WC/NWA Capt. HANS "ERNIE" PROSCH

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, WC/NWA Capt.  HANS ERNST "ERNIE" PROSCH

April 15, 1940 - October 26, 2025

 

CAPTAIN HANS ERNST (ERNIE) PROSCH
Captain Hans Ernst (Ernie) Prosch, 85, entered into the presence of the Lord on October 26, 2025. Friendly, welcoming, and approachable, Ernie was quick to introduce himself or offer a helping hand to anyone in need. He was known, among all who knew him, for his generosity. Born in San Francisco, California on April 15, 1940, he was the second of three sons born to German immigrants, Magdalena and Kurt Prosch. In 1947, they moved their sons Ernie, his older brother, Robert (Bob), and younger brother Gerald (Jerry), from San Francisco's Haight/Ashberry to a quaint residential community in San Lorenzo, California, where they cultivated a permanent home and family life where Ernie and his brothers would spend the remainder of their childhood.
Throughout his youth, Ernie, excelled in academics, particularly mathematics, and began to foster his passion for aeronautics and his dream of becoming an airline pilot. In junior high school, he started working at the local hobby shop, which precipitated a lifetime of building award winning model airplanes; his first honor of many, a 1st place trophy granted by the United States Airforce Academy for all around best performing model airplane, was in 1955, at 15. In high school he began pilot training and obtained his pilot's license. He joined the United States Navy in 1958 and, following his service, earned a full-ride scholarship to Northrop Aeronautical Institute of Technology and graduated with honors and degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.
He took a position with Boeing Corp. where he worked at Cape Canaveral as an Inertial Guidance Specialist. In 1966, he hired on with West Coast Airlines as a line pilot, and a few years later, was introduced to a stewardess within the company, Linda, whom he married in 1970. They welcomed son, Hans, in 1971, and daughter, Jodi, in 1974. His adventurous spirit led the family to engage in his favorite hobbies together, most notably, boating, waterskiing, snow skiing, fishing, shooting, playing piano, and flying model airplanes. He was a frequent competitor at the Reno Air Races and built two award winning full size single pilot Formula One Airplanes in the 1970's.
At age 60, after flying his last transpacific flight on the Boeing 747-400, he hung up his captain's cap, and retired, in 2000, from Northwest Airlines. Embracing retirement with inherent zeal, he could be found tickling the ivories of his Steinway, spoiling his animals, calibrating his golf swing, designing, and flying model airplanes with his antique model group, and continuing to soar the skies piloting short domestic flights with family and friends in his 6-seater Aerostar airplane. Yet, to him, most importantly was spending time with his beloved family and friends. Ernie was a loving, devoted, and enthusiastic son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He will be tremendously missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents, older brother Bob, and nephew Rob. He is survived by his son, daughter, daughter-in-law Katharine, former spouse and friend Linda, four grandchildren Emma, Gavin, Audrey, and Colin, brother Jerry, nephews Eric and Jeremy, nieces Cheri and Valerie, four great nieces, and many dear friends.
Funeral services: November 25, 2025, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada.
Interment:  November 26, 2025, Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.
Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV) - Wednesday, January 28, 2026

DL Capt. Gene Gammill

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. O. Gene Gammill

January 27, 1942 ~ January 25, 2026

 

USAF veteran Otto Gene Gammill Jr. joined Delta Air Lines 11-27-1972 and was based Atlanta.  Gene is survived by his wife Katheryn Walkley Gammill, and by his children and their families.  Funeral services will be held January 31 with visitation the day prior….please see obituary for arrangements and details.

 

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.thescfh.com/obituaries/gene-gammill

Gene Gammill, age 83, of Canton, GA passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Northside Hospital Cherokee.

Otto Gene Gammill Jr., known to all as Gene, was born on January 27, 1942, in El Dorado, Arkansas, the eldest of three children born to O.G. and Mary Purdue Gammill. Growing up alongside his brother John and sister Susan, Gene displayed an early engineering mindset that would shape his remarkable life of service, adventure, and family devotion.

 

After graduating high school in El Dorado, Gene pursued his passion for mechanics at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. It was there he met Anna Kathryn Whitman, the woman he instantly knew was meant for him. Following graduation, they married, and the couple relocated to Port Arthur, Texas, where Gene began his career at Gulf Oil in field operations, while Anna taught school.

 

As the Vietnam War intensified, Gene answered the call to serve, joining the U.S. Air Force through Officer Training School, where he earned his commission and wings as a pilot. He initially flew the massive C-133 transport aircraft, delivering critical supplies across the United States, to Vietnam, and Europe. Later transitioning to helicopter training, he mastered the HH-53 Super Stallion and was assigned to the 371st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (the famed Jolly Green Giants) in Da Nang, Vietnam. There, Gene flew daring combat search-and-rescue missions to recover downed aviators under intense enemy fire.

 

During one mission, his helicopter was shot down. Rescued by a support aircraft, Gene was then ordered to return with the maintenance crew to repair the downed HH-53 and personally fly it back to base—an extraordinary act of courage and resolve that earned him the Medal of Honor.

 

After completing his tour, Gene retired from the Air Force and, still drawn to the skies, joined a then-small airline: Delta Air Lines. Over the next 29 years, he advanced from Flight Engineer on the Boeing 727 to Captain on the Boeing 767, retiring with a legacy of professionalism and skill.

 

While Gene served in Vietnam, Anna returned to Hope, Arkansas, where their son David Howard was born. Three years later, in Marietta, Georgia, their daughter Marianne arrived. Anna devoted herself to raising their children as a stay-at-home mother while Gene flew routes across the country. In his time off, Gene cultivated passions for high-performance cars—starting with several Mazda sports models in the late 1970s and early 1980s before becoming a dedicated Corvette enthusiast, owning more than half a dozen over the years. He also excelled in competitive shooting, generously teaching his children, grandchildren, and countless others at ranges and competitions alike.

 

Tragically, Gene lost his beloved first wife, Anna, to cancer in 1989. In time, he found new joy and companionship when he met Katheryn Henderson at Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. They married in 1990 and shared 36 loving years together. Through this union, Gene gained a son, Charles Ingrum, and a daughter, Julie Brown.

 

In 1995, Gene and Katheryn built their family home in Canton, Georgia—forever known as the “Garrison Trail Home”—a warm gathering place for their blended family of four children and ten grandchildren. They were longtime members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Canton.

 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, O.G. and Mary Purdue Gammill; his brother, John Gammill; and his first wife, Anna Kathryn Whitman Gammill.

 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Katheryn Walkley Gammill; his sister, Susan Ward; his children, David Gammill (Shannon), Marianne Kelley, Charles Ingrum (Christi), and Julie Brown (Anthony); and his cherished grandchildren: Anna Gammill, Luke Gammill, Nathan Kelley, Madison Kelley, Eli Ingrum, Tripp Ingrum, Tyler Brown, Katie Brown, Connor Brown, and Abbie Brown.

 

Gene lived a life defined by courage in combat, dedication in the cockpit, love for his family across generations, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. His legacy of service, adventure, and unwavering faith endures in the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from the Chapel of South Canton Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Jon A. Pirtle officiating and United States Air Force Honors. Interment will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, January 30, 2026, and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at South Canton Funeral Home.

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

DL Flt. Instructor Capt. Don Strickland

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Flt. Instructor Don Strickland

July 24, 1939  -  January 22, 2026

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Don-Strickland?obId=47064341

 

Donald Elmo “Don” Strickland, 86 of Milner, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

 

Don was born on July 24, 1939, in Hull, Georgia to the late Euel Thomas “E.T.” Strickland and the late Roberta Thompson Strickland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Hilda Virginia Fortson Strickland; siblings, Betty Fortson, Cecil Strickland, James Strickland, Florene Jenkins, and Curtis Strickland.

 

Mr. Strickland was a devoted and loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Hilda. Their life together was rooted in deep love and companionship, and they found their greatest joy simply being together. Whether they were spending time with family, traveling, camping, fishing, or sitting in the back porch swing. Those moments side by side meant everything to them.

 

That same love carried through every part of Mr. Strickland’s life. Don was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He retired as a pilot instructor from Delta Airlines after 32 years. Don was a “jack of all trades” and could build or fix anything. He was proud of his farm and loved to cut his grass on his tractor. Don enjoyed sports, but especially loved fishing and golf. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Atlanta Braves and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He served his country proudly as a Corpsman in the United States Navy and attended Milner Methodist Church. His memory will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind.

 

Those left to cherish Don’s life are his children and their spouses, David Strickland (Marcia), Donna Farrenkopf (Don Ransom); grandchildren and their spouses, Erin Studstill (David), Meghan Wiggins (Alvin), Loren Strickland, Ethan Strickland, Ashley Chatley (Scott), Taylor Farrenkopf (Brittany); great-grandchildren, Reagan Studstill, David Studstill, Remy Wiggins, Mackenzie Chatley, Reagan Farrenkopf, Madison Farrenkopf; God-son, Eli Fouts.

 

There are no formal services at this time

 

 

WA/DL Capt. Donald Ray Chapman

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Donald Ray Chapman

November 23, 1941 ~ January 17, 2026

 

Don joined Western Airlines 04-21-1969 based LAX, and retired with Delta Air Lines based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Julie, and by his daughter and his stepsons and their families.  

Don had most recently resided in Georgia:  850 Happy Valley Cir, Newnan, GA 30263.

The family will celebrate Don’s life with a small private ceremony.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.times-herald.com/obituaries/donald-ray-chapman/article_74f23ade-b52a-4170-a5fe-3efe18455e76.html 

Donald Ray Chapman obituary

Donald Ray Chapman passed away on January 17, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s

Disease. Don is survived by his beautiful wife Julie Chapman, daughter Lisa Dawson, and three

stepsons Jon, Jason and Jeff Salyards. He was the adoring grandfather of 10 grandchildren.

He was proud of his service as a Naval Aviator with 199 combat missions in Vietnam. He retired as a

Navy Captain, after 31 years of service in 1994. One of his last requests was for the words,

“Fighter Pilot,” to be part of his tombstone inscription. He was also a retired airline pilot with

over 30 years of experience finally serving as a Captain with Delta Airlines.

His contributions to the community are too many to accurately list here. He was a long-time member and former President of the Newnan Kiwanis Club. He was a proud member of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was also dedicated to serving with AMVETS. He frequently gave presentations to high school

students about his experiences in the military. And if you went to High School anywhere in the

South Atlanta suburbs, you likely have a small yellow card with Don’s 10 Rules for Success. For

these contributions and numerous other accomplishments, he was honored as the Coweta

County Citizen of the Year in 2009.

I’m certain that almost all of the people who read these words have two things in common. First, at one point in your life, Don bought you lunch, helped you pay a bill, or provided resources for you to pursue a dream. His generosity, in this regard, was legendary. Second, at several points in your life, Don probably told you a joke. Often it would begin with, “Did you hear the one about ...” His humor, in this regard, was also legendary.

In lieu of flowers or any donations, you can honor Don’s life by doing two things. First, he would

be delighted for each one of us to carry on his legacy by providing a random act of kindness. For

the stranger in the restaurant, buy lunch; for the person next to you in line, pay for their

groceries, or for a friend in need, pay one of their monthly bills. Second, it would warm Don’s

heart if, sometime in the next month, you turned to a stranger, your server at lunch, or the store

clerk behind the counter, and said, “Did you hear the one about ...”

The family will have a small private ceremony. Don hosted a large party for his 80th birthday after learning of his diagnosis.

He was very clear that he wanted this celebration, rather than a traditional funeral, to be his way

of saying thank you and goodbye to all of his friends and family.

PAA/DL Capt. O. Hayes Hutchins

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, PAA/DL Capt. O. Hayes Hutchins

November 1, 1938 ~ December 14, 2025

 

Captain Ozero “Hayes” Hutchins Jr. joined Pan American 06-03-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1998 based Atlanta.  Captain Hutchins had most recently resided in Alabama : 4520 Derby Downs Cir, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406.

Service arrangements are not yet known.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.northportfuneralservice.net/obituaries/hayes-hutchins 

Mr. Hayes Hutchins

Age 87

Northport Funeral & Cremation Service family extends our warmest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mr. Hayes Hutchins, who passed away on Monday, December 14, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Mr. Hutchins service is to be announced at a later time.

Compassionate, sympathetic, and professional service has been entrusted to the hands and care of the Northport Funeral & Cremation Service Professional.