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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 PCN Flight 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).

HOME PAGE SHOWs THE 5 MOST RECENT POSTS.

Sunday, April 25, 2021

C&S stewardess Patricia Claire Bankhead, widow of C&S/DL Capt. H. Blaine Bankhead

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Former C&S stewardess Patricia Claire Bankhead, widow of C&S/DL Capt. H. Blaine Bankhead

July 17, 1925 - April 17, 2021

 


Please note the passing of Patricia Claire Bankhead, widow of Chicago & Southern/Delta pilot Captain Heber Blaine “Bud’  Bankhead who passed in February 2011.  Captain Bankhead joined Chicago & Southern Airlines 11-01-1945 and retired with Delta Air Lines in April 1978, based Atlanta. 

Patricia’s obituary information is available online at

http://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Patricia-Claire-Bankhead?obId=20844824#/obituaryInfo

also at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-bankhead&pid=198430895&fhid=5292

Services for Patricia are planned for April 27th……Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home of Peachtree City, GA has been entrusted with arrangements.  Please see details below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  :   Patricia Claire Bankhead, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2021. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Pat was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 17, 1925 to Clarance and Alice Hedmark. She attended the University of Illinois in Bloomington and majored in Arts and Design.

Pat joined the USO to serve America during World War II. In 1946 Pat was a flight attendant with C&S Airlines that merged with Delta Airlines where she found the love of her life, H. Blaine "Bud" Bankhead. Bud was a Delta pilot and the "high-flying" couple married in Chicago in 1948.

Pat loved and adored him for 73 years. She remained a member of the Delta Clipped Wings Organization and served terms of President and Past President. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee in the fifties and had three daughters. Later the family moved to Atlanta and after 33 years as a Captain for Delta Airlines they moved to Peachtree City, Georgia for retirement.

Pat had a wonderful sense of humor about time and age. She frequently laughed about her 95.9 years and said every month counted after 90! Pat was preceded in death by her husband, H. Blaine Bankhead. Three daughters survive her, Jan B. Guilbeau (Lyle) of Midlothian, VA; Cynthia B. Clements (Mike) of Atlanta, GA; and Debra A. Bankhead of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Jennifer Guilbeau, Travis Guilbeau, Landon Clements, Cameron C. Liebetrau (Ben) and Brittany Clements; and two great-grandchildren, Ada and Blaine Liebetrau.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, 200 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, GA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations can be made to: Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Grateful Hearts https://gratefulheartsministries.org/ Condolences may be sent to family at the online guestbook at http://www.mowells.com

 

……………………………………………………

Heber Blaine Or Bud Bankhead

Heber Blaine "Bud" Bankhead, 92, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away Feb. 15, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia C. Bankhead; three daughters, Jan (Lyle) Guilbeau, Cindy (Mike) Clements and Debbie Bankhead; and five grandchildren. Blaine was born and riased in Wellsville, Utah, to Heber and Margaret Bankhead. He graduated from Utah State University. He began his flying career with the Army Air Corp in January 1942. He served with the 99th Bombardment Group flying a B-17 they called "The Persuader." The 99th was one of the most decorated bomb groups of the war stationed in North Africa. Blain flew for 50-plus missions as First Pilot stationed in North Africa. In July 1943 he was awarded "The Distinguished Flying Cross." He skillfully flew a crippled bomber back from Messina, Sicily, with the entire crew intact landing safely in North Africa. He was credited for his achievements with the Army Air Corps WWII, President's Citation Distinguished Flying Cross, five Bronze Stars, nine Air Medals, a Purple Heart, and American Defense Medal before he returned stateside. Lt. Col. Blaine Bankhead retired from the United States Air Force Reserve in April 1978. Blaine was a pilot for Delta Airlines for 32 years. He was an avid golfer and long-standing member of the Flat Creek Country Club. Blaine always enjoyed family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth B. Hobson (Stan) of Logan and LaRayne B. Christensen (A.J. - living) of Wellsville.

Saturday, April 24, 2021

NC/RC/NWA pilot Frank Joseph Sausen

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NC/RC/NWA pilot Frank Joseph Sausen

 May 22, 1932 - April 21, 2021

 


Please note the passing of retired North Central/Republic/Northwest pilot Captain Frank J. Sausen, age 88.  Widowed in June 2015, Frank is survived by his daughters, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

Obituary information is available online at  

https://www.muehlboettcher.com/obituary/Frank-Sausen

Also at https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/wi/black-creek/frank-sausen-12641515

Services with military honors for Capt. Sausen are planned for April 30th in Black Creek, Wisconsin.

If more information becomes available we will be sure to update our memorial site.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :   Frank Sausen, age 88, of Black Creek WI, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Frank was born on May 22, 1932, in Chicago, to the late Henry and Mary (Barbieur) Sausen. He was a 1950 graduate of Shiocton High School, and he completed his education at Embry Riddle School of Aviation in 1956. Frank was united in marriage to Mavis E. Elmer on June 23, 1956, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006. Mavis preceded Frank in death on June 30, 2015. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954, and he was a member of the Duhm-Masch American Legion Post #332.

 

Frank started his flying career on February 15, 1959, with North Central Airlines, then later for Republic Airlines, and he ended his commercial airline career with Northwest Airlines on May 22, 1992. Frank had a passion for teaching and making learning fun. He coached swimming for Special Olympics and continued his love of aviation after retirement as he always wanted someone to experience flying. Frank was an active member of the Shiocton Flying Club. Competing in triathlons was a hobby he enjoyed, including an Ironman triathlon. Frank's grandchildren held a special place in his heart and his wisdom will be greatly missed.

 

He is survived by his daughters: Mary (Don) Buettner, Rochester, MN, and Barb Sausen, Oshkosh; seven grandchildren: Michaeline (Joe) Martin, Danielle, Matthew, and Joshua Buettner, Austin, Cheyanne and Daltin Schroeder; two great-grandchildren: Aubrey and Lyilah; two brothers: Henry (Betty) Sausen and Charles "Chuck" Sausen; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one grandson, Reed Schroeder.

 

Friends may call at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Black Creek on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 9:00 am until the time of services at 11:00 am, Pastor Stephen Schlicht officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Duhm-Masch American Legion Post #332. Burial will take place at Lake View Memorial Park in Oshkosh. Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

Online condolences may be expressed to Frank's family at www.muehlboettcher.com

Friday, April 23, 2021

DL Capt. Daryl A. Alfrey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Daryl A. Alfrey

February 8, 1959 ~ February 28, 2021

 


Notification with the passing of Delta pilot Captain Daryl Austin Alfrey, age 62.  Captain Alfrey joined Delta Air Lines 01-22-1988.  He is survived by his wife Anne, his children and his granddaughter.

To view the obituary information online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.roselawn-fh.com/obituary/Daryl-Alfrey 

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

 1209 Soundview Trl.,  Gulf Breeze  FL 32561.

Services for Captain Alfrey are planned for June 12th in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  :  Surrounded by his loving family, Daryl Austin Alfrey, 62, was called home on February 28, 2021. He lived with gratitude and in service to his family, friends, community, and country.

 

Daryl was born on February 8, 1959, in Conway, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene Austin and Joyce Marie Alfrey, and his brother, David Lee Alfrey.

 

Daryl grew up in Polk County, FL.  He embraced the unique opportunity of living along the lakes of Central Florida. He enjoyed searching for Indian artifacts, arrowheads, and fossils, and was a water-loving, outdoor enthusiast. He graduated from Auburndale High School and Stetson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. While there, he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

 

His love of country led him to become a pilot for the United States Navy. He served his country as a P-3 Orion Pilot stationed at NAS Jacksonville, and as a T-34 Instructor Pilot at NAS Pensacola. He was able to continue his passion for flying when he was hired by Delta Air Lines. In his 33 year career, he was a Captain for 24 years. He was a Flight Engineer and First Officer on the B-727, a First Officer and then Captain on the MD-88, a Captain on the B-757, B-767, B-767-300ER, and finally, the B-767-400.

 

His career complemented his adventurous side. He loved exploring unique places all over the world, always embracing the various cultures and languages. He believed in the importance of family, hard work, and the impact a smile could bring to a person’s day. He never met a stranger along his journeys, and he loved telling stories from his travels. Daryl and Rose’s love of travel and adventure was instilled in their children through family vacations, scuba diving, boating, fishing, exploring the ocean, and numerous other family traditions. He was a member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church and the Community Life United Methodist Church, as well as the Pensacola Beach Elk’s Lodge.

 

He leaves behind his beloved wife and fishing partner of 38 years, Roseann; two daughters, Erin Bevis (Troy) and Amanda O’Connor (Clarke); his son, Michael Austin Alfrey; granddaughter Emilia Rose Bevis; two sisters, Jeannie Carroll and Leigh Ann Morris (David); and many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives; as well as friends whom he loved like family.

 

A celebration of Life Service will be held on June 12, 2021, at the Community Life United Methodist Church, Gulf Breeze, FL. Receiving line will be at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze, FL, has been entrusted with arrangements.

 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful and caring doctors, nurses, and staff at the Moffitt Cancer Center, Gulf Breeze Hospital, and the Ciano Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation.

 

DL Capt. Steven Mark Dunwoody

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Steven Mark Dunwoody

SEPTEMBER 30, 1957 – APRIL 8, 2021

 


Notification with the passing of Delta pilot Captain Steven Mark Dunwoody, age 63.  Captain Dunwoody joined Delta Air Lines  07-24-1987.  He is survived by his children plus many dear friends, aviation colleagues and extended family members.

Obituary information may be viewed online at

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/portland-me/steven-dunwoody-10149822

Also at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ricentral/obituary.aspx?n=steven-mark-dunwoody&pid=198408670

A memorial service is planned for June 19th at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church of Falmouth, Maine…..please see obituary sites for all available information.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary  :  Steven Mark Dunwoody, 63, of Falmouth passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Portland Maine. His passing concludes a remarkable life replete with achievement and he will be remembered for his determination and optimism in the face of adversity.

Steve was born in Rhode Island, graduated from East Greenwich High School and the University of Maine Orono 79'. Was a member of the UMaine swim team and active member of Phi Gamma Delta. He was accepted into the United States Navy Officer's Candidate School (OCS) and secured a coveted billet as F-14 Tomcat pilot. Achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander, flew missions in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Persian Gulf owning over 400 (traps) on US Carriers. Lt. Dunwoody crossed Muammar Gaddafi's "Line of Death" during the Libyan conflict earning him veteran of war status. Lt. Dunwoody served on the USS America and USS Roosevelt stationed in Virginia Beach and San Diego, afterwards joining the Navy Reserves.

Following active enlistment Steve flew 737 & 757 jets for Delta Airlines. Steve was an outdoorsman who loved skiing, climbing and hiking. He accomplished the summit and traverse of Mount McKinley. Steve was an avid supporter of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He was a devoted father to Calvin, Sam and Camille. Steve's commitment to his family was unshakeable.

Steve is predeceased by his parents, Helen (Pansewicz) and Calvin Dunwoody of Kennebunk Maine, his brother Peter Dunwoody of Kingfield Maine. He is survived by his three children, Calvin, Samuel and Camille Dunwoody of Portland Maine and his beloved dog "Tuck" and brother Donald (Sherri) Dunwoody of East Greenwich, RI as well as niece and nephews James, Paul, Cael & Helena. Also, numerous relatives, Navy associates and friends from Maine to California.

There will be a memorial service at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church of Falmouth, June 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made to the Maine Veterans Association and the Miami Project.

         

Memorial Service :  June 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm

SAINT MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

43 Foreside Road

Falmouth, ME 04105

DL Capt. William Alexander V. "Alex" Nelson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. William Alexander V. "Alex" Nelson

April 11, 1951 ~ April 18, 2021

 


Word has reached our website with news of the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain W. A. (Alex) V. Nelson, age 69.  Captain Nelson joined Delta Air Lines 01-23-1978 and was based 030/ATL.  He is survived by many dear friends and extended family members.  Obituary information for Captain Nelson is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxnews/obituary.aspx?n=william-alexander-v-nelson-alex&pid=198410472

Our thanks to Ann Caverly for sharing this sad news of the loss of a good friend and colleague Alex Nelson.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : William Alexander "Alex" V Nelson

 

Knoxville - Age 69, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on April 18, 2021. Born and raised in Knoxville, TN, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Aviation Administration. He is survived by his niece and nephew in law, Elaine & John MacDonald; great nieces and great nephew Caroline, Rosie & Bo MacDonald; brother in law Bob Marquis; numerous cousins, a legion of faithful friends, and Charlie the German Shepherd. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. & Mrs. William A. Nelson, IV; and sister, Gloria Nelson Marquis.

Alex was a 26 year veteran of Delta Airlines, serving as Captain of the Boeing 767 at the time of his retirement. He had a lifelong love of aviation and owned and operated Nelson Aviation prior to joining the ranks at Delta. Known to his friends as The Captain and his family as Unkie Ozzie, Alex was a one of a kind personality who lived life to its fullest. He loved fast cars, his antique Thunderbird, good cigars and overly complicated technology. He was a wicked pool player who competed in national tournaments and was known to hustle the unsuspecting from time to time. A lifelong Tennessee Vols fan, he was always convinced that the next season would be their return to greatness and glory. In his teen years, Alex headed up the band Sir Alex and the Absolutes and served as the drummer. He was an avid reader, a curious seeker of knowledge. He loved sailing and boating in all forms, particularly at his home on Lake Windward.

Alex was a founding member of the Lake Windward Yacht Club, and served on its board of directors. He was an integral part of life in the community of the Spinnakers and Windward as a whole, where he was a 33 year resident. Alex threw legendary parties that were known far and wide, Derby Day being his signature annual event. His wardrobe was the stuff of legend, with themed suits for every holiday and occasion, complete with coordinating socks. Above all else, Alex was an exceptionally caring and considerate person who would go out of his way to help anyone.

Alex was exceedingly generous with his time and energy and loved his family and friends (his chosen family) deeply. His final act of generosity was serving as an organ donor. A dear friend said it best, "His biggest fear - his heart - turned out to be his biggest strength. Alex lived in the moment with all his heart." He is greatly missed by all who knew him.

A private burial in Knoxville will be followed with a celebration of his life in Alpharetta in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, the American Heart Association or the charitable organization of your choice.

Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann.

Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com