DL Capt. John D “Jack” Crofton

 most recent update:

 

From Cecelia 

In Loving Memory of Jack Crofton
March 15, 1946 – April 15, 2025

We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Jack's life.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend.

Jack’s life was marked by love, humility, wit, and quiet strength.  In the spirit of remembrance and community, we will share stories, laughter, and a meal with those who were touched by his presence. This time together will reflect the warmth and generosity he so effortlessly extended to others throughout his life.

Celebration of Life

Friday, October 17th at 12:30pm at Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway NE, Marietta, GA 30068 • (770) 578-9901

If you are coming from out of town, here are a few nearby hotel accommodations that are within 10–15 minutes of Old Towne Athletic Club and 30–40 minutes from the Atlanta airport.

1.  Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest, 2999 Windy Hill Road SE, Marietta, GA 30067

2.  Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Windy Hill/Ballpark, 2045 S Park Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30339

3.  Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria, 2733 Circle 75 Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

4.  Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta, 2844 Cobb Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

5.  Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

6.  Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Marietta, 1170 Powers Ferry Place SE, Marietta, GA 30067

If you plan to attend, we kindly ask you to RSVP by October 1st to help us plan thoughtfully.  Please text me at (404) 822-1770.

Please do not send flowers; however, for those wishing to do so, a donation in Jack's memory to ...

•  Wounded Warrior Project • P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 • https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
•  Tunnel to Towers Foundation • 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 • https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
•  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta • https://give.choa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1480&mfc_pref=T&1480.donation=form1
•  Wreaths Across America • https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Shop/Product/649?tid=8116CA7B-2197-4D76-8C08-8438F134F3C5&vw=don
•  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 • https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

Best regards,

Cecelia

=========================

Updated with services:   In Loving Memory of Jack Crofton

March 15, 1946 – April 15, 2025

We invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Jack's life.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend.

Jack’s life was marked by love, humility, wit, and quiet strength.  In the spirit of remembrance and community, we will share stories, laughter, and a meal with those who were touched by his presence. This time together will reflect the warmth and generosity he so effortlessly extended to others throughout his life.

Celebration of Life

Friday, October 17th at 12:30pm at Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway NE, Marietta, GA 30068 • (770) 578-9901

If you are coming from out of town, here are a few nearby hotel accommodations that are within 10–15 minutes of Old Towne Athletic Club and 30–40 minutes from the Atlanta airport.

1.  Hyatt Regency Suites Atlanta Northwest, 2999 Windy Hill Road SE, Marietta, GA 30067

2.  Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Windy Hill/Ballpark, 2045 S Park Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30339

3.  Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria, 2733 Circle 75 Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

4.  Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta, 2844 Cobb Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

5.  Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

6.  Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Marietta, 1170 Powers Ferry Place SE, Marietta, GA 30067

If you plan to attend, we kindly ask you to RSVP by October 1st to help us plan thoughtfully.  Please text me at (404) 822-1770.

Please do not send flowers; however, for those wishing to do so, a donation in Jack's memory to ...

•  Wounded Warrior Project • P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 • https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
•  Tunnel to Towers Foundation • 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 • https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
•  Children's Healthcare of Atlanta • https://give.choa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1480&mfc_pref=T&1480.donation=form1
•  Wreaths Across America • https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Shop/Product/649?tid=8116CA7B-2197-4D76-8C08-8438F134F3C5&vw=don
•  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital • 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 • https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now

Best regards,

Cecelia

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. John David “Jack” Crofton

March 15, 1946 ~ April 15, 2025

 

Sharing news from family and friends….the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain John “Jack” David Crofton, age 79.  Jack joined Delta Air Lines 01-13-1977 and was Atlanta based.  Our information is limited but for those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s residence listed in whitepages as

  413 Cottonwood Cir, Peachtree City, GA 30269

If more is learned in the days ahead, we will post an update.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/42026368/john-crofton

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/John-Crofton?obId=42026368

John Crofton Obituary

An obituary is forthcoming.

No services are scheduled at this time.

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

Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peachtree City, www.mowells.com

 

Family facebook posting:  https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jack%20crofton

With deep sadness, I share that my oldest brother Jack peacefully passed away early this morning, surrounded by those who loved him most. Jack was a beloved brother to Sally, Rich, Tom, Phil, and myself, a devoted husband to Cecelia, a loving father to Jordan, and a cherished grandfather to James. His presence in our lives was truly special, and while our hearts are heavy with grief, we are grateful for the time we shared with him. Jack's memory will forever remain in our hearts.

 Online condolences may be posted at https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/John-Crofton?obId=42026368

We regret to inform you of the passing of Cecelia's husband, Jack (retired Delta captain), on April 15th.  Please keep Cecelia, their family and friends as they face this difficult time.

Jack Crofton passed away peacefully at his home on April 15, 2025, at the age of 79, with his beloved wife, Cecelia, and their daughter, Jordan at his side.  A true gentleman, his integrity, kindness, and quiet strength touched all who knew him.  Despite a valiant battle with dementia in his final years, Jack faced his challenges with remarkable courage, grace, and an unwavering spirit.  He will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, a fitting tribute to his distinguished service.  A service and celebration of his extraordinary life will be announced at a later date.

Born on March 15, 1946, Jack was raised in San Francisco until the age of 16, followed by a family move to Chicago for one year and then on to LaGrange, Georgia, where he completed his senior year of high school.  He graduated in 1969 from St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama.

Jack’s passion for aviation was the cornerstone of his career.  He served with distinction in the United States Air Force, both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring as a major in 1990.  He flew the C-141 and C-5 aircraft and was based at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, Travis AFB in California and Dover AFB in Delaware.  Among other ribbons, he was awarded an Air Medal for heroism, outstanding achievement and meritorious service while participating in aerial flights, a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty.

In 1977, Jack embarked on a storied civilian career as a pilot with Delta Air Lines, rising through the ranks to retire in 2005 as a Captain on the Boeing 777.  Based in Boston, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta, he navigated the skies with precision and pride.  Retirement from Delta did not dim his love for flying; he continued to soar with Citation Shares for a year, then ventured to India to fly for Jet Airways for two years.  His final chapter in aviation was spent imparting his vast expertise as a simulator instructor at Delta for six years, mentoring the next generation of pilots with patience and wisdom.

At the heart of Jack’s life was his family.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.  Married to Cecelia for 36 years, he was a devoted husband whose love for her never wavered.  As a hands-on father, he took immense pride in his daughter, Jordan, nurturing her with steadfast support and celebrating her every milestone.  The arrival of his grandson, James, brought him boundless joy.  Jack cared deeply about his five siblings and their families - Rich (Meg), Tom (Mary Ann), Phil (Pat), Ed (Janet), and Sally (James).  His family brought immense purpose to his life.

Jack’s adventurous spirit knew no bounds.  An avid sailor, skier, surfer, cyclist, camper, and hiker, he explored the world with an insatiable curiosity.  He ran over 20 marathons, spent hundreds of hours underwater as a skilled scuba diver, and traveled all over the world.  Jack’s legacy is one of integrity, service, and an unyielding appreciation for life’s beauty.  His gentle wisdom, infectious laughter, and warm presence left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eileen and Jack Crofton, his infant sister, Mary Eileen, and his niece, Morgan Crofton.  He is survived by his wife, Cecelia Jordan Crofton, his daughter, Jordan Crofton Reynolds (Jamie), his grandson, James, as well as his siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, all of whom will carry his light forward.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Amy, Tara, and Kylyn of Caring Hands Elderly Care, and to the compassionate caregivers at Somerby who affectionately knew him as “Captain Jack.”  The family also expresses deep appreciation to Southern Grace Hospice for their loving support in Jack’s final days, ensuring he was surrounded by comfort and dignity.

DL Capt. Dennis Dunagan

 

…..from family comes this news with the passing of retired DL Capt. Dennis Milton Dunagan, age 82.  Dennis joined Delta Air Lines 04-17-1970 and was based 052/ATG.  He is survived by his wife Josephine, and by his sons and their families.  PCN memorial site

~ IN MEMORY ~

USMC Veteran, Delta Captain Dennis M. Dunagan

Feb 4, 1943 - April 18, 2025

Retired aviator Dennis M. Dunagan slipped the surely bonds of earth and piloted his last flight on April 18, 2025. He flew west and passed away in Atlanta, GA.

 

He was born on Feb 4, 1943 to Robert and Ruth Dunagan and grew up in Atlanta, GA in the Boat Rock area. His first flight in an airplane was at an air show at the Atlanta-Hartsfield airport in an open cockpit biplane. It was a short flight, but was the start of a long aviation career based out of that same airport, flying jets.

 

After graduating from Headland High School in East Point, GA he attended North Georgia Military College. He fell in love with the military while he was there and excelled as the President of the Scabbard and Blade Club. He attended USMC officer training in the summers and upon graduation in 1965, earned a regular commission in the Marine Corps. Upon commissioning, he attended the Marine Basic School, bought a Pontiac GTO convertible and ultimately reported to Pensacola, FL for flight school. While in flight school, he flew the T-34 Mentor and the T-28 Trojan. After earning his wings, he knew he was headed to Vietnam and selected helicopters so he could work with the infantry.

 

He served in Vietnam from Oct 1967 until Nov 1968 where he flew the H-34 and the H-46. He was based out of Phu Bai and supported Operations in both Vietnam and Laos throughout the Tet Offensive, Battle of Hue and the Battle of Khe Sanh. He was recognized for bravery with multiple air medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Dennis saved countless American lives during his time as a helicopter pilot and was recognized even as recently as 2023 by a fellow Marine, albeit a completely stranger, as the pilot that saved his life and flew his Medical Evacuation flight. After Vietnam, Dennis returned to Pensacola as a flight instructor preparing the next generation of pilots to go to Vietnam.

 

Dennis transitioned from Active Duty to the Marine Reserves in 1970. When he left the Marines, he was hired by both Delta and Eastern, and ultimately picked Delta because they offered him the first class date. He started class at Delta on April 17, 1970. He initially checked out as an Engineer on the Convair 880 and the Delta C-130. Then he was an engineer on the DC-8. As a Marine Reservist, he was ultimately based at Dobbins ARB and flew Cobras. At Delta, he flew as an FO on the DC-9, DC-9 CA, MD-88 CA, L15 FO, 757/767 CA, 777 CA, and finally as a CA on the 767-400. He was a simulator instructor and APD for approximately his last 10 years on the Delta Seniority list. After retirement, he quickly returned to the training department and continued to instruct on the 757,767, and the 767-400. He was well known in the training department for his USMC lanyard, countless stories and sense of humor. He retired the second time during the COVID pandemic as the Air Lines were drawing down.

 

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Dunagan and his three boys, Ted, Keith and Timothy. He also has two grandsons - Nathan and Teague. His smile and sense of humor will be deeply missed. He was a talented pilot and always quick with a joke. He was well loved, had numerous friends, and always enjoyed his dogs. He was well known for saying that you get paid by the minute, the only time you can have too much fuel is when you are on fire and don’t fly in thunderstorms! Great advice to all pilots young and old.

 

For information about the funeral, please reach out to Timothy Dunagan at LeanF15@gmail.com   It will be for family and friends.

WA/DL - Lt. Col.(ret.) Richard E. Weizenegger Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF/WA/DL - Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Weizenegger Jr. (Retired)

March 11, 1945 – April 7, 2025

Richard (Rick) E. Weizenegger Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated Air Force Veteran, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:18 p.m.,……………………

Rick joined Western Airlines 02-28-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Marci, and by his daughters and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

IN THE CARE OF Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/centennial-co/richard-weizenegger-12339677

 

Richard (Rick) E. Weizenegger Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated Air Force Veteran, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:18 p.m., surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was 80 years old.

 

Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on March 11, 1945, to Patricia and Richard E. Weizenegger Sr., Rick spent his youth water skiing and fishing the lakes of Wisconsin. His adventurous spirit and love for flight led him to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science and graduated with the Class of 1967 from the 7th Squadron. While there, he proudly served as Team Captain of the men’s gymnastics team, competing in pommel horse.

 

Rick’s military career was nothing short of extraordinary. He served with valor in Vietnam at Phan-Rang Air Force Base flying the F-100 Super Sabre. Recognized for his excellence and courage, he won through competition the honored title of "Top Gun." Over the course of his service, he piloted a range of aircraft including the F-4 Phantom, C-4, F-4E, Western Airlines 727, and Delta Airlines Boeing 767 and 777.

 

Rick served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 10 years, 9 months, and 22 days before continuing his service with the Air National Guard for an additional 13 years, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His dedication to service earned him numerous awards and commendations, including:

 

• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

 

• Air Force Longevity Service Award with 20LC

 

• National Defense Service Medal

 

• Vietnam Service Medal

 

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea)

 

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

 

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device & 20LC

 

• Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 2 Palms

 

• Distinguished Flying Cross with 20LC

 

• Air Medal with 20LC

 

• Air Force Commendation Medal

 

 

Following his military service, Rick continued his aviation career flying international commercial flights for Western Airlines and then Delta Airlines. Later, he piloted private jets for high-profile clients including Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Céline Dion, NFL Superbowl Quarterback John Elway, and NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

 

Rick also held an MBA in Business Management, Marketing and Finance and was as passionate about learning as he was about flying.

 

Yet, beyond his accolades and adventures, Rick’s greatest joy and adventure in life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Marci Weizenegger (Muffett Meairs); his three daughters, Kjersti Timmons (Husband Michael Timmons), Katie Golden (Husband Martin Golden), and Margaret Parks; and six adoring grandchildren: Piper Parks, Finley Parks, Bennett Parks, Charlotte Timmons, Maizy Golden, and Decklin Golden. He was a pillar of strength and love in their lives, always quick with a story, a laugh, and unwavering support. He was their Hero.

 

Rick lived a life of honor, adventure, and deep devotion. His legacy of courage, kindness, and love will live on in all who had the privilege to know him.

 

A memorial service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at the United States Air Force Academy, Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rick’s memory to a Veteran’s charity of your choice.

 

Fly high, Rick. You’ve earned your wings once more.

AS/NWA Capt. Robert D. Sandberg

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, AS/NWA Capt. Robert D. Sandberg

April 20, 1947 ~ February 22, 2025

 

Retired aviator Robert Sandberg piloted his last flight, with God as his navigator and angels as his wingmen….      Captain Robert Duane Sandberg joined Northwest Airlines 03-15-1996.  Bob is survived by his wife Dorothy, and by his daughters and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.thereflector.com/stories/in-loving-memory-of-robert-sandberg,378576 

 

Retired aviator Robert Sandberg piloted his last flight, with God as his navigator and angels as his wingmen; and so it is with profound sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Duane Sandberg share his peaceful passing on Feb. 22, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona.

 

Bob was born in North Dakota and raised in Eugene, Oregon, by his loving parents, Margaret and Harry Sandberg, with his younger brother, Dennis Sandberg. He graduated from North Eugene High School in 1965, University of Oregon in 1969. He was commissioned as a naval aviator in 1971. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Navy and moved his family to Battle Ground, Washington, to begin his civilian flying career with Alaska Air and later Northwest Airlines. He retired from flying in June 2006.

 

In retirement, he made a smooth transition from his love of flying in the blue skies to boat fishing on the blue waters of the Pacific Northwest lakes, rivers and the ocean. For the last nine years, Bob and Dorothy escaped the rain and headed south to winter in Arizona. They had a wonderful time exploring the area—golfing, hiking and enjoying the sunshine with their dear friends from Henry Fonda Street.

 

Bob was loved by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy (Davis) Sandberg, as well as their daughters, Meagan (Colin) Hayden of Post Falls, Idaho, and Kathryn (Ryan) McHenry of Spokane Valley, Washington; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Susan), of Junction City, Oregon, and preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sandberg and Margaret (Roos) Sandberg.

 

The memorial service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon, on May 9 at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Elim Lutheran Church in Hockinson, Washington, at 1 p.m.

Bob and Dorothy were members of Elim Lutheran Church. Please consider any memorials in Robert’s name be made to Elim Lutheran Church of Hockinson, Washington, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (TNT.org).

Annetta Brown, wife of DL Capt. Melvin Brown

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Annetta Brown, wife of DL Capt. Melvin Brown

July 21, 1941 ~ January 5, 2025

 

Annetta Beth Brown of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on January 5, 2025……Annetta is the wife of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Melvin L. Brown.  Annetta is survived by her husband Mel, and by her children and grandchildren.

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

10 Guindola Circle, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.hsvvoice.com/stories/annetta-b-brown,87110 

Annetta Beth Brown of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas went to be with her Lord on January 5, 2025.

 

Annetta was born in 1941 in Kirksville, Missouri to Curtis and Mabel Schupbach. She grew up in Sedalia, Missouri, graduated from Smith Cotton High School in 1959 and from Missouri State University with an education degree in 1962. After teaching second grade in Raytown, Missouri for a year, she married her high school sweetheart, Melvin Brown, in 1963. Following her husband’s Air Force moves, she then taught school in Valdosta, Georgia and Enid Oklahoma where she returned to graduate school and obtained her master’s degree in education. After the birth of her sons, Annetta was a stay at home mom and enjoyed tennis, traveling, volunteering, and attending her sons’ sporting events. In 1985 she returned to teaching and taught second grade at Huffman Elementary in Plano, Texas for the net 15 years. She retired from teaching in 2000 to travel with her husband in his last year of flying for Delta Air Lines.

 

In 2001, she and her husband moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She played on several tennis teams, enjoyed kayaking, boating, traveling and volunteering. She was a member of Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church and its Charity Circle. She particularly loved her Bunco Babes ladies, her book clubs, and her tennis friends.

 

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Melvin Brown, her sons, Dr. Michael Brown and his wife Lori, and United Air Lines Captain Mark Brown and his wife Laura, five grandchildren Connor, Taylor, Megan, Travis and Tanner Brown; her brother Dr. Curtis Wayne Schupbach and his wife Janet; and two nephews, Eric and Jason Schupbach.

 

A celebration of Annetta’s life will be held at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church on April 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Christ of the Hils UMC or charity of choice.