DL Capt. Richard "Rich" Hooper

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Richard "Rich" Hooper

January 26, 1939 ~ March 27, 2026

 

Richard "Rich" Wayne Hooper joined Delta Air Lines 09-03-1968 and was based Chicago in the early years and New York prior to retirement. Rich is survived by his wife Joan, and by his children and their families.  The Hoopers residence is listed in whitepages as :  2003 Woodford Green Dr, Kingwood, TX 77339.

Services for Rich will be held April 24, 2026 from 10:00AM-12:00PM, at the Darst Funeral Home.

700 Russell Palmer Rd, Kingwood, TX 77339.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-hooper-obituary?id=61145741

Richard Hooper Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Darst Funeral Home on Mar. 31, 2026.

Richard "Rich" Wayne Hooper, 87, of Kingwood, Texas, passed away on March 27, 2026.

Born on January 26, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rich grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he developed the character, determination, and curiosity that would guide him throughout his life. He later graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, beginning a life marked by purpose, achievement, and service.

Rich proudly served his country as an attack pilot in the United States Marine Corps, including service in Vietnam, before going on to build a distinguished career with Delta Airlines, where he served as a Captain and Line Check Airman. Flying was not only his profession, but also his passion, reflecting his adventurous spirit, steady character, and deep sense of purpose.

Beyond his accomplished aviation career, Rich was passionate about sharing his knowledge and love of flight with others. He taught aerodynamics and other aviation-related courses, mentoring and educating future pilots and aviation professionals with the same skill, discipline, and enthusiasm that defined his own career. He was also an accomplished author, writing three books, including textbooks on aerodynamics, that reflected his knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of aviation.

In addition to his military and aviation achievements, Rich devoted more than 30 years to volunteering and working with The Sunshine Kids organization, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families. He also proudly served on the board of The Sunshine Kids. His compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping others were hallmarks of the life he lived.

Rich also found great joy in the beauty of classical music, which reflected his thoughtful nature and appreciation for life's enduring elegance.

Above all, Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Hooper of Kingwood, Texas; his oldest daughter, Kym Virgadamo and her husband, Chris Virgadamo, of Clear Lake, Texas; granddaughter Lexie Virgadamo of Pearland, Texas; his daughter, Kerri Thigpen and her husband, Chris Thigpen, of Austin, Texas; granddaughter Camryn Thigpen of Austin, Texas; and his son, Kevin Hooper and his wife, Melinda Hooper, of Austin, Texas.

Rich will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family. His remarkable life of service - to his country, to aviation, to education, and to the children and families he supported through The Sunshine Kids - leaves a legacy that will endure for generations. He touched countless lives through his leadership, generosity, and love.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans Fund.

DL Capt. James F. Ussery

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. James F. Ussery

August 7, 1938 ~ March 27, 2026

 

James “Jim” Forrest Ussery joined Delta Air Lines 07-03-1967.  Jim is survived by his wife Shirlene, and by his children and their families.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists the Ussery residence as

928 Courthouse Rd Unit 46, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Services for Jim will be held April 1, 2026 in Gulfport MS.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.riemannfamily.com/obituaries/james-ussery

 

James F. Ussery

James F. Ussery, lovingly known as Jim, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 87.

Jim was born on August 7, 1938, in Alton, Illinois, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Sophrona Ussery; his brothers, Norman Ussery, Bob Ussery, Herb Ussery, and Jack Ussery; and his sisters, Marie Arnold (who raised him) and Bess Malone.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirlene Ussery; his children, Jay Ussery, Kim Ussery, Rob Weir (Tyler), and Molly Weir; and his seven grandchildren, Lauren (Jeffrey) Saegert, Corey (Courtney) Smith, Amber (Tyler) Boyd, Bobby Ussery, Madelyn Weir, Cooper Weir, and Rose Weir. He was also a proud great‑grandfather to Declan and Carter Saegert, Cambreigh Smith, Bryson Boyd, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him endless happiness.

Jim attended the University of Missouri before beginning a remarkable military career. He first served in the United States Air Force and later transferred to the United States Army, where he specialized in piloting the OV‑1 Mohawk, focusing on armament and surveillance missions. Jim served honorably in Vietnam and completed his Army career as a Captain. While in Vietnam, he earned numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal with Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He later concluded his military service as a Major in the United States Air Force.

After leaving the military, Jim took to the skies again as a captain with Delta Air Lines, where he flew for 16 years before retiring in 1998.

Retirement suited Jim well. He loved raising and racing thoroughbred horses on his cherished Bouré Farm, sailing the Mississippi Sound on his boat, Vagabond, and later traveling the country with Shirlene in their RV. No matter where he was, Jim made friends easily. He had a kind heart, a quick wit, and always had a joke ready. He embraced the life he loved.

Most of all, Jim loved being with his family—especially his grandkids. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel like a friend. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Jim was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. James Capital Campaign at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/saint-james-many-parts-one-body-capital-campaign.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 - 11 am at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Rd, Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church. Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery with full honors that will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.

BN/RC/NWA Capt. Lowell E. Schaper

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, BN/RC/NWA Capt. Lowell E. Schaper

September 21, 1935 ~ March 29, 2025

 

After his military service and initially flying for Braniff, Lowell Edwin Schaper joined Republic Airlines 07-14-1983 and retired with Northwest Airlines.  Lowell’s daughter Lisa Schaper, now a retired Delta Air Lines pilot, hired on with Delta 01-17-1997. 

Please see Lowell’s biography below.

PCN memorial site

 

Source: aviation friends and colleagues

Lowell's Obituary

 

Lowell Schaper passed away March 29, 2025 – He was 89 years old.  A Celebration of Life is planned for later in the Summer.

 

Lowell began his professional life serving his country in the Marine Corps.  After active duty he became a contract pilot for the Army flying Helicopters.  Lowell was hired by Braniff in 1966.  He was based in MSP and stayed until they shut their doors in 1982.  He was hired by Republic Airlines just a year later then transitioned to Northwest during the 1986 merger.  Lowell retired from Northwest in 1998.

 

In 1971 the Schapers acquired some property and finally decided to turn it into an apple orchard.  Initially they were just selling apples, but they then decided to allow customers to pick their own and enjoy other fun activities.  At one point they had up to 5,000 visitors per day on the weekends.  The business model changed through the years and the Schapers finally sold the business.

 

Lowell is survived by his wife, Phyllis, who is a resident of Harrison Bay Senior Living in Mound, MN; a daughter, Lisa, who is a retired Delta pilot living in Newnan, GA; and three sons, Scott, Jay and Craig, all living in Minnesota.

NWA Capt. William “Bill” Horne

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. William “Bill” Horne

February 13, 1940 ~ *March 24, 2026

 

William “Bill” Edward Horne joined Northwest Airlines 02-27-1967.  (*discrepancy….message below mentions Bill passed Monday which would have been March 23^rd)  Bill had most recently resided in Florida.  Should we receive more information, we will be sure to pass it along.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

Death notice for NWA Captain Bill Horne

William E. (Bill) Horne

February 13, 1940 ~ March 24, 2026

“To my friends formerly Northwest Orient now Delta, it is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our friend Bill Horne. Bill started his pilot career with Northwest around the same time I started stewardess training in the 60's and we became fast friends, easy to do with that smiling face and fun personality. He had been struggling as of late with Alzheimer's and was living in a memory care facility close to his nieces, who lovingly cared for him. He passed on Monday morning with the girls with him and he requested no memorial or services. If you would like to send a card of condolence to his 'girls' as he referred to them, please p.m. me for the address. R.I.P. my friend, it was a great ride.💔”

 

Sam Foss, NWA FA  

Forwarded by Bill Day

DL Capt. Michael M. Blondeau

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Michael M. Blondeau

September 3, 1941 ~ March 12, 2026

 

Delta Golden Wings member retired pilot Captain Michael “Mike” Minlove Blondeau joined Delta Air Lines 04-11-1966 and retired with Delta based Atlanta. He is survived by his children and their families.  Mike’s most recent address is listed in whitepages :  35 Wrightsburg Ct, Senoia, GA 30276.

A Celebration of Life event to honor Mike will be held at a later date…..please see obituaries below.

PCN memorial site

 

https://obituaries.theadvocate.com/obituary/michael-blondeau-1093694717 

Senoia, Georgia - Michael M. Blondeau, our beloved dad, passed away peacefully on 3/12/2026.

 

He was a dedicated employee of Delta Airlines, having retired as a Captain after 33 years of service.

 

He is preceded by his beloved parents, Eugene and Myrtle; his brother, Eugene; and his fur baby, Suzy.

 

He is survived by his beloved kids: Kelly (Bill), Julie, Jeanie (Paul), Michael (Van), Nancy, and Jennifer (Bruce); his grandkids and great-grandkids; many nieces and nephews; Larry Boy Kern, his best friend since 2nd grade; as well as his loyal caregiver, Fran.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor, at the lake house, at a later date.

 

https://www.times-herald.com/obituaries/michael-mike-blondeau/article_b4662351-dc5e-4eed-9e9b-be13dc107261.html 

Michael “Mike” Blondeau passed away peacefully in his home in Senoia, GA on March 12, 2026. He was born on September 3, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. He lived a lot of life in between those two dates creating a family, building a successful career, and having a multitude of experiences turned into stories he enjoyed sharing.

Mike spent his life in Louisiana and Georgia, residing many years in Fayette County and then in Coweta

County. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially Lake Martin, and created innumerable memories there with his family. He also enjoyed his farm life on Redwine Road where a multitude of animals were raised through the years. He was a great cook, and his red beans and rice were often requested by friends and family.

Mike started his career with Delta Airlines in 1966, rising the ranks to become Captain of the 767. His 31-year long career equates to a very large number of take-offs, landings and passengers arriving to their destinations-all done so safely. His last flight was on April 30, 1997-FLT 625-LaGuardia to Atlanta-from which point on he was able to enjoy retired life.

More important than career; however, was his family. He is survived by his children, Kelly Ollar (Bill),

Julie Adams, Jeanie Furlow (Paul), Michael Blondeau (Vanessa), Nancy Blondeau, and Jennifer Clendaniel (Bruce); numerous grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. He also had a close friendship with his exwife, Sherry Blondeau; and his loyal caregiver, Francene Willis, who became family as well.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Myrtle Blondeau; his brother, Eugene Blondeau; his stepdaughter, Cherie Vanlandingham; and his nephew, Rick Blondeau.

The family will hold a private ceremony to honor Mike’s life.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory; a cause he

contributed to for many years.