with a lot of integrity," said Kihei head coach Kawika Williams.
"He was always happy to be racing and be around the gang."

Monday, October 1, 2012

DL Capt. R. Doane Thomas Sr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. R. Doane Thomas Sr.
Viet Nam veteran, Delta Golden Wings & Delta Pioneers member
August 28, 1941 ~ September 30, 2012

        
News has reached us that retired Delta pilot Capt. R. Doane Thomas Sr. passed away yesterday morning September 30th.   Doane hired on with Delta 01-05-1970 and retired in 2001, based ATL.  He was 71 years of age at the time of his passing.  Visitation will be Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Banks/Page-Theus Chapel.  Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg FL.
Survived by his wife Deborah ‘Debbie’, personal condolences may be sent to the family at  
9637 Wedgewood Lane, Leesburg, FL 34788-3526. 
Or by email at:  widget70A@aol.com  
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.bankspagetheus.com/ 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Buck Stevens Sent: Monday, October 01, 2012 1:16 PM
Subject: Doane Thomas has passed away (DAL Class A-70)
Think his son sent to everyone in Doane's address book.
I am passing this along to the PCN Death Notice Manager as well.
Buck
From: Chris toman <prodige1634@yahoo.com>
Subject: Doane Thomas has passed away
Date: October 1, 2012 3:03:13 PM CDT
We wanted to give you all an update on my dad. He passed away unexpectedly yesterday morning. Below is his obituary and details about the services. Thanks for your prayers. Any great stories from the past can be directed here :)    prodige1634@yahoo.com   We LOVE DOANE!

Robert “Doane” Thomas, Sr., 71, of Leesburg, Florida passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012.  Mr. Thomas was born August 28, 1941 in Ocala to the late Robert Leon Curtis and Helen (Caruthers) Thomas.

Robert was a 1959 graduate of Wildwood High School and accepted a full football scholarship to GA-Tech where he graduated in 1963.  He joined the Air Force where he was a Captain flying F-4 Fighter Jets in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  After his service he was hired by Delta Airlines in 1970 and retired after 31 years of service for Delta Airlines in 2001.  He returned to this area in 1980 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg and the GA Tech Letterman Club. He supported many local and international Christian missions organizations. He was the family rock and he loved God deeply.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Ireland Thomas, daughters; Leisa (Dan) Hoppach, Courtney (Daniel) Rohrdanz, sons; Robert Doane (Leigh) Thomas Jr., Chris (Alyssa) Thomas, Collin Thomas, sister; Gail Harrison and 5 grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Thomas will be Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Banks/Page-Theus Chapel.  Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg. Interment will follow the service at Pine Level Cemetery, Oxford, FL.  Donations may be made in his honor to First Baptist Church Christian Care Center, 220 N. 13th Street, Leesburg, Fl. 34748. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.bankspagetheus.com 
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home, Wildwood.



From: David L. Roberts   Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2012 12:08 PM
Subject: DEATH IN FAMILY -- RETIRED CAPT. R. DOANE THOMAS SR.
CARES AND CONCERNSThank you to Doane's daughter Lisa for phoning me with the sad news that her father, 71, died this morning in a hospital in Leesburg, Florida.  She was uncertain about his cause of death.

He was born 8/28/1941 and was hired by Delta on 01/05/1970.  Arrangements will be forwarded when they are announced.

Expressions of condolence may be sent to his wife Deborah (Debbie) at 9637 Wedgewood Lane, Leesburg, FL 34788-3526, email 
widget70A@aol.com  

Dave