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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).

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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

DL Capt. Kenneth “Ken" Williams

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth “Ken" Williams

October 10, 1936 ~ August 16, 2026

 


Delta Golden Wings member retired Captain Kenneth Dean "Ken" Williams Sr. joined Delta Air Lines 10-03-1966 and retired with Delta based Atlanta.  Ken had most recently resided in South Carolina : 3123 Coleman Ct, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Ken is survived by his wife Catherine “Cathy”, and by his children and stepchildren and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kenneth-williams-obituary?id=62219991 

Kenneth Williams Obituary

Greene Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel

 

Kenneth Dean "Ken" Williams, Sr., 89, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away on August 16, 2026, under the care of hospice and surrounded by the family he loved beyond measure.

A memorial service will be held for Kenneth Williams on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Park Pointe Village Community Building, 3025 Chesbrough Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Born October 10, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Harvey Hugh and Mattie Mae Lucille Jones Williams, Ken grew up with his younger brother, Harvey LeBron Williams, learning early the values that would guide his life: work hard, take responsibility, care for others and make the most of every opportunity. He graduated from Central High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Chattanooga, where he participated in ROTC.

Ken served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1966, attaining the rank of Captain. During the Vietnam War, he flew a UH-1B Huey gunship on combat missions and later served as a VIP pilot for General William Westmoreland. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. His military service also included time in Korea.

In 1966, Ken joined Delta Air Lines, beginning a 30-year career as a commercial pilot and ultimately retiring as a Delta captain. His care for others extended beyond the cockpit. Among his recognitions was a Delta Customer Service Citation for personally assisting a passenger whose son was in a coma.

Ken remained grateful throughout his life for his first wife, Helen, and the years they shared raising their four children, Ken, Trent, Lisa and Debbie. Her support helped him through flight school and the early years of building his career. Although their marriage ended in 1983, Ken continued to respect and include Helen as the mother of his children until her death in 2024.

For the final 40 years of his life, Ken shared his life with his beloved wife, Catherine Lucinda "Cathy" Williams. Together they created a life rich with family, friendship and adventure. They traveled extensively, cruised, explored the country by RV and made lasting friends wherever they went. Yet some of their happiest moments were simply having everyone together, including one treasured Christmas at their home in Springfield, Tennessee, when their children, grandchildren and siblings all gathered under one roof.

Ken was immensely proud of his daughters, Lisa and Debbie. Lisa held a particularly tender place in his heart, and his love for her deepened his commitment to supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Her quick wit also made him laugh like few others could. His relationship with Debbie carried the special bond of a father and daughter, each strong-minded in their own way. He watched with pride as she built a life uniquely her own, celebrating her family, education, service and leadership. With both daughters, his love was steady, unmistakable and abundant.

When he married Cathy, his family and his love also grew to include her children, Wesley, Karen and Jeffrey, and their families. Together, their blended family shared decades of holidays, travel, celebrations and family life.

His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. Ken showed up for sporting events, graduations and the moments that mattered. One favorite adventure was a three-generation fishing trip to Alaska with his brother, sons-in-law, stepsons and grandsons.

Ken loved fishing, sports, travel, time with friends and a good meal. He was always willing to investigate the next best ice cream place, although Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla remained hard to beat. A lifelong DIY problem-solver, he could build or repair almost anything and saw little reason to pay someone for something he could figure out himself. He was frugal with himself but remarkably generous with others.

Ken worked harder than almost anyone who knew him. He set goals and pursued them with determination, grit and an occasional dose of stubbornness. When he said, "It's the principle of the matter," those who loved him generally knew where the conversation was headed.

For 30 years, Ken was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also spent 15 years supporting children with intellectual disabilities through Junior Forum in Pasadena, Texas. Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self," described Ken well. He gave generously and humbly, thought of others before himself and believed that when someone needed help, you showed up.

That remained true until the end. As his health declined, Ken's concern was still for the people he loved. He wanted his family near and found comfort in hearing their voices and laughter around him.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harvey LeBron Williams; his sons, Kenneth Williams, Jr. and Trent Williams; and Helen, the mother of his children.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Catherine Lucinda "Cathy" Williams; his daughters, Lisa Williams and Debra Corbett and her husband, Bailey; and grandsons Bailey Dean Corbett, Kendon Corbett and Chase Corbett. He is also survived by Cathy's children, Wesley Hand, Jr. and his wife, Kimberly; Karen Sedatole and her wife, Stacie; and Jeffrey Hand and his wife, Stephanie; grandchildren Savoy McKibben and her husband, Tim, Wesley Hand, Emma Hand, Matthew Sedatole and his wife, Claire, and Julia Rockwell and her husband, Jeff; and great-grandchildren Zoe McKibben and Louis Rockwell.

Ken's life was filled with airplanes flown, places traveled and goals accomplished, but his greatest legacy will always be found in the people he loved and the way he lived.

Work hard. Be responsible. Be kind. Be generous. Seize the opportunity. Laugh often. Take care of your people. And whenever possible, put service above self.

Ken did.


Greene Funeral Home
Downtown Chapel: 355 East White St., Rock Hill, SC 29730 Call 803.327.2051
Northwest Chapel: 2133 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732 Call 803.326.2051
Toll Free: 1.800.641.2051

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

NEA/DL Capt. Robert “Bob” Patrick

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NEA/DL Capt. Robert “Bob” Patrick

January 31, 1934 ~ August 15, 2026

 

With a lifelong love of flying and a spirit of adventure, he went on to join the Army National Guard where he became a helicopter pilot. That passion for aviation led him to his next adventure, flying for New York Airways, before continuing his career with Delta ……………..

Robert “Bob” Albert Patrick joined Northeast Airlines 01-03-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Boston.  Widowed in 2023, Bob is survived by his children and their families. 

Please see obituary below for service arrangements.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-patrick-obituary?id=62215932

 

Robert A. Patrick

Jan 31, 1934 — Aug 15, 2026

 

Bedford NH

Robert "Bob" Patrick passed away peacefully Saturday, August 15, 2026, after a period of declining health. Born in Manchester on January 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Alfred and Aurore (Ouellette) Patrick and was a lifelong resident of the Manchester area. 

Bob graduated from Bishop Bradley High School and began his career with the Air National Guard. With a lifelong love of flying and a spirit of adventure, he went on to join the Army National Guard where he became a helicopter pilot. That passion for aviation led him to his next adventure, flying for New York Airways, before continuing his career with Delta Airlines, where he flew the 727 until retirement. 

While flying was an important part of Bob's life, it was the people and experiences along the way that meant the most. He enjoyed many hours spent bowling and playing golf, and he found great purpose in giving back to his community. He volunteered at the VA and proudly served as part of the color guard at veterans' funerals, honoring those who had served their country. 

He leaves behind his children, Linda and her husband Robert Bruno, Leo and his wife Beth Patrick, and Joyce and her husband Vernon "Butch" Rowe; seven grandchildren, Jayson, Charlene, Philip, Alison, Michelle, Samuel, and Kimberly; four great-grandchildren, Axton, Wyatt, Asher, and Kilian; his very close niece, Judith Patrick Ronshagen-Gunderson; and his sister-in-law, Jeanette Patrick. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lillian (Vaillancourt) Patrick; and his brothers, Romeo and his wife Eleanor, Emile and his wife Flo, and Roger. 

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Lambert Funeral Home, 1799 Elm St., Manchester from 12pm to 1pm. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Bob's memory may make a donation to Catholic Church of New Hampshire ( https://www.cc-nh.org/ways-to-give/ ).

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

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/unionleader/name/lillian-patrick-obituary?id=51462355

Lillian Patrick Obituary

Lillian Y. (Vaillancourt) Patrick, 90, of Bedford, died March 22, 2023 at the Arbors of Bedford after a period of declining health.  She was born in Manchester on July 24, 1932 to Gilbert and Clara (Bussier) Vaillancourt. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and was a lifelong resident of the Manchester area…………………

 

Monday, August 17, 2026

DL Capt. Richard "Rick" Eugene Zahm Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Richard "Rick" Eugene Zahm Jr.

May 13, 1971 - August 14, 2026

 


Rick was a pilot for over 30 years, most recently as a Captain for Delta Air Lines………..

 

Rick joined Delta Air Lines 01-05-2015 and was based DTW.  He is survived by his wife Laura, and by his daughters Emma and Maddie.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.baileylove.com/obituaries/richard-rick-zahm/#!/Obituary

Obituary for Richard "Rick" Eugene Zahm Jr.

Richard “Rick” Eugene Zahm Jr., 55, of Huntington, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026. He was born on May 13, 1971, to Richard “Dick” Zahm and Susan “Susie” (Scher) Parker and raised in Huntington, Indiana. After graduation from Huntington North High School in 1989, he attended FlightSafety International in Florida. Rick was a pilot for over 30 years, most recently as a Captain for Delta Air Lines.

 

On March 22, 2003, Rick married Laura Burcham. The couple have two beautiful daughters, Emma and Maddie. Rick was a devoted father and husband. Family trips were an important part of their story. He and his family visited more than 20 national parks and took several road trips to attend concerts of their favorite classic rock bands like The Eagles, The Guess Who, Chicago, and ELO. Those outings were never just about the show; they were about being together, making memories, and giving his daughters a part of the music that meant so much to him.

 

At home, Rick enjoyed spending time in his barn and working on his property. To know Rick was to appreciate his humor, his willingness to use his practical knowledge helping family and friends, his meticulous attention to detail, and the steady way he showed up for those around him. He was a member of Huntington First Church of the Nazarene and was a dedicated volunteer for Operation Christmas Child.

 

Rick is survived by his wife, Laura Zahm of Huntington, IN; two daughters, Emma and Madison “Maddie”; his father, Richard “Dick” Zahm of Huntington, IN; two sisters, Connie Smith of Huntington, IN, and Cindy (Mike) Cook of Huntington, IN; stepsister, Brianna Spurgeon of Huntington, IN; his father- and mother-in-law, Gene and Janet Burcham of Huntington, IN; and his sister-in-law, Karen (Jon) Klister of Round Lake, IL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Susan “Susie” Parker, and stepmother, Christine Zahm.

 

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, August 21, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Tyler Gates officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Ronald McDonald House in memory of Rick, in care of Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750.

 

Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com    

Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Richard (Rick) Eugene Zahm

SO/RC/NWA Capt. William “Bill” Middleton

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, SO/RC/NWA Capt. William “Bill” Wade Middleton

December 31, 1944 ~ August 13, 2026

 

Bill’s life was defined by his love of family, his service to his country, and his enduring passion for the skies. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

 

Bill’s commercial flying career began with Southern Airways 04-09-1973.  Bill is survived by his wife Barbara.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, the Middleton’s most recent address is listed in whitepages :  4969 Twin Branches Way,  Dunwoody GA 30338.

Services will be held August 20 & 21 in Georgia….please see obituary below for information.

PCN memorial site  

 

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

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marietta-ga/william-middleton-13002574

William Wade “Bill” Middleton, age 81, of Dunwoody, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, under hospice care with Capstone Hospice in Marietta, Georgia. He was born on December 31, 1944 to the late William Benton Middleton and late Raymona Hilton Middleton of Texas.

Bill dedicated much of his life to his greatest passion—flying. He enjoyed a distinguished career as an airline pilot, beginning with Southern Airlines, which later became Republic Airlines, followed by Northwest Airlines and, ultimately, Delta Air Lines, where he completed his career. His love of aviation was more than a profession; it was a lifelong joy and an important part of who he was.

Bill was also a proud United States Air Force veteran, having served as a Captain.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Bantivoglio; his brother, Raymond Middleton of The Woodlands, Texas; sister-in-law, Paula Middleton; nieces, Melaine and Lauren; and nephew, Robert. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Outside of aviation, Bill enjoyed photography and was an avid reader. Yet, above all, his greatest joy was flying.

The family will receive guests on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Georgia National Cemetery.

Bill’s life was defined by his love of family, his service to his country, and his enduring passion for the skies. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marietta-ga/william-middleton-13002574

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/305288896/william-wade-middleton  

William Wade Middleton Veteran

Birth : 31 Dec 1944

Death : 13 Aug 2026 (aged 81)

Burial : Georgia National Cemetery

Sunday, August 9, 2026

DL Capt. Bernard “Bert” Kelly

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Bernard “Bert” Kelly

October 7, 1937 ~ August 6, 2026 

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”


Captain Bernard “Bert” Lee Kelly joined Delta Air Lines 09-13-1965 and retired with Delta in 1997 based Atlanta.  Widowed in 2009 with the passing of his wife Wanda, Bert is survived by his daughters and their families.  Services for Captain Kelly will be held Aug. 15 & 16 ….please see obituary below for locations.

Obituary provided by family:

 Bernard Lee Kelly, 88 years old, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his Southwood home in Tallahassee, FL – around 1:40am on August 6, 2026. He was surrounded by his three daughters, all of whom had personally cared for him during his recent physical decline.

 

Bernard (most fondly known as Bert) was born October 7, 1937 in Tifton, Georgia. A descendant of Irish immigrants, he grew up visiting the Kelly family 150 acre farm in Grady County, just north of Whigham – where he quickly learned, and fell in love with, the value of simple country living. As a child, he was surrounded by the expansive, positive power of family: his mother died when he was just a boy; as a result, his extended relatives became more like parents and siblings. He grew up with cousins for playmates – and leaned on the support of aunts, uncles, and grandparents to shepherd his adolescence. The definitive loss of his mother in early childhood yielded his lifelong, unwavering commitment to his sisters and extended family.

 His family moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he was a teenager, and he attended Leon High School (class of 1955). He went on to attend Florida State University before joining the US Air Force. Following in the footsteps of his father (who was a mail bus driver, then a Trailways bus driver), Bert was inspired to establish a career in transportation – but found his true calling in the skies. While in the US Air Force (stationed in Laredo, Texas), he flew fighter jets and eventually served as a flight instructor; his call sign was Little Jug.

 He began his career with Delta Airlines in 1965, commissioning his most beloved identity: Captain Bert Kelly. Throughout his 37 years with Delta, he took on many leadership roles – but he had particular pride in serving as captain of the L1011. As a Delta pilot, he cherished the opportunity to not just see the world, but share it. His loved ones consider themselves lucky to have traversed the globe in his company or in his honor. Though he touched down in, and took off from, too many locations to name… his favorite places on the planet were Ireland, the Colorado Rockies, and Florida’s Gulf Coast.

 He retired from Delta in 1997 – and lived the next decades of his life traveling for pleasure, prioritizing quality time with family (especially his daughters and his grandchildren), and enjoying Tallahassee’s bounty of personal blessings (including all manner of FSU sports and his lake-facing front porch view). In his later years, despite the loss of his wife and an 18 year battle with cancer (multiple myeloma), Bert continued to seek out the best of the best. Bert appreciated the value of a good joke, a well-orchestrated surprise, and a simple breeze. He read the local newspaper religiously (his first job, after all, was delivering papers by bicycle in Donalsonville, GA as a boy). His heroes were Bobby Bowden, George Strait, and Jesus. His generosity was undeniable, his reliability was unmatched, and his heart was pure.

 Bert’s faith as a Christian was his true north, punctuating every day he lived with reflection and intention. He was a man prone to preach – but his willingness to dole out wisdom was always balanced by an openness to consider another’s perspective. He modeled the art of genuine listening, and he welcomed healthy debate. Above all, though, he sought to understand his neighbor, practice unconditional love, and answer to his Maker alone. 

Bert was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Lorena Barber, in 1948; his father, Oscar Bernard Kelly, in 1977; and his wife, Wanda Reddick Kelly, in 2009. He is survived by his three daughters, Jennifer Kelly Martin, Lee Ann Kelly, and Alyssa Kelly; his sisters Patsy Cooper and Nancy Radford; and four grandchildren. 

 A Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church (2351 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee FL 32308) on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 1:00pm. 

 A Committal Service will be held at Friendship Cemetery (209 W 12th St, Donalsonville GA 39845) on Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 11:00am.

 A memorial bench in his honor will be placed in his neighborhood, across from his home’s front porch view and at the lake’s edge, with this inscription: To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Aviation Foundation in Bert’s name. An avid attendee of the EAA’s annual Airventure in Oshkosh, Bert was previously honored there by his daughters – in a Brown Arch tribute brick, with this message: “In honor of Capt Bert Kelly: a remarkable pilot, a top-notch flight instructor, and the best father imaginable. Thank you for giving us wings, and teaching us the value of what it means to come home.” Please use the following link, or call 888-500-5600, to make a donation to EAA: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationform