NWA, Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Leroy Ball

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA, Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Leroy Ball (ret)

September 30, 1940 ~ February 20, 2021

 

Word has reached our group with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Leroy Ball (ret), age 80.  Lt. Colonel Ball joined Northwest Airlines  02-12-1968.  Captain Ball is survived by his children, his grandchildren and his great grandson plus many close friends and aviation colleagues. 

Obituary information is available for viewing online at

  https://plainsman.com/article/william-ball

A native South Dakotan, Captain Ball had most recently resided in Arizona at   

7643 E Shooting Star Way,  Scottsdale, AZ 85266. 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  :

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Leroy Ball, 80,  passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Saturday, February 20, 2021. 

Bill was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

A private military service will be held with a memorial plaque placed later at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

He was a decorated Air Force fighter pilot and Squadron Commander of the 175th TAC Fighter Squadron in South Dakota from 1963-1984. He flew a plethora of aircraft while serving his nation, including the F-102, in the Air Defense Mission, followed by the F-100 and A-7 in the Tactical Air Command Mission. He also flew 707s, 727s, and 747s for Northwest Airlines from 1968 to 1993. Bill’s third career was as a successful land developer in Prescott Valley.

Bill was born in Rapid City on September 30, 1940. He was the eldest son born to Edna Ruth “Tootie” Ball (Foley) and Walter Frederick Ball. As a child, he loved playing baseball and flying planes with his father. In 1946 he moved to Huron, where he attended school and deepened his passion for aviation. His parents owned an aviation charter and crop spraying business/FBO “Ball Aero” that Bill, along with his favorite childhood companion and younger brother Mike, helped operate.  

After graduating high school in 1958, Bill attended college in Huron. He met his first wife Pamela Louise Savage (Green) in Huron, and they were married in 1964. Bill and Pamela’s union brought three daughters before ending in 1973.  Bill married his second wife, Mary Catherine Ball in 1974. They welcomed two sons to the family before ending their marriage in 1995.  

Bill spent his later years in Scottsdale and continued to run his business in Prescott Valley. He was able to enjoy flying his own private airplanes for many years. He loved traveling, camping, sailing in San Diego, watching drag racing, fishing in Alaska, and being his grandchildren’s biggest fan in sports and life. Even during his last days, it was obvious that the most important thing in Bill’s life was being able to spend time with his family and friends.

Bill was a great man held in highest esteem by family and friends, who remember him fondly for his loving and generous spirit, his infectious laugh, his passion for flying, the personal flyovers that would make you run for cover, his love of sports, his sharp and witty sense of humor, his brilliant hazel eyes that would genuinely light up when he greeted you, his keen intellect, and his warm hugs. 

Bill is survived by one brother, Mike Ball (Linda) of Huron; three daughters, Kirsten Ball (Ray) of Anchorage, Alaska., Shannon Knuchel (Jeff) of Missoula, Mont., Erin Callahan (Matthew) of Anchorage, Alaska; two sons, Travis Ball (Danielle) of Phoenix, Ariz., and Stephen Ball (Christy) of Tucson Ariz.; six grandchildren, Skyler Knuchel, Delaney Pocha (Ty), Hunter Martin, Liam Callahan, Wade Ball, Wyatt Ball; one great-grandson, Kaine Pocha; as well as adored nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth Ball. 

 To those who had the pleasure of knowing Bill, as you travel this beautiful world, as you traverse a terminal, as you board a flight, our family hopes you may be comforted by his memory as we are. While he is greatly missed, we find peace in the fact that “Whiskey Bravo” is no longer grounded. We hope that you will find peace in this as well.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be sent to the Leroy W. Homer Foundation (leroywhomerjr.org) a non-profit that provides scholarships to young aspiring pilots.

……………………………………..

Note: This is Bill Ball’s Obituary that was in the Huron Plainsman, Bill’s hometown newspaper. “The family wants his service & burial at the Arizona National Cemetery here in Phoenix and perhaps a “celebration of life” afterwards at a location TBD that you could zoom in on. The date and time of the service and celebration of life are yet to be determined and I will definitely keep you informed.”

 

NWA Capt. Bill Day

 

 

 

NWA/DL, Lt. Cmdr. Todd Edward (Ret) Latshaw

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL, Lt. Cmdr. Todd Edward (Ret) Latshaw

July 3, 1952 ~ January 3, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of retired Northwest/Delta pilot Lt. Cmdr. Todd Edward (Ret) Latshaw, age 68.  Lt. Cmdr. Latshaw joined Northwest Airlines 12-15-1995 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Mildred, his children and his grandsons.  Obituary information is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pensacolanewsjournal/obituary.aspx?n=lt-cmdr-todd-edward-latshaw-ret&pid=197882180   and at https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/lt-latshaw-obituary?pid=197882180

Whitepages indicates that Latshaw family’s most recent address as

1001 N Barcelona St.,  Pensacola, FL 32501.

Interment arrangements are not known…if more is learned we will be sure to update our memorial sites.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

Obituary  :  Lt. Cmdr. (Ret) Todd Edward Latshaw

 

Lieutenant Commander (Ret) Todd Edward Latshaw left this world January 3, 2021, after a short but demanding battle with MDS stem cell treatment, and after casting his vote for Joe Biden. While the stem cell treatment was successful, thanks to the generous donation of cells by his son, David Latshaw, recovery proved too difficult. He left surrounded by his wife, children and sister, Becky, and by a community of admirers and friends who held him up in constant thought and prayer. A most loving and tearful sendoff, to be sure.

 

Todd was born July 3, 1952 to Barbara Jane Latshaw (Hess) and David Latshaw in Canton, Ohio. In Pittsburgh, he graduated from Cannevin High School and Waynesburg College, where he fell for his lab partner, Budgie Hartman. He served 21 years as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, flying C130s, C12s and P3s. They travelled the world while stationed in Guam, Okinawa, and England, as well as stateside ports in Florida, Texas, and Maryland. He then joined Northwest Airlines as a DC10 pilot, finishing his career at Delta Airlines. Todd's genuine mission was as husband, father, grandfather, and friend to the world. Weather permitting, he could be found golfing or driving his refurbished TR6, but definitely not exercising. Wherever Todd ventured, laughter followed. A truly generous, welcoming, and light-hearted man, Todd was quick to make friends with anyone and everyone and left lasting impressions everywhere he went.

 

He is survived by his spouse of 42 years, Mildred (Budgie) Latshaw, his sister, Becky (John) Bannon, his children, Sara Latshaw (Ryan Donovan), and David Latshaw (Tiffany Latshaw) and three grandsons, Baylen, Gray, and Fletcher.

 

He will be interred at NAS Pensacola following a military ceremony. Because of Covid 19 we wish to postpone interment, followed by a celebration of Life, until we can gather safely.

 

If in search of a way to commemorate his life he asked that you donate to the ACLU of Florida, an organization especially dear to his heart. Donations can be made at www.aclufl.org or mailed to 4343 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33134.

Mesaba/Endeavor/Delta Capt. Dominic Lawrence Hall Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Mesaba/Endeavor/Delta Capt. Dominic Lawrence Hall Jr.

October 09, 1951 - February 19, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of retired Mesaba/Endeavor/Delta pilot Captain Dom Hall, age 69.  (note:  obituary reads retired Delta Airlines but I believe he flew for the various commuter divisions).  Captain Hall was widowed in November 2012 with the passing of his wife Denise.  

Obituary information is available for viewing online at

https://mimemorial.com/obituaries/persons/H/Dominic-Lawrence  also at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heritage/obituary.aspx?n=dominic-lawrence-hall&pid=197820686&fhid=13564

Captain Hall had most recently resided at

1573 Douglas St.,  Trenton, MI 48183.

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

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  :  HALL, Dominic L., Jr., age 69, of Trenton, February 19, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Denise Hall. Dearest brother of Marion (Virginia) Hall, Mary Haupt and Rosemary Noe. He is preceded in death by his wife, Denise, his parents, Marion and Mary Hall, and brothers, John Hall and Gabriel Hall. Mr. Hall worked for Superior Ambulance, and Riverview Fire Department, where he rose to become Lieutenant. He also worked for 30 years flying for Delta Airlines as a Captain. After retiring from Delta, he owned and operated Halls Flying Service on Grosse Ile, MI. https://www.facebook.com/flygrosseile/

He was past President of Southgate Rotary. Service is Thursday, 10 a.m. at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, (next to Michigan Memorial Park) 30895 Huron River Dr., Huron Twp., (734) 783-2646. Visitation is Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, 12-8 p.m. Entombment in Michigan Memorial Park.

 

Funeral services provided by

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home

30895 W Huron River Dr

Flat Rock, MI 48134

(734) 783-2646

………………………………………….

 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/101651317/denise-hall

spouse :  Denise Jablonski Hall

BIRTH          2 May 1957

DEATH         24 Nov 2012 (aged 55), Michigan, USA

BURIAL         Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, Wayne County, Michigan, USA

WA/DL, Lt. Col. James (Jim) Herman Fauske

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL, Lt. Col. James (Jim) Herman Fauske

October 18, 1942 - February 1, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Lt. Col. James (Jim) H. Fauske, age 78.  Jim joined Western Airlines 09-08-1986 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2001 as is noted below in his obituary.  Jim is survived by his wife Janice, his children and grandchildren plus many more dear family members, friends and colleagues.

Obituary information is available for viewing online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bradenton/obituary.aspx?n=james-h-fauske&pid=197820102  also at

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/venice-fl/james-fauske-10036203/share  or

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/venice-fl/james-fauske-10036203 

Read more of his military career at

 https://www.419fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000633212/  and

   https://www.f-16.net/pilots-profile56.html

Obituary below notes that a military funeral at Sarasota a National Cemetery is planned. 

For those who may wish to contact the family, whitepages lists a Florida address as

125 12th Ave E  ,  Palmetto, FL 34221.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  : James H. Fauske

Palmetto, Florida - Lt. Col. James (Jim) H. Fauske passed away peacefully at home on 2/1/21. Jim was born on 10/18/1942 in Northwood, ND, to Rev. Sigvald Fauske and Iylla (Pettis) Fauske. When Jim was a boy, he loved hunting, training his dogs and sports, but, under his mom's watchful eye, he learned to play the piano. Jim graduated from Forest City High School (IA) in 1960 where he was an outstanding athlete lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track (javelin/shot put) and often reminded his friends that he also won the fastest typing award.

While his father was President of Waldorf Junior College, now Waldorf University (Forest City, IA), Jim attended and was President of the Men's Student Council. He was selected for Junior College All American Football in 1962. Jim met Ann Harlan, his first wife and mother of Kimberly and Christopher, at Waldorf. He received a football scholarship to University of Colorado, and they moved to Boulder, CO. He graduated in Political Science in 1965.

Jim was planning to further his studies in international law but decided to join the USAF with a guaranteed pilot training slot. Jim flew the F4 Phantom during 3 tours in Viet Nam: Night Owl Squadron in Ubon, Fast FAC out of Korat and Strike, Fighter and Escort missions from Takhli. He was USAF Top Gun Air to Ground in 1974. From 1974 to 1976, he flew the Mirage while serving as an exchange officer with the Royal Australian Air Force. In addition to regular duties, he flew in two man acrobatic airshows, and his football skills translated into playing rugby with a local Australian team. In 1977, he was assigned a "desk job" at Langley AFB, Hampton, VA. In 1980, he was in the first class of pilots to fly the F16 at Hill AFB, Layton, UT.

Jim continued to excel in flying, and, in 1982, he helped organize a Bombing Competition between a British Harrier pilots and American F16 pilots. The US won. Back at Hill AFB, he married Janice Lindsey and later welcomed their daughter, Dena. Jim was instructor to Pakistani pilots in preparation for Pakistan's acquisition of F16s. Jim and another pilot delivered the first F16's to Pakistan where President Zia greeted them, and they were honored with a military parade and tour of the country. He was awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross as well as a number of Air Medals for his outstanding service in the USAF.

Upon leaving the USAF 1985, Jim was briefly a pilot instructor for Egypt and their newly purchased F16s. He then became a pilot for Delta Airlines, flying the 727, 737, and 757 on both domestic and international flights. He later was a flight instructor on the 737. He retired from Delta in 2001.

When Jim wasn't flying, he was an avid alpine skier and had a passion for boating. In UT, Jim, family and friends spent time on Lake Powell every summer for over 20 years. After moving to FL in 2002, Jim and Janice competed in many local Florida sailing races, including the race to Isla Mujeras, Mexico 2004/5, which they won once overall and once in catamaran class. Jim was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006. After the diagnosis, Jim and Janice decided to pursue their dream of cruising. From 2006 -2012, they cruised the Bahamas and the Caribbean all the way to Trinidad, leaving the boat to return for his treatments. From 2012-2016, they switched to a power cat and cruised Florida and Georgia Intercoastal waterways. Between boat trips and treatments, Jim and Janice traveled several times to Europe and Canada, often on river cruises or small ships. From 2006 to 2021, Jim underwent numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, including a stem cell transplant in 2017. He fought long and hard to stay healthy enough to enjoy life, which he did to the fullest as long as he was able.

In Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan talks about loving life: " . . . if I were struck by every horror of man's disillusionment--still I should want to live, and, having tasted of the cup, I would not turn away from it till I had drained it." Jim drained it and had a refill. Jim maintained regular contact with many of his military and Delta colleagues, American, Australian and Pakistani, who became very close friends over the years. He made several close boating friends who also stood by him in the good times and in his illness. Jim was admired for his courage, amazing wit and continually positive attitude. His distinctive laugh was infectious. Jim loved his children and grandchildren dearly and was very proud of them. Likewise, Jim was well loved and respected by family and his many friends. Salute to all those who loved and supported him from both far and near.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother, David Fauske, brother, Daniel Fauske, sister, Naomi Evans, brother-in-law, John Evans, and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Lindsey.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janice, his children; Kimberly Fauske (Steve Ellis), Christopher Fauske (Maaria Franzen Fauske), Dena Fauske (Nick Petta) and three grandchildren; Laura, Greta, and Hanna Hanson, Kimberly's children. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Fauske (Christine), two sisters-in-law; Betty Fauske (David) and Elaine Fauske (Daniel), father-in-law, John Lindsey, brother-in-law, Ronald Lindsey (Cheryl) and 14 nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Lymphoma And Leukemia Society or the United Services Organization (USO). The family is planning a military funeral at Sarasota a National Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be placed online at Kays, Ponger, Uselton Funeral and Cremation Services. Because Jim's family and friends are scattered across the country/globe and travel is challenging now, the family asks them to remember a "Fauske" story and make a toast on May 31, 2021, Memorial Day.

 

 

 

DL Capt. Kay Braxton Pearce Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Kay Braxton Pearce Sr.

April 9, 1939 ~ February 8, 2021

 

Word has reached us with news of the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain K. B. Pearce, age 81.  Captain Pearce joined Delta Air Lines 06-13-1966 and retired with Delta in 1997 based 030/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Elda, his son, his grand- and great grandchildren plus many close friends and aviation colleagues. 

For those wishing to send condolences, whitepages lists a current mailing address for the family as

PO Box 250145, Atlanta, GA 30325-1145.

Please see below and as more news is received we will pass along those updates.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Friends and family have shared this information……………..

 

KB Pearce passed away on Monday Feb. 8th, with his wife Elda by his side.  KB was hired by Delta Airlines in June of 1966 and retired as a Boeing 767 Captain and Line Check Airman on the 31st. of May 1997. KB had 31 years of service with Delta based in Atlanta, Georgia.

      He was on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1960 until 1966.  He was assigned to the Flight Escort Battalion, serving the Pentagon and the Executive Branch in Washington D.C.  Prior to that he was with the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning Georgia from Feb. 63 to Jun 65, where they received some of the first OV-1 Mohawk aircraft when units were being formed.  Capt. Pearce was a gunnery range instructor for armed Mohawks.  He joined the Georgia Guard when he got hired by Delta Airlines. In Feb. of 1970, KB was one of two OV-1 pilots that brought the first two Mohawks to the Georgia Army National Guard.  KB was the commander of the 159th Avn. Co., one of two Mohawk units in Georgia.  Maj. Pearce became 151 Avn. Bn. Executive Officer and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant State Aviation Officer with 26 years of total service.

     KB was the past president of the Mercedes-Benz club of America and the International Gullwing Group. He was an outstanding member of the Make a Wish Foundation. 

     KB was born on April 9th, 1939 at Pearce's community in Franklin County, N.C. to Mavis Hayes Pearce and Aaron Jackson Pearce.  He is survived by his wife Elda, son Kay Braxton Jr., three grandchildren, Kay Braxton III (Kelli), Brandon, Mary Margaret, great granddaughter Kinley Pearce, great grandson James Jones Boswell, brother in law Ronald McFadden (paggie), nephews Brent (Amy) and Timothy McFadden.  There will be a celebration of life at a later date.  The Crossroads Chronicle of Cashiers, N.C. will have an obituary next week.