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___ PCN FLIGHT WEST is sponsored by the Pilot Communication Network and is a service of the PCN provided for the Delta Pilot Retired family of pilot groups. Flight West was started and is maintained to accomplish two main goals. After we become aware of a colleague who has Flown West, 1. We aim to produce a “timely” notice sent to our community that allows for support and interaction from our group toward the grieving family of our friend and colleague. 2. Then, we aim to “archive” that notice on our Flown West Blogspot as a lasting accessible place of Dignity and Honor of our colleague for family legacy and posterity. Contributor contact info is generally removed before posting (unless requested otherwise).

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Friday, February 28, 2025

DL Capt. Jerry Clark Goulding

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Jerry Clark Goulding

September 14, 1938 — February 25, 2025

 


Jerry dedicated his life to serving his family, his community, and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a retired Delta Airlines Captain, an accomplished pianist, and a former singer in the world-renowned Robert Shaw Chorale……

Jerry joined Delta Air Lines 01-03-1966 and was ATL based.  Widowed 3yrs ago, Jerry is survived by his children and their families.

 

PCN memorial site :

 

https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/obituaries/jerry-goulding

 

Jerry Goulding’s obituary

Jerry Clark Goulding, age 86, of Cumming, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 25, 2025. Jerry was born September 14, 1938, to the late James Vernal Goulding and Nellie Showalter. Jerry was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chestatee Ward, of The Coal Mountain Georgia Stake.

 

Jerry dedicated his life to serving his family, his community, and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a retired Delta Airlines Captain, an accomplished pianist, and a former singer in the world-renowned Robert Shaw Chorale. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Maureen Roth Goulding, his son, Kevin Anthony Goulding, his brother, Paul Vernal Goulding, and sister, Betty Lee Goulding.

 

Jerry cherished his role as the patriarch of a large, wonderful family. He is survived by his children, Victor Vernal Goulding, Gregory Clark Goulding, Deanna Goulding Wall Oscarson, Rebecca Goulding Middleton, Brian Keith Goulding, Leslie Goulding Spitzer, David Raymond Goulding, and Laura Goulding Deckard. He is the proud grandfather to 40 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by many additional relatives and friends.

 

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Coal Mountain Stake Center, 3185 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040. Interment will follow at Sawnee View Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.

 


https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/obituaries/maureen-goulding 

Maureen Roth Goulding

August 21, 1938 — January 22, 2022

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

DL Capt. Kenneth “Kenny” Richard Matthews

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth “Kenny” Richard Matthews

May 23, 1945 ~ January 28, 2025

 

From friends and colleagues, we have learned of the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Kenneth Richard Matthews, age 79.  Kenny joined Delta Air Lines 03-19-1973 and was based DFW, then JFK/031 in the years prior to retiring.  To date I’ve not been able to locate an online obituary, but did find his bio online ….please see below.

Ken is survived by his wife Bridget O'Reilley-Matthews, and by his children and their families.  Bridget has a facebook page if you wish to try messaging the family.  https://www.facebook.com/bridget.matthews.3956 

For those who wish to send condolences, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

 5096 N FM 129, Santo, TX 76472

 

If anyone has more information to share, please do let us know.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site :

 

Bio taken from Webb AFB newsletter dated 2009

(   https://webb6905.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PILOT-TRAINING-CLASS-69-E-Master-Edited-10-26-2023-ORIGINAL.pdf  )

CLASS 69-E WEBB AFB PILOT TRAINING FORTY YEARS LATER

Kenny Matthews Life After Webb

I went to Vietnam in Oct1969 and returned Nov1970. I was flying forward air control w/20th TASS in OV10s. Initially in Chu Lai, then Danang and finally in Pleiku. Moved around a lot and had 4 different call signs ( you'll remember how hard I was to get along with). Came back as T38 IP @ Webb AFB until DOS of 15Jan73. Hired by Delta Air Lines 15Mar73 and retired 31 yrs later in Jun2004 (one year early). My oldest son, Marshall was born during pilot training in Dec. 1968. He lives an hour away in Ft Worth. He has a daughter, Brittanny 19 and two young sons, Marshall Dylan (funny?) who is 8 and Seth who is 5. My second son, Casey, was born at Webb after I returned from SEA in the NEW hospital ( 20DEC72). Casey and his crew live in Ft Worth as well. Wife Monica, sons Mason 9 and Reese 7 and the princess(of course) Adriana, 5.

My first wife Mary Margaret and I divorced in1974. She remarried in1975 and she, her current husband and I have become good friends and converse on a regular basis. I remained single for 26 yrs. Couldn't find anyone who deserved me (I guess this could be taken one of two ways !) I remarried in1997 at age 52 (thought I was surely old enough by then) to my "Trophy Wife" who is 13 yrs my junior. Actually, we had dated 20+ yrs earlier. She is a 3rd gen horse trainer, way type A and a constant handful. Life is not boring. We have a little ranch here in Palo Pinto County an hour W of Ft Worth ( the world's largest small town ) We have black Brangus cattle, too many horses, 6 Border Collies, four barn cats, the fattest raccoon in captivity, one ball python and one Western Diamond-back/ Mojave rattlesnake cross.

 I have had Cessna 180s and 185s for 25+ yrs and with friends with similar interests, have flown them all over from Canada on floats to Baja, California to Conn. Mostly W Texas and mountains in Idaho. With Delta I flew Boeing 727,737,757,767,767/400,767ER and 777. Also, Douglas DC9, DC8 and MD11. Also the Lockheed L1011 and L15. I loved them all. I was fortunate to be able to fly International Capt for the last 12 yrs. Probably the best time ever on the airline was during the CRAF (civil reserve air fleet) moving troops into and eventually out of Kuwait City. We staged in Rome and Bridget and I virtually lived at the Savoy Hotel for two months...paid vacation! Rules were very different, everyone one board had an automatic weapon! Awesome! Great experience for us and the troops were more than you could hope for. You, too, would have been very proud of them. Also, and surprising I'm sure, I'm now a rotor-head as well. While helping a friend work cows on their 88,000 acre ranch, I spent some time riding with him in his Bell 47 ( think...MASH) helicopter. I started really enjoying it and ended up buying one and learning to fly it. It may be the most fun flying I've done.

My health has been very good. One knee surgery, one back surgery and one appendectomy is about it. I have tri-focals that I only wear when I want to see and I have my father's haircut. I take Lipitor daily for high cholesterol and one 87 mg aspirin for good luck.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

DL Capt. Eric Coleman Gibson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Eric Coleman Gibson

April 28, 1957  ~  February 16, 2025

 


Eric Coleman Gibson, 67, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went home to his Lord and Savior after a short illness on February 16, 2025……………………

Eric joined Delta Air Lines 07-11-1988 and was based ATL.  He is survived by his wife Pamela, and by his daughter and her family.

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

 578 Demery Blvd, Shreveport, LA 71115.

 

PCN memorial site :

 

https://www.hixsonbrothers.com/obituaries/Eric-Coleman-Gibson?obId=37337870

 

Eric Coleman Gibson Obituary

Services for Eric Coleman Gibson will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville, Louisiana, with Theresa Simoneau officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park.

 

The family requests visitation be held Friday, February 21, 2025, at Hixson Brothers, Pineville Location, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service.

 

Eric Coleman Gibson, 67, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went home to his Lord and Savior after a short illness on February 16, 2025, surrounded by his family. Eric was a follower of Christ, husband of Pamela, father of Meghann Moriah, and Grandpa to Issac and Ada. He was born in San Diego, California, and has lived in many places in the U.S. He graduated from East Granby High School in 1975, and attended University of Connecticut and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

 

He served in the U.S. Airforce from 1980-1988 where he flew T-37s and T-38s and was an instructor pilot. Additionally, he was a B-52 Captain at Barksdale Air Force base. After his time in the service, he flew for Delta Airlines until his retirement in 2020.

 

Eric played basketball in high school and began his love of military and flying from his experience serving in the Civil Air Patrol in Connecticut. He loved worshipping and studying the Bible, spending time with people; sharing meals, playing games of all kinds, and playing Pickleball! Eric was competitive in every arena!

 

He and his wife of 33 years, Pamela, traveled extensively for work, ministry and pleasure; both across the U.S. and abroad. Eric was a devoted Bible scholar and teacher of the Word. His favorite subject was any topic involving God’s laws, promises, and love for humanity. Not only did he attend Trinity Fellowship in Sharpsburg, Georgia, for 15 years, he was also involved in Messianic Congregations for the last 20 years.

 

Eric was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Gloria Gibson; his father-in-law, Jerry Elliott; and step-father-in-law, Jim Ross. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Gibson, daughter and son-in-law, Meghann Moriah and Caleb Lugar as well as his grandchildren, Issac and Ada Lugar; his sister and brother-in-law, Stacy and Christopher Harris; his brother and sister-in-law, Blake and Kelly Gibson; his brother-in-law, Nicholas Elliott and his wife Anita; his mother-in-law, Doris Ross, and multiple nieces and nephews.

 

Pallbearers will be Caleb Lugar, Rickey Coker, David Leech, Jonathan McClendon, Heath Elliott, Randy Harrington, Dave Simoneau, and Andrew Farrell. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Elliott and Kynzer Elliott.

 

Eric will be missed by many.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

NWA/DL Capt. Douglas James “Doug” Baile

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Douglas James “Doug” Baile

March 31, 1956 ~ February 16, 2025

 


From friends and colleagues comes news with the passing of retired Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Doug Baile, age 68.  Doug joined Northwest Airlines 09-06-1985 and retired with Delta Air Lines based DTW.  Doug is survived by his wife Paula, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site :

 

To share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.snyderfuneralhome.com/obituary/douglas-james-baile/

Douglas James “Doug” Baile

Douglas James Baile, age 68, of Lancaster, PA passed away suddenly on February 16, 2025. Born to Dorothy E. Baile and the late Charles M. Baile in Lancaster on March 31, 1956.



Doug was an incredibly accomplished pilot for both the military and civilian air lines. Doug graduated from the prestigious TOPGUN program in 1984 and flew thousands of hours in the F-14, A-7, and F-16 for the US Navy and the Michigan Air National Guard. He later flew a 36-year career as a Captain with Northwest Airlines, and later Delta Air Lines. He is survived by his wife Paula; their two children, Nick and Kate, daughter-in-law Julianna, son-in-law Joe; and two grandchildren with another grandchild on the way.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be at 2:30 PM at Boehm’s United Methodist Cemetery, Willow Street, PA.

Monday, February 17, 2025

PAA/DL Capt. Richard Michael Pipkin

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Richard Michael Pipkin

April 5, 1936 - February 14, 2025

 


Richard Michael Pipkin, known to friends and family as "Mike," passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones………………………

 

Mike first joined Pan Am 09-05-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines based New York.  Widowed in November 2021, Mike is survived by two of his sons and by his grandchildren.

PCN memorial site :

 

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/richard-pipkin-obituary?id=57584885

 

Richard Pipkin Obituary

Richard Michael Pipkin

April 5, 1936 - February 14, 2025

 

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Richard Michael Pipkin, known to friends and family as "Mike," passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at home the morning of Friday, February 14, 2025.

 

Mike was born in Statesville, NC to Robert Glenn Pipkin, Sr. and Elizabeth Holler Pipkin. He attended Statesville High School where he played football and was an undefeated, multi-year state champion wrestler. Statesville was also where Mike met the love of his life, Barbara Dearman, on June 8, 1950. Eventually, Barbara "pinned" the multi-year state champion wrestler and they married in 1956. Mike never referred to that final match as a loss, but as his finest victory.

 

Following high school graduation, Mike attended UNC Chapel Hill, Furman, and graduated from Wofford University. He initially entered into the Air Force wanting to become a pilot. He soon transitioned to the Navy, finishing first in his flight school class. After receiving orders to transfer to a new base, Mike arrived there only to be told not to unpack because he had been selected to become a NASA astronaut. While Mike never made it into outer space, he participated in an Apollo program investigating long term space travel, spending 34 days isolated in a chamber.

 

After NASA, Mike achieved his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot and was hired by Pan American World Airways. He remained in the naval reserves and flew C-130s in Vietnam. He later retired from the Navy, ascending to the rank of Commander.

 

After his wife gave birth to their youngest child, Mike was furloughed by Pan Am while living in New Jersey. He and his wife had discussed moving back down to North Carolina where they were both born and raised. He applied to UNC law school and UNC dental school and was accepted into both. He chose law school because of the faster track to completion. He finished law school in two years and a summer session, passing the bar exam even before finishing his final law school credits.

 

Mike focused on real estate law, wills and estate planning. For friends he would delve into other areas of the law if they requested his representation.

 

In the mid-1980s, Pan Am called Mike back to work. He worked at his law practice from Monday through Friday and flew round trip commercial flights from JFK to multiple European destinations, returning in time on late Sunday or early Monday to resume work at his law practice. Mike was retained as a pilot when Delta Airlines purchased Pan Am's European routes and hubs. He continued the pilot-lawyer balance until he retired from Delta around 2001, having accumulated over 40,000 hours of flight time.

 

He enjoyed family beach trips during the summers at Pawleys Island, South Carolina. His children, nieces and nephews all enjoyed his "door tricks." Wherever there was a sliding glass door on a porch, that open space became Mike's stage to entertain his family and friends.

 

Mike Pipkin is survived by two sons, David Pipkin (Adonna) of Hampstead, and Dr. Eben "Alex" Alexander, III (Karen Newell) of Charlottesville VA; his grandchildren, Charlie McKinney of Charlotte, Isabella Pipkin and Samantha Pipkin of Hampstead, Dr. Eben Alexander, IV, of Fort Collins, Colorado and Carter Bond Alexander of Longmont, Colorado.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Glenn Pipkin, Sr. and Elizabeth Holler Pipkin, his brother Robert Glenn Pipkin, Jr., his sisters, Anne Pipkin Willig, Nancy Pipkin Burkhart, his two daughters, Elizabeth Lee (Betsy) Pipkin Michels, Kathryn Pipkin McKinney, and his wife of 65 years, Barbara Dearman Pipkin.

 

A viewing/reception will be held by the family at Walker's Funeral Home located at 11680 US Highway 15-501 N in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Friday February 21, 2025 beginning at 2:00 p.m. A service honoring his life will begin at 2:45 p.m.

 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to UNC-Chapel Hill MURAP (Moore Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program) Elizabeth Michels Memorial Fund (program code: 101462).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

 

https://www.walkersfuneralservice.com/obituaries/barbara-pipkin

Barbara Dearman Pipkin

November 5, 1937 — November 25, 2021

Chapel Hill, North Carolina Barbara Dearman Pipkin passed away peacefully on the evening of November 25, 2021, after an extended illness at the Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home, Pittsboro, NC. Barbara was born in Stony Point, NC, in Alexander County, to Iva Lee and Vance Lee Dearman on November 5, 1937. She grew up in Statesville, NC where she met the love of her life, Richard Michael (Mike) Pipkin, on June 8, 1950, at a church baseball field. They married in 1956 and remained together until her passing. Barbara graduated from Statesville Senior High and attended Furman University in Greenville, SC. Barbara raised and nurtured their children and supported her husband as he served in the US Navy as a pilot during the Viet Nam War. Barbara was voted President of the Navy Wife’s Club on one of the bases, even though she was a younger member of that club…………………………

DL Capt. Carl W. Larson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Carl W. Larson

November 19, 1940 — February 1, 2025

 


With profound sadness the family of Carl Larson, DeLand, Florida, announce his passing…..

Carl joined Delta Air Lines 07-15-1968.  He is survived by his wife Winifred, and by his children and their families.   

PCN memorial site :

 

https://www.lankfordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/carl-larson

 

With profound sadness the family of Carl Larson, DeLand, Florida, announce his passing on February 1, 2025.

 

Carl was born on November 19, 1940 in Princeton, New Jersey to Arthur and Josephine Larson. Carl’s second love was flying, and he pursued that passion throughout most of his life. He enlisted in the NH Air National Guard as a jet engine mechanic and worked his way up to becoming a flight engineer on the C-97. Simultaneously, he continued his civilian flying career and ultimately retired as a B727 captain for Delta Airlines. Carl’s first love was his wife, Winifred. Married for 63 years, she was the true love of his life and together they built a loving family that included a daughter Sallie and son Gary.

 

Because of his kind spirit and generous heart, Carl made friends easily and in the 25 years they lived in DeLand they easily fit into the community making friends all over the county. Best known for his love of karaoke, there are many fans of his who spoke about watching him perform at various locations around the city often writing his own lyrics and serenading his beloved wife.

 

Carl was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Josephine (Middlesworth) Larson in May 2005 and his brother William Larson in January 1990. He is survived by his loving wife Winifred Larson, daughter Sallie Larson Nagele of DeLand, FL, son Gary and daughter in law Elizabeth Larson of Houston, TX, granddaughter Ryann Nagele and grandson Sam Nagele both of Woodstock, GA.

 

The family would like to thank the emergency responders and friends from DeLand who helped and assisted during this difficult time.

 

In Lieu of flowers or gifts of condolences the Larson family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude’s, Wounded Warriors, or Mercy Ships.

 

 

Friday, February 14, 2025

WA/DL Capt. Edward Louis Peri

 

*Updated obituary with more information from family….please see below.

Thank you/Carol PCN

 

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Edward Louis Peri

June 28, 1941 ~ March 22, 2024

Western/delta pilot Ed Peri passed away March 22, 2024. Ed was born in Portland, Oregon in June 1941. He was a proud Eagle Scout & graduated from U of Portland. He and his wife Charleen married in 1964 & had 60 wonderful years together. He did pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. He served in Vietnam & Iceland & was based on Cape Cod. He joined western airlines in 1969 and they built their home in country to raise their family, and hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was the pride & love for his children, Josh & Jenny, both now captains for Delta.  He and Char traveled the world & spent winters in Arizona after retirement. A life of joy well lived. He’s survived by his wife Char, children Josh and Jenny, daughter in law Dani and grandchildren Maddi, Zach and Sadie.

Ed is laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery.

 

Charleen Peri

Charleenperi@gmail.com