~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Don Means

October 16, 1935 ~ April 18, 2026

Captain Donald “Don” Ray Means began his commercial flying career with Western Airlines and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1995 based LAX.  Don is survived by his three children and their families.  

Don R Means age 90, of Washington state, passed away April 18th, 2026.  Don was born in Texas on October 16th, 1935.   His family moved to Los Angeles area in 1940s.  He graduated from El Segundo High in 1954 and was employed by the Standard Oil of California.  Later he joined the US Army and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division for two years at Fort Bragg North Carolina.   

He attended the Northrop Institute of Technology graduating with an FAA airframe and power plant certificate and was employed by Western Airlines in Los Angeles as an aircraft mechanic in 1961 in Los Angeles.  He started flying in 1962 and spent the next 26 years as a flight engineer, first officer and Captain with Western Airlines.    

Delta Airlines purchased Western Airlines in 1987, and Don flew as captain until his retirement in 1995.  At retirement he had over 34 years of service with the airlines.   Don served both airlines as a Line Pilot, Line Check Pilot, Chief pilot Western Airlines. He was a Training Captain for both airlines. Don has flown the Douglas DC6, Lockheed Electra, Boeing 737, 727, 707, 720, 757, and 767.  The last 4 years before retirement he was a worldwide International Line Captain on the Douglas MD-11. 

Don has owned several light aircraft, an Aeronca Champ, Aeronca Chief, Cessna 180B, Lake Amphibian LA 4200, Cessna 172, Beach V35, Cessna 172 & 140, Lake Amphibian, Air coop Forney Flyer Courtney. 

There will be no services as was Don’s wishes.

Dowling Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. (360) 795-3591