Wallybird

~ IN MEMORY ~ USAF veteran, WAL pilot Loren “Buzz” Lee Splittgerber April 1, 1940 ~ February 23, 2026  Buzz Splittgerber passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the age of 85. Buzz was born April 1, 1940, in Wayne, Nebraska, to Darlene (Bomer) and Ernest Splittgerber. He grew up on the family ranch homesteaded Continue reading

~ IN MEMORY ~ Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Gary Glen Gebo August 11, 1937 ~ February 22, 2026 Gary Glen Gebo, 88, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, after a courageous battle with aggressive lung cancer. He faced his illness with strength and quiet determination, fighting for the time he so deeply cherished with Continue reading

~ IN MEMORY ~ WA Capt. Everett R. Hudgins November 2, 1926 ~ November 3, 2025  Everett Rankin Hudgins joined Western Airlines 3/29/1955 and was based Los Angeles.  Captain Hudgins had most recently resided in California :  22040 Tiara St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.  PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/03/wa-capt-everett-r-hudgins.html https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/canoga-park-ca/everett-hudgins-12619179 https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ca/woodland-hills/everett-hudgins-20605656 IN THE CARE OF Gates, Kingsley Continue reading

~ IN MEMORY ~ PNA/WA Capt. Gerald “Jerry” Russell Papke April 19, 1925 – March 12, 2025 Jerry Papke, age 99, made his final journey to “The Happy Hunting Ground” on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He departed from his home, overlooking the desert animals, and was surrounded by his children in his final days. Jerry Continue reading

The 100-year anniversary of our beloved “Only Way to Fly”, Western Airlines 1926-2026 reunion is happening on September 22 & 23, 2026, at The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The website is up and ready to receive your participation: https://westernairlines100.com Bring your memories, your stories, your name tags (if you still have them) most Continue reading