NWA Capt. Merle Charles Eglet

 Obituary : Capt. Merle C. Eglet  Sept. 2023   see  https://obituaries.seattletimes.com/obituary/merle-skip-eglet-1088886925

Merle "Skip" Eglet finished his layover on this earth with blue skies and no regrets on September 25, 2023 in Nashville, TN. Semper Fidelis.

 

He was born in North Dakota on June 7, 1935 to Charles and Nette Eglet. Early in life, the family moved to Zillah, WA to escape the Great Depression. Skip attended Orchardvale Elementary and Zillah High Schools. He earned valedictorian honors at all levels.

 

After studying in the pharmacy program at WSU, Skip joined the Naval Aviation Cadet program. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator. His tour of active duty began at El Toro, CA, with deployments to Arizona, Nevada, and the aircraft carrier CVA-34 Oriskany. While on active duty, Skip flew numerous aircraft, most notably the famed F4U Corsair and the venerable F8U Crusader. Upon leaving active duty, he joined the Fleet Marine Forces Reserve and continued for 13 years.

 

During his time in the reserves, Skip began pursuing a career in commercial aviation. Skip was ultimately hired by Northwest Airlines in the spring of 1964 and retired there more than 31 years later. During his career at NWA, Skip flew everything from the DC-6 to the DC-10 and retired flying the iconic Boeing 747.

 

Over the course of his 31-years, Skip served in several roles as an appointed or elected officer in the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA). This ultimately led to Skip being nominated and elected Deputy President of The International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA). He served in this office during his final years prior to retirement. Skip always noted how the support of his fellow pilots at NWA and ALPA greatly aided his ability to represent flight crews around the world to various national governments and regulating bodies.

 

It was during his time with NWA that Skip met Kathy Parat who would become the love of his life. Throughout their marriage, they strived to build a robust, yet practical life with homes in Kirkland and Whidbey Island, Washington surrounded by the tranquility of beautiful sunsets and peaceful water. From their earliest time together in the airline industry until their retirement, the two enjoyed laughter with friends, travel and exploration abroad, and time spent with their family.

 

Throughout his life, Skip was an ardent supporter of his Washington State Cougars, various sports—especially high school as well as numerous historical organizations. His favorite moments were always spent with family traveling or beachside on his beloved Whidbey Island.

 

Skip is survived by his wife, Kathy of Franklin, TN; his brothers Tony, Dick and Steve, and his sister Paula Thomas; his son Robert and wife Tracy; his daughter Brooke Boling and husband Gregg; grandsons Keegan and Blake Eglet and granddaughter Jordan Eglet; granddaughter Parker Boling and grandson Thatcher Boling; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

The family will be hosting a private Celebration of Life in his home state of Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

 

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Merle Charles Eglet

June 7, 1935 ~ September 25, 2023

 

From the retired Northwest Airlines pilot group comes this news. 

Captain Eglet, age 88, joined Northwest Airlines 05-27-1964.

 

Dear NWA Colleagues and Friends,

 NWA Captain “Skip” Eglet peacefully passed away at 5:40 AM (CDT) near

Nashville, TN. He died of Neuro Endocrine Carcinoma. Skip's extended family

was assembled to be with him at the end of life. A private burial will be held later.

 

Share your memories online at  

https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/brentwood-tn/merle-eglet-11473762

Merle Charles Eglet

JUNE 7, 1935 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Merle Charles Eglet, age 88, of Franklin, Tennessee passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Eglet family.