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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).

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Thursday, April 9, 2026

DL Capt. Charles Robert “Bob” Carter

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. C. Robert “Bob” Carter

September 27, 1940 ~ March 31, 2026

 


USAF Lt. Col. Charles Robert “Bob” Carter joined Delta Air Lines 04-09-1973.  Bob is survived by his wife Linda, and by his two sons and their families.

 

There will be a reception at the Georgia Club main clubhouse on April 19th from 1PM-4PM.  All family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob’s life.  For those who may wish to send a personal note, the family’s address is listed in whitepages as

3392 E Princeton Dr, Bogart, GA 30622.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.lordandstephens.com/obituaries/lt-col-charles-carter   

Lt. Col. Charles Robert Carter's Obituary

Charles Robert (Bob) Carter passed away at age 85 on March 31, 2026 after a long battle with IPF. He was born in Birmingham, AL to Charles Woodrow Carter and Jewel Wheeler Carter. He is survived by his wife, Linda Dyer Carter, of 58 years. Also by two sons, Rob (Marisa) and Jeff (Amy) and four grandchildren - Mason, Hudson, Olivia and Sam. Also by a brother, Tom (Becky) Carter, of Birmingham, AL. He always supported his family, put them first and was very proud of all of them.

Bob graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1962 and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He went to work for NASA in Virginia but always knew flying was his real passion. In 1964 he joined the Air Force and went to flight school in Valdosta, GA. He flew KC135’s during three separate tours in the Vietnam War and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with ten years of active duty and another eighteen years in the Air Force Reserves. He was very proud of his service in the Air Force and to his country. He then flew for twenty-eight years with Delta Airlines and retired as a Captain. He kept flying until he was 80 years old including leading the UGA aviation department which gave him the chance to build relationships with the administration and coaches. He traveled the world and said he never worked a day in his life.

Bob loved flying but also playing golf. He was still enjoying playing golf just several months before he passed. Over the years he had six “hole in ones” and shot his age over three hundred times. While he loved the game of golf it was mainly because of the camaraderie and friendships that were developed over the years. That was the special part to him.

There will be a military service and interment at Milledgeville Veterans Cemetery for family on April 17th. There will be a reception at the Georgia Club main clubhouse on April 19th from 1pm to 4pm for all family and friends to honor and share memories and good times about Bob who is also known to many as “Captain Fun”.

Lord & Stephens, West, Watkinsville, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

SO/NC/RC/NWA Capt. Kenneth Burnell Ulrich

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, SO/NC/RC/NWA Capt. Kenneth Burnell Ulrich

April 18, 1933 — April 6, 2026

 


Two sons followed in his footsteps becoming pilots with Delta (Chris Ulrich) and United Airlines. Two grandchildren also work for Delta Air Lines in a non-pilot career.

 

Family address as listed in whitepages : 204307 County Road DB, Mosinee, WI 54455.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.bestefh.com/obituaries/kenneth-ulrich

 

Kenneth Burnell Ulrich

It is with deep sadness but also profound gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Capt. Kenneth B. Ulrich, who departed this world peacefully and surrounded by love on April 6, 2026, just shy of his 93rd birthday. Born on April 18, 1933, in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kenneth was a cherished son of Irene Mathews and Walter Ulrick. His formative years were spent growing up in Mound, Minnesota.

Ken developed a love of all things mechanical at an early age, scrounging around junk yards to put an engine on his bicycle. He continued this with motorcycles and cars in high school. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 serving proudly in the Korean War until 1953. When he came home, his goal was to be a pilot, and nothing was going to stop him. He earned his pilot’s license and began his career as an airline pilot. He signed on with Southern Airways based out of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1961. In 1980, Southern merged with North Central Airlines to become Republic Airlines based out of Minneapolis. It was then that he decided to move his family from LaPlace, Louisiana to Mosinee, Wisconsin and began Lake DuBay Orchards in Knowlton, WI. Republic Airlines merged into Northwest Airlines which was bought by Delta Air Lines. He served 33 years and met a lot of people throughout his career…some famous ones too.

Two sons followed in his footsteps becoming pilots with Delta and United Airlines. Two grandchildren also work for Delta Air Lines in a non-pilot career.

Kenneth was a man of quiet strength and boundless love, whose life was marked by his dedication to family, his commitment to community, and his unwavering faith. He was predeceased by his beloved wives, Mary Lou Notermann Ulrich and Joy Ann Simon Ulrich, and by his cherished son, Timothy Michael Ulrich. He was also predeceased by his sister Hazel Irene Jensen and brother Richard Roy (Dick) Ulrick. In their heavenly embrace, Kenneth now finds eternal peace.

He is survived by a family that was his pride and joy. He leaves behind two brothers and a sister, Don Ulrick, Jim (Judy) Ulrick, Delores (Roger) Callstrom as well as his wife Betty Wilkerson Ulrich.

His legacy lives on through his children: Mark (Marie) Ulrich, Chris (Shari) Ulrich, Kenny (Colleen) Ulrich, Stephanie (Alan) Figon, Jennie (Tom) Elliott, Lorne Ulrich, and Colleen (Byron) Doucette. Kenneth's life was further enriched by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and whom he adored deeply. Their laughter and energy were the melodies of his later years, and he cherished every moment spent in their company.

His legacy also lives on through his grandchildren and great grandchildren Amy Ater, Joshua Ulrich, Alison Gardner, Nate Ulrich, Scott Ulrich, Abigail Ulrich, Randi Wilson and Nick McLean, Alexandra Ulrich, Seth & Leah Figon, Josie Doucette. Great grandchildren include: Josiah Ater, Ezra Ater, Aviel Ater, Phoenix Ater, Nekoda Ater, Eisley Ulrich, Emery Ulrich, Arya Ulrich, Lincoln Ulrich, Molly & Margot Gardner, Edmee Ulrich, Delta Ulrich, Hugo Ulrich and Asher Wilson. He was predeceased by Grandson Josiah David Ulrich in 1985. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth's life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. He was a guiding light to many; a man whose gentle wisdom and quiet humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Kenneth possessed a natural ability to connect with others, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence. His life reflected his values – kindness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Throughout his life, Kenneth was an active member of his community, contributing his time and talents to various causes close to his heart. He was a man of faith, who found strength and solace in his spiritual beliefs, which he shared with his family and friends.

Kenneth's journey on this earth has ended, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. His legacy is one of love, strength, and compassion – a testament to a life well-lived and a soul well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kenneth's memory to a charity of one's choice, to continue his legacy of giving and community support.

May Kenneth B. Ulrich rest in eternal peace, his life a beacon of light and love that will continue to shine in the memories of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Knowlton. The Rev. James Trempe and Rev. Steve Ulrick will officiate. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, starting at 3:00 p.m., until 5:00 p.m., at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. Visitation will be again on Monday, April 13, starting at 9:00 a.m., until 10:30 a.m., all at the church. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com

Monday, April 6, 2026

NWA Capt. Kenneth Harmon Palmer

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Kenneth Harmon Palmer

February 26, 1943  -  April 1, 2026

 


Kenneth Harmon Palmer’s affiliation with Northwest began 02-05-1968.  Kenneth is survived by his wife Billie, and by his children and grandchildren.  

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kenneth-palmer-obituary?id=61186560

Kenneth Palmer Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Apr. 6, 2026.

Kenneth Harmon Palmer, age 83, went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Ken was born and raised in Gladwin, Michigan. From the age of 9, Ken spent many hours working in his parent's store, Palmer's Food Center, where his first job was sorting glass pop bottles before school. By the age of 10, he was delivering groceries sitting on phone books in his Dad's pick up truck. Ken graduated from Gladwin High School, Class of '61, and attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina. His love of flying began early; he earned his private pilot's license at sixteen. Ken flew as an Army reservist and began his commercial aviation career in 1966 with Zantop Airlines. During his career, he rose to captain and trained countless pilots as a check airman. In the last 5 years of his career, he captained the Boeing 747-400. He retired from Northwest Airlines in 2003 after 35 successful years.

 

Ken met his beloved wife, Billie, in Gladwin. They married in 1964, and lovingly navigated life together for over sixty-one years. Together they have two children - Keith (Karen) and Julie (Luis) and four grandchildren - Max, Mo, Avery, and Rylie.

 

Ken was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated and skilled pilot and a woodworking enthusiast. He loved his family, working on his home and in the yard and all things aviation. Ken demonstrated a most admirable work ethic in all aspects of his life. Ken and Billie lived in Michigan, Minnesota, Florida and North Carolina before calling Tennessee home in 2021.

 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Harmon and Gizella Palmer, and siblings Gordon Palmer, Mary Hackenberg, Joyce Lund, and Janet Mahon. It's a lively reunion in Heaven, to be sure!

DL Capt. Carl “Jeff” Whatley

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Carl “Jeff” Whatley

March 3, 1954 ~ February 19, 2026

 

Carl Jeffery “Jeff” Whatley joined Delta Air Lines 10-09-1987 and was based Atlanta.  Jeff is survived by his wife Ute, and by his sons Benjamin and Nathan.

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

 209 Columns Ln, Peachtree City, GA 30269.

To date, no services have been planned.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Carl-Jeffery-Whatley?obId=47933653

also

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/47933653/carl-jeffery-whatley

Carl Jeffery Whatley Obituary

Carl Jeffery Whatley was born March 3, 1954, and died February 19, 2026, at the age of 71.

 

Whatley was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and raised in Albany, Georgia by his parents, Marvin Whatley, a WWII Navy veteran, and Eloise Whatley.

 

Jeff graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976 and served as an Air Force pilot until his honorable discharge in 1989. In 1989, he joined Delta Air Lines as a pilot and flew for the company until retiring in 2018.

 

He was married to his wife, Ute, for 50 years. The couple lived at multiple Air Force bases before settling in Peachtree City, where they raised their two sons, Benjamin and Nathan. Jeff was also active in the lives of his sister, Pamela, and her two children, Allie and Caleb.

 

He spent much of his free time outdoors, including hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking, and participated in Boy Scout activities with his sons while they were growing up. He later purchased a cabin in the woods, where he spent time with family and friends.

 

He is remembered by family and friends as dependable and willing to help others.

 

No services are scheduled at this time.

 

We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.

 

Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peachtree City, www.mowells.com

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

WA/DL Capt. Eric Axel Jensen

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

US Navy (Ret), WA/DL Capt. Eric Axel Jensen

December 17, 1942 ~ March 11, 2026




 





Eric joined Western Airlines 06-06-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines based LAX.  Obituary provided by family and in Eric’s own words.  Please see below.

Please RSVP the family if you are able to attend the Celebration of Life event scheduled for May 30th in California :   ericaxeljensen@hotmail.com . Text: 949-494-5659  

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

 

Capt. Eric Axel Jensen (Ret) is the son of George Frederick Jensen and Ninna Sofie Jensen both immigrants from Denmark. He has a sister, Karen Ford. He was married to Jo Jensen and has two children, Dana Alicen Jensen and Christian Axel Jensen.

I am writing this ahead of time because it is the right thing to do. If you are reading this now, it is because I am no longer with you. Please accept my "Thank You" for being a part of my life.

In retrospect, as my life unfolded the challenges of each phase taught me to somehow look for a path. I believe the "Path" actually found me. All I had to do was to recognize that I had to leave the comfort of the now and take the chance of embracing the opportunities as they presented themselves. Recognizing the opportunities however, made me dig deep for the courage to face failure. Where I lacked the educational preparation, I made up for in tenacity. The result was putting the effort into something I believed in. This methodology led to an exciting path of experiences, happenings and of opportunities that brought me far beyond limitations I put on myself. Growing into, and learning to risk, accepting these challenges, has led to the most incredible experiences that life held in store for me.

It is only in these later stages of life that I can reflect on who was there to support me and to come along side of me as the events of personal success and failures unfolded. The rewards of these experiences pale in comparison with the richness of the acquaintances, friends and the people I have met and walked with as the stages of life unfolded.

My path was always moving and friends would come and depart as time marched on. Some people were older, most people were my peers that I associated with professionally. In every case however, my path was given richness, meaning and depth by the presence of you and the others that have gone before in my life. Whether we walked together for just a while or for a longer time the key is we were together and the presence of you gave me strength to endure, and comfort when I needed it. Thank you for being there. My lasting wish is that in some small way I was able to give back some of the precious gift you gave to me. Your time.

On a personal note, I would be remiss to not mention that I owe so much to my wife Jo. Her commitment and steadfast support literally saved my life and represented the best qualities of a dedicated marriage partner.

Finally, it has taken me a lifetime to realize that my whole life has been lived by the grace of God. His steadfast love was with me through it all. Thank you Lord for always being there for me, protecting me. I am grateful for your patience and grace. Eric Axel Jensen

Eric's extensive career was marked by 23 years serving in the US Navy followed by a further 25 years with Western and Delta airlines, retiring as Captain for both. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, honor, and quiet strength.

We will be celebrating Eric’s life on May 30th at 11am, this date is marked by our 17th wedding anniversary, if any of his old comrades would like to join us we would love to see you. For accommodation and catering numbers please email with name and number of guests to ericaxeljensen@hotmail.com. Text: 949-494-5659

Celebration venue: Vineyard Laguna Niguel, 27632 El Lazo, Laguna Niguel CA 92677.

 

Online sites : https://www.legacy.com/person/ERIC-AXEL-JENSEN-60954187  

Also https://www.rishermortuary.com/obituaries/eric-axel-jensen

 military site https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.122246/ 

author site https://gpsana.org/?author=29   Member Stories: Test Flight – A Sea Story