Dora Lee Thrasher, daughter of SO/NWA Capt. Tunis Powell Thrasher Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DoraLee Thrasher

June 7, 1940  -  September 12, 2024

 

Shared by airline friends and family, the passing of DoraLee Thrasher, daughter of Southern/Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Tunis Powell Thrasher Sr. who passed in May 1996…..

sharing interesting family history….. Thrasher Brothers Aerial Circus  https://airshowfoundation.org/the-thrasher-brothers/ 

 youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2tDLvsBYH4 

 

 

----- Forwarded Message -----

 

Doralee Thrasher.

 

Doralee Thrasher, of Austin, Texas (by way of Atlanta, Georgia), passed away peacefully on October 20th, 2025. A woman of grace, kindness, and an inexhaustible spirit, she left this world after a long and courageous fight against the ravages of scleroderma.

Doralee was born and grew up in the Atlanta area, the oldest daughter of Tunis P. Thrasher and Grace Knight Thrasher. Tunis was a veteran of WWII who returned stateside to join his two brothers in founding the barnstorming Thrasher Brothers Aerial Circus which performed weekly across the South between 1945 and 1950. It was no surprise to anyone that Doralee had inherited that same courageous and adventurous spirit from her dad.

A proud graduate of Georgia Tech where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and earned a degree in Industrial Management, Doralee was an aficionado of all things Southern. She was always at hand to proclaim the superiority of Georgia peaches and Vidalia onions over all other competing varieties. And she was quick to impart her knowledge to Atlanta visitors and neophytes on the proper way to place an order at the Varsity, where she often opted to “Walk a naked dog” (plain hot dog to go) with an “F.O.” (frosted orange). You could take her out of Georgia but, even after almost 50 years of residence in the Lone Star State, no one succeeded in removing Atlanta from her heart.

After arriving in Austin, Doralee excelled in the Insurance industry, first as Travis County’s Risk Manager and then at the Texas Association of School Boards where she rose to Division Director of Underwriting and Marketing. Her work took her to many countries near and far and she became a seasoned world traveler. But for Doralee nothing could surpass the culture, cuisine, and experiences to be had in Paris. It was an unfulfilled dream of hers to live in Paris part time. Hopefully, in the next life.

Closer to home, her happy place was at her cousin Miki & husband Bill Mcfatter’s magnificent beach house (McBeach) in Panama City Beach, Florida. Over the past decade she enjoyed annual sojourns to McBeach accompanied by family and friends.

She was an unparalleled protector of the canine species and was a founding member of central Texas area Helping Hands Basset Rescue.

But above all else, Doralee was devoted to her family and countless friends. She was always there to engage with and support them even after her illness robbed her of strength.

She is missed by all that knew her.

Doralee was preceded in death by both her mother, Grace Knight Thrasher, and father Tunis Powell Thrasher, Sr..

She is survived by David Escamilla, her best friend and husband of 35 years; her sisters Nancy Chambers (Keith) and Ann Thrasher; her brother Tunis Powell Thrasher, Jr.; sister-in-law Becky Escamilla (Aimee) and brother-in-law Rudy Escamilla (Laura).

Doralee is also survived by nieces Katherine Hudson (Chase), Jillian Canada (Tim), Kristina Escamilla Gilmore (Josh), Kelly Escamilla Pederson; and nephews Adam Thrasher (Ashley) and Nathan Ryan Escamilla.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr., in Austin, TX with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Helping Hands Basset Rescue in memory of Doralee Thrasher.

 

 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.watersfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Dora-Lee-Thrasher?obId=33069095 

Dora Lee Thrasher Obituary

 – Dora Lee Thrasher, 84, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the NMMC Hospice Unit. She enjoyed watching westerns, coloring, reading her Bible and going to church. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the Lighthouse Assembly of God………………….

Waters Funeral Home

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @ www.watersfuneralservice.com  

 

 

 

NWA Capt. William “Bill” John Rataczak

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. William “Bill” John Rataczak

June 30, 1939 ~ October 22, 2025 (age 86)

 

Aviation was Bill's passion throughout his life, and he earned his pilot's license even before he could legally drive…………….

Bill joined Northwest Airlines 06-15-1965.  Widowed in 2022, Bill is survived by his children and their families.

Visitation will be held Thurs. Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Chapel in Annandale. A Celebration of Life will be held Fri. Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. at the Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel in St. Paul…..please see details below.

 

PCN memorial site  

 

 

https://www.dingmannfuneral.com/obituary/William-Rataczak

 

William Rataczak Obituary

William John Rataczak, 86, of South Haven, died peacefully Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

He was born June 30, 1939, in Minneapolis, MN to John and Ann Rataczak, and was a force of nature in virtually all aspects of his life. No goal, challenge, or adversity was met in any way other than head-on. This trait was probably never more evident than at age 68 when, after being hit by a gravel truck while riding his bicycle, breaking his neck in two places and smashing his forehead, Bill declared in the recovery room that he would walk out of the hospital. Three months later, albeit with a halo still screwed into his head, he did exactly that.

 

Aviation was Bill's passion throughout his life, and he earned his pilot's license even before he could legally drive. Graduation from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School in 1957 was followed by a year at the University of Minnesota before entering the Air Force. Upon his return from active duty, Bill re-enrolled at the U, and married Judy Burgess in 1962. Within three years, the couple welcomed two children, Bill graduated a proud Gopher, and was hired by Northwest Airlines. He soon checked out on his first commercial aircraft, thus fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional pilot. Early in his career, the 32-year-old husband and father of (by then) three children was at the helm of flight NWO #305 when a bomb-threatening hijacker notoriously jumped out of the plane and into the night sky. Ultimately, over a 34-year career, Bill logged approximately 35,000 hours of flying time, and took great pride not just in safely flying his airplanes, but in ensuring his passengers had good experiences. Noted a member of NWA's management after Bill's final commercial flight, "Bill didn't just fly airplanes, he flew people".

 

Bill's passion for aviation was exceeded only by his immense love for his family. They lived in a wonderful neighborhood in Burnsville before moving out to the shores of Bill's beloved Lake Syliva in 1974. The family readily took to the Annandale community, and Bill's force of nature spirit showed up in his leadership of the Annandale Hockey Association, the Annandale 10K Road Race, and the Heart of the Lakes Triathlon. Bill was an eager participant in all those sports, too, logging many hours playing and coaching hockey and running several marathons. Bill and Judy regularly hosted all manner of guests to their home at the lake, and they found great joy facilitating the myriad lakeside adventures of their seven grandchildren. High on the youngsters' list of fond lake memories were the skating rinks Bill would plow and "zamboni" each Christmas. In retirement, Bill and Judy traveled extensively, but also encountered several serious health issues. In the end, the impacts of those, coupled with a life well-lived, finally caught up to Bill, but not before his humor and gratitude earned him the love and respect of so many of the staff who cared for him in his last year.

 

While Bill was well-known to be talkative, he was much more than just talk. He lived with great integrity and deeply-held values, and was active with his body, in his community and with his mind his entire life. A central tenet of Bill's was leaving things better than he found them, and to that end he always did more than his share.

 

Bill is survived by his son, Michael Rataczak; son and daughter in-law James and Joan Rataczak; daughter Sarah Rataczak, beloved grandchildren Natalie, Jens, Jack, Grace, Leo, Eric, Max and Henry; great-granddaughter Violet; sister and brother in-law Katherine and Gar Bensen; brother David Rataczak; brother Scott Rataczak, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Visitation will be held Thurs. Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Chapel in Annandale. A Celebration of Life will be held Fri. Oct. 31, at 12 p.m. at the Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel in St. Paul followed by a luncheon at Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights. Burial will be June 26, 2026, at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. The family asks that any memorial donations made in Bill's memory be directed to Shriner's Hospital for Children.

 

The obituary, tribute wall, video tribute, and funeral webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

 

https://www.dingmannfuneral.com/obituary/Judith-Rataczak 

Judith Kay (Burgess) Rataczak

August 8, 1940 ~ November 19, 2022 (age 82)

Judith Rataczak Obituary

Judith Burgess Rataczak, 82, of South Haven, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 19th.

She was born on August 8, 1940, in Austin, MN, to Donald and Katie (Hanson) Burgess. After graduating from Austin High School in 1958, Judy moved to Minneapolis to study nursing at St. Barnabas, where she graduated with a nursing diploma in 1961. Nursing was one of Judy's great passions, and she was a gifted nurse to all her patients; she passed on this love of nursing to her daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

Judy married William Rataczak in 1962, and the couple settled in Minneapolis. In 1974, Judy and Bill moved to Lake Sylvia, outside South Haven, where they raised their family. Over the ensuing decades, Judy continued to build……………………… 

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

William J. Rataczak was the co-pilot of Northwest Airlines Flight 305, the plane hijacked by the unidentified criminal "D.B. Cooper" on November 24, 1971. He was one of the key crew members who interacted with Cooper during the infamous event. 

DL Capt. William Leon Hurst

 

Belated notice….. but not forgotten….

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. William Leon Hurst

October 10, 1940 ~ February 15, 2022

 

Captain William Leon Hurst passed away February 15, 2022.  Leon was with Delta Air Lines for 38 years and was Atlanta based.  Just three months later, his wife Carolyn passed….please see information below. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.higginslagrangechapel.com/memorials/william-leon-hurst/4859211/

 

Obituary :  Captain William Leon Hurst, age 81, of Fairburn, made his final flight west on February 15, 2022. Leon was born on October 10, 1940 to the late William Claude Hurst and Ruby Thompson Hurst. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, William Charles Hurst and his sister, Ruby Darlene Higgins.

 

Captain Hurst lived a life that encompassed all areas of the globe. Upon graduating from Campbell High School at the age of seventeen, he moved to Miami, Florida and enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Upon graduation, he began a career with Delta Airlines that would last for over thirty eight years. He was a part of the rapid expansion of Delta and quickly advanced through the ranks in the cockpit and was fortunate to serve for over thirty years as a Captain. His first jet propelled airplane that he Captained was the DC-9, followed by the Boeing 727 and finally ending his career internationally on the Lockheed L-1011.

 

Outside of Delta Airlines, he had an enormous appetite for entrepreneurial experiences. He purchased large tracks of land in the city of Fairburn in the late 1960's, and he and his father formed Hurst Building and Development. Together, many of the subdivisions in Fairburn bear their craftmanship. With other close friends and business partners, he owned Pioneer Tractor Company and H&R Properties Real Estate in Fairburn. He was a Partner in the Western Steer Steak Houses of North Georgia and an Owner in a very large Travel Agency in Atlanta, Buckhead House of Travel. He enjoyed numerous international business opportunities and traveled extensively in his retirement years in that endeavor. He had a zest for life, and lived life to the fullest.

 

Survivors include his wife of sixty two years, Carolyn Lee Hurst; nephew and his wife, Jeff and Mary Higgins; great nephews and their wives, Jeffrey and Jamie Higgins and David and Lindsay Higgins; great great nephews and and niece, Jeffrey G. (Jay) Higgins, lll, Charlie B. Higgins, Harvey J. Higgins and Mary Margaret Higgins; other extended family.

 

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 3:00 pm at the Holly Hill Memorial Park in Fairburn with Dr. Oscar Cope officiating.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Christian Care Hospice. 7225 Lester Road, Union City, Georgia, 30291.

Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter Allen Myhand, 706-884-5626.

 

Interment Location : Holly Hill Memorial Park

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/236819359/william-leon-hurst

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/264609350/carolyn_lee-hurst

Wife Carolyn : Carolyn Lee Miller Hurst

Birth         23 Sep 1941

Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, USA

Death        21 May 2022 (aged 80)

Georgia, USA

NWA Capt. John Winslow Brooks

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, RC/NWA Capt. John Winslow Brooks

February 3, 1945 — July 8, 2025

 

He served his country in the United States Marine Corp for 10+ years where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his service he was an Airline Pilot for 30+ years………..

John began his commercial flying career 05-27-1975 and retired with Northwest Airlines. 

 

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.thescfh.com/obituaries/john-brooks 

 

John Winslow Brooks, age 80, of Canton, GA passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Chapters Living of Canton. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp for 10+ years where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his service he was an Airline Pilot for 30+ years. John was an avid outdoorsman and loved life.

 

Funeral services are scheduled for 12:00 PM, on Monday, July 14, 2025, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Pastor Ken May officiating. Interment will follow at Georgia National Cemetery at 2:00 PM with honors being given by the United States Marine Corp.

 

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday, July 13, 2025, and from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday, July 14, 2025 at South Canton Funeral Home.

 

He was preceded in death by, Parents: Winslow and Marie Brooks.

 

Survivors include:

Wife - Kyle Brooks

Son - Patrick Crawford

Daughter - Tracie Reynolds

Daughter - Jennifer Brooks

Brother - Jerry and Roxanne Brooks

Sister - Carol Benson

Grandchildren - 5

Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins also survive.

 

The family is accepting flowers or donations are to be made to the Marine Corp Scholarship Fund (mcfs.org) or the Tunnel to Tower Foundation (T2T.org)

 

South Canton Funeral Home, dedicated to the families we serve, 770-479-3377. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.thescfh.com

NWA Capt. Stephen Mahannah

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Stephen Mahannah

September 19, 1938 - October 19, 2025

 

Stephen Leslie Mahannah passed away peacefully from Lewy Body Dementia on October 19 at the age of 87 at the Moments of Lakeville. He was a longtime resident of South Minneapolis……………….

Steve joined Northwest Airlines 08-21-1967 and had most recently resided in Minnesota:  4830 Pleasant Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55419.

Steve is survived by his wife Brenda, and by his children and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://cremationsocietyofmn.com/tribute/details/82246/Stephen-Mahannah/obituary.html 

 

Stephen passed away peacefully from Lewy Body Dementia on October 19 at the age of 87 at the Moments of Lakeville. He was a longtime resident of South Minneapolis.

 

He was born September 19, 1938 in North English Iowa to Stanley Wilson Mahannah and Grace Evelyn (Hudson) Mahannah, and was raised in Des Moines Iowa. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School along with his wife Brenda Annette (Foust) Mahannah and they married in Des Moines in 1961. Steve graduated from the University of Colorado in 1962 with a BS degree in business. He then served 6 years in the US Navy as an officer and Naval Aviator. After his discharge he became a pilot for Northwest Airlines, flying for over 30 years before retiring.  Steve loved reading and fishing and spent most summers at his lake cabin in Canada.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Grace, his brother Loren Ross Mahannah, and his grandson Nicholas Witte.

Steve is survived by his wife of 64 years, Brenda Mahannah and their 3 children; Stephanie (Geary) Padden, Melanie (Anthony) McCallum, and Bradley (Sara) Mahannah.

Also, his 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; Daniel (Amanda) Padden, Jack Padden, Loren (Lili Yu) Knutson and their children Ziran and Zihan, Kyle Knutson, Andrew (Amanda Kuklinski) Witte and daughter Lyra, Hannah (Colin Menton) McCallum, Isabell McCallum, Samuel Mahannah and Nolan Mahannah.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Those who wish to honor Steve’s memory may do so by donating to LBDA (Lewy Body Dementia Association- LBDA.org) or a charity of their choice.

Deborah Remont, wife of DL Capt. Dave Remont

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Deborah Ann Odle Remont, wife of DL Capt. Dave Remont

October 24, 1946 — October 15, 2025

 

https://www.bagnellfuneralhome.com/obituaries/deborah-remont 

Deborah Ann Odle Remont

Covington, Louisiana  :  19350 Wymer Road, Covington, LA 70435

 

Deborah Ann “Gram” Remont (Odle), age 78, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at her home in Covington, Louisiana. Born on October 24, 1946, in Dallas, Texas Deborah was the daughter of Merritt and Vera Odle.

 

Deborah grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas and graduated from Grand Prairie High school before attending the University of Texas at Arlington. Deborah spent 56 years of her life dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Gram,” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she could solve any problem whether it be a packed lunch, forgotten pair of dance shoes or a heart in need of a little TLC. Along with her family, Deborah loved all things Texas; she never missed a Cowboys game; gardening, cooking, playing with her grandchildren and cross stitching.

 

Deborah was a proud Christian and an active member of Northshore Bible Church. She embodied the spirit of Genesis 2:18: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helpmate suitable for him.” Her life was a testament to this verse and reflected her desire to serve her family and community.

 

Deborah was preceded in death by her mother Vera Opal Palmer Odle, her father Merirtt Lee Odle, and her brother in law Donald Gumpert.

 

She is survived by her Husband David, her sister Rebecca Gumpert. Her children Cynthia Richey (Shane Richey) and Kathryn Sober. Her grandchildren Brittany Crosby, Brian Crosby (Bekah Crosby), Alexandra McNeese (Seth McNeese), Adam Sober, Jackson Sober, William Sober, Sam Richey, and Drew Richey. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Lilliana, Everly, Emerald, Elliot, Ronan, Eleanor, and Baby Girl Crosby arriving next year.

 

Deborah’s Celebration of Life will be held at NorthShore Bible Church (19516 Sunshine Ave. Covington La, 70433) on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am.

 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Northshore Bible Church Missions, donations can be made at https://www.northshorebible.com/onlinegiving .

DL Capt. Kenneth Don Knight

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth Don Knight

02/21/1936 - 12/28/2024

 

After joining the Air Force, he flew F-100s at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, where he was awarded "Top Gun." Don loved to fly…………

Don joined Delta Air Lines 02-28-1965 and was Houston based, then based PDX at time of his retirement.  A service to commemorate Don's life was held on Saturday, October 11th at the Bradshaw-Carter Home in Houston.

https://www.bradshawcarter.com/obituaries/Kenneth-Don-Knight?obId=45539273

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/kenneth-knight-obituary?id=59799789

 

Kenneth Knight Obituary

Kenneth Don Knight died December 28, 2024, at home surrounded by family and his beloved German Shepherd.

Don was born February 21, 1936, in White Swan, Washington. He was the fourth child of Mack Knight and Geralda Gillard. His siblings, Dick Knight, Dorothy Knight, and Margie Richards, preceded him in death.

Growing up without indoor plumbing or electricity, he often spoke of helping with the harvest by driving the pickup when he was only nine years old. He played football at Yakima High School and went on to study physics at Stanford. After joining the Air Force, he flew F-100s at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany, where he was awarded "Top Gun." Don loved to fly.

He met Elizabeth Bohen at Stanford, and they married. Their boys, Kyler Scott Knight (deceased) and Darric Mack Duff Knight, were born while he was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to the States, Don flew for Delta Air Lines and the Texas National Guard. When he retired as a Colonel, he was Commander of Ellington Air Force Base.

Don was so proud of his grandchildren: 1st Lt. Ryker Knight, Jared Knight, Conner Knight, Kieran Knight, and Ryan Knight, who is soon to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Don loved German Shepherds, and he and Beth bought 90 acres in Cat Spring so they would have room to run.

A service to commemorate Don's life was held on Saturday, October 11th at the Bradshaw-Carter Home in Houston. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the AKC German Shepherd Foundation or a charity of your choice.

DL Capt. Robert J. Teasley

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Robert J. Teasley

September 8, 1938 – October 14, 2025

 

Retired Delta Air Lines pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Robert J. Teasley joined Delta Air Lines 12-18-1961 and was based Atlanta.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

377 6th Ave N, Tierra Verde, FL 33715      

 

Daughter Tanya posted her father’s passing on Facebook: Hello my father Robert Teasley passed away today. He was a pilot for Delta for 35 years. And a wonderful father and person. I’m putting this out there in case anyone remembers him.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=robert%20teasley

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/palm-harbor-fl/robert-teasley-12561138

OBITUARY

Robert J. Teasley

September 8, 1938 – October 14, 2025

Robert J. Teasley, age 87, of Tierra Verde, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

DL Capt. Don Ray Pierson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Don Ray Pierson

October 9, 1949 - March 1, 2025

 

In 1999, Don’s life changed after a car accident left him a quadriplegic. Yet he never allowed his disability to define him. He refused pity and never wanted to be seen as an inspiration…………

Don joined Delta Air Lines 10-27-1978 and was Dallas based.  He is survived by his sons and their families.  Don had most recently resided in Mesa, Arizona.

PCN memorial site

To view the obituary and family photo gallery online please visit

https://everloved.com/life-of/don-ray-pierson/obituary/

Don's obituary

Don Ray Pierson, 75, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on March 1, 2025. Born in Rawlins, Wyoming, on October 9, 1949, Don lived a life filled with adventure, service, generosity, and unshakable optimism.

 

Don served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and the Alaska Air National Guard, where he flew T-37 Tweets, T-38 Talons, AC-130 Spectre Gunships with Special Operations Command, and C-130 Hercules Tactical Airlift missions. Following his military service, he continued his aviation career with Delta Airlines, flying a multitude of aircraft including the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767, and Lockheed L-1011 TriStar.

 

A true enthusiast, Don loved all things mechanical and airborne—cars and trucks, aviation, and RC model airplanes. He was also a proud Eagle Scout and longtime volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, where he mentored young people in leadership and service.

 

In 1999, Don’s life changed after a car accident left him a quadriplegic. Yet he never allowed his disability to define him. He refused pity and never wanted to be seen as an inspiration, though his optimism and zest for life said otherwise. He continued to drive, work on truck projects, fish, shoot, ski, and remain deeply involved in the activities he loved. His spirit and sense of humor remained intact, and his desire to help others never wavered. He also never lost his fervor for Christmas, his favorite holiday.

 

Don is survived by his sons, Mark Pierson, Keith Pierson, and Tru Pierson; his grandchildren Alex Pierson, Ethan Pierson, Quinn Pierson, Ace Pierson, Truance “LT” Pierson Jr., Kieran Pierson, and Kinley Pierson; his brothers, Lee Pierson and Ken Pierson; and his former wives Sandy, Roxanne, and Beverly. He will be remembered for his strength, warmth, kindness, and unwavering desire to help others, no matter the circumstances.

NWA Capt. Gary Lloyd Russ

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Gary Lloyd Russ

September 25, 1941 — October 5, 2025

 

From family and the retired Northwest Airlines pilot group comes news with the passing of Captain Gary Russ, age 84.  Gary joined Northwest Airlines 07-05-1966.  He is survived by his wife Nancie, and by his children and grandchildren.

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gary-russ-obituary?id=59789045

 

Gary Lloyd Russ

September 25, 1941 — October 5, 2025

Tacoma,WA

   Gary Russ, our loving father, grandfather and devoted husband passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

 

   Gary was born in Minneapolis and married his high school sweetheart, Nancie Arnlund when they were just 21 years old.

 

   Flying was one of Gary's passions. He earned his pilot licenses at Crystal Airport and was then hired by Northwest Airlines in 1966. He retired in 2001 and served as a Senior Boeing 747 Captain. In 1996, Gary was awarded ALPA's prestigious Superior Airmanship Award. Gary's job also led to moving the family to the Dash Point/Browns Point neighborhood of Tacoma where Gary and Nancie lived for the next 55 years.

 

   Sports was another passion for Gary. Not only was he a very accomplished football, basketball, and track athlete in high school, but a very successful coach as an adult. He coached kids soccer team to multiple state championships and the first national championship for a Washington State Youth Soccer team. Gary and the family loved following the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.

 

   Nancie and Gary loved to travel and visited all corners of the world, often with their great friends Larry and Mavis Stears. After retirement, he continued to work with Larry in many real estate projects-too numerous to mention.

 

Gary loved and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Nancie Russ (Arnlund), children, Jeff (and Tara), Jason (and Kelly), Tanya Reber (and Joe), five grandchildren, Kayla, Kolton, Piper, Finn, and Laney, and his special granddaughter Kamrey who preceded him in death. Gary and Kamrey are now looking down on us.

 

Services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church 2501 SW 320th St., Federal Way, WA, 98023 on Monday, October 20th at 11am.

 

Family burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery, Puyallup.

DL Theresa Belton, wife of former DL pilot Dave Belton

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Mary Theresa Belton, wife of former DL pilot Dave Belton

July 20, 1966 ~ October 12, 2025

 

Theresa is survived by her husband of 37 years, the honorable Georgia State Representative Dave Belton (retired)……David Calvin Belton Jr., joined Delta Air Lines 01-15-1998 and was based Atlanta.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/theresa-belton-obituary?id=59790765

Theresa Belton Obituary , arrangements entrusted to A. E. Carter Funeral Home

 

On October 12th, Mary Theresa Johnson died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her husband and her loving children.

Theresa was born in Charleston, S.C. on the 20th of July, 1966 to Eugene Richards Johnson and Mary Patricia Johnson. An avid athlete all her life, she was a cheerleader at Middleton High School in Charleston, and lettered in Track & Field as well. She also won many scholastic awards, and sang with the Middleton Singers where she was in the special Madrigal Choir. It was there that she met David Calvin Belton Jr.

Theresa graduated from Clemson University in 1988 as a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. A month later, she married Ensign David Belton at the St. John's Cathedral in Charleston. A few months later, the two traveled to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, where they lived on Mount Etna.

In Italy, Theresa earned the prestigious job of MWR Director of two naval bases. Besides managing a bowling alley, restaurant, two gymnasiums, and a number of fields, she also led dozens of local Italians and US sailors, and coordinated hundreds of sporting tournaments and events. During the Persian Gulf War, Theresa was awarded the Meritorious Commendation Medal for her tireless work in housing thousands of troops in her gymnasiums on their way to Kuwait. She also learned to speak Italian, French, and Spanish in Italy so much so, that she was often mistaken for being a native.

Theresa gave birth to Daniela Carolina Belton during the last days of the war at Naval Base Naples, Italy, while her husband was away on another continent.

Later, the couple moved to Naval Air Station Pensacola, where she gave birth to Caitlin Lee Belton.

In 1999, the couple moved to Buckhead, Georgia, after her husband became a pilot for Delta Air Lines. There, she became a Physical Trainer and then a Massage Therapist while working at the Ritz Carlton on Lake Oconee. Later, she gave birth to David Richards Belton in Athens, GA.

At home, Theresa was a PTO Treasurer, Band Booster President, and Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was also a world traveler, visiting every country in Western Europe, most of the Mediterranean Sea, most of the Caribbean, Mexico, Ireland, Iceland, England, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and most of America including Hawaii and Alaska.

But most of all, she was a mother who loved her family, and was absolutely devoted to her children.

Theresa is survived by her husband of 37 years, the honorable Georgia State Representative Dave Belton (retired), her daughter Daniela and Cole Perry and their children, Mary Holland and Pierce David; her daughter Caitlin Belton and Patrick George; and her son David Richards Belton. She will also be missed by her mother and two brothers, Eugene Richards Johnson Jr. and William Edward Johnson.

A visitation will be held at A. E. Carter Funeral Home in Madison on October 17th from 3 to 5 pm.

A funeral will be held next week at St. Joseph's Church in Charleston on October 25th at 1030 am.

LAX/ATL WA/DL Flt. Instructor Jim Dickey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, LAX/ATL WA/DL Flt. Instructor James Edward "Jim" Dickey

July 29, 1946 - October 12, 2025

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-dickey-obituary?id=59785373#obituary

James Dickey Obituary posted on PCN memorial site

 

James Edward Dickey (Jim) of Fairburn, GA passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025.

Jim was born on July 29, 1946 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Thomas Edward Dickey and Eluned Roberts Dickey.

He is survived by his wife Tetiana Ivanets and her son Serhii, and his brother Bob Dickey.

He was blessed to have fallen in love and married Tetiana Ivanets late in life. They met in June of 2018, and were married in March of 2020. She was always with him during his struggles with his health and lengthy hospital stays in 2024 as well as the past 6 weeks. She refused to leave his side. He loved her dearly.

Jim was known to be a very loyal a friend. You could not have had a better friend than Jim Dickey. If you were a friend you could always depend on him to be there to support whatever you needed.

He graduated from Lawton High School in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1964, and attended Cameron University. In 1965 he left Cameron University and joined the Air Force. He spent 20 years in the Air Force and ultimately became a flight engineer. He traveled all over the world and was stationed at Bien Hoa airbase in Vietnam in 1968. There he serviced United States military aircraft. He was at Bien Hoa airbase when it was partially overrun by the Viet Cong in January, 1968. He and his fellow service men defended the base, and at the same time kept the aircraft that defended the base operational.

While in the Air Force he became a flight engineer and flew large cargo planes. After leaving the Air Force he continued as a flight engineer for a number of years. Jim then went to work as an instructor for Western Airlines in California. When Delta Airlines bought Western Jim joined Delta and moved to Atlanta. He became one of their most respected instructors for pilots who were required to take his course, and was often requested by those pilots to be their instructor. He retired from Delta in 2006.

Jim enjoyed working out, and after his retirement from Delta Airlines bought a workout gym. He always charged a very modest amount to join so that others could enjoy working out at a reasonable cost. He made many friends at his gym and could strike up an interesting conversation about almost any subject with someone he had just met.

Jim was a good athlete and a very good golfer when he was young. He lettered on the Lawon High golf team as a sophomore, and enjoyed many rounds of golf with his mom, dad, and brother.

And though he had never place kicked in football before, he practiced and tried out for the military football team in Europe, and became the team's place kicker.

He always loved cars. He could take an engine apart, work on it, and put it back together.

While living in California he became involved in drag racing. He built a blown altered dragster, and then actually drove it to many victories. Racing became a real passion, and he made so many friends that were also involved in racing. Racing was so important that when he moved to Fairburn, Georgia just outside of Atlanta, and was looking for a house one of the priorities for the property was to have a large garage so that he could work on his blown altered dragster. He owned a trailer that could transport his car, equipment and parts, and room to sleep in if necessary. He traveled to different parts of the country to race. He named his racing operation appropriately My Favorite Charity.

Jim will be missed by family and his many friends.

A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 4 o'clock at the chapel of Parrott Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Schroeder officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until the time of service.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com .

https://www.parrottfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-dickey-9/#!/TributeWall