DL Capt. Robert Craig Smith

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Robert Craig Smith

December 14, 1943  -  September 25, 2025

 

It is with deepest sympathy that the family announces the passing of Robert “Chick” Smith, age 81……….

Robert Craig Smith joined Delta Air Lines 04-09-1973 and was based Atlanta.  He had most recently resided in Jonesboro GA:   8554 Shoreline Dr, Jonesboro, GA 30236.  Captain Smith is survived by his wife Michelle, and by his daughter and his grandchildren.  A Celebration of Life event will be held October 17^th in Georgia.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Robert-Smith?obId=45718058 

 

Robert Craig Smith Obituary

It is with deepest sympathy that the family announces the passing of Robert “Chick” Smith, age 81, of Jonesboro, Georgia, who passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at Avalon Health and Rehabilitation.

 

Born on December 14, 1943, in Miami, Florida, Chick was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

 

Chick was known for his lifelong love of flying. His career with Delta Airlines spanned more than 30 years, where his dedication to safety and excellence earned the admiration of colleagues and passengers alike. Prior to his commercial career, Chick served his country with honor as an Air Force F-100 fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. He continued his military service with the Indiana Air National Guard as an F-4 pilot, where he retired with distinction as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force.

 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Michelle Smith; his daughter, Kirsten (Jamie); two cherished grandchildren, Jacob and Kylee; his brother-in-law, Bob; his sister-in-law, Ann; his brother-in-law, David; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Peg; his brother, Don; and his sister, Jackie.

 

Visitation will be held on October 17, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm at Fayette Presbyterian Church, followed by a memorial service in celebration of his life.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Finesse Hospice or Fayette Presbyterian Church in Chick’s memory.

DL Capt. John M. Casciaro

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. John M. Casciaro

April 15, 1961 — October 6, 2025

 

John Murray Casciaro passed away October 6, 2025 at the age of 64……

John joined Delta Air Lines 12-05-1991.  He had most recently resided in Woodstock IL : 10900 Bull Valley Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098.  John is survived by his wife Heide, and by his siblings and their families along with many dear friends and extended family members.  Services for John will be held in Illinois October 20^th with visitation the evening prior….please see information below.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.davenportfamily.com/obituaries/john-casciaro

 

John M. Casciaro

John Murray Casciaro, of Woodstock, passed away October 6, 2025 at the age of 64.

 

He was born April 15, 1961 in Chicago, the son of the late Ralph Alfred and Jean (nee Murray) Casciaro.

 

John grew up in Arlington Heights, attending St. Viator High School. He graduated from University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. John later enlisted in the US Navy, flying F-14s and F-16s, before becoming a pilot for Delta Airlines. After retirement, he spent his time trading and perfecting his game on the golf course. John will be dearly remembered as a faithful friend, and loving husband to his wife, Heide.

 

John is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Heide Bossow Casciaro; his siblings, Dr. Karen (Graham Woodward) Casciaro, Greg (Kathleen) Casciaro, Ralph (Lydia) Casciaro, Kim (Randy) Roggensack, and Richard (Lisa) Casciaro; sister-in-law, Heather (Steven) Schweitzer; many nieces and nephews, a host of loving friends, and his beloved canine companions, Hugo and Haddie.

 

Friends are welcome to visit with John’s family on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 3-7 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave (Rt. 176) Crystal Lake. Prayers will be held the following day, Monday, October 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Procession will follow to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, for the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory – Crystal Lake, 

419 E Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

DL Capt. Michael Joseph Hichak

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Michael Joseph Hichak

October 29, 1949 – September 28, 2025

 

With sadness comes this news of Michael’s passing…..

Michael Joseph Hichak joined Delta Air Lines 04-24-1978 and was based Atlanta.  He had most recently resided in Marietta, Georgia.  Michael is survived by his wife Noreen, and by his siblings and their families along with many dear friends and aviation colleagues.  Please see obituary information below.

PCN memorial site

Family ctc: nmaricle@yahoo.com

Sharing obituary information as received from family:

Michael was born on Oct 29, 1949 in Trieste, Italy to Michael Hichak and Patty Orr Hichak, both WWII veterans.

He grew up an Army dependent living in New Jersey, Alaska, Virginia, and California.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in June 1967. He matriculated to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in June of 1967, graduating June 9, 1971, with a BS degree in mathematics and was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy. His first assignment was aboard a ship in Southeast Asia and Vietnam, before attending Naval flight training.

   He served 7 years active duty and retired with the Naval Reserves, serving as a squadron commander and retiring as a Navy Captain in 2001 with 30 years of service.

He earned a MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern Calf.in 1978.

   He flew for Delta Air Lines for 27 years and retired as an International Capt. on the B-767 and Line Check Airman.

   After Delta he flew for Maxjet as Capt. on the B-767 and then Atlas Air flying cargo and passengers worldwide on the B-747-400-8 and LCF.

   As a retired Naval Officer, he was gratified to fly many of the flights on Atlas that were in support of the Department of Defense and US military operations in the Middle East.

   His passions were flying, traveling the world, snow skiing, particularly helicopter- skiing in British Columbia, hiking and fishing.

   He is survived by the love of his life and partner, his wife of 33 years, Noreen Maricle-Hichak.

   He is also survived by his sister Kathy Sikes, husband Randy, brother David Hichak, wife Barbara, brother Jim Hichak and wife Ann and numerous nieces and nephews all living in Virginia.

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marietta-ga/michael-hichak-12538606  

 

 Memorial service: Tuesday October 21st at HM Patterson& Son Canton Hill Chapel

1157 Old Canton Rd.
Marietta, Ga. 30068
Following memorial service, there will be a procession to the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive
Canton Ga. 30144 for a military service.
Celebration of Life from 2:30-6:30pm at
Olde Towne Athletic Club
4950 Olde Towne Parkway NE
Marietta, Ga. 30068 

 

DL Capt. Michael McCoy & wife Heather McCoy

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF Lt. Col. (Ret.) DL Capt. Michael McCoy & wife Heather McCoy

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Ray McCoy, USAF, and Heather Arnold McCoy, husband and wife, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. The couple entered eternity together on September 20, 2025, doing what they both loved – flying………………

 

Michael Ray McCoy, age 62, was born on August 10, 1963……..Michael joined Delta Air Lines 01-13-2000 and was based Atlanta.  Heather Arnold McCoy, age 62, was born on February 15, 1963.  They are survived by their children, and by their siblings plus many more dear friends and family members. A joint memorial service will be held October 16^th in San Antonio ...please see obituary below for details.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 https://www.ebensberger-fisher.com/obituaries/Lt-Col-Ret-Michael-Ray-Mccoy?obId=45820230#/obituaryInfo 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/heather-mccoy-obituary?id=59664660

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home, Boerne TX

 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Ray McCoy, USAF, and Heather Arnold McCoy, husband and wife, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. The couple entered eternity together on September 20, 2025, doing what they both loved – flying. Their passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew them, yet their legacy of love, faith, and service continues to shine brightly.

 

Michael Ray McCoy, 62, was born on August 10, 1963, on Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter South Carolina, to Robert George McCoy and Frances Spruell McCoy. From an early age, he demonstrated strong values of duty, perseverance, and love for his country. He graduated from Texas State University and through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp he was commissioned an officer in the Air Force where he dedicated decades of his life to serving and leading with distinction. He became an F-16 fighter pilot, call sign "Bones," and was stationed at various bases around the world. He flew many thousands of hours in the F-16 and completed more than 100 combat missions in Bosnia and Iraq. After leaving the Active Duty Air Force, Michael joined the Texas Air National Guard and continued to fly the F-16, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received dozens of commendations and was admired for his steady leadership, strategic insight, and deep care for the men and women under his command. Beyond his professional achievements, he was known for mentoring young officers and inspiring them to live lives of honor and service. After his retirement, Michael became a pilot for Delta Airlines and continued to live by the Air Force core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. He continued to indulge his passion for aviation by building and flying his own aircraft and taking a leadership role with the Commemorative Air Force where he flew warbirds around the country helping to inspire future generations of aviators.

 

Heather Arnold McCoy, 62, was born on February 15, 1963, on Kindley Air Force Base, St David's Island, Bermuda to Tommy and Dolores Arnold. Heather went to High School in San Antonio where she nurtured her love for animals, winning reserve champion in the steer competition. She went to Tarleton State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and was crowned Miss Rodeo Tarleton. She loved horses and participated in the local rodeos in Stephenville, TX. She was a devoted daughter standing close beside both her parents as they passed through their last stages of life. Heather had a long love for flying. Being raised by an Air Force pilot, she was mentored by her father in learning how to fly and getting her pilot license. She loved being in the military world and excelled at being a military wife, which brings its own set of skills. She would help mentor other wives who were new to entering life in the military. Heather was a strong and devoted asset to her community in Boerne, TX. She was an entrepreneur in the business world, creating two successful businesses and giving back to her community through those businesses, offering her knowledge and skill sets to others. She has been referred to as an "iconic businesswoman" who gave to others in caring and kindness. And above all Heather loved her children. Her main devotion in life was supporting them and their many activities.

 

Michael and Heather were close friends while attending Madison High School together. After graduating in 1981 they both went their separate ways and then reached out to each other during their 10-year high school reunion. From there they started their journey together, marrying on May 22, 1993 and raising two beautiful children together, giving them both a loving supportive foundation to build their lives on. Together, Michael and Heather embodied devotion. They delighted in traveling, sharing time with family, giving back to their community, and living life to the fullest. Their love story was one of true partnership and unwavering commitment.

 

Michael and Heather are survived by their son, Gunnar Reed McCoy and daughter, Bailey Marie McCoy; and by Michael's brothers, Robert Paul McCoy, Thomas Roy McCoy and sisters, Ellen Marie Crawford and Carol Ann Smith; and Heather's brothers, Tommy Reed Arnold, III and Carl Montgomery Arnold, and sister, Lisa Arnold James, who will all forever carry their memory.

 

They were both preceded in death by their parents.

 

Though they are gone from this earth, their legacy of service, love, and faith will live on through their family, friends, and all who were blessed to know them. A joint memorial service open to the public honoring both Michael and Heather will be held on October 16, 2025 at 11:30 AM at St. Patrick's Church 1114 Willow St. San Antonio. Michael and Heather will both be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony at 1:30 PM Thursday, October 16, 2025.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made for scholarships in memory of Michael and Heather McCoy to the Young Eagles Program, of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or the 149 FW Guard Unit Chief's counsel.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

https://www.crossroadstoday.com/news/two-killed-after-small-private-plane-stalls-midair-and-crashes-in-louise-texas/article_a0338adf-b609-4d89-85cb-acb64e996b18.html

 

Two killed after small private plane stalls midair and crashes in Louise, Texas

LOUISE, Texas — Two people were killed when a small private plane went down in Wharton County on Saturday night, authorities said. The crash was reported around 8 p.m. near County Road 382 and Ward Street in Louise, a community southwest of Houston, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators said the plane appeared to stall in midair before attempting to land and crashing………………..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PpZm3d-gVk 

NEW INFO About N32SZ Fatal Crash That Got Lieutenant Colonel And Wife Killed Sep 20 Louise TX ...

NWA Capt. Gene Rudell Kragness

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Gene Rudell Kragness

January 10, 1940 - September 16, 2025

 

Gene was hired by Northwest Airlines January 9, 1967. Gene went on to have a 33-year career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, most notably as a 747-400 Captain and serving for several years in senior roles with the Airline Pilots Association and the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations……………………..

 

Widowed in August 2007 with the passing of his wife Cindy, Gene is survived by his children and grandchildren.  A private memorial for family to honor Gene will be held in the near future.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/gene-kragness-1093259282

 

Gene Rudell Kragness Obituary

Cape Coral, FL - Gene Rudell Kragness, age 85, of Cape Coral, Florida, former longtime resident of Edina, Minnesota, died peacefully on September 16, 2025. Gene was born in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958. After graduation, Gene volunteered for the draft and served two years in the U.S. Army. He enrolled at the University of Minnesota in 1960, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity and graduated with distinction in 1964. Gene went on to have a 33-year career as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, most notably as a 747-400 Captain and serving for several years in senior roles with the Airline Pilots Association and the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations.

 

Gene enjoyed the outdoors with a passion for boating, hunting, fishing, and relaxing on a warm afternoon in the Florida sun. He had an excellent sense of humor and was the best storyteller. He was also an avid reader and never without an opinion or topic to discuss. Gene dearly loved his children and grandchildren, and whether in Florida or at the lake, he cherished time spent with them.

 

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cindy; mother, Norma; father, Glenn; brother, Rick; and several special hunting dogs. He is survived by his daughters, Kirsten Moertel (Chris) and Betsy Grossman (Matt); son, Geoff Kragness (Annie); and grandchildren, Christian & Sophie Hedrick; Luke, Amelia & Will Moertel; Eliza & Frances Grossman; and Leighton & Grady Kragness.

 

Gene was a devoted member at Zion Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers, FL and the family wishes to thank them and the Windsor of Cape Coral for their loving care and support. A private memorial for family to honor Gene will be held in the near future.

https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/Cynthia-Fredrickson-Kragness-92511534/#!/TributeWall 

Obituary for Cynthia (Fredrickson) Kragness

Kragness, Cynthia Jayne (nee Fredrickson) age 58, of Cape Coral, Florida, former longtime resident of Edina, died peacefully surrounded by her family on August 10, 2007, after a valiant 4-year battle with ovarian cancer. Cindy was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister and true friend. A talented artist, seamstress, painter, interior decorator, cook and the best mom ever, Cindy also had a master's degree in special education with a reading and math specialty. Cindy taught at Creek Valley Elementary in Edina, and more recently at Heights Elementary in Ft. Myers, Florida. She was a gifted teacher, she loved her job and her students excelled because of her. For all her life, Cindy was optimistic, with a finely-honed sense of humor and boundless energy. She faced her cancer diagnosis with her customary determination and fought it to the end with courage and grace. …………………………