WA/DL Capt. Kenneth Lee Shackelford Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Kenneth Lee Shackelford Jr.

April 17, 1945 ~ May 6, 2022

 

Notice of passing…..retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Kenneth Shackelford, age 77.  Captain Shackelford joined Western Airlines 04-09-1973 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Carol and by his children and grandchildren.  The Wyoming news article listed below indicates no services are planned. 

If more is learned we will pass it along. 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

https://svinews.com/63933-2/ 

Obituary : Kenneth L. Shackelford was born in Atascadero, California on April 17, 1945 and died at home in Thayne, Wyoming on May 6, 2022. His life was filled with many personal and professional accomplishments. After high school he attended San Jose State College from 1963-1967 on a track scholarship, where he held the American and World records in the 880 and 1 mile team relay.

 

After graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Once he completed OCS in Quantico, VA, he was selected for flight training and earned his Navy wings of gold. Ken proudly served his country from 1969-1970 in Vietnam, flying 229 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom.

Upon his return to the US he became an instructor pilot in the Advanced Naval Training Command based in Kingsville, Texas, and was selected to be the Marine alternate for the Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels.

He married his wife of 50 years, Carol, in May 1972, and after resigning his commission in the fall, he and Carol returned to So. California. Ken was hired by Western Airlines as a pilot based in Los Angeles, eventually transferring to Minneapolis.

 

While in Minneapolis he successfully opened three Apple computer stores and was chosen by Apple to be one of the only people in the state of Minnesota to be trained on the “Lisa” which was the precursor to the Mac computers we have today.

 

In 1984 the family sold the computer stores, and moved to Park City, UT where Ken began a new chapter in the airline business as Western merged with Delta Airlines. Ken’s drive and leadership lead him to culminate his career as Chief Line Check Pilot for the Delta 737 fleet from July 1996 until 2000, retiring in 2003.

 

Ken leaves behind his loving wife Carol; Daughter Kelly, her partner Matt Gridley and her three daughters Emma, Abby and Olivia; Daughter Kathleen, her husband Brooks Holmes and their two sons Teigen and Torin; Son Kenneth Ill and his wife Niko Perez.

No service is planned at this time.

“When the sun of life sets, the stars of memory shine.”

 

NWA Capt. Robert Leo Landkamer

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. Robert Leo Landkamer

February 14, 1941 ~ June 21, 2022

 

Notice of passing…..retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Robert Leo “Rob” Landkamer, age 81.  Captain Landkamer joined Northwest Airlines 10-07-1968.  He is survived by his wife Ina and by his children and grand- and greatgrandchildren. 

For those wishing to send condolences, the family address is listed in whitepages as

231 N Caswell Ave

Southport, NC 28461

Share memories and condolences online at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com  or

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/southport-nc/robert-landkamer-10802415

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/unionleader/name/robert-landkamer-obituary?id=35407469

         ROBERT LANDKAMER OBITUARY

Robert Leo "Rob" Landkamer, age 81, of Southport, N.C., passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

 

Rob was born February 14, 1941, son of the late Donald and Margery "Lizzie" Landkamer in Mankato, Minn.

 

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in Vietnam. Mr. Landkamer was a naval aviator and later became a commercial airline pilot. He retired as a Captain, having worked for Northwest and later Delta Airlines.

 

Rob was an avid duck hunter, a golfer, and recreational boater.

 

Mr. Landkamer is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ina Landkamer; two daughters, Robin Alexandra Boone and Courtney Landkamer Roy and her husband Chris Roy; five grandchildren, Reece Boisvert and his wife Amber, Cassidy Boone and her partner Stu, Connor Roy, Marley Boone, and Sydney Roy; two great-grandsons, Wakelan and Lane Boisvert; two sisters, Carol Landkamer and her husband Warren Berg, and Jean Tagatz; and two brothers, Tom Landkamer and his wife Mary, and Steve Landkamer and wife Sharon.

 

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Scott Donald Landkamer.

 

SERVICES: A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in August. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Fond memories of Rob and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com  for the Landkamer family.

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, N.C.

RC/NWA/DL Capt. Doyle Robert Nordby

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

RC/NWA/DL Capt. Doyle Robert Nordby

Aug. 25, 1949 - June 4, 2022

 

Notice of passing…..retired Republic/Northwest/Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Doyle Nordby, age 72.

“He began his airline career at Republic Airlines on October 28, 1985 which later merged with Northwest Airlines……Northwest and Delta merged, and he retired as an Airbus A320 Captain with Delta Airlines in 2014. Doyle flew MD80s, DC-9s, 727s, and the Airbus A319 and A320 among countless other aircrafts throughout his life in aviation.”

 

https://kroxam.com/2022/06/17/doyle-robert-nordby-obit/ 

Obituary : Doyle Robert Nordby, 72, beloved father, brother, uncle and grandfather, was called to the skies for his final flight west into the sunset to his eternal resting place on June 4, 2022. He peacefully passed away while under hospice care in his lake home with his son Jason, niece Lori, and brother Roger by his side.

 

He entered this world with his twin brother Roger on August 25, 1949, in Ada, MN, born to Orlin and Frances Nordby. He graduated from Ada High School in 1968, and in 1969 married Sandra Ilene Hanson and had 2 children, Jeremy and Jason.

 

Doyle attended Kundert Aviation where he obtained his pilot license and flight instructor certification, and later went on to receive his A&P mechanic’s license. While he was the director of flight operations for Kundert, Doyle was named flight instructor of the year for the state of North Dakota. He also worked for Northern Improvement in Fargo as their chief pilot starting in 1976. He then was manager and director of operations for Northern Airways, an air charter service and flight school in Grand Forks where he also was appointed as an accident prevention counselor in the Great Lakes Region from the FAA. He began his airline career at Republic Airlines on October 28, 1985 which later merged with Northwest Airlines. In 1986 Doyle married Veronica Dobias Mack and they lived in Memphis, TN where he was based with Delta. In 2008 Northwest and Delta merged, and he retired as an Airbus A320 Captain with Delta Airlines in 2014. Doyle flew MD80s, DC-9s, 727s, and the Airbus A319 and A320 among countless other aircrafts throughout his life in aviation.

 

During retirement he enjoyed videography, making videos for family and friends. Doyle loved his family, and always enjoyed attending family weddings and reunions, fishing trips to Canada, and area fly-in events and cross-country trips in his own personal aircraft. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed water skiing, hiking, flying, fishing, and hunting, riding motorcycles with his brother Roger, restoring airplanes and cars, travel, dancing, bowling, and playing card games.

 

He is survived by his sons, Jeremy (Diana) Nordby of Bartlett, TN, and Jason Nordby of White Earth Lake near Waubun, MN; four grandchildren, Alex Nordby and Chris Nordby (Jeremy and Diana), and J.R. Nordby and Jacob Nordby (Jason); brother, Roger Nordby of White Earth Lake near Waubun, MN; aunt, Nola Gunderson of Fargo, ND; nieces, Sherry (Pat) Longley of Cambridge, MN; and Lori Kenison of Cambridge, MN; nephews, Jeff (Linda) Petry of North Carolina, Mark (Amber) Petry of Washington DC, and Eric (Krista) Petry of New York; former spouse, Ronni Nordby of Crookston, MN; and numerous cousins.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Orlin and Francis Nordby of Ada; sister, Ester Petry of New York; niece, Nancy Petry of Connecticut; uncle and aunt, Bennie and Doris Schmidt of Ada; and grandfather, Otto Nordby of Ada; He will be greatly missed.

 

An aircraft fly-by is planned over Ada and the cemetery (weather permitting) in honor of Doyle’s aviation career and a lifelong love of flying. Mike Severson will fly the bright yellow 1947 Vintage J-3 Piper Cub which Doyle had purchased from Bennie and Doris Schmidt, Doyle’s uncle and aunt. Doyle’s early interest in aviation actually began with Bennie and this little yellow bird. A fitting tribute of wings!

 

Funeral: 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

 

Visitation: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday, June 20, 2022, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN, with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM.

 

Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.

 

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com

 

Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes

Ada & Halstad, Minnesota

DL Capt. D. Brett Reardon

 

…belated notice…..

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. D. Brett Reardon

BIRTH :    29 Jan 1951

DEATH :   25 Nov 2019 (aged 68)

Seniority Date :  11-21-1980

 

 

https://www.otterbein.edu/alumni/obituary/brett-reardon/ 

D. Brett Reardon ’73 died Nov 25, 2019. He was born Jan. 29, 1951 to the late Leslie and Leda Reardon. Brett graduated from Otterbein where he played football, baseball, was in the ROTC, student government/senate, and Lambda Gamma Epsilon (Kings) fraternity.

 

Brett was a US Air Force jet fighter pilot instructor and retired from Delta Airlines as an International Captain.

Brett is survived by his brother Dennis (Mary Ann), niece, Lisa and nephews, Ryan (Kristina) and Michael (Christine).

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207213728/douglas-brett-reardon

Douglas Brett Reardon

BIRTH      29 Jan 1951

DEATH     25 Nov 2019 (aged 68)

BURIAL    Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Medina County, Ohio

PLOT SECTION W-F19 ROW D SITE 7

MEMORIAL ID  207213728

 

NWA pilot Kenneth Earl Bryant

 

….from the RNPA/Retired Northwest Pilots group …..

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA pilot Kenneth Earl Bryant

July 4, 1934 ~ June 3, 2022

 

https://www.edline-yahn.com/obituary/Kenneth-Bryant

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

Medically retired NWA pilot Kenneth Bryant, date of birth 07/04/34, died

this past Friday - June 3rd. Prior to NWA employment Ken served in the US

Navy and flew the F-9 Cougar. He was hired by NWA on 04/25/59. Ken early

retired on 9/15/89 due to medical complications. About five years ago he had

a severe stroke that was followed by multiple heart attacks.  

Further details regarding a memorial service will be forthcoming as they

become available.

 

FUNERAL HOME : EDLINE YAHN & COVINGTON FUNERAL CHAPEL

27221 156TH AVE SE , KENT, WA

NAL/PAA/DAL Flight Engineer Ralph Manley

 

…..from the National Airlines Buccaneers site :

RALPH ALLEN MANLEY

-IN MEMORY-

NAL/PAA/DAL Flight Engineer Ralph Manley

DOB 10/21/1940   DOH 1/18/68   DOD 1/19/2022

US Air Force Veteran

 

 

 https://mullinsmemorial.com/obituaries/ralph-allen-manley/

 

Ralph Allen Manley, 81, passed away January 19, 2022, with complications after heart surgery in Ft Myers, FL, his wife, Lynne by his side.  Formerly of Mandeville, LA, and Mobile, AL, Ralph had been a resident of Cape Coral, FL, since 1996.

 

He was born on October 21, 1940, in Butler, AL, to George Allen Manley and Neva Rhodes Manley, both now deceased.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Eunice Christine Parsons, and his two children, Cynthia Ann Manley and Ralph Allen Manley, Jr.  Ralph is survived by Lynne, his loving wife of 31 years, granddaughter Barbara Lutz, great grandson Asher Lutz, brothers George Allen Manley (Vonda, deceased) of Mobile, AL, and Jimmy Phillips (Dian) of Daphne, AL, and many nieces and nephews.

 

Ralph served his country for eight years in the Air Force.  His stations included Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, NM, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, FL, and Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.

 

He began his airline career as a mechanic for National Air Lines in Miami, FL, and transitioned to Flight Engineer.  His airline career continued with Pan American World Airways, based in New York, NY, and later in Berlin, Germany.  Ralph joined Delta Air Lines based in Atlanta, GA, and retired after surviving stomach cancer in 2000.

 

During retirement, Ralph and Lynne traveled the world together flying, RVing and sailing aboard their sailboat, Mañana, from their homeport in Cape Coral, FL.  Ralph was an avid boater who loved fishing, diving, snorkeling, photography and music.  He enjoyed spending many evenings playing guitar with friends.  One of his favorite projects during retirement was reconnecting with Air Force buddies to build an airplane.   On a smaller scale he loved working in metal, wood and stone.

 

Ralph was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be missed always.  We will cherish the fond memories we have of his wit, helpfulness, kindness and loving spirit, they will live in our hearts forever.  Rest peacefully, you are whole again.  Sail west with fair winds on a following sea until we can be together again.

Joanne Donato, wife of DL Capt. Rill Donato

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Joanne Donato, wife of DL Capt. Rill Donato

August 20, 1940 ~ June 13, 2022

 

Word has reached our group with news of the passing of Joanne Donato, wife of Delta Golden Wings member and retired Delta pilot Captain Aurelio “Rill” Donato.  Joanne’s obituary information is available online at

https://obits.pennlive.com/us/obituaries/pennlive/name/joanne-donato-obituary?id=35245195

Condolences may be sent to Captain Donato and his family at

1959 Tripp Rd

Woodstock, GA 30188

 

Services for Joanne are planned for June 21 at  

WIEDEMAN FUNERAL HOME  https://www.wiedemanfuneralhome.com/

357 South Harrisburg Street, Oberlin, Steelton, PA 17113

phone. 717.939.2344   email.  mail@wiedemanfh.com

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

OBITUARY :  Joanne Donato, 81, of Woodstock, GA, passed away Monday, June 13, 2022 in Cumming, GA surrounded by her family. Joanne was born August 20, 1940, in Gettysburg, PA, the daughter of the late William Charles and Ann Tyson Kuhn and was preceded in death by her brother, Donald T Hoff- Swatara, PA. She graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1958. She continued her education and became a medical secretary. Joanne and her husband, Aurelio, relocated to Atlanta back in the 1960's from Pennsylvania.

Joanne was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta where she shared and celebrated her strong Catholic faith. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, and friend with a vivacious personality who loved to laugh. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she enjoyed celebrating the season with family. Joanne was extremely dedicated to her Aerobic Fitness classes at Wills Park in Alpharetta. She rarely missed a class & enthusiastically attended three times a week for over 30 years. She was loved and admired by her many fitness friends who threw her a surprise 80th birthday. You could always hear Joanne give a holler when her favorite song, "We Like To Party" was played. Joanne was an avid reader and collector of books. She belonged to the Hickory Flat Public Library of Cherokee County for 25+ years and often swapped books with her friends. Joanne loved to travel and was always ready to accompany her husband on one of his Delta trips to a far flung destination. Surviving are her husband, Aurelio O. Donato, Woodstock, GA of nearly 60 years of marriage, her children, Aurelio J Donato of Cumming, GA; Dina Donato of Cartersville, GA and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Donato of Cumming, GA.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 11:00 am in Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 357 S. Harrisburg St., Oberlin with Rev. Jonathan P. Sawicki, Pastor, Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, Officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery at the conclusion of services. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the funeral home.

Joanne gave to many organizations including the American Cancer Society, American Macular Degeneration Foundation, and the American Lung Association to name a few. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to these three foundations. www.pennlive.com/obits

..................................................

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Aurelio "Rill" Donato

August 20, 1938 ~ December 3, 2023

M. Sue Raasch , widow of DL Capt. Doug Raasch

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

M. Sue Raasch , widow of DL Capt. Doug Raasch

August 12, 1942 - May 17, 2022

 

Notice of passing…. Martha “Sue” Ellis Raasch, widow of Delta Captain Doug Raasch who passed in March of 2016. 

Obituary information for Sue is available online at https://dannelfh.frontrunnerpro.com/book-of-memories/4935742/Raasch-Sue/index.php

Information has also been posted to our memorial site….please see

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Martha Sue Ellis Raasch died at her home on May 17, 2022, from complications of a stroke in March. A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 322 West Pecan Street on Saturday, June 11 at 11 am.

 

Sue was born in Dallas, Texas on August 12, 1942, to John and Effetomye Ellis. She graduated from W. H. Adamson High School in 1960 and then attended the University of North Texas, where she graduated in 1964. While at North Texas, she was a member of Alphi Phi Sorority, was a Campus Beauty and she met her future husband, Doug Raasch.

 

Immediately after graduation, Doug joined the Navy and Sue stayed in Dallas and started teaching school. While he was on a short leave from the Navy, they were married on December 20, 1964, in Dallas. The Navy life took them to many states, including Florida, California and Texas. After the Navy, Doug started his career as an airline pilot with Delta Airlines, and they lived in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas and finally settled in Sherman. During this time, her son Jeff was born in California and her daughter Maren was born in Dallas. She earned her master’s degree in Humanities from Texas Woman’s University and she continued to teach school off and on and ended that career as the Journalism teacher at Sherman High School in 1991. After she stopped teaching, she worked part time for CASA of Grayson County for a few years. After this, she and her friend Susannah had a booth at Touch of Class Antiques for about 15 years.

 

During her almost 50 years of living in Sherman, Sue was involved in many organizations and clubs. She was involved in The League of Women Voters, many tennis leagues, Friends of the Sherman Public Library, Democratic Women of Grayson County, where she won The Ann Richards Award, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, where there is a trail named after Doug, Grand Central Station Soup Kitchen, Tuesday Literary Club, Sherman Antique Club, CASA of Grayson County, The Salvation Army of Grayson County, and many more. She was a long-time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she was active on several committees and a member of their book club. She was very involved in Jeff and Maren’s school PTA’s, always volunteering and would often be the loudest one cheering them on from the stands during their many sporting events!

 

Sue loved to play tennis, garden (their gardens were of epic proportions), read, be in the outdoors, listen to Elvis, James Taylor and Willie, drink wine, cook and travel. Since Doug was an airline pilot, the family was able to travel extensively and she and Doug developed a fondness for the Pacific Northwest, where they had a condo after he had retired from Delta. Once she became a grandmother to Alex, she was always there to take him on adventures! They had a special and close relationship, and we know how much she would have loved seeing him graduate high school this May. After Doug passed away, she became a Master Naturalist and was a member of the Blue Stem Master Naturalist group. During the pandemic, she and her friends Gloria, Susannah, Nana and Betsy, met weekly in a local park for lunch, laughs and comradery. She and Doug also had a special group of friends known as the Dinner Club and these friendships are still around today.

 

Sue is survived by son, Jeff Raasch and his wife Haley, daughter, Maren Doherty and her husband Michael, brother, George Ellis and his wife Anne, sister-in-law, Jan Schronk and her husband Stacy, nieces and nephews and her MOST favorite grandson, Alex Doherty.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Foundation, Parkinson’s Voice Project, or American Stroke Foundation.

 

You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com  

………………………………………………………..

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Doug Raasch

December 14, 1941 ~ March 16, 2016

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2016/03/dl-capt-douglas-leroy-raasch.html 

Notification with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Douglas LeRoy Raasch, age 74.  Captain Raasch joined Delta Air Lines 01-05-1970 and was based 030/PDX at the time of retirement in 2001.

To view/sign the online guestbook and to view photos, please visit the funeral home website at http://www.waldofuneralhome.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/14981/id/3632701 

Services will be held tomorrow March 21st in Sherman TX.....please see information below.    

Survived by his wife Sue personal condolences may be sent to the family at  

2617 Riata Drive , Sherman, TX 75092-4531  ....  (903) 870-2073

Obituary........................

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heralddemocrat/obituary.aspx?n=Douglas-LeRoy-Raasch&pid=178090386  

Douglas LeRoy Raasch died at his home on March 16, 2016 from complications from Parkinson's Disease and a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A memorial service will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church at 322 West Pecan Street on Monday, March 21 at 11 am.

 

Douglas was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 14, 1941 to Edward and Grace Raasch. When he was in 2nd grade, his family moved to Corpus Christi, TX. He graduated from Roy Miller High in 1960 then attended SMU and the University of North Texas, where he graduated in 1964. While at North Texas, he was President of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

 

Immediately after graduation, Doug joined the Navy as an officer candidate and began to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. While on a short leave from the Navy, Doug married his college sweetheart, Martha Sue Ellis, on December 20, 1964 in Dallas, TX. While in the Navy, during the Vietnam War, he served two tours on the aircraft carrier USS Kearsage, based in Coronado, CA. The Navy life took them to many states, including Florida, California and Texas. After the Navy, Doug began his career as an airline pilot with Delta airlines and, after living in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas, Doug, Sue, Jeff, who was born in California and Maren, born in Dallas, settled in Sherman………………………..

 

 

NWA/SWA pilot Michael Lee Bell

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/SWA pilot Michael Lee Bell

March 1, 1951 ~ June 3, 2022

 

….notice of passing, former Northwest pilot Michael Lee Bell, age 71…..first joined Northwest Airlines 10-12-1984, then on to Southwest Airlines where he retired.

  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sanantonio/name/michael-bell-obituary?id=35073455

Obituary : Michael Lee Bell passed away on June 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. Mike was born on March 1, 1951, in Dallas, TX to Carroll and Lois Richards Bell. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas in 1969.

 

Mike attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of 1973. He graduated with a degree in Wildlife Fisheries, and was a member of the Corp of Cadets, Squadron 6, during his time at A&M. Following graduation, Mike was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, where he began his pilot training. After his years of service, Mike began his career as a commercial airline pilot. His career started at Northwest Airlines, followed by 30 plus years at Southwest Airlines, before retiring on March 1, 2016. While flying for Southwest Airlines, he met the love of his life, Gamble, and married on January 30, 1988. Mike was an avid outdoorsman. From working in his beautiful yard to hunting the plains of Africa, he loved to be outdoors. He had a passion for soaking up the Colorado air and hiking the Rocky Mountains, but his greatest joy was his family.

 

Often referred to as the "energizer bunny," Mike enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren supporting them, cheering them on and guiding them through life's biggest challenges, all while gleaming with pride. Mike was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who led by example. His strong Christian faith and servant's heart was known by all who knew him, as his faith, and family were what he lived for. Proceeded in death by his parents, Mike is survived by his wife Gamble Carter Bell, children Cody Lee Bell (Jenny), Brady Edward Bell (Lacy), Cassie Bell Mahoney (Casey), grandchildren Tanner Michael Bell, Bradyn James Bell, Lyla-Kate Bell, Brynn-Leigh Bell, one brother Ronald Warren Bell (Susi), Sister-in-law Vanessa Carter Wolfe (Jack) and nephews Preston (Camille) and Carter. Celebration of life will be on June 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm, Hillside Fellowship Church 7055 US 281 Spring Branch, TX 78070.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas, 77840. Please designate gifts to the Michael Lee Bell '73 Fightin' Texas Aggie Sul Ross Scholarship.

Online gifts may be made at http://www.give.am/GeneralMemorial: designate Michael Lee Bell '73 as memorial tribute.

 

 

WA/DL Capt. Jack Squire Fischer

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Jack Squire Fischer

December 28, 1936 ~ September 4, 2021

 

Notice of passing….retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Jack Squire Fischer, age 84.  Jack joined Western Airlines 08-29-1966.  He is survived by his wife Barbara, and by his children and grandchildren.

Obituary information can be found online at

 https://www.holtfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jack-Fischer

Condolences may be sent to the Fischer family at

477 County Road 32

Cotopaxi, CO  81223

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Jack Squire Fischer

 

Jack Squire Fischer, age 84, of Hillside, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at his home.  He was born December 28, 1936, in Salida, Colorado, to Roman Daniel and Dorene Squire Fischer.

 

Jack was a hard-working man who didn’t complain a lot.  He loved flying for Western Airlines, working on small planes, and his T-Birds.  He also enjoyed tinkering around the house and garage, working on projects and cars.  He was a jack-of-all- trades.  He would take on any project and complete it with precision and craftsmanship.

 

Jack was a man of few words but was always listening. He was content with life and very comfortable with who he was.  He had a heart of gold and loved his family. He was known for his wit, taking any opportunity to get a laugh in.

 

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara Fischer; daughters, Susan Rogers and Lori Porter; son, Gary Fischer; son-in-laws, Michael Rogers and Rich Porter; daughter-in-law, Deborah Fischer; grandchildren, Steven Giandalia and Matt Giandalia, and their wives, Stephanie Giandalia and Jenny Giandalia, Nick Porter, Katie Porter, Zach Fischer, Steven Staton, Derek Staton, and Taylor Watson, and great-grandchildren, Jack Giandalia, Henry Giandalia, and Goldie Giandalia. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

 

A private family service will be held.

 

DL Capt. Francis "Frank" M. Drake

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Francis "Frank" M. Drake

May 20, 1942 - June 3, 2022

 

Notice of passing….retired Delta pilot Captain Francis Marion Drake, age 80.  Captain Drake joined Delta Air Lines 02-26-1973 and was based 030/SLC.  He is survived by his wife Sandee, and by his children and grandchildren.

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.nelsonfunerals.com/obituary/francis-frank-drake 

For those who wish to send a personal note, the family’s address is listed in whitepages as

517 N Broadway Ave.

Park Ridge, IL 60068

As noted in obituary below, inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery…that date yet to be determined.

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Francis "Frank" M. Drake

Francis “Frank” Drake, age 80; born in Lyons, Kansas on May 20, 1942, went home to the Lord on June 3, 2022. Beloved husband  of Sandee; loving father of Jason (Laura) and Richard Drake; adoring grandfather of Maren, Emma and Evan; dearest brother of Sherryn (Ray) Eberly, the late Dona Gearhart and the late Francie Ann Drake.

 

Frank received a B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas in 1965. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force and became aircraft commander of the C130. While serving, Frank was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (our nation's highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement.)  After his honorable discharge, Frank served as a Delta Airlines pilot for 30 years and retired as a captain of the 767 aircraft.  Member of the Park Ridge Presbyterian Church.

 

Frank will have a future Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery.  For information, Nelson Funeral Home at 847-823-5122 or www.nelsonfunerals.com

NELSON FUNERAL HOME

820 Talcott Road

Park Ridge, IL 60068

DL, USAF ret. Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL, USAF ret. Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks

August 15, 1954 ~ November 8, 2021

Born in: Atlanta, GA

Resided in: Villa Rica, GA

…..joined Delta Air Lines 09-19-1986

 

https://www.wagesandsons.com/obits/raymond-keith-hicks/ 

Obituary : Lt. Col. Raymond Keith Hicks, age 67, of Villa Rica, GA, proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away Monday, November 8, 2021. The son of Raymond William Hicks and Betty Gouge Hicks was born and raised in Stone Mountain, GA. Keith learned to fly and developed his love of aviation alongside his father in his Mooney M20F.

Keith attended Tulane University on an ROTC scholarship earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, graduating with honors. While serving in the military, Keith earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Keith was commissioned in 1976 into the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was on active duty for 10 years, flying A-10 Thunderbolts and instructing in the T-37. He then accepted a Reserve commission in 1986 and was hired by Delta Airlines, where he flew nearly the entire Boeing fleet working his way to retire in 2019 after 33 years as a Captain on the 767-400ER. He was truly a master of his craft- a tremendously skilled pilot.

His greatest love in life was his family. Known as Papa, he adored his grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than spending time with them and teaching them everything from fishing to sailing to shooting a bow and arrow.

Keith is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra Stowder Hicks, his daughters Jennifer Hicks Morrissey and Katherine Hicks, his son-in-law, Maj. Noah Morrissey, and his three beloved grandchildren. A service is being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rush and Kathryn Adams Limbaugh Family Foundation would be appreciated. Express condolences at www.wagesandsons.com

DL, ret. Air Force Brigadier General Donald Davis Harvel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL, ret. Air Force Brigadier General Donald Davis Harvel

Aug. 21, 1954 ~ Sept. 5, 2020

….joined Delta Air Lines 04-11-1986

 

https://www.fhtimes.com/obituaries/don-harvel/article_a7dd02e2-fc2a-11ea-be2c-c7fab3ebc8bc.html

Obituary : Don Harvel, 66, of Fountain Hills passed away on Sept. 5, 2020. Don was born Aug. 21, 1954 in Albuquerque, N.M. Don knew ever since he was a young boy, he wanted to fly planes…and that’s exactly what he did!

 

In 1972 he left Albuquerque to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. After graduation, he received a commission into the Air Force and was assigned to pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. His first flying assignment was flying C-130 aircraft at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In 1982, he was reassigned as an instructor pilot flying C-130s with the Air Crew Training and Test Wing (Air Force Special Operations) at Kirkland Air Force Base, N.M.

 

His military assignments included Commander of the 181st Airlift Squadron, Commander of the 136th Operations Group, and Commander of the 136th Airlift Wing. Don was promoted to Brigadier General in 2008 and was assigned to be the Deputy Commander of the Texas Air National Guard. During this time, he also served as the Assistant to the Commander of Air Force Special Operations. He retired from the Air Force/Air National Guard with the permanent rank of Brigadier General, in 2010. Don completed 34 years of military service that included deployments for Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. He had more than 4,500 hours of C-130 flying experience.

 

In 1985, Don left active duty and joined the Texas Air National Guard. In 1986, he was hired at Delta Air Lines, enjoying his dual careers. During his career at Delta, he flew the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767, 777 and the MD-88. If planes weren’t enough, in 1993 he met his beautiful wife, Nan, a passenger on his airplane, while he was flying a trip for Delta. Don retired from Delta Air Lines in August 2019, with over 23 years as an experienced captain.

 

In 2010, he was also assigned to be the president of an accident investigation board, which investigated an Osprey crash in Afghanistan. He recently completed a 50-chapter book titled “Rotors in the Sand,” detailing the accident and investigation process, while honoring those soldiers involved in the accident.

 

In his time off from his various careers, volunteer efforts and other hobbies, Don enjoyed taking his ‘53 Corvette to car shows in town, meeting up with friends for a casual beer, or enjoying the Arizona nights by the pool. Don was an avid listener of Chicago, the Beatles and Christmas tunes (yes, year-round) regardless of how often his daughter attempted to update his portfolio of music.

 

Along with Don’s impressive resume, he was the most loving husband, father, son, friend, and leader. He would light up any room he walked into and was known for always having a smile on his face. Don and his family moved to Fountain Hills in 2016 and he would always say that moving here was the best decision he had ever made (besides marrying his wife, Nan, of course). He loved this community, and obviously, the world-famous fountain. He is survived by his father and stepmother in Albuquerque, his wife, three children, three brothers, and many other relatives and friends.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of his three favorite non-profit organizations: (1) E3 IVXP, Inc., a non-profit with a focus on helping end veteran homelessness run by one of Don’s many friends. Donations can be made through the organization’s website: e3-project.com; (2) The Phoenix Children’s Hospital; or, (3) America’s Gold Star Families, a non-profit whose mission is “to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving any military loss through active duty service in the United States Armed Forces.”

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Video interview : https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=585536335449243 

 

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https://www.nationalguard.mil/portals/31/Features/ngbgomo/bio/1/1653.html 

 

Chief of Staff, Texas Air National Guard

 

Brigadier General Donald D. Harvel is the Chief of Staff of the Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. He serves as the principle advisor to the Commander of the Texas Air National Guard for all Air National Guard issues. In this assignment, he is responsible for assisting in the planning, direction and administration of over 3,100 Air National Guard personnel within the state of Texas. His responsibilities also include recruiting, retention, labor relations, training, employee development, and equal opportunity initiatives. General Harvel is also dual-hatted as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command.

 

General Harvel was commissioned in 1976 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona and was assigned to the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In April 1982, he was reassigned as an Instructor Pilot with the 1550th Aircrew Training and Text Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. While on active duty he served as an Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, Chief of Flying Safety, Chief of Training, and the Chief of Current Operations. He joined the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Texas in December 1985. His assignments have included Command of the 181st Airlift Squadron, 136th Airlift Wing Operations Group, 136th Airlift Wing Vice Commander and 136th Airlift Wing Commander. He was appointed to his current position in February 2006.

 

 

EDUCATION:

1976 United States Military Academy, Bachelor of Science, Political Science, West Point, New York

1980 United States Air Force Safety Investigation School, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

1999 Air War College, by correspondence

2004 Safety/Accident Investigation Board President Course, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

2006 Joint Task Force Commander Course, United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

2006 Senior Reserve Component Officer Course, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. July 1976 - July 1977, Student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, 82nd Student Squadron, Williams Air Force Base, Arizona

2. August 1977 - January 1978, Student, C-130 Basic and Tactical Pilot Training, 314th Tactical Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas

3. January 1978 - April 1982, Pilot/Flying Safety Officer, C-130, 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

4. April 1982 - June 1984, Instructor Pilot/Chief of Current Operations, HC-130, 155oth aircrew training and Test Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

5. June 1984 - January 1986, Inactive Ready Reserves, Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado

6. January 1986 - July 1997, Pilot/ Chief of Tactics, C-130, 136th Tactical Airlift wing, Dallas Naval Air Station, Texas

7. July 1997 - February 2001, Commander, 181st Airlift Squadron, 136th Airlift Wing, Dallas Naval Air Station, Texas

8. February 2001 - July 2004, Commander, 181st Operations Group, 136th Airlift Wing, Carswell Field, Texas

9. July 2004 - February 2005, Vice Commander, 136th Airlift Wing, Carswell Field, Texas

10. February 2005 - February 2006, Commander, 136th Airlift Wing, Carswell Field, Texas

11. February 2006 - Present, Chief of Staff, Texas Air National Guard, Austin, Texas

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Rating: Command Pilot

Flight Hours: More than 4,000

Aircraft Flown: OH-58, T-37, T-38, C-130

Pilot wings from: Williams Air Force Base, Arizona

 

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Legion of Merit

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

Combat Readiness Medal (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

National Defense Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars)

Southwest Asia Service Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars)

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour

Air Force Longevity Service (with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)

Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Bronze Hourglass and M Device)

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (with 1 Bronze Star)

Air Force Training Ribbon

Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait

Texas Lone Star Distinguished Service Award (with 1 Device)

Texas Adjutant General's Individual Award (with 2 Devices)

Texas Federal Service Medal (with 1 Device)

Texas Faithful Service Medal (with 2 Devices)

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS:

United States Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer

National Guard Association of the United States

National Guard Association of Texas - Life Member

The Air Force Association

Airlift /Tanker Association

Airline Pilots Association

West Point Society of Georgia

Military Officers Association of America

 

CIVILIAN OCCUPATION:

General Harvel is a Captain for Delta Airlines. He has held positions as an Instructor Pilot and Federal Aviation Administration certified line check airman. He is currently flying the Boeing 777, but has over 11,000 flying hours in the B-727, MD-88, B-737, B-757, B-767, and B-777. He also facilitates Delta's “In Command” course. This is a leadership course in decision-making and business course for new Delta Air Lines' Captains.

 

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:

Second Lieutenant 2 June 1976

First Lieutenant 2 June 1978

Captain 2 June 1980

Major 1 September 1989

Lieutenant Colonel 27 September 1996

Colonel 30 March 2001

Brigadier General 8 March 2006

 

(Current as of August 2008)