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

HOME PAGE SHOWs THE 5 MOST RECENT POSTS.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

DL Capt. Julian Black

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Julian Black

July 19, 1939 ~ April 27, 2026

 


Throughout his adult life, Julian served and chaired several organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Golden Wings, the Delta Sailing Club…………….

Julian joined Delta Air Lines 05-02-1969 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Joan, and by his children and their families.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

 1931 Village Creek Ct., Dunwoody GA 30338-5117.

A celebration of life for Julian will be held on May 17th at 2PM in the Pavilion at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/julian-black-12863736

IN THE CARE OF H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

Julian Black, 86, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2026.

Julian was born in Barnwell, SC to Benjamin and Gertrude Black on July 19th, 1939. His family moved to Columbia, SC where he got his first job selling newspapers on Main Street at six years old. Julian attended Columbia High School where he was the captain of the football team and president of his class, then became a South Carolina Gamecock and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business.

 

While in college, he joined ROTC which led him to serve our country in the Marines, the Air Force, and the Air National Guard. Julian then completed his flight training and became an instructor on the T-38s while stationed at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL. He continued working for the Air National Guard when he and Joan moved to Atlanta, where they started a family and began Julian’s dream career as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines.

After 30 years of traveling domestically and internationally as a pilot, he retired and became an instructor on the 777s for the next 15 years.

 

Throughout his adult life, Julian served and chaired several organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Golden Wings, the Delta Sailing Club, Village Mill Neighborhood Association, American Legion, and the Dunwoody Police Academy. He enjoyed life to its fullest and had many hobbies, including coaching youth sports, biking, tennis, skiing, woodworking, sailing, hiking, traveling, exercising, playing cards, and reading.

 

But most importantly, Julian cherished quality time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Joan Derrick Black; his children Jennifer Hill (Cullman, AL), Derrick Black and Brittany Suchanek (Atlanta, GA), and Karen Avery and husband Ged (Atlanta, GA). He adored his six grandchildren: Jude Black, Caroline and Anna Hill; and Jane, Graham and Austin Avery. Other beloved family members include his sister Ruby Reese, his brother-in-law Jimmy Derrick and wife Laura (Columbia, SC), sister-in-law Jean Holcomb and husband Paul (Columbia, SC) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jeannette Jennings and husband Billy, and brother Olin Black and wife Shirley.

Last but not least, Julian valued his many friendships from his younger days in Columbia, the Air Force, Delta, Village Mill, and all the other facets of his life.

 

A celebration of life for Julian will be held on May 17th, 2026, at 2pm in the Pavilion at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA followed by a reception at the same location. The family deeply thanks all of their family and friends for the steadfast love and support during this difficult time. Those wishing to honor Julian's memory may donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, or American Lung Association, in lieu of flowers.

NWA Capt. Wayne French

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Wayne French

May 5, 1941 ~ April 29, 2026

 


Captain Wayne Howard French joined Northwest Airlines 12-06-1965 and retired with Northwest in 2001.  Wayne is survived by his wife Ginny, and by his children and their families.

At Wayne's request, no services will be held.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/wayne-french-obituary?id=61405357

 

Wayne French Obituary

Published by Legacy on May 5, 2026.

Wayne French, a man whose life radiated faith, kindness, and a quiet strength, passed away peacefully on April 29th, at the age of 84. Born to Webster and Sarah French of Osnabrock, North Dakota, Wayne was one of five (very tall) brothers. He attended college at North Dakota State University, where he began dating his cherished life partner, Ginny Sanders. He followed his older brother Herb's footsteps and joined the Air National Guard in 1964. Wayne and Ginny married in 1966 and settled in Edina, Minnesota. Wayne enjoyed a wonderful 35-year career as a commercial airline pilot for Northwest Airlines, retiring in 2001 as an international B747-200 captain. In retirement, he enjoyed "chasing trains", following the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels, and working on his John Deere tractor. Wayne's wit was subtle yet sharp, often sparking laughter in the most unexpected moments, and his warmth made everyone feel welcome. All dogs would gravitate toward him, tails wagging, sensing his goodness instantly. Wayne was a devoted man of God. He lived out his deep faith, daily, actively studying the Bible and weaving it into aspects of his life. Wayne is deeply missed by Ginny, his loving wife of nearly 60 years. He is survived by his brother Curt; children Scot French and Kristine Beer (Patrick); granddaughters Avery, Hadley, Maggie, Lauren, Cambrie, Finley, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Ernie, Herb, and Jerry French. At Wayne's request, no services will be held. He will be interred at Eden Prairie Cemetery. Keep airspeed.

Friday, May 1, 2026

DL Capt. Clifton Charles Capell

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Clifton Charles Capell

July 27, 1955 ~ April 21, 2026

 


Captain Clifton “Chuck” Charles Capell joined Delta Air Lines 09-27-1985.  Chuck is survived by his wife Leslie, and by his daughters and their families.

For those who may wish to send condolences, the family address is listed in whitepages as

336 Grooms Rd, Fayetteville, GA 30215.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Clifton-Charles-Capell?obId=48184897

Obituary 

Clifton Charles Capell, 70, of Fayetteville, GA, passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer on April 21, 2026.

 

Chuck, as he was known to his friends, was born on July 27th, 1955, to Clifton Powell Capell and Billie Jo Riley Capell. He grew up as the middle child with two sisters.

 

He graduated from Auburn University, where he met his wife, Leslie. He went on to earn a Master’s in Finance, and remained a lifelong learner and collector of ideas.

 

From the age of eight, Chuck knew he wanted to be a pilot. There was no greater joy for him than the peace that came while flying above the clouds. So he signed up to serve in the Air Force. There he learned to fly the planes that were his lifelong passion. After an honorable discharge, he joined Delta Air Lines where he spent his career. Over decades, he worked his way from copilot to Captain, and from working holidays to choosing the schedule and routes he liked best. His favorite routes at the end of his career let him visit Central and South America “and still come back to sleep in his own bed.”

 

He was an avid lover of travel and took Leslie and his girls on trips across the world. Even in retirement, he flew out to go on Safari in Africa and traveled to Japan. On the days and years, he didn’t travel, he read widely.

 

Chuck served on the board for the Bylorussian Mission, flying out to Belarus many times to support Pastor Andrew and the growing church, and to do work on their behalf. He was always charmed at the hospitality and warmth the people there showed him.

 

He married Leslie on May 26, 1979, and they shared 46 years together. They retired on several acres of land, created a small farm together, and received much joy in sharing their work with others.

 

He was the proud father of two girls, Alexandra and Kimberly, and two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, his two sisters, nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

 

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on April 25, 2026, at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, Peachtree City. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

 

The family welcomes flowers, especially daisies, or donations to the Atlanta Food Bank. Chuck would have loved the idea of people being fed in his memory.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Thursday, April 30, 2026

DL Capt. James H. Suckow

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, DL Capt. James H. Suckow

March 10, 1942 ~ April 25, 2026

 

James H. Suckow 48278781

Captain James “Jim” Herbert Suckow joined Delta Air Lines 05-02-1969 and was based Atlanta.  Jim is survived by his wife Jan, and by his daughter and his grandchildren.  Jim had most recently resided in Florida per whitepages listing  : 1750 Hurricane Harbor Ln, Naples, FL 34102.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.fullernaples.com/obituaries/James-H-Suckow?obId=48278781

Obituary : 

James H. Suckow, 84, of Naples, passed away suddenly at home on April 25, 2026.

 

He is survived by his wife, Jan, his daughter, Kelly, and his two grandchildren, Avery and Justin of Atlanta. Also, his brother, Paul Suckow and his wife, Phyllis are part-time residents of Naples and their son, Morgan and his husband, Mark who are residents of New York City.

 

Born on March 10, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois to Mae S. Suckow and Herbert W. Suckow, the family moved to the suburb of Elmhurst when Jim was in grade school. He graduated from York High School in 1960, and went on to the University of Missouri where he met his wife, Jan. They married shortly after graduation in 1964.

 

Having been in Navy ROTC, he reported directly to flight school in Pensacola, Florida for training. Jim flew many missions in Vietnam and at the end of his naval career was qualified in seven different aircraft at the same time. The planes ranged from the four-engined turboprop C-130 transports to the A-4 fighter jets.

 

After leaving the Navy, he joined Delta Air Lines and retired in 2001. While at Delta, he was elected Chairman of the Delta Pilots’ Master Executive Council, as part of the Air Lines Pilots Association, leading 7,000 men and women.

 

Living with his wife and daughter in Naples since 1976, he helped coach the Naples Braves, an award-winning young women’s all-star softball team where his daughter played. The team competed in the softball World Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He also volunteered to sit on our city’s firefighter pension board, assisting with asset growth and stabilization after the 2008 financial crisis had decimated the fund.

 

A proud resident of Naples for 50 years, he always remarked how fortunate he felt to have enjoyed this beautiful town as his home.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Service - North Naples

1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

NWA Capt. Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson

February 8, 1948 - April 25, 2026

 

Obituary and service arrangements are now available at the funeral home’s website:  https://www.griffin-roughton.com/obituaries/sandra-lynn-allmon-anderson/#!/Obituary

 Obituary  :  Captain Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson was born in Houston, Texas on Feb. 8, 1948 to Bonnylin McBride and Willis O’Neal Allmon Jr.

Sandy passed away in Gun Barrel City, Tx on April 25, 2026.  She graduated from Lewisville, Texas in 1966 and was later inducted to their Hall of Fame.  She went on to TWU where she graduated in 1970 with a degree in Art Education and minors in music and physical education.  For the next two years she taught at La Marque Intermediate and during this time married Dick Anderson, a NASA Engineer and skydiver.

In 1975, Dick was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.  By this time Sandy had changed her career goals and earned her private pilot’s license.  After acquiring a certificate in flight engineering and Airline Transport Pilot, in 1979, she was the second female hired by Northwest Orient Airline as a pilot. 

During her career, she advanced to Captain on multiple aircraft, including the Boeing 727, 757, and 747-400. In 1989, she became a B-727 Captain, and in 2000 she was promoted to Captain on the Boeing 747-400.

A true trailblazer, Sandy broke significant barriers for women in aviation. She became Northwest Airlines’ first female Captain Instructor/Check Pilot in 1992 and later selected as the first female amongst all the major U.S. passenger carrying airlines as a Fleet Check Captain in 1994 and then named Assistant Chief Pilot – Flight Manager. She was the first female to hold this position at NWA, or at any other major U.S. Airline.

She was a founding board member of Women in Aviation, International (WAI) and played a key role in establishing its Endowment Fund, helping create lasting scholarship and educational opportunities. Her contributions earned widespread recognition. Sandy received the Northwest Airlines Humanitarian Award, the Women in Aviation International “Bruce Baty Volunteer of the Year Award” (twice), the WAI Founders Award, and Texas Woman’s University’s Distinguished Alumna Award. She was inducted twice into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame and honored for her lifelong commitment to advancing women in aviation. 

In 1995 she earned her Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the American University in Washington, D.C.

She is survived by her sisters: Patricia Diane Allmon Gray of Denton and Sharla Allmon Johnson and her husband Jeff of Gun Barrel City.  Step Son Randy Anderson and grandson Russell Anderson both of Gainesville, Florida.  Niece and Nephew: Shelley Graney and husband Denny and Bradley Bain and wife Taryn. Great Niece and Nephews: Olivia Graney, Jack Graney, Kelyn Bain, Keaton Bain and Kyler Bain.

 

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAI – Women in Aviation International.

Memorial Services will be held May 3rd from 1pm to 3pm for Visitation only at Griffon – Roughton Funeral home – Corsicana, Tx., and Monday May 4th at Griffon – Roughton Funeral Home will be another visitation at 12pm and service following at 1pm. Graveside services will be immediately after at Birdston Cemetery in Streetman, Texas.

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson

February 8, 1948 - April 25, 2026

 


Suzanne writes:  I am sending the sad news of the passing of Captain Sandy Anderson, who passed away today, April 25, 2026.

Sandy was the second female pilot hired at Northwest Airlines 10-15-1979 and she retired as a Boeing 747 Captain. 

 Sandy was very active in helping others to achieve their aviation goals. She was a member of The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots ( https://www.ninety-nines.org ), The International Society of Women Airline Pilots ( isa21.org ), and Women in Aviation ( https://www.wai.org/ ) where she was instrumental in establishing the endowment fund for that organization.  Should you choose to send a memorial donation in Sandy’s memory, she would have been honored to be remembered were you to keep in mind these organizations especially the Endowment Fund for Women in Aviation.

Sandy was a talented, gifted person in so many different areas: artistically, athletically, musically, in addition to her aviation skills.

She was always willing to serve and lend a helping hand where needed.

Sandy has suffered from dementia for the past five years and has been residing at The Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care in Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. She has been in the care of her younger sister, Sharla Johnson. 

Condolences and additional information can be shared with Sharla at 350 Overlook Trail, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156, voicemail or text to (214) 801-8588. 

 Thank you,

Suzanne Skeeters

 

Funeral home website :

https://www.griffin-roughton.com/obituaries/sandra-lynn-allmon-anderson/#!/TributeWall

 

Details regarding services are still pending and will be advised.  The family would very much like to hear your memories and stories.  Please take a moment to share your thoughts either online at the funeral home site or at the family address c/o Sandy’s sister/caregiver Sharla.

 Thank you!

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

Facebook : A tribute to Captain Sandy L. Anderson, Northwest Airlines Ret.

Sandy passed away yesterday and I had news early on and took some time to process it. Sandy was one of my distant role models. I first met her in 1991 when I was then known as Janet Andersen. I remembered her name because it was so close to mine. She was ironically the Captain on the Boeing 727 taking me from DTW to MCO where I was receiving a certificate for winning the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship from The Ninety-Nines.

 

I took it as a great sign and very good omen that I had a woman airline Captain flying me to the Woman Pilot Conference! I was able to sit in the cockpit of the 727. The pilots had been paid and that was back in the day the checks were printed and left in the mailboxes at work. So the First Officer and Flight Engineer were discussing their paychecks enroute and told me, “Go on, Janet, ask Sandy how much her pay check is…” Besides the huge paycheck, I was very happy to see Sandy was short like me.

 

Because WAI (women in aviation) was a budding organization, and one which Sandy supported since the beginning (I joined in 1995 even though I really couldn’t afford the dues and became member number 557) I was able to see Sandy become a check airman and then switch to the 747 and become a check airman there. In 2014 I spent time with her and Beverly Bass when I was invited to go see the ISA+21 archives at TWU (Texas Woman’s University). Over the years, whenever I saw Sandy at a WAI conference I always told her she was a role model to me. She was always a bit embarrassed and I always had to tell her the story of the jumpseat on the NWA 727. When I heard she had dementia and was asked to take over her position in ISA as the archivist, I was not surprised; her memory loss seemed to me to be going on for years, but I never minded telling her the story of how we met.

 

Her jumpseat was one of the first ever I was allowed to take. I was flying for an FAR 121 carrier and had specific authorization to be on the flight deck at Northwest Airlines. I will never forget Sandy and my inspirational flight with her in command. RIP Sandy. I was glad I met you.