NWA Capt. Randy Drake

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, RW/RC/NWA/DL Capt. Randall “Randy” Drake

December 20, 1949 ~ February 23, 2026

 

Randall Wayne Drake began his commercial flying career 07-07-1978 and was based Detroit at time of merger with Delta Air Lines. 

Randy had most recently resided in Indiana : 3187 N Private Road 135 E, Sullivan, IN 47882.

A private Celebration of Life event will be held at a future date….please see obituary below.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/randall-drake-obituary?id=60888134

 

Randall Drake Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by DeBaun Funeral Homes & Crematory - Springhill Chapel

On February 23, 2026, Captain Randall W. Drake took his final flight departing from this Earth for the last time. He was finally free to fly, to find the peace and tranquility offered to him in the great blue beyond.

Randy was a character who in many ways was larger than life. He came into the world on December 20, 1949, in Sullivan, Indiana. He was the son of Wayne and Dora (Malone) Drake. Randy was a farmer's son who came from humble beginnings that served to be the foundation for his work ethic throughout his life. Randy has a mischievous and adventurous spirit from the beginning which was displayed as he liked to play many pranks and was always up for a thrill. There were many stories of his antics with his family and friends throughout the years. Randy was hilarious and could tell stories that would leave you doubled over laughing and well entertained. He was born to fly, which became readily apparent early in life when he attempted to fly like a bird jumping off his grandma's chicken coop. At the age of 16 he got his private pilot's license. This love of flying was Randy's true purpose in life. Flying fulfilled his soul as it allowed him to live his life in full throttle for much of his life's journey. Flying took him to places most would only dream of. Randy never was bound to rules and lived a life where he was in constant motion and pushed the envelope as far as he could. He knew no limits.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Reed) Drake in August of 1970. Linda was his faithful and loving co-pilot for 55 very eventful years. They had three children: a son, Shawn (deceased); daughters Michelle Turner (Brad), and Angela Drake; four grandchildren: Mikayla (Turner) Meines (Josh), Drake Turner, Sarah Francis, and Logan Francis; and three great grandchildren: Violet, Ruby, and Owen Meines.

Randy received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University in Aviation and Vocational Education. During college, he enrolled in the AVROC Program and after college completed the Navy's Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned as an Ensign and received his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator. During his time in the Navy, he flew various jet aircraft based in Alameda, California and from there became a Flight Instructor at NAS in Pensacola, Florida. He had many stories about his Navy days and was very proud to have served. Later in his life, a lot of his fondest memories were of those he experienced in the Navy.

After the Navy, he became an Airline Pilot hired by Hughes Airwest as a Flight Engineer and later became a co-pilot. Hughes Airwest merged with Republic Airlines where he became a Captain. Eventually, Republic Airlines merged with Northwest Airlines and as a Captain he mainly flew on the Airbus to many interesting places. Unfortunately, after Northwest merged with Delta, Randy did not get to fly for Delta very long. He was checked out to fly Captain in the DC-10 to Europe but three days before his trip, he suffered an aneurysm causing a stroke, ending his career as a pilot. He was devastated and was forced into early retirement.

Randy was a wonderful provider. He enjoyed taking his family to a number of states and countries, sharing his love for adventure with those he loved. Randy went on many adventures around the world, had a love of learning, and a desire to do more, as seen in his involvement in real estate and business. His family witnessed him achieving the highest fo highs and some lows throughout the years when the warrior spirit was developed that allowed him to push through no matter what he faced. He will be missed dearly.

Upon his request, a cremation was entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or services. Prior to Randy's passing, Last Rite Prayers were given to him by Chaplain Elliot from Hospice. He was also visited by volunteers from the VA, and a special prayer was given by the VA's Chaplain. A Navy Veteran presented Randy with a pin and star thanking him for his service. Randy was cremated wearing his Navy Aviator ball cap with an American Flag draped over his body. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. If those so choose, they may donate to Hospice or the Wounded Warrior organization in his honor.

DL Capt. Bruce Cullen

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Bruce Cullen

December 3, 1942 ~ December ? , 2025

 

Bruce Jeffrey Cullen Sr. joined Delta Air Lines 11-06-1972 and retired with Delta in December 2002 based LAX.  Please see Facebook posting below dated December 13^th. 

For those who wish to send condolences, Whitepages lists the most recent mailing address for the family as : 1875 Smokey Ridge Ave, Westlake Village, CA 91362.

Should you have more information or corrections, please do let us know.

Thank you,

Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site  

 

Bruce Cullen is in Westlake Village, CA.

 · https://www.facebook.com/tranceelements

Dear friends, family, and colleagues, it is with an incredibly heavy heart that I share the news of my precious father's passing this past week. He was the most gentle, kind, and loving soul, and his absence leaves an ache that words can scarcely capture. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has reached out, offered your time, prayers, messages, and unwavering love during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness has wrapped around me like a warm embrace, helping me navigate the grief and reminding me how deeply supported and loved I am. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for holding space for me and for honoring my father's memory with your compassion. Your company and thought mean more than I can ever fully express.

With all my love and appreciation,

Bruce Cullen

My father was a Delta Airlines pilot for 30 years after serving in Vietnam. I'd never be the outgoing, honest, and hard-working man I am today without his teaching, love, and dedication to my upbringing. The one quote he hammered into me the most over the years (Being Irish) was "Don't ever cry over spilt milk, as it could have been spilt whiskey". I remember a difficult time in my life when I asked him to explain this concept to me in a way id' never forget. It was on a trip to New Jersey, where he was raised. The long story short: it helped me always move forward in life, no matter what negative things I encountered, and I want to say that I love you, Dad. You will be missed in eternity, where I will see you again many times. Thank you, I am so lucky to have you as my father.

 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

(news taken from archived newsletter) https://archive.ec47.com/returns31.htm

 

Received from, Bruce Cullen, Newberry Park, California.

Bruce says he was assigned to the 361st Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron at Phu Cat as a Pilot from June 1970 to March 1971.

Says he is still flying for a few months. Will retire with 30+ years from Delta Airlines in December 2002. 767-400 Captain on Hawaii Runs, a far cry from the old goons.

Bruces Email Address: frontseat767@yahoo.com

Postal Address: 1875 Smokey Ridge Ave - Westlake Village, CA 91362

Phone: (818) 597-4304

DL Capt. Larry Taylor

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Larry Taylor

March 27, 1938 ~ February 17, 2026

 

Larry Joe Taylor joined Delta Air Lines 07-19-1965.  He is survived by his wife Joan Schaller Taylor, and by his children and their families.  Larry had most recently resided in Georgia : 1090 Hardeman Mill Rd # H, Madison, GA 30650.

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.briggsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/larry-taylor also

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/larry-taylor-obituary?id=60855662

Larry Taylor Obituary

Larry Joe Taylor, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Morgan County, GA on February 17, 2026.

Larry was born March 27, 1938 in Asheboro NC. He was brought home to the family farm in Denton NC where he spent his childhood raising chickens and cows and learning about tractors, steam engines, and helping run the family saw mill. Larry graduated as salutatorian of Denton High School's Class of '56 and went on to earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering from N.C. State in 1960.

After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Air Force via the ROTC program and upon earning his wings, selected C-130's as his primary platform. After 4 years of active duty he transitioned to F-102's in the Louisiana Air National Guard based in New Orleans while beginning his career with Delta Airlines. He retired from Delta after 32 years as an international L10-11 Captain amassing over 27, 000 flight hours.

Following his retirement from Delta, Larry's love of aviation led him and Joan to fly their WWII trainer (Stearman biplane) round trip from their farm and grass airstrip to San Diego, Maine, and various other aviation attractions. He was especially fond of giving airplane rides from the grass strip which had quickly replaced a cotton field on the farm. Friends, relatives - almost any willing passenger was welcome for a brief ride - or even an occasional loop or roll for those who dared, he was more than willing to oblige.

Once the children left home, Larry grew tired of fixing fences and chasing cows, and his interest in antique airplanes continued to grow. Children and relatives spread across the nation presented excuses for trips to North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, California, Maine, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Oklahoma. Any place with a grass runway was especially appealing to him. He never grew tired of the attraction that the sound of that round engine seemed to have for WWII vets who were almost guaranteed to appear at those smaller airports with stories of the last time they saw an open cockpit plane on their runway.

Larry maintained close ties to his roots as well as he ran a steam powered sawmill for 30 years at the Southeast Old Thresher’s Reunion in Denton NC. He loved living in the jet age while still volunteering to demonstrate steam power as a way to educate all who were interested in the ways of the past.

While Larry was flying for Delta from New Orleans, a blind date at a rodeo in May of 1968 introduced him to Joan Schaller. They married that December 28th and bought the farm in Georgia three months later. It was on that farm where he would gently pass away surrounded by family after 58 years of marriage. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Jesse Caswell Taylor and Ethel Elliott Taylor, his brother Caswell Leonidis Taylor, and his grandson Jackson Wellington Hatfield. He is survived by his wife Joan Schaller Taylor, daughter Amanda (Mike) Hatfield and their children Katherine Jane Hatfield and Jeb Thomas Hatfield, his son Matthew (Candace) Taylor and their children Jocelyn McKenzie Taylor and Maxwell James Taylor, and his son Benjamin (Anna Greta) Taylor and their children Benjamin Caswell Taylor, Mary Ella Anne Taylor, and Abigail Grace Taylor, his sister Angeline Taylor (William) Mills and their children Taylor Mills and Lou Ellen Mills.

A graveyard service and reception will be held on February 23rd at 4 PM at Lineberry United Methodist Church in Denton NC. A celebration of life will be held on March 14th at Bostwick United Methodist Church in Bostwick GA with a reception to follow at Taylor Farm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Jack Hatfield Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be made at BSH Knights (please specify Larry's name) or they can be mailed to: Jack Hatfield Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Blessed Sacrament Huguenot School, 2501 Academy Road, Powhatan VA 23139.

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.