WC/RW/NWA Capt. James Blaine Frazier Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WC/RW/NWA Capt. James Blaine Frazier Jr.

July 18, 1930 ~ February 23, 2024

 

Notice of passing…..retired West Coast Airlines/Hughes AirWest/Republic/Northwest Airlines pilot Captain James Blaine Frazier Jr., age 93.  Jim joined West Coast Airlines 10-21-1957 and retired with Northwest Airlines in 1990.  Widowed in 2017, Jim is survived by his children and their families.

Obituary information is available online at https://www.cremationsociety-idaho.com/tributes 

Also at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-frazier-obituary?id=54484134

PCN memorial site

 

James Blaine Frazier James Frazier Obituary, Cremation Society of Idaho - Boise

Born July 18, 1930 in Yakima Washington. Died February 23, 2024 in Boise Idaho. Son of James (Pop) Blaine Frazier Sr. and Minnie Hess Frazier.

Jim was raised during the depression in the Yakima Valley, learning to drive taking the produce to market. He grew up listening to radio shows and working with his father in the family orchard. In 1949 he graduated from Naches Valley High School in Naches Washington. He then obtained his bachelor degree from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa. Jim was very athletic and participated in high school and collegiate sports. His main focus was track as a sprinter. He was a lifelong athlete and in his 70s ran in the National Association of Senior Games.

Jim remembered WWII as a teenager and the warnings of the Japanese fire ballons from the submarines on the West Coast. He also recalled his teachers telling him not to pick up any suspicious items and not to reveal any information to the media.

Always fascinated by airplanes, he joined the Idaho Air National Guard and graduated from pilot training in 1953. He received the combat readiness medal in 1965 and was discharged as a major in the Air Force Reserves in 1968.

Jim started his work life as a school teacher and coach in Boise and then McCall. Seeking a better life for his family, Jim went to work for West Coast Airlines in October of 1957 and remained with the organization as it transitioned to Air West, Hughes Air West, Republic, and finally Northwest Airlines. He retired as a commercial airline captain in 1990 after 33 years of successful flying. He survived various incidents including lightning strikes and a complete engine failure. To remember it by, he had a piece of the turbine engine that came apart in flight. He also had to land a jet not knowing if the landing gear was down and locked (it was).

Jim married Janice Ahrens in 1960 and adopted her two sons, Rodney and Rex. Jan passed away in 2017 after a brief illness. They spent many years together travelling the United States in their Airstream motor home, playing tennis, and actively walking with various walking groups.

Jim is predeceased by his wife, parents, two sisters and one granddaughter. He is survived by his six children: Jeffrey B. Frazier (Claudia), Rodney Frazier, Susan Allen (Dennis), Linda Walker (Don), Rex Frazier and Lisa Troxel (Steve), 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Graveside services will be held at Dry Creek Cemetery on March 5th at 1 pm.

 

PAA/DL Capt. Jack G. Thomas

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Jack G. Thomas

March 10, 1941 ~ February 6, 2024

 

Notice of passing….retired Pan Am/Delta pilot Captain Jack Grant Thomas, age 82.  Jack joined Pan American 8-26-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Deanna, and by his children and stepchildren. 

Obituary information is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyinterlake/name/jack-thomas-obituary?pid=206431235

PCN memorial site

 

Jack Thomas Obituary

Jack G. Thomas, age 82

 

Jack G. Thomas passed away on February 6, 2024, in Kalispell, Montana, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was born on March 10, 1941, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, to the late Jack and Katharine Thomas.

 

Growing up as the son of a WWII Marine and a nurse, Jack embraced a childhood filled with sports, hunting, and fishing in the Pennsylvania mountains. It was during his years at Pennsbury High School that Jack's passion for aviation took flight. Enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17, Jack embarked on a journey that would shape the rest of his life.

 

Jack, along with two friends, attended basic training between his junior and senior year of high school. Jack and one of those friends trained as jet engine mechanics. The other friend trained in parachute packing which later earned the three boys some headlines in the Fairless Hills newspaper.

 

One of the boys knew a guy who owned a small airplane. They convinced the pilot to take them up in the plane and let them jump out using three parachutes that one of the boys brought back (with permission) from Navy parachute school. Jack said they had to pull the rip cords immediately upon departing the plane. This brought local traffic to a standstill and not long after a newspaper crew arrived and began taking pictures of the boys. Needless to say, there were three sets of very upset parents by the time the story hit the press the next day.

 

After graduating from Pennsbury High School in 1959, Jack pursued higher education at Slippery Rock University, majoring in education with a focus on math and physics. His achievements on the track and soccer field garnered him recognition, earning him a spot in the Slippery Rock University Soccer Ring of Honor in 2017.

 

Accelerating through college, Jack was immediately accepted into Navy pilot training at NAS Pensacola. Graduating first in his class, he went on to complete advanced fighter school in Texas, followed by training in the A-4C Skyhawk in California. Serving as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy from 1963-1970, Jack amassed an impressive record, including 238 combat missions over North Vietnam and 400 carrier landings.

 

In 1970, Jack transitioned to a new chapter in his life, relocating his family to Reno, Nevada. As a high school math and physics teacher and wrestling coach, he continued to make a difference in the lives of his students. Persistence paid off when he earned a pilot position in the Nevada Air National Guard, eventually reaching the rank of Colonel. Jack truly admired and cared for the flight deck, crew chiefs and maintenance personnel on the carriers from which he flew and in the Air Guard. They were friends and on a first name basis at work and afterward.

 

Jack's passion for flying extended beyond military service, as he became a pilot for Pan American Airways and Delta Air Lines. Additionally, his involvement in the Reno National Championship Air Races, where he served as "Air Boss" for 16 years, highlighted his enduring commitment to aviation.

 

Settling in Kalispell, Montana, with his wife Deanna, Jack embraced a life surrounded by the beauty of Flathead Lake. A man of few words, Jack's love for family, friends, and flying spoke volumes. His dedication to his faith was evident in his active role at Polson Community Church, where he served until illness intervened.

 

Jack's legacy lives on through his wife Deanna, son Reed (Ingrid), daughter Julie (Tom), stepchildren Gary, Don, and Dionne, sister Carol Hellings (Ed), brother Craig (Mary), and a blended family of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Jack is also survived by Sally Thomas, the mother of Reed and Julie.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, honoring the life of Jack G. Thomas.

 

Acknowledging the outstanding care he received, the Thomas family extends heartfelt gratitude to the oncology staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

NWA/DL Capt. Geoffrey John Brock

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Geoffrey John Brock

April 16, 1965 ~ February 16, 2024

 

Notice of passing….Northwest Airlines/Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Geoffrey John Brock, age 58.  Geoffrey joined Northwest Airlines 09-01-1995 and was NYC based with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Patricia, and by his children and his grandson.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

39 Broman Way, Lyndeborough, NH 03082.

 

Obituary information can be found online at

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/unionleader/name/geoffrey-brock-obituary?id=54466531&fhid=3870

PCN memorial site

 

Geoffrey Brock Obituary

Geoffrey John Brock, age 58 of Lyndeborough, New Hampshire passed away unexpectedly February 16th, 2024. Geoffrey graduated from Mascenic High School in 1983. He attended University of Texas, Arlington, and received his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. Geoffrey followed in his father's footsteps and learned to fly when he was 15. He turned this passion into a lifelong career.

 

Shortly after college graduation, he was hired as a pilot with Suburban Airlines, and soon thereafter upgraded to captain. While at Suburban he served as the ALPA Central Safety Chairman. During 1995, Geoff was hired by Northwest Airlines that eventually merged into Delta Airlines. At Northwest, Geoffrey upgraded to captain on the DC-9. After the Delta merger, Geoffrey was asked to serve as a line-check airman on the MD-88 & 90. He was then asked to participate in the initial cadre to bring the Airbus 220 on line and flew the first revenue flight on that aircraft for Delta between New York and Boston. At the time of his passing, Geoff was a Boeing 767-400 captain flying throughout the world.

 

Geoffrey truly lived life to the fullest. He especially enjoyed traveling the world with his soulmate Trisha Brock, spending days on lakes in his boat or on a kayak, having game nights, entertaining, skiing, and was an avid hiker.

 

To know Geoffrey was to love him. He was an immensely positive and optimistic spirit. He touched and influenced countless people, taking on any role for which he was most needed, whether that be friend, father figure, or brother.

 

He was involved in his community, serving for 16 years on the Lyndeborough Central School (LCS) and Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative School (WLC) Boards. As Chairman at LCS, he was involved with the approval of public kindergarten and oversaw the building addition for the new program. Geoffrey was instrumental in the consolidation of the two elementary school districts and the middle / high school district into one district, WLC. As Chairman of the WLC school board he helped to bring both towns to approve the renovation of the Florence Rideout Elementary School.

 

He was a member of the Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, Goffstown.

 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Patricia (nee Thompson), children Timothy (fiancee Samantha) Brock, Ashley (and husband Nick) Barnes, grandson James Barnes, sisters Christine (and husband Roger) Stearns and Jenifer (and husband Joseph) Zylwitis. Brother-in-Laws David Thompson, Sean (and wife Caydee) Thompson, and Ryan (and wife Noelle) Thompson. Mother Kathleen Brock and father Robert (and wife Barbara) Brock, Mother-in-Law Freida Rosen, Step Mother-in-Law Jane Thompson, along with an extensive extended family of numerous cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law Max Thompson.

 

Friends may greet the family on Thursday February 29th from 10am-12pm with a Funeral Service beginning at 12pm. Services will be held at the French and Rising Funeral Home, 17 S Mast St, Goffstown, NH 03045. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harry Dailey Memorial Scholarship (through a check written out to the Memorial Tournament Fund sent to 657 Abbot Hill Rd, Wilton, NH 03086 or Venmo: @Gisele-Dailey). For more information or to sign an online guestbook please visit www.frenchandrising.com

DL Capt. John Asher Thompson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. John Asher Thompson

December 6, 1942 ~ February 19, 2024

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain John Asher Thompson, age 81.  John joined Delta Air Lines 07-17-1970 and was Dallas based, then based 031/JFK prior to his retirement.  John is survived by his wife Nina, and by his children and grandchildren.

 

Obituary information can be found online at https://www.lubbockonline.com/obituaries/paco0734019

also at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/dallas-tx/john-thompson-11677073

also https://theobituaryapp.com/obituaries/john-asher-thompson/4688346

PCN Memorial site

 

John Thompson Obituary

John Asher Thompson, servant of Jesus Christ, war hero, loving and beloved husband, father and grandfather, died on Monday, February 19, 2024 at the age of 81. He was born on December 6, 1942, to Barbara Ann Read and Asher James Thompson in New Orleans, LA, where his father, a naval officer, was preparing to embark for the Pacific during World War II. After his father's deployment, John and his mother returned to their hometown of Lubbock, Texas.

 

Growing up in Lubbock, John ("Johnny") was a good student and athlete. He played several sports, including golf for Lubbock High School, and he boxed Golden Gloves. He attended Culver Military Academy during the summers and graduated with honors from Lubbock High in 1961. John received a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy, which John credited with transforming his life, both in terms of direction and the friendships that he treasured until his last breath.

 

John graduated from USNA in 1965 and earned a coveted spot in the Navy flight training program. On February 24, 1967, John received his U.S. Naval Aviator "Wings of Gold" at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. During the Vietnam War, John served with distinction while on two carrier deployments-aboard the USS Ticonderoga and the USS Oriskany-completing 220 combat missions and 280 carrier landings in his A-4 Skyhawk, the Navy's first-line carrier-based single seat jet.

 

In June 1967, John married his wife Nina Stinson Still. He left the Navy as a decorated combat veteran in 1970 but continued to fly in the Naval Reserves for two more years. During this time, John and Nina moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with their two children, where John began his career as a pilot with Delta Air Lines. It was here that John met Jesus Christ, and his life was changed fundamentally and forever. They became active members of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, where John became an elder.

 

John moved his family to Dallas, Texas in 1978. They were active members at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and in 1992, they became founding members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, where John continued to teach and lead. John was also a friend and student of RC Sproul and served for 20 years on the board of Ligonier Ministries, which proved to be one of the great blessings of his life.

 

John and Nina moved to Austin, Texas in 1999 to be near their children and grandchildren. After over 32 years of flying, John retired from Delta as a Captain on the Boeing 777, the largest passenger aircraft in the world at the time. He loved this airplane. He loved seeing the Northern Lights from the dark sky; he loved exploring places like Paris, Istanbul, Mumbai and Moscow. And he loved sharing these experiences with his wife and family, both in person and by sending hundreds of postcards to each of his grandsons. Words are insufficient to capture what an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather John was.

 

Throughout his life John remained active and athletic. He was up by 6 am most mornings of his life, and after a devotion and prayer, would hit the ground running. In his later years he ran, worked out, played golf and trained in Krav Maga until his body would no longer cooperate.

 

In 2009 John was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, yet thanks to God's grace, his tireless determination and great medical care, John persevered and thrived for 15 years. He became very involved in ministries related to PD; for example, he was an early member of Rock Steady Boxing and other PD-related fitness and outreach programs. In 2018 John and Nina moved back to Dallas to be closer to his medical providers, his beloved Naval Academy Alumni group, and a host of life-long friends.

 

John died peacefully, with his wife and children at his bedside. He was present and responsive to the end, smiling at a family photo 15 minutes before God called him Home. He is celebrating now in the presence of Jesus Christ, and is reunited with his heroes and friends, while he waits to be reunited with the family he loved so well.

 

John is survived by his wife Nina, son John Asher Thompson, Jr. (wife Sheridan), daughter Amanda Thompson Wier (husband Keith), and his six grandsons: John Campbell Wyse, Henry Read Wyse, Wynn Hasson Wyse, John Asher Thompson III, Boone Gilkerson Thompson and Charles Hollingsworth Thompson. He is also survived by his younger sister Barbee Thompson.

 

Services to honor John's life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, February 27. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 9:15 am at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211 (Cemetery Lane 2). The funeral service will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 1 pm at Park Cities Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. The service will be live streamed at https://pcpc.org/live/memorial-services/ .

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts honoring John's life may be sent to: Ligonier Ministries, PO Box 947595, Atlanta, GA 30394 or Parkinson's Voice Project, 646 N. Coit Road #2250, Richardson, TX 75080.

 

DL Capt. Donald Ray Zamora

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Donald Ray Zamora

April 2, 1943 ~ June  2023

 

As noted in the Jan-Feb 2024 issue of the Air Line Pilot magazine on the In Memoriam page, the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Donald Ray Zamora, age 80.  Don joined Delta Air Lines 01-05-1970 based Dallas in his early years, then LAX/030 in the later years and at time of retirement.  I believe that Captain Zamora had most recently resided in Lake Forest, California. 

Our information is limited as I was not able to find an online obituary. 

If you have more information, please do let us know.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site  

PAA/DL Capt. Gerald A. Dion

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Gerald A. Dion

May 20, 1937 ~ November 17, 2023

 

As noted in the Jan-Feb 2024 issue of the Air Line Pilot magazine on the In Memoriam page, the passing of retired Pan Am/Delta pilot Captain Gerald “Jerry” Allen Dion, age 86.  Jerry joined Pan American 08-06-1964 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Dana May.

Obituary information can be found online at

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pressdemocrat/name/gerald-dion-obituary?id=54025478

PCN memorial site

 

Gerald Dion Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" Dion

May 20, 1937 - November 17, 2023

 

Jerry Dion was born as a fourth-generation San Franciscan and grew up in the Sunnyside district, the son of a milkman and a department store worker at The Emporium on Market St.

 

As a youth, with his brother "Buzz", he often vacationed on the Russian River, where he developed his love of Sonoma County. As a teenager, he made a deal with his Catholic mother that he could transfer from Archbishop Riordan to the public Lincoln High School, if he would give up playing football. It was worth it "for the girls".

 

Upon graduation, he enrolled at UC Berkley to study accounting, but in a fortuitous decision, he left the thrilling world of P&Ls to join the United States Navy and became a pilot, where he flew off of the aircraft carrier Hancock, and had some of the last non-combat missions over Vietnam. His official call sign was "Straight Arrow", but he was affectionately known to his Navy buddies as "Oink". When he met gorgeous Navy nurse Joy Sandling in a bar, he claimed to be a plumber named Clyde, not wanting to let on at first that he was, in fact, an officer in the same branch of service. He would marry her within the year.

 

In what would prove to be the defining decision of his life, he joined Pan Am Airways, and thus began his ascension into the ranks of Sky Gods, from which he never descended. "The Baby Captain" as he was known for his boyish looks, rose quickly and flew the largest passenger aircraft in the sky, the 747.

 

Living in the suburbs of Moraga with his wife and two sons, Jerry Jr. and Danny, proved too mundane for this self-made man, and the family moved to Kenwood, CA to plant a vineyard and make wine together. The Valley of the Moon was the perfect place to pay homage to Bacchus- which he did most days, beginning early on the tractor, and again each evening around 5:30 before dinner.

 

He retired to Oakmont, but his was not a sedentary life. He enrolled at Dominican College, studying history and becoming the oldest graduate in the class of 2008. He was a generous host, a lifelong 49ers fan, kind to his Labradors, and loved nothing more than to be surrounded by friends and family on holidays.

 

He passed away, peacefully in his sleep in November, with his wife Dana May by his side.

A celebration of his life and high-flying spirit will be held on January 13th, 2024, in Oakmont.

For details, contact Dana May Dion at danamay@mycci.net

 

NWA Capt. Karl Marvin Kunz

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Karl Marvin Kunz

April 29, 1936 ~ February 20, 2024

   

Notice of passing…..retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Karl Marvin Kunz, age 87.  I believe that Karl first hired on with Northwest Airlines as a mechanic 05-06-1959 as he earned his qualifications to fly commercially.  Karl is survived by his wife Virginia, and by his daughter Denise along with his grand- and greatgrandchildren.

Obituary information can be found online at

 https://oconnellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/karl-marvin-kunz/ 

also at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/karl-kunz-obituary?id=54429891 

PCN memorial site

 

Obituary : Karl Marvin Kunz

Karl Marvin Kunz, age 87, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on February 20, 2024, at Hudson Hospital in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Karl was born on April 29, 1936, to parent's Alfred and Mary (Jensen) Kunz in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Karl was united in marriage to Virginia (Thibado) on August 26, 1954 in Downsville, Wisconsin. Together they raised two children.

As a young family, Karl and Virginia moved from Downsville to the Hudson area settling in a home on Lake Mallalieu. Karl enjoyed spending time with his family on the lake boating and fishing. Golfing and cars were other hobbies of Karl's. The local car dealership knew Karl quite well as he would often be found buying a new GMC every couple of years. Through the years, Karl was very proud to be a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines, later becoming Delta Airlines.

Karl is survived by his wife of 69 years Virginia Kunz; daughter Denise (William) Eberspacher; grandchildren Patrick (Patty) Tufte, Anthony (Susan) Eberspacher, Brian Eberspacher; great-grandchildren Willa Eberspacher, Micah Eberspacher, Ezra Eberspacher, Luke Eberspacher and Calliope Tufte.

He was preceded in death by his son Duane Kunz; parents Alfred and Mary Kunz; and sister Beverly Dahms.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Funeral services entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.

FUNERAL HOME

O'Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Hudson

520 11th Street South, Hudson, Wisconsin

 

 

 

Pinnacle/Endeavor/DL pilot Michael David O'Leary

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Pinnacle/Endeavor/DL pilot Michael David O'Leary

November 26, 1982 ~ February 15, 2024

 

Notice of passing…..Delta pilot Michael David O'Leary joined Delta Air Lines 5-2-2022.  He is survived by his wife Christina, and by his son and his stepchildren.

Obituary information can be found at

 https://www.kroeze-wolffis.com/obituary/Michael-OLeary  also at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michael-o-leary-obituary?id=54397157  

PCN Memorial site

 

FUNERAL HOME

Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc.

637 E. Main Street, Fremont  MI

 

Michael O'Leary Obituary

Michael David O'Leary, age 41, passed away on Thursday morning, February 15, 2024 from an aggressive form of cancer at his home in Fremont Michigan surrounded by his family. Mike was born on November 26, 1982 in Edina, Minnesota to Mark David and Suzanne Kay (VanDeMore) O'Leary.

Mike graduated from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2001. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2010, and his Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2014.

In 2007, following flight training in Arizona and Florida, Mike began flying for Pinnacle Airlines, later to become Endeavor Airlines, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his fifteen years at Endeavor Mike worked as a Captain and became a senior flight instructor. In 2022, Mike began working for Delta Airlines at JFK Airport in New York City, flying domestic and international routes throughout the United States and the world.

In 2020, Mike was admitted to the practice of law in South Dakota. Until the sudden onset of his illness in December, 2023, Mike was practicing law with his father at O'Leary Law Office located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Mike is survived by his wife Christina, and son Charles (age 8) both of Fremont, Michigan; stepchildren: Taylor (future son-in-law Javier Michael), Arabella, and Harrington Cummings all of Fremont, Michigan; mother and father, Mark and Suzanne O'Leary of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; sister, Katie O'Leary of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; In-laws, Debra and Gary Owen of Arcadia, Florida; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends throughout the world. Mike was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Betty and Charles (C.J.) VanDeMore of Hudson, South Dakota; and by his paternal grandparents, Betty and Paul O'Leary of Virginia, Minnesota and Brownsville, Texas.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Dream Flights. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont, Michigan.

 

DL Capt. Parker Smith Wright

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Parker Smith Wright

April 6, 1954  ~  November 27, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Parker Smith Wright, age 69.  Parker joined Delta Air Lines 07-18-1986.  He is survived by his wife Roxana, and by his children and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Parker-Smith-Wright?obId=30152760#/obituaryInfo

PCN Memorial site

Celebration of Life service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BazviZYSVeM   

 

Parker Smith Wright Obituary

“A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -Author John A. Shedd

 

On November 27th, 2023, a great adventurer in heart and spirit, Parker Smith Wright, 69, unexpectedly embarked on his final journey home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Parker was born on April 6th, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska to Colonel William (Bill) J. Wright and Margie (Parker) Wright. Being a military family, they moved from Omaha to Newfoundland before landing in Alexandria, VA for a few years where Col. Wright worked at the Pentagon. Parker began elementary school at St. Stephen’s School in Alexandria. This is where, as a young child, he dreamed of flying for Delta Air Lines one day.

 

The Wright Family then moved to Franklin, Tennessee where Parker finished elementary school, and then graduated high school from Battle Ground Academy in 1972. Upon graduation, Parker received the distinct honors of being accepted to the United States Air Force Academy, The Naval Academy, and University of Virginia, ultimately choosing the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. During his time as a Cadet, Parker was a member of the elite USAFA Parachute Team Wings of Blue, and was a nationally ranked competitor, accumulating over 500 jumps. Upon graduation in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History, he became a commissioned second lieutenant in the US Air Force.

 

After attending pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi, Parker was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA where he flew C-141’s and loved the beautiful Washington state scenery. In 1980, he was reassigned to Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma as a T-38 instructor. This is where he met and married Roxana (Woods) in 1983 at the Vance AFB Chapel in a military ceremony. He gained 2 young step-children, Kelli and Kyle. His last assignment in the Air Force brought the new family to McGuire AFB in New Jersey where he again piloted C-141’s on international missions. In 1985, Kathryn Leigh was born in Medford, NJ, and completed the family quite nicely with her spunk, full head of dark hair and her daddy’s full heart wrapped around her little finger.

 

In 1986, after 10 years active-duty military service, and achieving the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Parker realized his childhood dream of becoming a Delta Air Lines pilot. Based in Atlanta for 34 years, he flew domestically, internationally, and was also an instructor on a number of Boeing aircraft. He ended his career as captain on the B-777. This afforded many long layovers and fun trips all over the world for the family.

 

Parker had a deep love and passion for aviation, history, sailing and traveling. He was able to realize his dream of sailing for a few years by proudly owning his Island Packet 485, “Cimarron”, sailing throughout the British Virgin Islands with Roxana, Kathryn and close friends.

 

Parker and Roxana made Peachtree City, Georgia home for 35 years before moving to their current residence several miles south of Peachtree City in 2021. The past couple of years in their new home, Parker spent his time mowing the vast lawn, enjoying the beautiful views and peaceful evenings, mowing some more and working on various projects throughout the home. He especially enjoyed time with the love of his life, Roxie, entertaining visits from family and forming new friendships.

 

Parker remained close with a couple of childhood friends, and also added many lifelong friendships throughout his life’s adventures, valuing each relationship abundantly. Above all, Parker loved his family and cherished time spent with them. He would travel near and far to see his eight grandchildren participate in sporting events, celebrate birthdays and graduations or just spend quality time with them. They were his biggest joys and he would dote and share stories about them every available chance given. He enjoyed teaching them about all the things he loved and was so proud of each of them. The kids thoroughly enjoyed listening to his stories and took away many valuable life lessons such as loving the Lord, learning history, being trustworthy, working hard and having fun.

 

Faith and fellowship were important to Parker, and his relationship with Jesus became stronger by the day. Parker and Roxana were members of New Hope Baptist South Campus and were embraced by the Carroll Family Group, which he really enjoyed.

 

Parker was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Margie Wright, his father-in-law Darrell F. Woods and brother-in-law Mark Woods.

 

He is survived by, and will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Roxana; children Kelli (Whitson) Fleming and husband Rob of Shawnee, Kansas; Kyle Whitson and wife Natalie of Brooks, GA; Kathryn (Wright) Thomas and husband Jason of McLean, VA; Eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Luke and Ethan Fleming; Beau and Audrey Whitson; and Evelyn, Eleanor and Everett Thomas. He is also survived by sister Sharon (Wright) Brogden of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother-in-law Todd Woods and wife Christi of Perry, OK; beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, many close friends and extended family.

 

Memorial services will be held at Mowell Funeral Home, 200 Robinson Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30269 on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 2pm. The family will receive visitors between 1 and 2 pm. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Parker S. Wright to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Samaritan's Purse Ministries.

 

We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com

 

 

 

WA/DL Capt. Jackie Dorrence Walker

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Jackie Dorrence Walker

June 13, 1934 - February 9, 2024

 

Notice of passing….retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Jackie Walker, age 89.  Jack joined Western Airlines 04-18-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  Widowed in October of 2017, Jack is survived by his sons and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at   https://www.clintonfuneralservice.com/obituary-listing  also at 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jackie-walker-obituary?id=54337501 

 

Obituary : Jackie Dorrence Walker

Jackie Dorrence Walker, 89, of Shirley, Arkansas passed away Friday, February 9, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born June 13, 1934, in Texhoma, Oklahoma to James and Mattie (Riddles) Walker.

 

Jackie served his country in the Air Force Reserves and the National Guard when he was a younger man. He went on to become an airline pilot working for Delta Airlines from 1966-1982. After retirement his interest in antiques and antique collection began. He had an antique shop in Fairfield Bay where he also repaired clocks. Grandfather clocks, pendulum, cuckoo clocks, desk clocks, if it kept time, he could repair it. Jackie was always friendly and easy to talk to. He will be missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Velma Walker, son, Jackie Walker, JR., two grandchildren: Casey Jo Walker, Chance Walker, parents, and all of his siblings.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons: Robert Walker, Gary Walker, Kenneth Michael Walker, Terry Walker, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

 

Clinton Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with arrangements for the Walker Family. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories of Jackie on our Memory Wall.

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Full Name        Velma Lorene Walker

Date of Death    Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

Velma Lorene Walker, 79, of Shirley, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Born November 2, 1938 in Dumas, Texas to Alvin and Alta Mae McKinsey Hembree. She was of the Baptist faith and attended the First Baptist Church of Bates, Arkansas; she was a florist and owned the florist shop in Fairfield Bay for many years.

Vicki Sue Bulger, wife of NWA Capt. Donald A. Bulger

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Vicki Sue Bulger, wife of NWA Capt. Donald A. Bulger

April 6, 1949 ~ January 8, 2024

 

Sharing sad news from the Northwest Airlines pilot group …..the passing of Vicki Bulger, wife of NWA Captain Don Bulger.  Vicki is survived by her husband Don, and by her sons and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://cremationsocietyofmn.com/tribute/details/77775/Vicki-Bulger/obituary.html  also at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/vicki-bulger-obituary?id=54110070

PCN memorial site

Obituary :   Vicki Sue Bulger, 74, wife of NWA Captain Donald A. Bulger, passed away on

Monday January 8, 2024, surrounded by family in Woodbury, MN after a

courageous battle with Leukemia. She was born on April 6, 1949, to Orren and

Dorothy (Vaughn) Gillenwater. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1967.

 

Vicki was a beautiful person and made friends wherever she went. She

worked for many years in administration at Rockford Memorial Hospital. Later

when she moved to Minnesota in 1998, she worked as a representative for

Josten's and traveled all over the Midwest. On Feb 5, 1999, she married the

love of her life, Donald Bulger. She loved traveling with her husband,

playing golf, and boating with friends. Vicki enjoyed visiting her sons and

her grandchildren to support them in their various activities. She was an

animal lover and was excited whenever she got to visit her grand dogs Lola,

Toby and Sebastian.

 

She will be missed by those who loved her most; her husband of almost 25

years, Don, her children Christopher (Sheila) McDonnough and Matthew

(Shelly) McDonnough; her beloved grandchildren Brooks McDonnough and Lexi

McDonnough; her sibling and twin sister Vonni (Earl) Trotter; brother-in-law

David (Judy) Bulger, brother-in law Dennis (Jennifer), sister-in-law Denise

(Joe) Laudenbach as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is

preceded in death by her parents.

 

The family would like to extend their thanks for the comfort care given

to Vicki by the staff at M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury,

Minnesota. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.