AA/DL Capt. Clyde Stuart “Stu” Eberhardt

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

PAA/DL Capt. Clyde Stuart “Stu” Eberhardt

July 25, 1936 — June 28, 2021

 

…..from the Pan Am Clippers Pioneers website….the passing of retired North Central/Pan Am/Delta pilot Captain Stu Eberhardt, age 84.   https://clipperpioneers.com/stu-eberhardt/  Captain Eberhardt joined Pan American

08-21-1964 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1996 based 030/JFK.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sons and his grandchildren.  Whitepages notes the most current residence address for the Eberhardt family as

481 Harper Lane, Danville, CA 94526. 

Please see available information and video links below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Clyde Stuart Eberhardt

 

“Musicians play music.  Stuart’s music is flight.” – Jim Ricketts

 

The family of Stuart Eberhardt said their final goodbyes to this amazing human being after his long fight with several different cancers. In the end, it was esophageal cancer that overcame him, but Stu battled tenaciously against it to the very end, engaging that same fighter’s spirit he used during his very impressive life of 84 years.

 

As a young teenage boy, Stu knew that flying was in his blood. He would bike to nearby Arlington Heights, IL airport and offer his services to clean and service airplanes in exchange for lessons and flying time. This strong work ethic and passion for flying led Stu to become a flight instructor at age 18.

 

In his 20’s, Stu flew DC-3’s for North Central Airlines and flew F-84F and F-86 planes for the Air National Guard in Springfield, IL. He was also in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1968-69 flying A-4’s in Alameda CA.

 

It was in 1964, though, that he began working his dream job as a Pan Am Captain. His international routes allowed him to take his family to countries such as Germany, Fiji, Australia, etc. for months at a time. Pan Am, however, eventually filed for Chapter 11 in 1991, and Delta Air Lines became Stu’s new “work home”. He retired from Delta in 1996.

 

In 1989, Stu qualified for the first time in the Unlimited Class at the Reno Air Races with his P-51 Mustang, Merlin’s Magic, Race 22. During the years, it became a family affair with Stu and his son Bill, racing the P-51; his son Jim racing the T-6, Archimedes; and his wife Marilyn functioning as airplane-team manager and pit point person. For over 20 years, the races would be the focal point of the year, bringing together not only family but a wonderful crew and many close friends. Those were no doubt the greatest years for Stu and were “high adventure.” And of course, it is said, “a family that flies together… stays together.”

 

In retirement, Stu traveled with the Collings Foundation flying their P-51 and B-25 at different airports around the United States. He teamed up with John Ward flying his B-25 Old Glory.  A standout memory during those years was Stu giving Chuck Yeager recurrency training.

 

Over the years, not only did Stu become one of the most exceptional pilots of his generation, but many people who crossed paths with Stu often commented on Stu and Marilyn’s generosity and utter selflessness in the giving of their time, advice, knowledge, and hospitality. Many were in awe of Stu’s talent as a pilot, but his kind actions as a human being propelled him into the stratosphere of “awesome” to many who knew him. Stu was a beautiful blend of “badass cool” and “humility” that drew so many people to himself.

 

Aside from flying, Stu was a stellar husband, dad, father-in-law, and grandfather. With his own hands and tools, he single handedly built fences, planted a vineyard, created a wine cellar, added an apartment to his garage, made additions to his home, paved his own driveway, built trellises and lofts for his kids’ homes, and created and completed many other endless projects. His handyman skills were limitless. His home and property are filled with his signature handiwork.

 

Stuart is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 61 years; his two sons Jim and Bill; his two daughters-in-law, Sandi and Dawn; and his 5 grandchildren, Julia, Megan, Nathan, Nick, and Kalli. His presence in this world will be missed by so many, but especially his family.

 

I know of no one else who has had such a rich set of life experiences. He accomplished so much and valued family so vigorously.

 

He built this F86.  It is now sitting on display at a museum.  I am trying to get them to make a sign acknowledging that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqbN0NthU3I

 

Our family formation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0htBDmTj-E4

 

Not his fastest race, but definitely his favorite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OYe1hlfSB0&t=22s