~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Joseph Robert Kurtz
April 2, 1936 ~ August 3, 2024
We have learned that retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Joe Kurtz has passed due to complications of dementia. Joe joined Western Airlines 08-05-1963 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SFO, then LAX prior to retiring. Joe had most recently resided in Oroville, California. Arrangements are not known. Should we receive more information, we will be sure to pass it along.
~~ In Memory ~~
WAL-DAL Capt George M Elbel
May 16, 1940 – July 28, 2024
It has been reported that Capt George M Elbel, Flew West, July 28th, 2024. Surviving George is his wife Jeanie. An official obituary is not yet available and I could not find pictures of George to share.
George was a military aviator and after was hired by Western Airlines. He spoke well of the time spent there at Western. After Delta bought Western, George eventually came out to CVG to fly with us Delta pilots with his new airline. And if I had to guess George, who was a good judge of skill and ability, I believe he was satisfied with both in his new Delta pilot group here at CVG. Being a longtime line check pilot on the B737, George had many “Boeing” tips to share with those eager to learn.
George looked for and bought a farm, with an existing airstrip on it, near Hamersville, OH. George lived at and maintained the airstrip known as Elbel Airport code: 81OH. He owned a Piper Aztec and a 1954 Piper Tri-Pacer (N8290C) seemingly forever and was a very long time member of the SWPC Short Wing Piper Club. At George’s airport he had a couple of hangars and I must say the cleanest painted hangar floors you will ever see. Later the Elbel’s sold the airport and moved to 1688 Autumn Oak Dr, Batavia, 45103 Ohio.
Capt. Eric Park Elbel, Sr., age 81 of Marietta, GA passed away at home on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The following are his own words to friends and family: “Thinking back over all of the high quality, talented people I’ve known, there have been so many world-class friends it was an honor to know. Good luck followed me all the days of my life.”
Eric has requested no memorial service and no flowers. He would prefer that when you gather among friends that you raise a pint to his memory and tell some good stories. If you care to donate in Eric’s memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
Eric was born to Melvin and Bertha Elbel in Palmerton, PA and spent his childhood in Harrisburg, PA. After graduating from Central Dauphin High School, Eric attended Valley Forge Military Academy from 1960-1962 on a music scholarship. He secured his position by playing an impromptu version of “The Cricket and the Bullfrog” by Jeanne Costello on the sousaphone. From there, he attended San Diego State University from 1962-1964 where he competed with the cross-country team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a triple major of English, Political Science, and Air Science.
Eric joined the United States Air Force and was active from 1964-1969, serving as a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter pilot during the Vietnam War and rising to the rank of Captain. He was in the inactive reserves from 1969-1986. Eric was active in his community and served as Commander of his local Veterans of Foreign Wars post while living in Mt. Morris, IL during the mid-80s.
Following active military duty, Eric began flying for Delta Airlines – a job that he loved. He was based in Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, and Cincinnati, OH before relocating to Delta’s hub in Atlanta, GA and moving to Marietta with wife Teresa Duncan-Elbel. By the time of his mandatory retirement, he was making international flights on the Boeing 777. It was the largest and most advanced airplane in Delta’s fleet at the time.
Eric remained a committed athlete and enthusiastic traveler and outdoorsman throughout his life. During the ‘80s, he organized an annual 10K race over the Fourth of July in Mt. Morris, IL that drew Olympic-caliber talent. He took great pride in taking first place in the Masters Division 800-meter run at the prestigious Drake Relays in 1987, becoming an All-American in the event while winning the coveted watch and champion’s
t-shirt. As a member and Team Captain of the Delta Dusters and Delta Running Club, he was the Duke recipient in 2001 and traveled the world with teammates including Teresa for the annual World Airline Road Race. In retirement, he trained for Olympic-distance triathlons and competed in sprint triathlons.
In addition to running, Eric enjoyed every ball sport and gathered longstanding friends throughout his life while playing. In Houston, he was player-coach of a competitive basketball team. Softball was a passion in Illinois from 1978-1990. Eric continued with senior softball in Marietta from 1992 onward. He also devoted time to tennis, annual golf outings with friends, and yoga. He and Teresa often traveled for San Diego State University football games and more.
After retirement, Eric hiked from Glacier National Park to Lake Louise with his nephew. He made the Wainswright Walk across England from St. Bees to Robin Hood Bay. He and Teresa enjoyed traveling to locations worldwide including New Zealand, Europe, China, and the Middle East.
Eric is survived by his wife Teresa Duncan-Elbel, his son Jeffrey Park (Melinda) Elbel, daughter Elizabeth “Riana” Spencer Elbel, and son Eric Park (Stephanie) Elbel, Jr. Eric is also survived by grandchildren Megan Elbel (Will) Brunner, Melody Raelene Elbel, Layla Grace Elbel, and Rebecca Faith Elbel. He is survived by siblings George (Jeanie) Elbel, Rev. Roger (Ellen) Elbel, Regena Kosten, and Karl (Judy) Elbel. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. John Warren McCraw
November 27, 1943 – February 05, 2021
John Warren McCraw passed away at his Mission Viejo home on February 5, 2021 after a two-year-long battle from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77 years old.
John was born on November 27, 1943, in South Texas to Olan and Bertha McCraw.
In 1962, John graduated from Raymondville High School in Raymondville, Texas. He married his high school sweetheart, Katherine “Kay” Ann Crowell, on February 13, 1965.
Following high school John entered the United States Army Air Force in January 1964. He went on to graduate from Warrant Officers Candidate School in Fort Rucker, Alabama where he trained as a cargo/combat pilot.
John flew over 700 missions in an Army Caribou cargo plane providing essential supplies to the troops in the jungles of Vietnam. For one of those missions the Army awarded John the Distinguished Flying Cross for a flight through heavy enemy fire in December 1965 which prevented an attack on a Special Forces camp. For his more than four years of service, the Army awarded John the following additional medals and badges:
In 1968, following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Western Airlines hired John as a 727/737 Los Angeles-based airline co-pilot. His commercial aviation career spanned over 30 years and he retired in 2000 as one of the most senior 757/767 Delta Airlines Captains.
John lived in Southern California with his wife, Kay, of 53 years, where they raised their three daughters.
John is survived by his daughter, Misty and son-in-law Jim Schulte; daughter Tracy and son-in-law Ken Whitney; daughter Nicole and son-in-law Jay Raftery; seven grandchildren; Brooke, Heather and Steven Schulte; John and David Whitney; London and Logan Raftery; brother-in-law Foster and sister-in-law Annette Crowell; sister-in-law Jenie McCraw; three nieces, Joy Hayworth, Bethany McCraw and Tiffany Hull; three nephews; Derrick Richardson, Rick Richardson and David McCraw.
John is preceded in death by his wife Kay, his mother Bertha, his father Olan, grandson Graham Whitney, sister Joyce Richardson, brother Olan McCraw Jr., and brother-in-law Nolan Richardson.
John and his wife Kay were interned together at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.
~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Joseph “Joe” Mongold
November 22, 1945 ~ July 2, 2024
Joseph Winship Mongold took his “final flight” on July 2, 2024, after a long battle with ALS. A true Southern gentleman, his baby blue eyes, smile, gap between his teeth, sense of humor, humility, positivity, and love of life will linger in the hearts of those who knew him, never to be forgotten.
Son of George and Nell, beloved husband to Sandy, father to Amanda and Alex (Carrie), grandfather to Wrylen, Tatum, and Magnolia Mae (granddog), and brother to George and Marjorie Lane (deceased).
Born on November 22, 1945, Joe grew up south of the Mason-Dixon Line. His first ten years were spent in Maywood, a suburb of Olive Branch, Mississippi, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Georgia Military Academy for high school, graduating in 1964. Auburn University followed, where he graduated in 1968 with a BS in Business and Science.
Joe then underwent Naval Aviation training in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving his wings, he was stationed at Barbers Point, Hawaii (1970-1973), with deployments to Southeast Asia flying the P3 Orion. After completing active duty in 1973, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he flew for Federal Express for the next three years before joining Western Airlines. In 1987, Western merged with Delta, where he stayed until his retirement in 2003 as a Captain and Line Check Pilot. Joe also continued his Navy career in the Naval Reserves, retiring in 1987 as a Commander.
Upon retirement, his passion for golf led him to St. George, Utah. There, he enjoyed not only golf but also motorcycles, remote control airplanes, and flying an experimental Taildragger until he could no longer put on the brakes.
Joe was a true patriot with a deep love for our country. He had immense gratitude for all who served before him, with him, and after him. God Bless the USA.
His family wishes to thank his fellow Naval Aviators, his golf competitors, the airport hangar Saturday Bacon Breakfast Club, and the entire staff at the Southern Utah Veterans Home for making it possible for him to enjoy and complete his life of “living the dream.”
FLY HIGH, JOE…
There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: “Follow the Flag”
PO Box 1261 Pleasant Grove, Utah, 84062 info@followtheflag.org
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.
Family and friends are invited to sign Joesph’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com
~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Daniel F. Kisla
January 5, 1940 ~ June 20, 2024
From friends and colleagues, we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Dan Kisla, age 84. Dan joined Western Airlines 03-17-1969 and was based SLC/030. He retired with Delta Air Lines with 30+ years of service.
Arrangements are not yet known. Should more information be received, we will pass it along to you.
~ IN MEMORY ~
Air Force Veteran, WA/DL Captain Johnnie “John” Mack Zinn
May 6, 1940 – December 2, 2023
Johnnie Mack Zinn (John) was born in Philadelphia on May 6, 1940 to Donald and Jo Ann Zinn. He passed on December 2, 2023, with his daughter Gina and his companion Gail at his side, in his home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. His late wife, Irene, preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother Jimmie Zinn, his first wife, Patricia Zinn, their three children, Eric, Erin, and Gina, Irene’s daughter Susan Moore, and his companion, Gail Shepperd.
John’s family moved frequently during his childhood. After John’s high school graduation, the family settled in Fresno and John attended Fresno State College, where he joined ROTC, became a student officer, and learned to fly a Taylor Cub. After college graduation, John joined the Air Force and flew jet trainers, and then fighters. During the Vietnam war he flew prop-driven freighters to Vietnam. After the war, John continued to serve his country by flying fighter jets for the Air Force Reserves. He also began his career as a commercial pilot with Western Airlines. He retired in 2000 from Delta Airlines as a Captain flying international routes.
John will be remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, his tender heart, his sense of humor, his adventurous spirit, and his love of travel and good food and engaging conversation. He had friends all over the world. John loved fishing, boating, and sailing.
Throughout John’s life he embraced new opportunities to learn and grow. He loved camping with his family. He played guitar and studied photography, gemology and Buddhism. He and Irene loved to cook and host dinner parties. As a boy, John had played violin in his school orchestra. In his 70s he signed up for private lessons and began playing again. He turned baking bread into an art and considered it a labor of love. He modeled living a centered, purposeful and generous life. He flew for the Civil Air Patrol (the volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force), served on an Emergency Response Team (disaster relief and crisis management), and did volunteer work for VFW and the Special Olympics.
John will be greatly missed but his influence in the lives of those he loved will remain. His ashes have been spread in Yosemite National Park.
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See previous story here
It is my sad duty to report the passing of WAL Captain Louis N. DeWitt, III. Louis flew West early in the morning on May 22, 2024 at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Louis was born in Columbus, Ohio on September 18, 1932 and was 91 years old. Louis joined the Air Force as a pilot reaching the rank of Captain. He also flew with the Air National Guard from 1961 through 1963. In 1959, Louis met Nancy (a Western Flight Attendant) in Colorado and were married shortly thereafter, celebrating 65 years of marriage last April. Louis was hired by Western Airlines in 1959 where he flew as a Captain, Check Captain/Instructor pilot and as the Manager, Flight Standards B-727 until retirement in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his son, Scott and his daughter Leslie and her family.
You can send condolences to Nancy and her family at the following address:
Nancy DeWitt
15811 Clarendon Street
Westminster, CA 92683
~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Martin J. “Jack” O’Brien
June 10, 1939 ~ April 29, 2024
We have just been notified that retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Martin J. “Jack” O’Brien, age 84, has passed. Jack joined Western Airlines 10-07-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1999, based 030/LAX. Jack is survived by his wife Sandy, and by his children and their families.
Obituary : Martin J. “Jack” O’Brien
Martin J. O’Brien, better known as “Jack,” passed away on April 29, 2024. He was 84 years old. A native of Phoenix, AZ, he attended Army Navy Academy Prep School in Carlsbad, CA, graduating in 1957. After a year at the University of Arizona and becoming a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, he received an appointment to the U .S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1962.
As a Naval Aviator, Jack spent six years flying the E-2 (Early Warning Aircraft) out of the NAS North Island, CA, and participating in the Vietnam Campaign.
Departing active duty in September 1968, Jack became a pilot for Western Airlines, flying Boeing aircrafts out of Los Angeles for over 30 years. He retired from Delta Airlines in 1999.
Jack remained in the Navy Reserves, flying antisubmarine and long range patrol aircrafts. He retired from the Reserves in 1989 with the rank of Captain, having served in three command billets.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sandy, daughter, Alexis, and three sons, Jack JR, Jeffrey, and Marc, and eight grandchildren.
Private memorial services will be held by the family in Huntington Beach, CA. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Sandy, at sandyvina@yahoo.com
A number of pilots who retired from Delta are not aware of benefits available from the Delta Pilots Disability and Survivorship (D&S) Plan, a Plan that is distinct from the Delta Pilots Retirement Plan which was terminated and turned over to the PBGC.