DL Capt. Murall Dee Hancock

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Murall Dee Hancock

March 25, 1934 — February 10, 2026

 

Murall Dee Hancock joined Delta Air Lines 07-24-1961.  Widowed in 2015, Murall is survived by his children and their families. 

Private services will be held by family.

 

PCN memorial site 

 

 

https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/murall-hancock

 

https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/murall-hancock?ttm_pid=210869798&ttm_affiliate=legacypro&ttm_affiliatetype=standard&ttm_campaign=legacy

Capt. Murall D. Hancock, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

 

Born on March 25, 1934, in Sloans Valley, Kentucky, Murall was the son of Theodore and Ida Hancock. From the hills of Kentucky, he carried with him a steady work ethic, faith, generosity, and a quiet strength that would define his life.

 

Murall joined the United States Air Force as a young man and worked with SAC where he was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia. It was there that he met the love of his life, Peggy Sue Futral and married her on June 8, 1957. After their marriage, some travel, and some kids, they made their home in Atlanta, where Murall began what would become a remarkable 32-year career as a pilot with Delta Air Lines.

 

As a Delta captain, Murall flew millions of miles and helped shape the next generation of aviators. He had the distinct honor of training the first female pilot in the fleet, audited hundreds of flights as a AAD Line Check Airman, and eventually retired as one of Delta's Top 100 senior pilots - a testament to his skill, dedication, and steady leadership in the cockpit.

 

But he was much better known as "Popsy," than "Captain."

 

To his gaggle of grandchildren, he was the cool one - the one who taught them to fish, ride bikes, and swim. They followed him around his garage, into the garden, down trails, under the ocean, and up Stone Mountain. He sang to them "Can't Help Falling in Love," "The Prayer," and "Magic Moments" with gusto. He taught them how to invest in stocks, how to think wisely, how to do "adult" things. He cooked a little, but ate enthusiastically, and he showed up - again and again - for the people he loved.

 

10 out of 10, would absolutely recommend as a father and grandfather.

 

Murall is survived by his four children: Chris (Jill), Chuck (Tamara), Robin, and David (Maria); his grandchildren: Melissa (Tobias), Courtney (Kris), Amelia (William), Eilis (Matt), Lydia (Clay), Katherine, Neil, Emory, Nathan, Eric, Sam, Charlotte, and Sophia; his great-grandchildren: Caleb, Payton, Jolene, Tobin, Emerson, Penelope, Deacon, Roman; and his great-great-grandchildren: Wade and Ryder.

 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Peggy Sue Hancock - "Momsy" - with whom he now spends eternity in the presence of our loving Father, Jesus Christ.

 

To quote one of his favorite lyrics "Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace. Give us faith so we'll be safe."

 

Peggy Sue Futral Hancock

Birth 24 FEB 1939 • Savannah, Georgia

Death 29 AUG 2015 • Snellville, Georgia

WA/DL Capt. Robert Bruce Skanchy

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert Bruce Skanchy

November 27, 1944 ~ February 8, 2026

 

Robert Bruce Skanchy joined Western Airlines 11-27-1978 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Karen, and by his sons and their families. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at:  7179 S Villandrie Ln, Salt Lake City, UT 84121.

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/robert-bruce-skanchy/

 

Robert Bruce (Bob) Skanchy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, on February 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 81. Born on November 27, 1944, in Logan, Utah, Bruce lived a life marked by adventure, dedication, and an enduring devotion to family and friends.

 

Bruce was born to Antonne L. (Tony) and Lula "Lu" Karren Skanchy. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Karen, in Burley, Idaho, beginning a cherished partnership that spanned decades. Together, they built a life rich with laughter, outdoor adventure, and treasured family memories. Bruce was a devoted husband, a proud father to his two sons, Mark and Jason, and a loyal friend whose presence was a gift to all who knew him.

 

From an early age, Bruce felt drawn to the sky. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, flying the legendary B-52 bomber. That passion for aviation remained a constant throughout his life. He went on to fly corporate aircraft, built a distinguished career with Western Airlines, and ultimately completed his long and storied professional journey with Delta Airlines. His legacy in aviation was one of skill, professionalism, and deep pride-soaring as high as the planes he piloted.

 

When not in the cockpit, Bruce embraced life outdoors. He had a lifelong love for snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, boating, and exploring the open trail, finding his greatest joy in sharing these pursuits with those he loved. In later years, he returned to aviation in a quieter way, building intricate model airplanes and model trains-projects that brought him great satisfaction and calm. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, Bruce valued faith, fellowship, and the lifelong friendships that enriched his life.

 

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hill Skanchy; his sons, Mark and Jason; honorary granddaughters, Sadie Slikker, Emma Slikker DelRosario, Grace Slikker Botelhoand; and the many family members and friends whose lives were brighter for having known him. He was preceded in death by his father, Antonne L. (Tony) Skanchy; his mother, Lula "Lu" Karren Skanchy; his brothers, Antone Lewis Skanchy, Rex Karren Skanchy; and his sister, LuJean Skanchy Fowler.

                                                                       

Funeral services will be held on February 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. A graveside service will follow, with refreshments afterward. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in celebration of a life well lived and deeply loved.

NWA Capt. James "Jim" Haugen

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. James "Jim" Haugen

November 23, 1941 — February 14, 2026

 

James Oliver Haugen joined Northwest Airlines 07-10-1967.  Jim is survived by his wife Edie, and by his son Travis and two granddaughters.  Jim and Edie made their home in Wisconsin : W3270 40th Ave, Maiden Rock, WI 54750.

Services for Jim will be held at 11 AM on February 27^th at Newport United Methodist Church in Newport, Minnesota with visitation one hour prior.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

 

https://www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-haugen

James "Jim" Oliver Haugen

November 23, 1941 — February 14, 2026

Maiden Rock, Wis.

James “Jim” Oliver Haugen, 84, of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 23, 1941 in Newport, Minnesota to Oliver Haugen and Betty LeRicheux. He grew up in Newport, where he developed a love for the river that became a connection he carried throughout his life. After graduating high school, Jim went on to attend college at the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University. He received a degree in Special Education and taught 4th grade. He later learned how to fly and became a flight instructor and commercial pilot. He piloted for Northwest Airlines from 1967 to 2001. While working for Northwest he met his future wife, Edie Barnes, a stewardess in Seattle. Shortly after their marriage in 1973, they began looking for a place to build their home, eventually finding a piece of land in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Here they raised their family and Jim served on the Ellsworth School Board for over ten years. They lived on their farm in Maiden Rock for over 50 years and spent their summers at their cabin on Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed telling stories and spending time with his grandkids.

Jim is survived by his wife Edie, son Travis, and two granddaughters, Sarah and Grace. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Betty Haugen, and his daughter Jessica.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Newport United Methodist Church in Newport, Minn. A visitation will be held for one hour prior at the church. 

PAA/DL Capt. John "Jack" Langford

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, PAA/DL Capt. John A. Langford, Jr. ("Jack")

August 7, 1937 ~ February 8, 2026

 

Jack joined Pan American 08-26-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Rita, and by his children and their families. 

PCN memorial site   

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/john-langford-obituary?id=60766527

 

John Langford Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cornell Memorial Funeral Home on Feb. 11, 2026.

Captain John A. Langford, Jr. ("Jack") USN, of New Fairfield, Connecticut, formerly of Danbury, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Jack was a quiet, humble, and cerebral man who lived life on his own terms and set a lasting standard and example of accomplishment and bravery.

Jack was born on August 7, 1937, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Dr. John A. Langford and Margaret Dunn Langford. Jack grew up in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he graduated as salutatorian of his high school class. An accomplished athlete, he was an award-winning track star, earning multiple honors in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes and at one point ranked first in the state of Connecticut.

Jack was appointed to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, in the 14th company, where he earned a degree in Engineering. He went on to earn five master's degrees in military strategy, education administration, and personal administration reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and excellence.

Following his graduation from USNA with the class of 1959, Jack attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. An astute and highly skilled aviator, he began a distinguished aviation career as a Navy helicopter pilot. While on active duty in the Navy, he served in the pacific on numerous aircraft carriers as a helicopter pilot and in the Pentagon working in manpower analytics. In 1973 he was a helicopter aircraft squadron commander in the recover of astronaut Gordon Cooper in the Western Pacific. Jack was awarded the air medal (Navy Cross) for making the first night open seal landing of the SH3-A helicopter to rescue two downed pilots off the coast of California. Jack also served two harrowing tours in Vietnam where among many heroic missions he was credited with the rescue of 13 down pilots in hostile territory and was awarded two bronze stars, a Campaign Medal and a National Defense Medal.

In addition to his military service, Jack flew commercially as a Boeing 747 pilot for Pan Am from 1967 until the airline folded in 1991. He then worked for Delta Airlines, where he flew from 1991 until his retirement in 2002. Over the course of his commercial career, Jack flew all over the world and took great pride in having landed at every major airport worldwide. Jack was also an educator in the Danbury Public School System where he was a Science teacher and chairman of the Science department. He was known through out Danbury for having landed a Navy Helicopter on the field of Danbury High School in 1974.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Rita Barchi Langford, who lovingly and willingly cared for him in the last 10 years of his life. A fun and unconventional father and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his son, Mark Langford and daughter Lauren Langford, both of Brookfield, Connecticut; and his grandchildren: Jack, Alessandra, Alexa & Chloe. He is also survived by his niece Dana Barchi, several nieces and nephews and by his life long best friend Commander Jack Udebrock USNA Class of 59.

The greatest sorrow of Jack's life was the loss of his eldest son, Commander Glen C. Langford, who predeceased him. His sister, Maureen Langford McNulty, also predeceased him.

After his years of active duty, Jack settled at his home on Candlewood Lake, spending summers there and at his home in Danbury. An avid gardener and skilled landscaper, his properties bore his unmistakable signature, ornate beauty and meticulous attention to detail.

Following retirement, Jack and Rita made more than 20 trips to Europe, traveling extensively throughout Italy and Eastern Europe; priding themselves on never traveling like tourists. Jack spent extended winters in his beloved island of St. Maarten, his happy place, where he was an honorary resident and well known throughout the island. He was famous for discovering a unique bar, quickly claiming his own stool, and befriending the bartender and regulars. When not in St. Maarten, Jack was a familiar face at Chuck's, the VFW, O'Brien's, and Uncle Al's Café/Good Time Charlie's in Danbury.

The family would like to thank the aides who cared for Jack in his later years as he battled dementia, especially Lynne Stone, who was often by his side. The family extends its deepest gratitude to Cheryl Raymond of St. Maarten, who remained by Jack's side during his many trips there, accompanying him to his favorite island spots and ensuring he enjoyed many joyful visits. Finally, the family offers special thanks to, Dr. Martin Goldstein who provided exceptional and compassionate cognitive care to Jack throughout his illness.

Donations can be made in Capt. Langford's memory to Dr. Martin Goldstein:

New York Center for the Advancement of Cognitive Brain Health
c/o Dr. Martin Goldstein
138 W 25th St, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Funeral services for Capt. Langford will be held in the Spring. The family will extend private invitations.

DL Capt. Willard “Bill” Baker

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Willard “Bill” Baker

March 23, 1938 ~ February 14, 2026

 

Delta Goldeen Wings member Willard Kent Baker joined Delta Air Lines 04-03-1967.  Bill had most recently resided in Georgia : 1533 Frazier Rd, Decatur, GA 30033.  He is survived by his wife Irene and by his sons and their families.

Services will be held at McKendree United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville on February 21 at noon, with visitation one hour prior.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/willard-baker-obituary?id=60816752

 

Willard Baker Obituary

Bill Baker (Willard Kent Baker) of Lawrenceville, passed away February 14, 2026 in Decatur, Georgia. Bill will be remembered as a kind and generous man who loved his family, felt at home in nature and had a soft spot for children and animals (notably dogs and deer). He always liked to make people smile, whether in response to his humor, or in delight at his skills as a home chef.

 

Bill was born in Hertford, North Carolina on March 23, 1938 to Willard F. and Louise R. Baker. Aside from a short stint in New York City during World War II, he grew up in Weeksville, North Carolina, graduating from Weeksville High School. Bill graduated from East Carolina University in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. While attending East Carolina, Bill met the love of his life, Irene Link Baker of Raleigh. They were married shortly after graduation.

 

Already licensed as a private pilot, Bill entered the U.S. Air Force and went to flight school at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia. As a decorated combat pilot, Bill served his nation proudly in Vietnam and later in Alaska. His decorations include twice being awarded the Air Medal. He achieved the rank of Captain.

 

Upon completion of active duty, Bill became a pilot for Delta Airlines, mainly based in Atlanta. He flew for Delta for thirty-one years, retiring as an International Captain. As a pilot and in retirement, Bill lived in Stone Mountain and Lawrenceville with Irene, to whom he was married for almost 65 years. Irene had the distinction of being his first passenger (when first licensed as a private pilot) and among those on his final flight with Delta. Together they raised three sons and had nine grandchildren. Bill was a member of McKendree United Methodist Church.

 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Irene, sister Florence Rush, three sons Willard Kent Baker, Jr. (Vicki), Wallace Link Baker (Belle), William Scott Baker (Jana), and his beloved grandchildren Willard Kent Baker III (Sydney), Colton Dyle Baker, Samantha Alene Baker, Richard Link Baker (Julia), Brewer Gibson Baker, Lawson Malcolm Baker, William Scott Baker, Jr., Daniel Link Baker and Clara Deletta Baker.

 

The funeral service will be held at McKendree United Methodist Church in Lawrenceville on Saturday, February 21 at noon, with visitation before that at 11:00.