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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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Sunday, May 31, 2026

DL Capt. Jack Daniels Woodul

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Jack Daniels Woodul

October 19, 1940 - May 20, 2026

 


Accomplished aviator, Vietnam war veteran, author, family man………..

Jack joined Delta Air Lines 12-04-1967 and retired with Delta based Dallas.  He is survived by his wife Carolyn, and by his two sons and their families.  Jack had most recently resided in New Mexico per whitepapers listing : 288 Bartlett Mesa Rd, Raton, NM 87740. 

PCN memorial site

https://www.legacy.com/person/Jack-Daniels-Woodul-61493381

Jack's Obituary

In loving memory, we honor and celebrate the life of Jack Daniels Woodul, who peacefully departed this world on May 20, 2026, at the age of 85. Jack was surrounded by the warmth of his beloved family in the comfort of his home, in Raton, NM a testament to a life filled with love and devotion.

Jack was born on October 19, 1940, in Portales, New Mexico, to Parker A Woodul and Ima Mae (Bobbye) Daniels Woodul. Jack carried the values instilled in him by his parents throughout his life, always cherishing family and duty above all else. He is predeceased by his father, Parker A Woodul, his mother Ima Mae (Bobbye) Daniels Woodul and his brother William J. Woodul.

May Jack rest in eternal peace, his spirit soaring high and free, just as he did in life. Educated in his hometown, Jack graduated from Portales High School in 1958. He then pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

With a passion for service and adventure, Jack gained a Naval commission as an Ensign in February 1963. He embarked on a distinguished military career, completing Naval flight training and serving as a carrier aviator and combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Jack continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves, flying fighter aircraft even after his active duty concluded.

In 1967, Jack transitioned to a civilian career with Delta Air Lines, where he spent thirty proud years. His dedication and skill led him to the esteemed position of International Captain, from which he retired after a fulfilling career, having safely guided countless passengers to their destinations.

 

On January 5, 1962, Jack married the love of his life, Carolyn Volpato Woodul. Their union spanned an incredible 64 years, marked by unwavering love, partnership, and shared adventures. Carolyn survives him, along with their two devoted sons, Douglas Parker Woodul and his wife Amy, and Jon Christopher Woodul and his brother James E. Woodul (Lida). Jack’s legacy extends to his cherished grandchildren: Kaylie Elizabeth Woodul (Andrew), Austin Parker Woodul, Madeline Paige Woodul, and Parker Michael Woodul, as well as his great-grandchildren, Avani and Elio Luna Woodul, who brought boundless joy to his later years.

As an accomplished writer, Jack co-authored “Duel Over Douai: A Novel of First World War Aviation.” He also wrote “The Breaks of Naval Air: The Further Adventures of Youthly Puresome.” He was a featured contributor to the Hook Magazine of Naval Aviation. Also, he was a long-time runner and competed in many races and marathons.

Saturday, May 30, 2026

DL Capt. Richard E. Ward

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Richard E. Ward

March 18, 1951 - November 9, 2025

 


Flying, the great outdoors, God and family: These were the four passions of Richard Ward…..

 

Richard Eugene Ward joined Delta Air Lines 08-24-1979 and retired with Delta in 2005 based ATL.  Captain Ward is survived by his wife Christine, and by his daughters and their families. 

PCN memorial site   

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/291710688/richard-eugene-ward

 Interment: Georgia National Cemetery

https://southcare-16518.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/richard-ward

Richard Ward obituary

Flying, the great outdoors, God and family: These were the four passions of Richard E. Ward, who passed away at age 74 on November 9, 2025. He was surrounded by the love of his life and their three daughters.

 

Son of Wayne and Violet (Redenbaugh) Ward, Richard was born on March 18, 1951 and grew up in Ralston, Nebraska as the youngest of four siblings. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which is where he met, courted, and married his bride of 51 years, Christine Branecki. Upon graduation, Richard immediately entered pilot training and served in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew KC-135s and RC-135s. Richard and Christine built a life together in Omaha, NE; Rome, NY; Euless, TX; and Marietta, GA. And he extended his aviation career beyond the Air Force when he took flight with Delta Airlines in 1979. After spending over 25 years in skies around the world, Richard retired as a captain in 2005.

 

Richard’s love for the outdoors flared when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time while on his honeymoon with Christine. In the years that followed, he'd return again and again, bringing friends and family members to backpack, camp out in "God's country," and traverse trails so narrow that the memory alone makes his hiking companions sweat. He loved all the National Parks and would plan day hikes, backpacking trips, and RV excursions with anyone willing to adventure with him.

 

Throughout his life, Richard devoted himself as a disciple of Christ, serving faithfully as His hands and feet. Whether he was stocking the shelves of a local food pantry, packing boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, volunteering at his church, helping with construction projects at a camp for underprivileged kids, or teaching schoolchildren basic woodworking skills, Richard continually strived to meet the needs of anyone he could help.

 

 And no one benefited more from Richard’s acts of service than his family. Each one has been inspired by his legacy of assistance, humility, and compassion. They love and miss him deeply.

 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Michele, his brother Jack, and his grandson George. He is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Kari Mattingly (Tyler), Andrea Azuz (Carl), Julie Fortenberry (Ben); and nine grandchildren: Ella, Emily, Evie, Ty, Adelaide, Andrew, Aaron, Charlotte, and Will. He is also survived by his brother Jim and sisters-in-law Helene and Amy.

 

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Mission Aviation Fellowship or Camp Grace.

 

Brought to you by Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society https://southcare-16518.meaningfulfunerals.net

  

Friday, May 29, 2026

DL Capt. Calvin Roy "Buddy" Lott Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, DL Capt. Calvin Roy "Buddy" Lott Jr.

April 13, 1954 — May 22, 2026

 


His grandchildren affectionately called him “Jet”………………

Captain Lott joined Delta Air Lines 06-20-1988.  He is survived by his wife Kathy, and by his daughter Anita and her family.  The Lotts reside in the Fort Worth area per whitepages: 9124 Benview Ct, Fort Worth, TX 76126.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.thompsonfunerals.com/obituaries/calvin-lott-jr

Calvin Roy "Buddy" Lott Jr. passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, devotion, and deep love for his family.

 

Born on April 13, 1954, in Houston to Anita and Calvin Lott, Buddy grew up with a strong sense of purpose and dedication. He graduated from Waltrip High School and went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy. He later earned his Master’s degree from Webster University.

 

Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. A distinguished F4 fighter pilot, he devoted his career to excellence, leadership, and the safety of those he served alongside. After retiring from the Air Force, Buddy continued his lifelong passion for aviation as a Captain with Delta Air Lines and later as the Principal Operations Inspector for American Airlines with the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Above all, Buddy was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Jet,” a name that captured both his aviation legacy and the joyful, largerthanlife presence he brought to their lives. He cherished time spent with his family, found joy on the golf course, and delighted in the companionship of his dogs. His greatest happiness came from his grandchildren, who brought light and laughter to his life. He was a faithful member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Houston Oaks Country Club, and the Order of Daedalians.

 

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Roylyn Anderson; and his grandson, Timothy Blake Jordan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Lott; his daughter, Anita Jordan, and her husband, Will; and his grandsons, Pierce, Sean, and Ian Jordan; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the US Air Force Academy Association and Foundation or the Stevenson Companion Animal LifeCare Center.

 

The family invite friends to a Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Thompson’s Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd., Fort Worth, with visitation continuing until 8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 3312 Dryden Road, Fort Worth.  

Interment will be at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Houston National Cemetery.

 

 

 

NWA Capt. Joe William Black

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, EAL/NWA Capt. Joe William Black

October 24, 1946 ~ May 22, 2026

 


Faced with the Vietnam War, Joe decided that it would be better to “fly over Vietnam rather than crawl through the jungles” and so he opted to serve his country in the US Air Force…………

Joe joined Northwest Airlines 02-02-1990 and likely retired in 2006 prior to the NWA-DL merger.  Joe is survived by close friends and aviation colleagues, as well as many dear family members.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.parkerwhitepruitt.com/obituaries/item/4486-joe-william-black

Atlanta, GA ~ Joe William Black, 79, of Atlanta, GA, entered his eternal rest on Friday, May 22, 2026. Joe was born in Anderson, SC, a son of the late William (Bill) Black and Edna Davis Black. His early years were spent in Honea Path and Ware Shoals, SC, and much of his school years in Johnston, SC. He was a 1964 graduate of Strom Thurman High School where he played trumpet in the school marching band. He received his BS in Business Administration from the University of SC in 1968. He later completed his Master of Arts in 1978 at Webster University.

 

Faced with the Vietnam War, Joe decided that it would be better to “fly over Vietnam rather than crawl through the jungles” and so he opted to serve his country in the US Air Force. He completed his Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laredo Air Force Base flying C-130s. He was later stationed in Taiwan with Tactical Air Command and flew sorties in and out of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. He also flew the T-39 (Saberliner), transporting Air Forces officers and government officials to various locations. After returning to the states he was stationed at Langley Air Force Base and was later promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the Air Lift Command Center (ALCC) at Scott Air Force Base in O’Fallon, Illinois.

 

After leaving the US Air Force, Joe was hired as a pilot by Eastern Airlines and flew 727s and DC-9s domestically until the demise of Eastern. He then joined Northwest Air Lines flying 727s, DC-9s, and the A130 Air Bus to destinations in the US, Central and South America, Canada and the Caribbean. He retired shortly before the Northwest-Delta Air Lines merger and he remarked on numerous occasions “I never did anything but fly airplanes my whole [adult] life.” He pointed out that his favorite plane to pilot was the DC-9 because it was less automated and “you were really flying the plane”.

 

Joe was a former member of Pi Kappa Alpha and was a long-standing member of the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA). In recent years he was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and was a volunteer in the church’s Tuesday Night Supper Club serving a hot meal to the homeless. He enjoyed gardening but his primary passion in life was traveling, and he traveled at every opportunity. His travels included many locations in the US, the Holy Land (with his mother), Egypt (with his parents), India, numerous European countries, England, Nepal, Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean. His recent notable travels included the Galapagos Islands, a cruise on the Amazon River and traversing the Panama Canal in both directions. In recent years he gained immense pleasure from spending time with his partner and friends at their summer retreat at the Rivers Edge Campground in Dewey Rose, GA.

 

Joe is survived by his life partner of 26 years, R. Derald Hartley and by his brother and sister-in-law Charlie and Jan Black of Hollywood, SC, nephew Chuck Black and wife Missy of Hollywood, SC and niece Kin Black Joye and husband Ron of James Island, SC. Survivors also include great-niece Emma Black, and great-nephews Charlie Black, Jackson Joye and Ryan Joye. Joe is also survived by his favorite first-cousin David Black of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

 

The family will receive friends at Parker-White Pruitt Funeral Home, 603 N. Main St., Honea Path, SC from 1:00-2:30 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. A graveside service will follow in the Black Family plot at Eastview Cemetery where Joe will be buried beside his beloved aunt Rubie Black. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in Atlanta, GA at a later date. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com

Thursday, May 28, 2026

NWA/DL Capt. John W. Weber III

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. John W. Weber III

July 12, 1961 - May 25, 2026



 

John began his career as a flight instructor in Lincoln Park, N.J……spent 12 years flying for regional airlines including East Hampton Air and Business Express, which brought him to Vermont. He later flew one of TWA’ s final routes before continuing with Northwest Airlines…………..

John joined Northwest Airlines 04-25-1997 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Holly, and by his two daughters and their families.  A celebration of life event is planned for June 5th in Vermont. 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.vtfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/John-W-Weber?obId=48486315

John’s passion for aviation began early and never left him. A sixth grade book report on becoming a pilot marked the start of a lifelong dedication to flying. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and deep understanding of aircraft and weather, Captain Weber built a remarkable aviation career spanning decades. Over the course of more than 38,000 flight hours, he safely guided countless passengers through the skies with skill, steadiness, and professionalism.

 

John began his career as a flight instructor in Lincoln Park, N.J, before spending 12 years flying for regional airlines including East Hampton Air and Business Express, which brought him to Vermont. He later flew one of TWA’ s final routes before continuing with Northwest Airlines and ultimately Delta Air Lines, where he spent the final 28 years of his career. Above all else, John was devoted to his family. He shared 36 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Holly, and together they raised their daughters, Emily and Sydney, in a home filled with warmth, generosity, and constant activity. John loved sharing the things that brought him joy, especially boating, rowing, cars, and traveling with his daughters. Their home became a gathering place for Halloween hayrides, birthday parties, potluck dinners, and lifelong friendships. For the past eight years, John lived with terminal prostate cancer. During periods when treatment grounded him from flying, he found renewed purpose through the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, where he poured his energy into serving others and eventually became President of the Board. He also served with the Shelburne Fire Department beginning in 1993 and became a Lifetime Member. Whether in the air or on the ground, John was someone people trusted in difficult moments. John also quietly gave his time wherever it was needed. Through the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, he hauled pilot gigs through difficult winter conditions so local rowing teams could travel to compete in Boston. Before sunrise on snowy mornings, neighbors could count on seeing him out on his tractor clearing roads and driveways so others could start their day safely. John was disappointed to miss his ceremonial final landing into JFK, which would have marked the close of his aviation career. His family takes comfort in imagining him on one final approach, cleared for a visual landing onto Runway 13 Left, welcomed home by the fire trucks he loved and the skies that defined so much of his life.

 

John will be remembered for his humility, kindness, steady presence, and unwavering dedication to others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through every safe landing, every emergency answered, every neighbor helped, and every moment shared with those he loved.

 

Captain John W. Weber III passed away at home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, surrounded by his family and an immense amount of love. The significance of the day felt fitting for a man who dedicated so much of his life to serving others. He is survived by his wife, Holly; his daughters, Emily and Sydney; Emily’s fiance, Sam Catalano; Sydney’s partner, Hunter Baker; and his vast circle of friends in the emergency response community and beyond.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, an organization that became deeply meaningful to John throughout the later years of his life.

 

Celebration of Life: June 5 at the Old Lantern, 3260 Greenbush Rd, Charlotte, VT 3PM-6PM