DL Capt. Jerald "Jerry" Tucker

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, DL Capt. Jerald Allen "Jerry" Tucker

June 16, 1938 — October 11, 2026

 

Following his military service, he served 28 years with Delta Airlines, retiring as a Captain flying the L1011 Tri-Star, and then purchased a tractor-trailer rig and spent ten years as an over-the-road truck driver………………..

Jerry joined Delta Air Lines 06-19-1970 and was based Atlanta.  Jerry is survived by his wife Edith, and by his children and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jerald-tucker-obituary?id=62745597 

 

Jerald Allen "Jerry" Tucker

June 16, 1938 — October 11, 2026

Grantville

Mr. Jerald Allen “Jerry” Tucker, age 88, of Grantville, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.

Born June 16, 1938, in Oak Creek, Colorado, Mr. Tucker was a son of the late Harold Thornton Tucker and Leyla Elizabeth Blankenhorn Tucker. He earned a Bachelors degree from Colorado State University and served seven years in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he served 28 years with Delta Airlines, retiring as a Captain flying the L1011 Tri-Star, and then purchased a tractor-trailer rig and spent ten years as an over-the-road truck driver. Mr. Tucker enjoyed bowling and had also enjoyed riding motorcycles.

Survivors include his wife, Edith Irene Tucker of Grantville; daughter, Lorene Adams (Timothy) of LaGrange; sons, John A. Tucker (Marcia) of Grantville, Harold L. Tucker (Robin) of Newnan, James N. “Jim” Tucker of Grantville; brother, Dr. Richard Tucker of Rapid City, SD; 9 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren with two more to arrive in the coming months.

A memorial service is not being planned at this time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com 

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home of Hogansville is in charge of arrangements.

DL Capt. Earl Behrens

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Miliary veteran, DL Capt. Earl Harry Behrens

August 14, 1940 ~ October 10, 2026

 

Following his time in the service, Earl joined Delta Air Lines 03-14-1966 and retired with Delta in 2000 based Atlanta.  Earl is survived by his wife Elaine, and by his children and their families.

Services will be held October 20 in Newnan, Georgia….please see obituary below for details.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/earl-harry-behrens-62636480 

 

Earl Behrens Obituary

Obituary published by McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory

Mr. Earl Harry Behrens, 86, of Newnan, GA, formerly of Cincinnati, OH, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 14, 1940, to the late Harry and Marie Behrens.

Earl grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and graduated from Xavier University. After college, he joined the U.S. Army where he learned to fly. He flew the Caribou in Vietnam, supporting the troops. While serving the country he loved, he was awarded a Medal of Merit and an Air Medal for heroism.

Soon after, he brought his flying skills to a long and enjoyable career at Delta Air Lines. While with Delta, he ushered in the MD-88 and was an APD on the 767. He retired as a captain with 31 years of service and 30,000+ hours of flight time. He was a beloved member of St. George Catholic Church for 25 years, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Assembly 3199). His hobbies included carpentry, bridge, tennis, golf, and card games. Earl was known as a man who loved well. His biggest love in life was his wife and family. Earl was a role model and hero to his family. He led by example by being the hardest worker, understanding and teaching that details matter, and that always putting forth your best effort was how every task should be addressed. He was the kind of man who always pushed you to try your best, without ever making you feel you were not enough, because he always saw the very best and biggest potential in everyone he met. He will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include wife, Elaine Behrens of Newnan; daughters, Tammy (Chris) Smith of Peachtree City, Tracy (Albert) Sands of Neptune Beach, FL; son, Paul (Jennifer) Behrens of Brooks; grandchildren, Kyle (Megan) Smith, Kade Smith, Kolby Smith, Colton Smith, Chase Sands, Gabe (Molly) Sands, Adam Sands, Tatumn Behrens, and Elyse Behrens; great-grandchildren, Lorie Jane, Stevie, and Collins Smith.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 9:30-10:30am at St. George Catholic Church, 771 Roscoe Road, Newnan, Georgia. The funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 10:30am at St. George Catholic Church. There will be a meal to follow in the fellowship hall for anyone interested.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com 

McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

DL Capt. Jay Escude

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Jay Escude

June 5, 1959 ~ September 24, 2026

 

Jay joined Delta Air Lines 06-25-1990.  He is survived by his partner Toui, and by his children Luke and Grey.  Please see Facebook posting below.

PCN Memorial site

 

Facebook posting by Stacy Escude Bordelon…..

Please say a prayer for my brother and his family. May he rest in peace.

Jay Arthur Escudé

June 5, 1959 – September 24, 2026

Jay Arthur Escudé, father, brother, uncle, aviator, and friend, passed away on September 24, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was 67 years old.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur J. Escudé and Isma R. Escudé; his brother-in-law, Thomas M. Bordelon; and his nephew, Aaron Jeansonne.

He is survived by his partner, Toui Luangkhot Murray; his children Luke Escude’ (Alex) and Grey Escude; his siblings, Stacy Bordelon (David), Andrew Escudé, and Jody Jeansonne (Mark) and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

A graduate of Mansura High School, Class of 1977, Jay distinguished himself early through his academic achievement, leadership, and determination. He was awarded a four-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University, where he was an active member of ROTC.

During his time at LSU, Jay excelled as a cadet and was honored as Cadet of the Year his freshman year with the Bengal Raiders. He also worked at the LSU Equestrian and Ag Center during an important period in its agricultural research, when researchers were successfully breeding cattle and buffalo, contributing to the development of the beefalo.

Following graduation, Jay entered active-duty service in the United States Air Force in 1981. During his military career, he earned a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University and became an F-15 fighter pilot. He served his country with distinction until his honorable discharge as Captain in 1990. Among his military honors were the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, along with other awards recognizing his service and accomplishments.

After leaving active duty, Jay began a second distinguished aviation career with Delta Air Lines. His love of flying continued throughout his life, and he ultimately retired from Delta as a Captain on the 767-400 in 2024.

Jay was truly a larger-than-life individual. He had a passion for adventure, especially overseas travel, and he loved discovering new places and experiences. He was an passionate LSU football fan, a talented and enthusiastic cook, and a generous host who loved nothing more than gathering family and friends in his home. His home was a place where people felt welcome, where there was always good food, good conversation, and plenty of laughter.

Jay also believed in giving back and was able to fulfill his final wish of organ donation. He generously supported charitable organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the North Texas Food Bank, reflecting his enduring commitment to serving others.

Jay lived a remarkable life defined by service, achievement, adventure, family, and friendship. From his years as an Air Force officer and F-15 pilot to his decades as a Delta captain, he approached life with energy, confidence, curiosity, and an unmistakable presence. Those who knew him will remember not only all that he accomplished, but also the joy, humor, generosity, and larger-than-life spirit he brought to every gathering.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life in his honor at a later date.

 

NWA/DL Capt. Lewis Kieffer

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, NWA/DL Capt. Lewis Kieffer

May 20, 1957 ~ October 7, 2026

 

Lewis “Lew” Eugene Kieffer joined Northwest Airlines 01-23-1987 and retired with Delta Air Lines was based Minneapolis.  Lew is survived by his wife Sue, and by his children and grandchildren.  Services are set for October 14^th in Hastings, Minnesota…..visitation/Rosary the evening prior….please see obituary below for arrangements.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/lewis-eugene-kieffer-62622406 

 

Lewis Kieffer Obituary

Obituary published Honsa Family Funeral Home :

https://www.honsafamilyfuneral.com/  

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Lewis, age 69, passed away on October 7, 2026. He was born in Hastings, Minnesota, the fourth of Edna and Charles Kieffer's five children. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sue, his six children Ryan (Anne), Drew (McKenzie), Charlie (Helen), Gennie, Catherine, and Teresa, and 14 grandchildren Mary, Marta, Blaise, Zelie, Charlie, Rouen, Finn, Enna, Eleanor, Theodore, Caroline, Charlotte, Maria, and Emma, and his brothers Ray (Sue) and Bill (Kymi), and sisters Mary Lou Tittensor and Mickey (Ted) Feyder.

Visitation:   4-7pm on October 13th with a Rosary at 6:30 at Honsa Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN.

Funeral mass:   10am on October 14th at St. Anne's Chapel, 2445 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN.   Burial to follow mass, at St. Boniface Cemetery, Hastings, MN

Luncheon:  To follow burial at GrandStay Hotel & Suites Hastings

Lew was a pilot for 40 years, loved spending time with family, hunting, playing hockey, and helping others.  He started his flying career in the Air Force flying C-141s before moving back to Minnesota and flying for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines, accumulating 22,000 flying hours over his career. Lew was happy to volunteer his time and handyman skills at St. Anne's Chapel, which he and Sue attended for 38 years. Since 1996, he has loved hosting family and friends at the hunting cabin up north. He spent countless hours preparing it for everyone's enjoyment. He especially loved bow hunting, turkey hunting, and protecting the cabin from porcupines. He also enjoyed shooting carp in the backwaters of the Mississippi near Hastings, Minnesota, where he grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers. In April of 2023, he and Sue moved to a lake home where he could take Sue water skiing every day. He also enjoyed pulling kids, grandkids, and friends tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. If he wasn't driving the boat, he was kept busy baiting fishing hooks for grandchildren and their friends. In the winter, he meticulously created a huge rink on the lake. He was always happy watching his children play sports or joining them in friendly hockey and volleyball games. In his spare time, he reluctantly traveled wherever his daughters and wife could convince him to go.

He loved to help his children, whether it was moving to another house or apartment, fixing a leaky dishwasher or a broken car, fencing a garden, building a chicken coop, putting up a backyard hockey rink, or replacing a mailbox. We'll always have reminders of his love for us.

He lived his life in the service of others, always striving to emulate St. Joseph. He will be missed by all.     Memorials preferred to: St. Anne's Academy https://saawbl.org/support-us#kpg_516967

 

DL John Earle Ellington Jr., son of DL Capt John E. Ellington Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

John Earle Ellington Jr.

Nov 19, 1968 ~ Oct 6, 2026

 

John’s passing was unexpected and we understand was the result of an implement/tractor accident.  John junior is the son of retired Delta Air Lines pilot and former Chief Pilot Captain John Earle Ellington Sr….John senior joined Delta 09-04-1962.   John Jr is survived by his wife Lynn, and by his daughters, also by his father John Sr. and stepmother Barbara.

Visitation will be held October 10th with funeral services to follow at the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin TN…..please see obituary for more information. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.williamsonmemorial.com/obituaries/john-ellington-jr 

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, John was the son of John Ellington and the late Carol Dennis. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Dennis, and his father-in-law, Harry “Jack” Lameier.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lynn Ellington; his daughters, Jessica “Jessie” Ellington and Catherine “Catie” Ellington; his father, John Ellington; his stepmother, Barbara Ellington; his brother-in-law, Brandon Lameier; and his mother-in-law, Constance “Connie” Lameier.

John was an accomplished pilot with many years in the aviation industry. He flew for American Trans Air, American Airlines, and ValuJet, and spent several years as a private pilot for NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin. He later started his own aviation maintenance business, MidSouth Aviation. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life came when he became a loving stay-at-home father, helping raise his daughters, whom he affectionately called “Jessie Poo” and “Crazy Catie.”

John was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and take on a challenge. He spent time working in construction and, alongside his close friend John Roach, built the house where the Ellington family still resides. He eventually returned to the aviation world, working for his dear friend John Sanzo as the Airline Maintenance Manager for Secure Air Charter.

John had many passions and hobbies. He loved tinkering with his cars, working on and improving his home, and pursuing his never-ending mission to destroy all squirrels and woodpeckers that dared to come within a 10-mile radius of his log home. But above all else, his greatest passion was his family—his girls, Jessie and Catie, and his wife, Lynn.

Some of John’s fondest memories were made with his three girls. They especially loved spending quality time together on their boat, making memories that his family will treasure forever. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, with a soft spot for Alabama, Jessie’s alma mater, and Tennessee, Lynn’s alma mater. John and Catie shared a particularly special bond, as they had similar personalities, humor, and wit, and he loved reminding everyone that Jessie was smarter than her mother. The family’s time together was often filled with laughter.

Above all, John’s greatest love was his wife, Lynn, whom he cherished deeply. Together, they enjoyed traveling and making memories, especially during their trips to Italy and Gatlinburg.

John had a gift for making people smile. His humor, kindness, and larger-than-life personality brought light into the lives of everyone who knew him. Every life he touched was brighter because he was a part of it. John will be remembered as a kind, loving, funny, and unforgettable soul. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him deeply. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.