PCN Flight West Page

Flt West Page___Survivor's Page____PCN Home Page_____Flight West Lists______Report a Death___About Mark__Contact Blog Admin

___ 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.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

WA/DL Capt. John William Marshall Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. John W. Marshall Jr.
April 24, 1942 ~ July 4, 2018 
 

Word has reached our group with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain John William Marshall Jr., age 76.  Captain Marshall
joined Western Airlines 06-20-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based 030/LAX.  He is survived by his wife Janet, their children and grandchildren.  Please see obituary information below....  obituary information reads that a funeral Mass will be said for Captain Marshall on July 16th at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo CA. ( http://www.stkilianmissionviejo.org/ ) 
For those wishing to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family residence as
26712 Cuenca Drive, Mission Viejo CA 92691-6239.
If more news is received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Life story...................John William Marshall, Jr.
    Captain John W. Marshall, age 76, loving husband, father, and Papa was born on April 24, 1942, in Spokane, WA and passed away on July 4, 2018, in Mission Viejo, CA. 
 
    John developed a love for flying and music at an early age.  After graduating from high school he received a music scholarship from Montana State University and majored in music.  He was a member of the University’s Treasure State Marching Band, Chamber Band, the Missoula City Band, and several other small dance and jazz bands.  He obtained his flight instructor license, his instrument flight instructor license, and his multi-engine rating in Missoula and worked for Missoula Sky Flight.  He was a flight instructor and also flew fire spotters during the fire season.  In 1964, John completed an aeronautical program sponsored by the Manpower Development Training Act in Helena, Montana, and obtained his private and commercial pilot licenses.  He was hired by Western Airlines in June of 1966 and he checked out as Captain in 1976. He flew for Western for twenty years and continued his career with Delta Air Lines after the two airlines merged.  He flew the Electra, Boeing 720, Boeing 737, Boeing 727 and retired on the Boeing 757/767.
 
    John met his wife, Janet, in Denver and they were married in January of 1969.  They moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1971 when John was based in Seattle.  Their two daughters were born in Bellevue, and the family moved to Mission Viejo in 1976 when John was based in Los Angeles.
 
    John was a member of Saddleback Rods Car Club for over thirty years.  He finished restoring his red “Revn 37” in 1986 and also built a 1926 Ford Model T pickup truck.  In his last ten years, John spent most of his time turning wood in his workshop.  He was a member of the Orange County Woodworkers Association (OCWA) and headed their “Support Our Troops Pen Program” making arrangements to supply their turned wood pens to various organizations of the military, both active and retired.  
 

    John touched many lives as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a skilled pilot, a musician, a handyman, a car enthusiast, and a caring member of clubs that gave back to the community.  John will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.  John is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter Kari and her husband Joe  and their three children, JT, Zoe, and Hailey; daughter Kelly and her husband Nick  and their two children, Connor and Brandon.  His funeral Mass will be held July 16th, 10:00 a.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Mission Viejo, CA with private interment to follow.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

DL/USAF ret. Lt. Col. Gregory A. Stevens

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL pilot, USAF Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gregory A. Stevens
August 22, 1956  ~  July 6, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of Delta pilot USAF ret. Lt. Col. Gregory Arthur Stevens, age 61.  Greg joined Delta Air Lines 07-16-2001.  He is survived by his wife Carol plus many other dear family members and friends. 
To view obituary information online please visit the funeral home website at
http://www.owensandbrumley.com/ or click on this link at
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary........................Gregory A. Stevens (Ret.)
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gregory A. Stevens, Wichita Falls
 
Gregory Arthur "Gas" Stevens, 61, of Wichita Falls, TX, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Hospice of Wichita Falls after a valiant four-year battle with metastatic melanoma.
 
Greg was born on Aug. 22, 1956 in Melbourne, FL to Charles and Mary Stevens. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and Melbourne High School, slipping away to the beach with friends as much as possible when the surf was up! After his 1974 graduation from Mel-High, he worked construction while attending Brevard Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1977, and then continued on to the University of South Florida to complete his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1980. Greg also earned his Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1985.
 
In October 1981, Greg began his 20+ year career in the US Air Force. His AF career included assignments at Williams AFB (T-38 Fighter Instructor Pilot, '82-'85); Grand Forks AFB, ND (ACE Detachment Instructor Pilot, '85-'87); Mountain Home AFB, ID (EF-111 Fighter Pilot, '87-'90); RAF Upper Heyford, UK (F-111 Fighter Pilot, '90-'93); MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL (Joint Staff Tour, US Central Command, '93-'95); Ft. Leavenworth, KS (Army Command and General Staff College, '95-'96); and Vance AFB, Enid, OK (T-38 Fighter Instructor Pilot, '96-'01). He was deployed to Incirlik AB, Turkey in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and flew multiple bombing missions in the F-111. He retired in 2001 as Lieutenant Colonel with over 4,300 hours of cumulative flying time in the F-111, EF-111, T-38, T-37, T-1, and T-41. In his storied career, he earned numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty during aerial flight operations against Iraq on Jan. 18, 1991, two Meritorious Service Medals, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals and Air Force Commendation Medals, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.
 
After retiring from the Air Force, Greg was hired by Delta Air Lines, but upon completion of training, was furloughed following the events of 9/11/01. He later embarked upon a civilian career as a Simulator Instructor Pilot, first at Moody AFB, Valdosta, GA ('02-'07) and then Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX ('07-'13). In 2013, he accepted an opportunity to return to Delta Air Lines and began flying the A-320 Airbus. He was happily back in the air when life threw a curve ball and he was medically grounded in 2014.
 
Greg's passions in life included surfing, racquetball, fishing, flying, faith, and family. He also enjoyed motocross racing, skateboarding, and water sports earlier in his life. He seemed to excel at everything he attempted and won numerous racquetball titles and tournaments while on active duty. During his children's school years, he stepped into many coaching roles and enjoyed watching or joining them in all their activities. Greg got into flying radio-controlled airplanes after moving to Wichita Falls, served a number of years as president of the WF Radio Control Club, and spearheaded a project to improve the flying facilities at Lake Wichita Park.
 
Greg is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol, of Wichita Falls, TX and his sons Patrick (fiance Emily) of Houston, TX and Nicholas of Platteville, WI. He is further survived by his father Charles Stevens of Melbourne, FL, brother Gary (Lynn) Stevens of Palm Bay, FL, sister Diane (Scott) Smith of Jacksonville, FL, mother-in-law Catherine Lynch of Necedah, WI, sister-in-law Julie (Jerry) McFarlin of Cary, IL, brother-in-law Tom (Donna) Lynch of Necedah, WI, best friend from birth Steve (Cindy) Griffith of Melbourne, FL, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Patricia Stevens (2014), and his sister, Patricia Ray Stevens (2017).
 
The family would like to offer special thanks to the MD Anderson melanoma oncology team of Dr. Adi Diab and NP Natalie Jackson for their tireless dedication in helping us keep the balance between hope, treatment options, and quality of life while fighting a ruthless opponent. The help of this team and cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments allowed for several more precious years. In addition, our sincere gratitude goes out to Dr. Reddy, Jennifer, Mandy, and all the caring nurses and staff at Texas Oncology; Dr. D'Addezio, Vinny, and Eva at the Sheppard AFB Clinic; Cyndi Sampley of First Texas Home Health; and Dr. Parkey, Michelle Watson, and all the caring nurses at Hospice of WF who helped us navigate the difficult final days.
 
A visitation will be held at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, TX on Wednesday, July 11th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 12th at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Wichita Falls, TX at 1:30 PM.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Greg's name to MD Anderson's Melanoma Moon Shots Program (gifts.mdanderson.org) or the United Service Organizations (USO).
 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

WA/DL Capt. Bruce M. Larner

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Bruce M. Larner
July 8, 1944 ~ June 7, 2018 
 
Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Bruce Michael Larner, age 73.  Captain Larner joined Western Airlines
05-16-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based SLC/030.  He is survived by his wife Marianne, their children, plus grand- and great grandchildren.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home’s website at
Graveside services for Captain Larner were held in Lakeland, Florida.  Obituary information notes that a Celebration of Life event will also be held at a later date. 
For those wishing to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family residence as
1672 Doves View Circle, Auburndale FL 33823-2755.
Should more news be received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary...........................
Bruce Michael Larner, 73, of Auburndale, passed away June 7, 2018. He was born July 8, 1944 in Chicago, IL to parents Hymen and Myrtle Larner. Bruce was a commercial airline pilot for 38 years, working first for Western Airlines and then Delta. After his retirement, he enjoyed teaching Bible Study classes at Legacy Christian Church. 
 
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Morton; sister Ruth Ellen. Left to treasure Bruce’s memory is his wife Marianne; children Julie, Stephen and Scott; stepchildren Sherilyn and Bryon; brother Ken (Nancy); niece Sharon; nephew Joel; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
 

A graveside service will be held 11AM Monday, June 11, 2018 in the Lakeland Memorial Gardens. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date held at the church.  http://www.legacychristian.com/   

WA/DL Capt. Thomas J. Prosch

  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-j-prosch&pid=189466657  



~ IN MEMORY ~
USMC MAJ ret., WA/DL Capt. Thomas J. Prosch
October 13, 1935 ~ June 27, 2018
News has reached our group with the passing of Western/Delta Captain Thomas John Prosch, age 82.  Captain Prosch joined Western Airlines 09-03-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based LAX.  He is survived by his wife Jan, their children, grand- and great grandchildren plus many other dear friends and family members.
An online guestbook is available at the funeral home website: 
Obituary and service information appears below....arrangements are planned for July 10th in Texas. 
Many thanks to Capt. Stan Franks ( skanks@verizon.net ) for relaying all information.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 Obituary.....................WAL-DAL CAPTAIN TOM PROSCH  [and USMC MAJOR] TOOK HIS FINAL FLIGHT WEST THIS MORNING, JUNE 27TH 2018 AT HOME NEAR SPRING BRANCH TEXAS.
        Thomas J. Prosch passed away June 27, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Prosch was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 13, 1935 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Prosch of Del Norte, Colorado. Del Norte was home to Tom from the age of 13.  After high school he studied engineering at Colorado University.  Following graduation, he entered Officer Training School in 1956 to become a fighter aviator for the United States Marine Corps.  He served in Vietnam where he flew over 100 combat missions and was the recipient of several air medals.
        Tom began his civilian career flying commercial jets for Western Airlines and eventually Delta Airlines where he retired in 1995.  An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Prosch enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking, water and snow skiing.  He enjoyed traveling with his family, taking his wife, Jan, around the country in their RV seeing many new places and making new friends.  He was also a skilled craftsman making anything from furniture, cabinets and more.
        Mr. Prosch is survived by his wife of 56+ years, Janice (Jan) De Puy Prosch and their three children:  Sharri Lovett of Sweeney Switch, TX; Thomas J. Prosch and his wife, Anissa, of Flower Mound, TX; and Jay L. Prosch and his wife, Mary, of Port Hueneme, CA.  Also surviving is a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Bruce Cullings of Las Vegas, NV.  Mr. Prosch is also survived by seven grandchildren: Suzanne Yates of Saucier, MS; Wade Howk of Gulfport, MS; L.J. Holland of Port Hueneme, CA; Kaylan Prosch of N. Branch, MN; Kole Lovett of Sweeney Switch, TX; Thomas J. Prosch III of Richmond, TX; and Madeline Prosch of Flower Mound, TX; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews and cousins. Mr. Prosch was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kathleen (Kathy) Howk of Gulfport MS.
        A military funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  A celebration of life will be held following the services at the Mystic Shores Community Center in Spring Branch, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, it was the express wish of Mr. Prosch that donations be made to The Gary Sinise Foundation ( www.garysinisefoundation.org ) or charity of your choice.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is with a heavy heart that I send you this announcement.  Attached is Tom’s obituary.  In it you will find the details pertaining to his services. In addition to the time and place of the funeral, I wanted to give you a few more directions and added information.
Ft. Sam Houston is very strict regarding access to the site.  All are to enter the main gate at 1520 Harry Wurzbach then check into the building on the right after you have gone through the gate.  You will then be directed to the shelter (#1) as things now stand.  We are asked to respect the other ceremonies that will be going on, thus we are NOT to arrive too early, yet be prompt.  The service will last for 30 minutes then we will be expected to leave promptly.  Following the service, our family will host a “celebration of life” at the Mystic Shores Community Center at 25801 FM 306 in Spring Branch, TX.  From the cemetery, please follow directions to 281 N. towards Johnson City and stay on 281 until you come to FM 306 where you will take a right turn.  You will come to Mystic Shores subdivision (approx 6 miles) and turn right on Mystic Shores Pkwy. The community center will be directly to the left.
I just wanted to make sure that all of you had received notification.  Please know that if you are able to come, we’d love to have you join us at the reception following.
Love,
Jan and family

Shannon Thompson, son of WA/ DL Capt. Gary & Brigitte Thompson

 
~ IN MEMORY ~
Shannon Thompson, son of WA/DL Capt. Gary & F/A Brigitte Thompson
October 1, 1978 ~ June 28, 2018
 
Devastating news for any parent....  sad news to share with the passing of Shannon Thompson, 39 year old son of WA/DL Captain Gary & Brigitte Thompson.  Shannon passed unexpectedly early Thursday morning due to a medical condition.   He is survived by his parents, his brother, his 3yr old daughter, plus many other dear friends and family members.  Shannon had most recently been working for the Boeing Company in Mesa and had resided in Mesa, Arizona.  Shannon was an organ donor....many lives have benefitted from Shannon’s organ, eye, tissue donations.  An avid dog lover, his favorite charity is the ASPCA.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ASPCA in Shannon’s name.  Brigitte has set up a fundraiser account to benefit ASPCA ... please see below.  This information is also available on facebook:  
For those needing more information and for those wishing to send personal condolences, the family can be reached by email at 
On behalf of the Thompson family, thank you for sharing and caring.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
 
Shannon's Memorial Fund
Fundraiser for ASPCA by Brigitte Thompson
 
It's with great sadness that we inform all friends and family of Shannon G. Thompson of his untimely passing. We will miss his warm smile, his big heart and his loving hugs terribly.
 
Given his great love of dogs, we have set up this fundraiser for those who would like to contribute something in his memory to help support the ASPCA.
 
He will be missed by us as well as everyone that knew him. He brought a lot of joy into our lives, and we appreciate any contributions in celebration of his life.
 
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for ASPCA and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about ASPCA below.
 
From rescue to recovery to adoption, the ASPCA is there for animals every step of the way. We pride ourselves in not just saving lives, but in changing them for the better—and none of it would be possible without the support of people like you. When you donate to the ASPCA today, you can help us continue to fight for animals on all fronts. Please make a gift right now. www.aspca.org