DL Capt. Charles Edward Bethel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Charles Edward Bethel

November 1, 1939 ~ July 24, 2025

 

One day during his High School years, he skipped school with one of his best friends to take their first airplane ride for one dollar. Charles discovered his passion for flying while his friend said he would never do that again……

Charles joined Delta Air Lines 02-14-1966 and was Atlanta based.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dottie Medling Bethel, and by his sons and their families. 

Services for Charles will be held August 3rd in the chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia.

PCN memorial site

 

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-bethel-obituary?id=58998175 

also  https://www.westcobbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-bethel 

 

Charles Edward Bethel

Smyrna, GA

Charles Edward Bethel, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 85 at his home in Smyrna, GA on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to be with his Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He was born on November 1, 1939, to Raymond Leon and Mildred Louise Bethel in Greenfield, TN. He was the eldest of four siblings that all grew up and worked hard on the farm in Northwest Tennessee. One day during his High School years, he skipped school with one of his best friends to take their first airplane ride for one dollar. Charles discovered his passion for flying while his friend said he would never do that again.

 

Charles graduated from Greenfield High School and then attended the University of Tennessee at Martin for a time, but then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to become a pilot. He initially was a helicopter pilot and then transitioned to flying planes. During one of his Military leaves he returned home to Greenfield, TN where he met his future wife of 59 years, Dottie Rue Medling, at a local basketball game. Charles served five years in the Marine Corps including serving time in the Vietnam War where he was attached to the HMM-162 squadron and flew the single engine O-1 Bird Dog plane on 68 missions and received two air metals. He also flew helicopter search and rescue missions. After being honorably discharged at the rank of Captain, Charles started a new career as a commercial pilot with Delta Air Lines in Atlanta in 1966. Charles and Dottie were married on July 10, 1966, and initially lived in an apartment in College Park. Charles and Dottie were then blessed with the birth of two sons that stayed close by and still live in the metro Atlanta area today. Charles resumed working on his college degree while working at Delta and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation, Magna Cum Laude, in 1974. The family moved to Smyrna, GA in 1976, which has been Charles and Dottie's home since that time.

 

Charles worked at Delta Airlines for 33 years as a domestic and international pilot, and as a flight instructor that trained and air-checked other Delta pilots. He was in the first class of pilots to fly the new Boeing 767 airplane, and he flew one of the first 767s delivered to Delta from Seattle to Atlanta. In addition, noteworthy during his career, he was selected to escort Air Force One with President Jimmy Carter by flying the White House Press Corps. His favorite plane to fly at Delta was the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. Charles was very close with his fellow pilots that were in the B-66 training class when he started at Delta.

 

Charles was not only a great aviator and military soldier, he was a consummate husband, father, brother, and friend to many. Charles was always caring and looked after many in his family, including his loving wife, and two very energetic sons. Charles was a member of Burnt Hickory Church of Christ (originally Smyrna) since 1976 with a servant's heart. Charles and his family cherished many life-long friends from Church, many of whom were able to surround him with love and shared memories the day before his peaceful passing at home.

 

Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dottie Medling Bethel; two sons, Jeffrey William (Jennifer) Bethel, Marietta, GA, and Christopher Michael Bethel, Kennesaw, GA; two brothers, Billy Jo (Sandra) Bethel, Greenfield, TN, and Johnny Mack (Dawn) Bethel, Greenfield, TN; three grandchildren, Emma Louise Bethel (Chris), Caroline Bethel and Luke Bethel (Jeff), and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Doris Ann Bufford, his parents, and his stepmother, Mrs. Ruth.

 

Funeral Services will be at 3:30pm on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia, and the Family will receive friends and family starting at 2pm. Charles will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, August 4, 2025, promptly at 11am at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations may be made to Georgia Agape at www.georgiaagape.org

 St. Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org , or Parkinson's Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/ 

 

 

PAA/DL Capt. David R. Albert

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, PAA/DL Capt. David R. Albert

November 23, 1935 – January 13, 2025

 

A dedicated serviceman, accomplished pilot, lifelong adventurer, and cherished family man, David lived a life full of purpose, discovery, and quiet joy…..David joined Pan American Airways 02-08-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines based NYC/031.  He is survived by his wife Joyce.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.thearknewspaper.com/live/david-r-albert 

 

 David R. Albert passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 89. A dedicated serviceman, accomplished pilot, lifelong adventurer, and cherished family man, David lived a life full of purpose, discovery, and quiet joy.

 

Born in Riverside, California, David graduated from Riverside High School before attending UCLA on a U.S. Navy scholarship. He went on to serve with distinction as a Naval aviator, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Stationed at Barber’s Point, Hawaii, with squadron VR-21, David flew missions across the Pacific and retired from active duty in 1964.

 

In 1965, David launched a long and storied career with Pan American World Airways. From 1968 to 1988, he was based in Berlin, Germany, piloting international routes across the globe and volunteering for Rest and Recuperation (R&R) flights into Vietnam. He later joined Delta Airlines in 1991, continuing to fly until his retirement in 2003.

 

David’s passion for aviation extended far beyond the cockpit. He mentored a young aspiring pilot, Eric Chayet, generously sharing his time, experience, and insight. What began as guidance grew into a lifelong friendship-a reflection of David’s generosity and the deep connections he nurtured throughout his life and career.                                                                                                        •

 

In 1992, David married Joyce Bell, and together they made their home in Tiburon, California. Their house, nestled beside open space, brought David endless joy as he watched deer, coyotes, and birds from the windows. He was a fun-loving and devoted husband, a deeply cherished stepfather to Marc Malnekoff (Julie), Mara Malnekoff (Gregg), and Marnie Malnekoff, and a proud grandfather to Beck and Avi Franklin.

 

David and Joyce shared a deep passion for travel, journeying together to far-flung destinations including the Galapagos Islands, Tonga, and even riding the rails from Beijing to Moscow. In 2008, they embarked on a memorable round-the-world cruise­ just one of many adventures that defined their life together.

 

A nature lover at heart, David frequently hiked with local groups, reveling in the beauty of the outdoors. He was also an active and engaged member of his community, joining the Rotary Club of Tiburon and serving as its president from 2009 to 2010. He volunteered with the Broom Busters of Tiburon, helping to remove invasive plants and preserve the natural landscape he so loved.

 

David had a deep love for music. He played the guitar and had a beautiful singing voice that brought joy to those around him. Whether entertaining friends or simply strumming at home, his music was a source of connection and comfort. He continued to play well into his 80s, his voice and guitar remaining steady companions throughout the years.

 

A lifelong learner, David’s curiosity knew no bounds. At age 60, he took up karate, eventually earning his 4th-degree black belt by 74-a testament to his discipline, humility, and inner strength. He was also fluent in several languages, including Spanish, German, and French-a talent he began developing in school and honed throughout his years abroad. His multilingualism allowed him to connect effortlessly across cultures and left a lasting impression on those who met him.

 

David will be remembered for his deep sense of service, his adventurous spirit, his boundless curiosity, and the love he gave so generously to his family and community. His was a life well-lived-rich with meaning, filled with laughter, and marked by quiet strength. He leaves behind memories that will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

DL Capt. Joseph Hyde Pratt III

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. Joseph Hyde Pratt III

July 7, 1955 — July 20, 2025

 

A graduate of Ripon College, Joe went on to flight school and served as a Navy pilot, flying P-3s and working with the Dutch Navy. After his military service, he became a commercial airline pilot with Delta Airlines, where he worked for over three decades. Known to many as “Captain Joe,”……………………………Joe joined Delta Air Lines 11-21-1986.  He is survived by his wife Lori, and by his children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on September 13^th in Nottingham, New Hampshire.

PCN memorial site

 

https://obits.csnh.com/joseph-pratt 

Joseph Hyde Pratt

Captain Joseph Hyde Pratt III, 70, passed away peacefully early in the morning on July 20th just two weeks after his birthday, at his home in Nottingham, New Hampshire. In the last weeks of his life, he was surrounded by loved ones. One of the last things he said was, “I know how lucky I am.”

 

He was born on July 7, 1955, in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Dr. Joseph Pratt and Hazel Hausman Pratt. The friends he shared childhood with called him Joey. He mostly went by Joe, but throughout his life, he bore several monikers.

 

Joe was the husband of Lori Pratt. They were married on September 12, 1980, in Jacksonville, Florida. Their love story began while Joe was serving as a Navy pilot, Lori liked to say it was “lust at first sight,” and that he was irresistible in uniform. Together, they built a life across cities and continents, eventually settling in New Hampshire to raise their family.

 

A graduate of Ripon College, Joe went on to flight school and served as a Navy pilot, flying P-3s and working with the Dutch Navy. After his military service, he became a commercial airline pilot with Delta Airlines, where he worked for over three decades. Known to many as “Captain Joe,” he made a lasting impression on colleagues and passengers alike.

 

Joe was a man of extraordinary physical talent, relentless curiosity, and a deeply rooted moral compass. An Eagle Scout and competitive athlete in his youth, he pursued adventure throughout his life, skiing, marathon running, mountaineering, barefoot waterskiing, kite surfing, ice climbing, and more. Any of his many activities captured in photos showed him with a wide grin and a glint of mischief. He climbed Denali, the tallest mountain in the United States, and went on to touch the top of the world when he summited Mount Everest.

 

He had a knack for anything he put his mind to, fixing what was broken, transforming his home landscape into an oasis, or picking up new hobbies with enviable skill. This came across in his ability to make anything feel possible. He taught countless people how to swim, dive, and waterski. At the summer camp his daughter ran, the children affectionately called him “Captain Tyin’ Knots.” He showed them how to build fires, set up tents, dress wounds, and of course, tie knots.

 

Joe was a devoted Rotarian for over 30 years, serving as president of his local club for part of that time and as District Governor. He was drawn to the service, community, and integrity that Rotary embodied.

 

His commitment to his family and his willingness to grow through them was perhaps his most remarkable quality. In his later years, he found unexpected joy in an artistic community in Nice, France, forming deep friendships with people who, while very different from him, were no less charmed and amazed by his incredible feats and his playful nature. As he softened with time, he embraced the beauty of music, the wonder of solstice nights, and the creative spirit of his children.

 

In recent years, Joe and Lori began spending winters in Bradenton, Florida, where they built yet another vibrant community. Joe could often be found leading sunset excursions on the boat, organizing taco parties with live music, and bringing people together through celebration, storytelling, and joy. True to form, he left a lasting impression, not just through his accomplishments, but through the way he made people feel.

 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lori; his daughter, Katrina and her husband Bryce; his son Joey and his wife Jen; his sisters Judy and Lisa and their spouses; many loving nieces and nephews; and his grandchildren, Linden, Nika, and Kieran, who called him “Bo.”

 

A celebration of life will be held on September 13th, 2025 at the family’s home in Nottingham, New Hampshire from 2-4pm. Friends and family will gather to scatter his ashes, share stories, laugh, cry, and honor the incredible man he was.

DL Capt. William Dennis “Bill” Hirneise

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. William Dennis “Bill” Hirneise

October 1, 1941 — July 5, 2025

 

After the Navy, Bill flew for Delta Air Lines for 31 years, receiving special commendation for his performance during a hijacking to Cuba in 1981. Upon retirement in 2001, he dedicated his life to two things: his grandkids and his golf game……

Bill joined Delta Air Lines 02-13-1970 and was Dallas based.  Widowed in 2021, he is survived by his sons and their families.  A celebration of Bill’s life will be held August 1st at the Geo. J. Carroll Funeral Home in Gainesville, Texas.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.geojcarroll.com/obituaries/william-hirneise

Bill Hirneise

Lake Kiowa, Texas

William Dennis Hirneise passed quietly in his sleep on July 5, 2025, joining his beloved wife, Linda, who preceded him in death in 2021. Born on October 1, 1941, in Lima, OH, he was 83 years old. Bill is survived by his sons, Rich Hirneise and his wife, Ammy, and Bart Hirneise and his wife, Robyn; his grandchildren, Will Hirneise, Alec Hirneise, Maddy Hirneise, Emma Hirneise, and Dylan Hirneise; and his sisters, Lynda Makley and Carol Rable.

 

Bill grew up in Lima, Ohio, where he graduated from St. Gerard Catholic School. He later earned a degree in finance from The Ohio State University. After college, Bill joined the Navy, became a pilot, and flew S-2s off the USS Hornet during the Vietnam War.

 

While in naval flight training in Corpus Christi, TX, he met the love of his life, a first-year teacher named Linda Hatcher. The two were married on Coronado Island, CA, in 1967, and spent 53 happy years together.

 

After the Navy, Bill flew for Delta Air Lines for 31 years, receiving special commendation for his performance during a hijacking to Cuba in 1981. Upon retirement in 2001, he dedicated his life to two things: his grandkids and his golf game.

 

While he never mastered that “perfect little draw,” Bill did perfect the art grandfathering. Baba—who later morphed into Bob—would spend hours taking the grandkids tubing, for golf cart rides to the candy store, and on adventures to “the wild area,” aka the Kiowa washouts.

 

A great conversationalist, Bill could talk the ear off a can of corn. Always opinionated, sometimes controversial, he kept every conversation interesting. He also had a knack for giving good, steady advice (whether it was needed or not), which helped his sons—and many of their friends—grow into their best selves.

 

Bill and Linda loved to travel. From taking the whole Hirneise crew to Destin each year to traveling with the infamous Margarita Group, he loved seeing the world. Secretly though, we think his favorite trip each year was attending the Senior Hickman Invitational golf tournament organized by his best friend, Jim Hickman.

 

A wonderful dad, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend to so many, Bill’s life is remembered through the people and lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the memories, the lessons, and above all, the love he had for his family.

 

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Geo. J. Carroll Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke & Fannin Counties if so inclined.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/226310826/linda-lou-hirneise

Linda Lou Hatcher Hirneise

Birth         20 Feb 1943

Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas

Death        23 Apr 2021 (aged 78)

NWA Capt. Lynn Dean Freed

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Lynn Dean Freed    

January 19, 1937 ~ October 5, 2020

 

As noted in the most recent issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of NWA Capt. Lynn D. Freed…..

I think Lynn probably first flew for North Central Airlines, made the merger with Republic, and retired with Northwest Airlines. 

If anyone has more information to add, we welcome your feedback.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.osheimschmidt.com/obituary/lynn-freed 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216447013/lynn-d-freed

Lynn D. Freed

Birth         19 Jan 1937

Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa

Death        5 Oct 2020 (aged 83)

Rapid City, Pennington County, South Dakota

 

Lynn D. Freed, 83, passed away Monday, October 5, 2020 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.

 

Lynn was born January 19, 1937 in Eldora, Iowa, the youngest child of Leo and Mabel (Danger) Freed.

 

He graduated from Eldora High School in 1955. He married Sharon Mersman from New Providence, Iowa on June 23, 1957 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He flew commercial for eight years before flying for the airlines. He retired September 1, 1992 from Northwest Airlines after 27 years. He enjoyed traveling and riding his motorcycle.

 

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, their 4 children and their spouses,5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

 

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Rimrock Church (out back in the Meadow)

Burial will be at Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.