WA/DL Carol Wakefield, wife of WA/DL Capt. Tony Wakefield

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Carol Ann Wakefield, wife of retired WA/DL Capt. A.L."Tony" Wakefield

Feb 14, 1943 — Aug 31, 2026

 

PCN memorial site

Obituary  https://www.vistafh.com/obituaries/carol-wakefield 

Carol Ann Wakefield died peacefully on the evening of August 31, 2026, at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital, with her husband and five of her seven children at her side. She was 83.

She was born on Valentine's Day, 1943, in Mobile, Alabama, the second of Fred and Marion Davis's four daughters. She grew up mostly in Mobile, with several years in Chateauroux, France, where her father worked as a civilian employee at the Air Force base. After high school, while working as an X-ray technician and taking classes through the University of Alabama, she met a Naval aviation cadet in flight training across the bay in Pensacola named Anthony L. Wakefield. They fell in love quickly and completely and married on December 19, 1964.

They began their family at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, where sons Glenn and Todd were born. Daughter Sherry arrived a few years later, after Tony left the Navy and the family settled in Southern California. There they built a home, a career in the airline industry, and an orchard of 800 avocado trees. In 1979 they more than doubled their family, adopting three siblings - Paul, Matt, and Amy - and also taking in their adult older brother, Mark, as their own. In 1984 they moved the family to Summit County, Utah, where Carol spent the next thirty years before she and Tony moved to St. George in retirement.

Carol carried the grace of the Southern belle she was raised to be and the grit of the Western mountain woman she became. She never met a stranger. She would welcome anyone into her home as family, sometimes to the surprise and even the chagrin of her actual family – though every one of us has since come to wish we could be more like her in that regard. She was a mama bear in defense of her children, and if the moment called for it, she could tell someone exactly where to go - but so sweetly that they would look forward to the trip.

She and Tony were inseparable for nearly 62 years, as husband and wife and as best friends. Their travels took them to very nearly every continent ocean, much of it by ship. Through five years with COPD, the illness that ultimately took her home to her Maker, she was slow to complain and quick to name what she was grateful for.

If Carol lived by a single principle, it was that love conquers all. She met eight decades ·of whatever life sent her by throwing love at it - at the problem, and at everyone in the room while she worked on it. Her life is the argument for that principle.

She is survived by her husband, Tony; her sisters, Edna and Judy; her children, Mark (Elva), Glenn (Trista), Paul (Elizabeth), Todd (Paige), Matt, Sherry (Fred), and Amy; 17 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patty, and two grandchildren.

DL Capt. Chris Walker

 
~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Chris Walker                 

June 19, 1943 ~ September 18, 2026

 

Delta Golden Wings member Captain Don Christopher “Chris” Walker of Clinton, Missouri joined Delta Air Lines 02-08-1973 and was Dallas based.  Chris is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and by his children and their families.

Visitation and Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic in Clinton…..    ( http://holy-savior-ms.org/  ) …please see obituary for details.

To share memories online, please visit the funeral home website at https://www.bradleyhadley.com/obituaries/Chris-Walker?obId=49626401

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/chris-walker-obituary?id=62468347

Chris Walker Obituary

Obituary published by Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home

Don Christopher Walker, 8328, of Clinton, Missouri, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born June 19, 1943 in Clinton, MO the son of Don Reser Walker and Matilda (Brown) Walker.

Chris married Elizabeth Morrison on October 15, 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia. She survives of the home.

He was a member of the Clinton Christian Church and had attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church for many years. He received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science from Central Missouri State University, now University of Central Missouri. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity while at UCM.

Chris was a proud veteran of the United States Army and the Georgia National Guard. While Serving in the Army and the National Guard he flew the OV-1 Mohawk Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft. Serving a tour of duty in Vietnam and stationed in Germany patrolling the East German Boarder. He proudly served his country for 18 years. He was an Airline Pilot with Delta Airlines after his service, flying various aircraft around the globe. He retired after 30 years of service.

He was a member of the Commemorative Air Force, Navion Association, OV-1 Mohawk Association, a longtime member, board member and treasurer for the Clinton Airport Association, Clinton Elks Lodge, #1034, a former Clinton city councilman, serving on the planning and zoning commission, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as President of Whiteman Community Base Council, and the Henry County Museum.

In addition to his wife, surviving are four sons, Kit Walker (Lorie), Nashville, Tennessee, Jason Walker (Anna), Virginia Beach, Virginia, Ron Glancy (Missy), Columbia, South Carolina, and Sean Glancy (Robyn), Charlotte, North Carolina; two daughters, Nigora Dossove, Charlotte, NC, and Cynthia, Sligo Ireland; a nephew, Rob Walker (Stacy), Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Cameron (Camryn), Dana Leigh, Cael, Brody, Natalie, Dash, Rebecca, Kaitlind, Anna, Walker, Nieves, Bella, Evvy, Olin, Collin and Christian; two great-grandchildren, Easton and Royce; one brother, David Walker, Dallas, Texas; and additional cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jeff Walker.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Brendan Bagley for his many years of care and support.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., just prior to the service. Military honors will be provided by the Army Funeral Honors and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to be Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Clinton Animal Shelter, or Henry County Museum. These donations may left in care of the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com .

DL Capt. David C. Anderson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. David “Dave” Anderson

December 11, 1962 ~ July 7, 2026

                                    

                                                            

As noted in the September issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of Delta Capt. David C. Anderson in July of 2026.  David Carlton Anderson joined Delta Air Lines 08-20-1997.  Dave is survived by his wife Amelia, and by their children, and by Dave’s mother Nancy.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.bradshawfuneral.com/obituaries/david-dave-anderson 

David "Dave" Carlton Anderson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Dave Anderson at the age of 63.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Amelia, her son, Kenneth, Dave’s children, David Jr. and Kimberly, his dear mother, Nancy Anderson, three brothers and three sisters, Terry (Cindy), Jeanne Kadechka (Dave), Tom (Lisa), Shelly McNulty, Kelly Ruoho (Jeff), Joe (Wendy); 17 nieces and nephews; 25 grand nieces and nephews.

We take comfort in believing Dave is at peace and reunited with his dad, Orville (Bill) Anderson, his son, Jake, and his nephew, Brandon.

Dave will be fondly remembered for his ambitious determination and the courage to follow his own path. He’ll also be remembered for his sometimes-goofy sense of humor and perfectly timed one-liners.

Dave, we will miss you coming home, your beautiful smile, your calm presence, and your kind soul. Most of all, we will miss you.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 5:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 4:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater MN.

Committal service and burial with Military Honors will take place Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.

https://www.twincities.com/obituaries/david-carlton-dave-anderson/   

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/305777317/david-carlton-anderson 

WA/DL Capt. Alvin Eatinger

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Alvin Eatinger

October 16, 1938 ~ June 22, 2026

                                                                                                

As noted in the September issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of Capt.  Alvin R. Eatinger in June of 2026. Alvin Eatinger, of Ashland, Oregon died after suffering a medical emergency while swimming in Shasta Lake on Monday afternoon, according to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office.

Captain Alvin Ray Eatinger joined Western Airlines 08-29-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1998 based SLC.  I believe that Al was born/raised in Indiana, and I believe that he was widowed in July of 2019…..but I was unable to find a published online obituary. 

Should we receive more information, I will post to our site.

Thanak you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

https://krcrtv.com/news/local/oregon-man-dies-after-medical-emergency-while-swimming-at-shasta-lake  

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — An 87-year-old Oregon man died after a medical emergency while swimming on Shasta Lake on Monday afternoon.

Deputies with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Boating Safety Unit responded at about 4:23 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, to the Shoemaker Creek area of the Big Backbone Inlet on Shasta Lake for a medical call. Authorities said an adult male, later identified as Alvin Eatinger of Ashland, Oregon, was swimming near a houseboat when he became unresponsive and submerged underwater.

Bystanders pulled him from the water and began providing medical aid before deputies arrived. Deputies continued those lifesaving efforts until paramedics took over.

Eatinger was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The department said Eatinger’s relatives have been notified, and an autopsy will be scheduled.

 

 

DL Capt. Douglas “Grant” Olbrich

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USMC veteran, DL Capt. Douglas “Grant” Olbrich

July 2, 1963 ~ September 10, 2025

                              

                                                                  

As noted in the September issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of Douglas G. Olbrich in September of 2025.  I was not able to find a full online obituary….please see limited information below.  Grant joined Delta Air Lines 09-11-1997.  Per whitepages listing, Grant had most recently resided in the Dallas area :  506 Kash Derrick Dr, China Spring, TX 76633.

Please drop us a note if you should have more information or corrections available to share.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.aggienetwork.com/news/164244/roll-call-tribute/

Douglas Grant Olbrich, Col. USMC (Ret)

July 2, 1963 - September 10, 2025

Douglas Grant Olbrich, Col. USMC (Ret), of China Spring, Texas passed away September 10, 2025.

WA/DL Capt. Kent Jeffrey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Kent Jeffrey

January 8, 1944 ~ June 2026

 

As noted in the August issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of WA/DL pilot Captain Kent Alan Jeffrey.  I was not able to find an online obituary for Kent but we do have his father WWII USAF fighter pilot Col. Arthur Jeffrey listed in our memorial site at

 https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2015/05/col-arthur-jeffrey-father-of-wadl-capt.html

Kent joined Western Airlines 01-10-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2004 based LAX. 

Per whitepages, Kent had most recently resided in California :  36 Orange Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939.

If anyone has more information to share, please let us know and we will update this listing.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

NWA Geri Bedrossian, wife of Capt Harry Bedrossian

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Geri Bedrossian

August 2, 1932 - August 6, 2026

 Gig Harbor, Washington

 

Geri is a former NWA F/A and the wife of retired NWA Capt. Harry Bedrossian.

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tribnet/name/geraldine-bedrossian-obituary?id=62450568

Geraldine Bedrossian Obituary

Geri - In Loving Memory

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Geri, who passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, after suffering a stroke.

Geri was a devoted wife to her husband, Harry, and a loving mother to their three children, Mary, Anne, and Harry III. She was the proud grandmother of Jack, Kate, Alexandria, Taylor, Donovon II, and Jaclynne, and great-grandmother to Liam. Her family was the greatest joy of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Geri was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph Wierske and Marie Schmidt. She grew up in Milwaukee, attended St. Josaphat Catholic School and Bay View High School, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, where she majored in child development.

After college, Geri became a Stewardess (flight attendant) for Northwest Airlines, a job she thoroughly enjoyed for three years. In those days, the rules for stewardesses required them to remain single and retire from flying at age 32. She was recognized by LIFE magazine in 1958 as being one of the most glamorous stewardesses of that time. But Geri's plans changed when, on August 25, 1961, she and Harry eloped in San Francisco, California. Because of Northwest Airlines' regulations, Geri had to resign from the airline. Her final flight, however, was one she would never forget. Before her last flight to Fort Lauderdale, the Captain asked her, "How can we make your last flight memorable?" The flight ended up crashing upon landing. Fortunately, Geri was safe, and afterward she jokingly told the Captain, "You didn't have to go to that extreme to make my last flight that memorable." That story, and Geri's wonderful sense of humor, remained a favorite family memory.

Not long after Geri left Northwest Airlines, Harry was transferred from Seattle to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Mary, they returned to Seattle, where they built their family home on Mercer Island. There, their family grew with the arrival of Anne and Harry III.

Once her children were in school, Geri devoted her time to helping others. She volunteered at Lakeridge Elementary School as a teacher's aide, working with children who had reading disabilities. She also loved traveling with her family, enjoying both domestic and international vacations made possible by the benefits of Harry's airline employment.

After 26 wonderful years on Mercer Island, filled with family, friends, and countless activities on Lake Washington, their children had graduated from college and begun their careers. In 1992, Geri and Harry moved to Gig Harbor and built a home in Canterwood, a golf community where they began a new chapter of their lives together.

In their 60s, Geri and Harry took up golf, and Geri quickly embraced the game and the friendships that came with it. She became an active member of the community and participated in numerous activities, including chairing a committee for the local Gig Harbor charity F.I.S.H.

Geri was a kind, loving, and caring woman who adored her family. She was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, and her love and warmth touched everyone who knew her. After 65 years together, Harry says simply, "I will miss her every day."

At Geri's request, there will be a private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Anthony's Hospital and to the nurses and staff at Cottesmore for the loving care they provided to Geri.

Geri will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

NWA Capt. Wesley Vermillion

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Wesley “Wes” Vermillion

July 5, 1938 – August 28, 2026

 

From family we have learned of the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Wesley Dean Vermillion. Wes joined Northwest Airlines 04-11-1966.  He is survived by his wife Colleen along with many dear friends and colleagues. 

Colleen Vermillion <3sailboat8@gmail.com>: Sep 16 06:16PM -0400 On the night of August 28th Wes Vermillion left us and went to be among the stars. Wes followed his Bliss. Long ago he found it, grabbed it, held on and lived his best life each day. Please go outside, find the brightest star in the night sky and remember your favorite Wes Vermillion story. He will hear you and enjoy the memory too! Fair Winds, Colleen Vermillion

https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/palm-harbor-fl/wesley-vermillion-13021539

Obituary  :  Wesley D Vermillion

July 5, 1938 – August 28, 2026

Wesley D Vermillion passed on August 28, 2026, at the age of 88, having been born on July 5, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, and residing in Safety Harbor, Florida.

NWA Capt. David Berg

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. David Berg

June 29, 1941 ~ September 3, 2026

 

 

David Ernie Berg died September 3, 2026 as a dazzling thunderstorm rolled through……………….

 David joined Northwest Airlines 02-28-1966 and retired with Northwest in 2001.  David is survived by his wife Arlene, and by his children and their families.

A memorial service and celebration of David’s life is planned for October 4th in Battle Lake, Minnesota…...please see obituary below for details.

https://www.glendenilson.com/obituaries/david-berg 

Obituary :

David Ernie Berg died Sept. 3, 2026 as a dazzling thunderstorm rolled through.

 David was born on June 29, 1941 to Ernest and Lorayne (nee Morstad) Berg in Montevideo, MN. On Labor Day 1959, after spending the day at the Minnesota State Fair, David was seriously injured in a car accident which left him in a full-body cast. He enrolled at the University of Minnesota in March 1960, still on crutches and navigating a brutally long and harsh winter. His arrival at the U would change the course of his life. 

 In spring 1962, David met Arlene Martin outside the phone booth in Pioneer Hall. Continuing his passion for aviation, which began as a teenager, he worked as an instructor at the U’s flight school at the Anoka County-Blaine airport. Convinced he couldn’t be an airline pilot because of less-than-perfect vision, he pursued a degree in pharmacy graduating in 1965. 

 David and Arlene were married in August 1965 at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, MN. While working as a pharmacist, he learned Northwest Orient Airlines was hiring people like him – low hours but the right aptitude to be an airline pilot. He was hired in February 1966. His 35-year career took him to some of his favorite places like Amsterdam, Honolulu, San Francisco and really anywhere with a bookstore and good Chinese food. He retired in 2001 as a DC-10 captain. 

 After retiring, he enjoyed sawing boards, building a treehouse, and creating a Japanese garden. What he most loved was spending as much time as possible with Arlene staring at the lake, frequently remarking on how fortunate he was to be right there.

 David and Arlene had three children, Marc, Jane, and Jill. Even though he was gone frequently for his job, he was very present for his kids and expected them to always be learning. He made them wooden animals, blocks, and boomerangs, and later cedar-strip canoes. He offered sage advice like “A point in every direction is the same as no point at all.” 

 He is preceded in death by his beloved in-laws Willard and Bernice Martin.

 He is survived by his wife Arlene whom he credited with running the operation and raising good kids. He is also survived by his children Marc (Christa) Berg, Jane (Doug) Pennington, and Jill (Joe) Driscoll. His eight grandchildren Daria, Carter, and Andrew Berg; Etta and Ivy Pennington; and Liam, Claire, and Emmett Driscoll will miss Grandpa Wookie deeply. 

 Fly West, Captain Berg! 

 Memorial service October 4, 2026 at Glendalough State Park. Visitation in the historic lodge at 1:00 p.m. Service in the dining hall at 2:00 p.m. 

 Memorials preferred to donor’s choice, Battle Lake Area Fire and Rescue Association, Battle Lake Area Community Fund or Park Partners at Glendalough State Park.

 https://www.glendenilson.com/obituaries/david-berg

 

RC/NWA Capt. Van F. Heywood

 

Belated, but not forgotten …………..

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, RC/NWA Capt. Van Farrell Heywood

December 3, 1936 ~ November 8, 2021

 

Van began his commercial flying with Hughs AirWest ( 1-29-1968 )  based Phoenix, and retired with Northwest Airlines in 1996.  Van is survived by his wife Corinne, and by his children and their families.  Corinne currently resides in Scottsdale AZ.

 

https://supersabresociety.org/biography/heywood-van-f/

Van Farrell Heywood

Preferred Name: Van

Nickname/Call Sign: Spruce 2

Highest Military Grade: 0-4 – Major

 

“”A hero in our midst” Arcadia News, by Mallory Gleich, Nov 1, 2021

 

A perfect day for Van Heywood would be to spend time hiking and hanging out with friends and family. But in 1958, when he joined the United States Air Force, his days were, well, a little different.

 

Heywood was born in an old farmhouse on Extension and Broadway Road in Mesa in 1936. He’s lived in the Grand Canyon state since, attending area schools and eventually getting a college degree in education and music from ASU.

 

While there, Heywood and some friends decided to join the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). After graduation, he was tested and chosen for flight school, and was awarded an officer’s rank right out of college.

 

“I’m thankful to be alive,” Heywood said. “I did 100 missions over North Vietnam (the bad area) and 24 missions over Laos (the other bad area). Only the 100 missions over North Vietnam counted for your tour, and you didn’t get to go home until you had 100 missions over North Vietnam.”

 

While in the military, Heywood was a jet pilot. He flew an F-105 Thunderchief and a F-100 Super Saber, the first fighter bomber series, allowing the soldiers to play different combat roles.

 

“In addition, I was a Wild Weasel. The Wild Weasels were a top-secret program designed to take out Surface to Air Missile sites (SAM sites) that would shoot our airplanes down. We were the first Wild Weasel flight to take out a SAM site successfully,” he said.

 

Heywood shared one particular mission that he will never forget: His first SAM strike, right before Christmas in 1965.

 

“To start, I flew about 12 Iron Hand (joint USAF-USN) missions. The technique we used was what we described as trolling (like the technique used in fishing). We acted as the bait, and the SAM site was the fish,” he said.

 

“In the designated area, we would fly in a loose and flexible formation. Many times a missile site would come up and start tracking us. We would start a turn toward the site to try and set up an attack. It seemed that the missile guys got the word about what we were up to, and when we turned toward the site, it would go off the air. We didn’t seem to be getting anywhere with the tactics we were using.”

 

“I could hear another flight in our area trying to join up after attacking a target. One of their flight had been hit, and they were trying to get him out of the target area along the Red River.”

 

“We were coming into the flat, open area bordering the Red River in SE Asia. We were fairly low, and the Weasel was making as many knots as I think he could get out of the F-100F. In not more than what seemed like two minutes, the Weasel called the SAM site swinging off our left. We all started a turn, and a voice transmitted excitedly, ‘I’ve got him.’

 

“As we continued turning, I saw two long, slender tubes on what appeared to be a transporter. They were pointed up at about 60 degrees and stuck out just barely beyond the tree line. ‘Missiles,’ I said to myself.”

 

“We had four LAU-3 rocket pods with 19 rockets in each pod, and I had armed up all four pods to fire at once. If I got only one shot, I wanted it to be a memorable one. Even though we were getting flak from the river, I concentrated on my run and wasn’t about to let the flak deter me. I steadied just long enough to get my sight picture for the rockets and fired. What an impressive sight! Seventy-six rockets were spewing out in front of my aircraft, and I was sure that the guys on the ground were impressed.”

 

“I elevated the gunsight piper on my second attack, held the trigger down, and gently walked the rudders until the gun fired out. The target was by now a roiling, boiling mass of dust and debris in which nothing could be seen except a few of the taller trees. I felt a little disturbed when the Weasel started calling out, ‘Everybody get down; he’s on us.’ After a couple of calls like that, I started thinking, ‘How is that possible?’ It wasn’t until later I found out another SAM site over by the river came up and was trying to get a shot at us.”

 

Heywood ended his tour as a Major in 1987 after earning various medals of honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is awarded to those who committed acts of heroism or achievement while participating in aerial flight.

 

Times were different then: even with the honor and bravery he showed, when Heywood returned from Vietnam, he had to make sure to not wear his uniform off base or he would get heckled by civilians.

 

Eventually, Heywood returned home to his wife, Corinne. The pair met through Corinne’s brother and although they had connected early on, it wasn’t until she was a freshman and he was a senior at ASU that the two started dating. After college, the pair were married and then transferred to different bases around the U.S.

 

Their love stood the test of time, as the pair have been together for 63 years – 40 of those in Arcadia. They have 12 children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

 

Heywood retired from the military after 29 years and 124 missions. Afterward, he received devastating news: because of the chemical Agent Orange that was sprayed over the foliage where he and his squadron were stationed, Heywood developed an aggressive form of cancer.

                                                                     

At publication time, he was being hospitalized and waiting to start chemo treatments, but told doctors that he has no regrets, has done everything he wanted to do in life, and isn’t afraid to die.

 

“I have stared down the barrels of weapons trying to kill me. I can face this!” Heywood said. “

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/234158366/van-farrell-heywood

Van Farrell Heywood

Birth  :  3 Dec 1936

Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona

Death  :  8 Nov 2021 (aged 84)

Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona

Burial  :  National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

DL Capt. Richard Inman Fonde

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Richard Inman Fonde

December 17, 1937 ~ September 10, 2026

 

Richard joined Delta Air Lines 10-18-1965 and was based Atlanta.  Widowed in 2019, Richard is survived by his daughters and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/richard-fonde-obituary?id=62406484 

Richard Fonde Obituary

 Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel – Knoxville

 

Richard Inman Fonde, age 88, departed this life Thursday, September 10, 2026. Born on December 17, 1937, in Knoxville, Tennessee, he was the son of Stuart and Ruth Million Fonde. He graduated from Baylor School in Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee. In 1959, he married Nancy Lowman, with whom he shared 60 years of happy marriage.

Richard's career in aviation began in the United States Air Force, where he flew KC-97 and KC-135 aircraft. After completing his active-duty service, he joined Delta Air Lines and spent 31 years flying domestic and international routes. Following his career as a Delta pilot, he continued with the airline as a flight-simulator instructor. He also served in the Tennessee Air National Guard and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Richard and Nancy made Atlanta their home for more than 50 years. After Nancy's passing, Richard returned to Tennessee where he continued to enjoy life and the company of friends and family.

Richard was a Christian and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, David S. Fonde and Douglas H. Fonde. He is survived by daughters, Lisa Fonde Letsinger (James) and Michelle Fonde Franklin (Lee); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nephew, Christopher D. Fonde.

A private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Fonde family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.

 

https://www.gentrygriffey.com/obituaries/Nancy-Ann-Fonde?obId=38048541

Nancy Ann Fonde

October 12, 1937  -  October 21, 2019

 

DL Mary Felini, wife of DL Capt. William “Bill” Felini

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Mary Felini, wife of DL Capt. William “Bill” Felini

September 28, 1937 ~ September 13, 2025

 

 

https://www.brownmem.com/obituaries/Mary-Virginia-Felini?obId=45391441

Mary Virginia Felini Obituary

Mary Virginia Austin Felini September 28, 1937 – September 13, 2025

Mary Felini passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on September 13, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family after a courageous battle with cancer. In her final weeks, her children gathered closely, holding her hand and saying their goodbyes—a reflection of the deep love she poured into her family throughout her life.

Mary was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on September 28, 1937. She often reflected fondly on her childhood there, recalling with delight that she “walked where George Washington walked.” Her family later moved to Havelock, North Carolina, where she graduated from New Bern High School, and eventually settled in Pensacola, Florida. It was on Pensacola Beach, more than sixty years ago, that Mary met her beloved husband, William “Bill” Felini, a Marine aviator stationed at the Naval Air Station. Their meeting sparked a love story that grew into six decades of marriage, a family of five children, and a life built on faith, devotion, and strength.

 

Mary’s greatest joy was found in her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. While Bill’s career as a Delta Airlines pilot often carried him far from home, she anchored their household with prayer, encouragement, and an unshakable love for God. She instilled in her children the values of faith, perseverance, and compassion, lessons that continue to echo through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Alongside her devotion to family, Mary built a remarkable 43-year career in real estate. She served as President of the Irving Board of Realtors and the Irving Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors, where she was honored as “Woman of the Year” in 1985. Her leadership extended to the state and national levels, where she served as Chairman of the Texas State Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors and as Governor of its National Chapter. At one time, she was the only certified instructor in Texas qualified to teach Real Estate Ethics, a role she carried out with integrity and dedication. These accomplishments were a reflection of her character—diligent, principled, and committed to serving others.

 

Yet, for all her honors and accolades, Mary’s proudest achievements were never measured in titles. They were found in the strength of her marriage, the faith of her children, and the countless lives she touched with kindness, wisdom, and prayer. She carried herself with humility and grace, always pointing others toward God as the true source of strength and purpose.

 

Though she believed she would one day be the one to care for her husband in their later years, her only sorrow was leaving him behind. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now free from pain, reunited with her Savior, and watching lovingly over those she cherished so deeply.

 

Mary was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed until the day when all who love the Lord are reunited with her in Heaven.

 

She is survived by her devoted husband, William Robert Felini; her sister, Joyce Austin Keeley of Arkansas; her five children: Linda Felini-Smith (James), Karen Boozer (Kenneth), Lisa Brandon (Bo), Louis Felini (Martha), and Michael Felini (Cynda); 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William Russell Austin and Jessie Lillian Berry Austin, and her brothers, William “Billy” Austin, Kenneth Wayne Austin, and Cecil Austin.

 

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations in honor of Mary to be made to First Methodist Church of Irving, Texas https://www.irvingfirst.org/giving

DL Capt. Otis J. “OJ” Greene Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Otis J. “OJ” Greene Jr.

August 25, 1940 – July 27, 2026

 

Otis Jarield Greene, Jr., known to all who loved him as O.J., was born on August 25, 1940 in Ellenton, South Carolina……………….

OJ joined Delta Air Lines 06-13-1966 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Gina, and by his children and their families. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/snellville-ga/otis-greene-12982595

IN THE CARE OF

Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Cremation and Memory Gardens

 

Otis Jarield Greene, Jr., known to all who loved him as O.J., was born on August 25, 1940 in Ellenton, South Carolina. He lived most of his childhood in Charleston, graduating from St. Andrew’s High School.

Inspired as a young boy by a recruiting poster showing an F9 fighter plane launching from an aircraft carrier, he set his sights on becoming a naval aviator and fulfilled that dream by enrolling at Clemson University where he received an Associates Degree in order to meet the Navy requirement to enter flight school.

He entered Navy flight training in Pensacola, FL in 1961, progressing through every stage of the demanding Naval Aviation Cadet program before earning his wings and commission as an officer. On a weekend trip to Mobile, AL, driving his 1959 Chevrolet red convertible, he met Regina (Gina) Odom at Johnny’s Drive-In where he says that he fell in love with her right then and there. Gina and O.J. married on September 25, 1962 and were married for 64 years during which they remained deeply in love and had 3 children, Tiffany, Trey (O.J., III), and Jennifer.

As a naval pilot at his first duty station in Brunswick in 1963, O.J. experienced an in-flight fire and survived an ejection at 20,000 feet over the Atlantic. In 1964, O.J. flew the A-4 Skyhawk in the Blue Tail Squadron from an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Coral Sea, surviving enemy fire causing aircraft damage several times. He faithfully served his country during an historic eleven-month deployment— the longest naval deployments of its time. After completing his active-duty service, he continued flying as a Naval Reservist before beginning a distinguished civilian aviation career with Delta Air Lines in 1966. After 34 years of an honored and distinguished career as a pilot, he retired from Delta as an International Captain on the L10-11.

O.J. had the spiritual gift of service, and he took care of everyone. His Christian faith and Christ was the center of his life, and God used him in mighty ways. His love for family was evident from cooking pancakes for the family on weekends, to maintaining a horse farm for his kids and grandkids, to travelling with family and spending time together at his home away from home in Pensacola. He was warmly nicknamed, Honey Do because of the way he helped everyone with their to-do lists, and he could build or repair anything and everything, a skill he taught to his children and grandchildren. Known affectionately as PaPa to his 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, he spent countless hours travelling for college visits, sporting events, and horse shows.

On July 27, 2026, at the age of 85, O.J. peacefully joined the loving embrace of his Lord surrounded by his wife and three children. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love with a large family, all because 2 people fell in love.

O.J. is predeceased by his parents, Otis and Mary Green. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gina; his daughter, Tiffany Houston (Shane) of Buford; his son, O.J. Greene, III (Shannon) of Ridge Manor, FL; his daughter Jennifer Greene (Ray Tillery) of Madison; his adoring grandchildren, Kollin Houston (Matthew Tinahui) of Buford, Kolton Houston (Alexis) of Jefferson, Konnor Houston (Kalyn) of Woodstock, Kayleigh Greene of Athens, Peyton Greene, Parker Greene, and Caleb Greene of Ridge Manor, FL, Brittany Naude (Jimmy) of Statesboro; Brayden and Bryce Tillery of Madison; and his great-grandchildren, Harvey Houston, Hayes Houston, Charlotte Naude and Dylan Naude.

A graveside funeral service to celebrate and honor his life will be held in Snellville at Eternal Hills Cemetery in the Veterans Field of Honor on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Eternal Hills Funeral Home (770-972-3155) may be contacted as needed for flowers, or donations are appreciated in O.J.’s honor to his church, Cross Pointe Church (1800 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30097).