~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Vern Cardon

November 10, 1944 ~ August 8, 2026

Vern Cardon, 81, of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, passed away on August 8, 2026. He was born in Logansport, Indiana, to William Harold Cardon and Geraldine Helen Cardon.

After World War II, Vern’s family moved to Hamilton, Montana, eventually settling in Missoula, where he completed elementary and high school. He worked on his father’s farm throughout his childhood, using his earnings to help fund his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. He went on to graduate from the University of Montana in 1968.

It was in Missoula, at the Stop and Go drive-in on Highway 93, where Vern met the love of his life, Mary Lynn, known to everyone as “Bunny.” The two married in 1968, beginning a partnership that would carry them across the country and through a lifetime of adventure.

Vern joined the United States Air Force, where he trained as a pilot in Del Rio, Texas — the same year his son, Jason, was born. He was later stationed at Travis Air Force Base flying C-141s, where his daughter, Jaime, was born. Over the course of his military career, Vern served in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam and Desert Storm, flying C-141s and later C-5s. He served ten years of active duty and twelve years in the reserves, retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Concurrent with his military reserve service, Vern joined Western Airlines, which later became Delta Air Lines, where he flew 737s for 24 years until his retirement as Captain.

In retirement, Vern and Bunny settled in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, where he pursued what he often called his biggest passion of all: his grandchildren. He would do anything for them, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. He made it a point to attend every game, dance recital, gymnastics meet, and school event he possibly could, and always made sure his grandkids had everything they could possibly need. He cherished every moment spent with Kate, Andrew, Karley, Taylor, and Joe.

Vern’s Catholic faith was a deep and guiding part of his life. He was baptized in 2006, and went on to become active in nearly every corner of parish life. He served as a Eucharistic minister and usher, and was a member of Assumption’s Retired Men’s Group. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and went on several pilgrimages as a follower of Christ. His faith was central to who he was.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, William Harold Cardon and Geraldine Helen Cardon.

Vern is survived by his wife, Bunny; his son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Kari; his daughter, Jaime, and son-in-law, Billy; his grandchildren, Kate, Andrew, Karley, Taylor, and Joe; and his brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Betty Jane, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vern’s life was one of hard work and determination — from farm boy to military pilot to airline captain — but it was always his family that mattered most. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Rosary will be held Friday, August 28th at 6:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 29th at 11:00 AM, both at Assumption Parish, Spokane, WA. A reception will follow at Assumption Parish, with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to “Assumption Parish Capital Campaign” or charity of choice

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Howard Anderson “Andy” Bowles

January 6, 1936 – July 30, 2026

Howard Anderson “Andy” Bowles, devoted husband, father, grandfather, naval

aviator, airline captain, and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully at his

home in Los Altos, California, on July 30, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born in Alhambra, California, on January 6, 1936, Andy was awarded a Navy

scholarship to and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor

of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering before answering a calling to serve

his country as a United States Naval Aviator.

Andy retired as a Commander in the U.S. Navy after a distinguished career that

included service during the Vietnam War and command of Patrol Squadron VP-91.

Andy’s passion for flying was matched by his love for telling the stories of the

extraordinary people with whom he served.

Following his military service, Andy enjoyed a second career in the skies, flying for

Western Airlines and later as a Captain for Delta Air Lines. Whether in the cockpit

or at home, he was most comfortable when guiding others with quiet confidence,

sound judgment, and an unfailing sense of responsibility.

For nearly sixty-eight years, Andy shared a remarkable marriage with the love of

his life, Molly Bowles. Together they built a home grounded in love, laughter, and

unwavering support for their family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Molly; his daughters, Susan Zecher (Jim Zecher)

and Shari Bowles Gibbons (Phil Gibbons); his grandchildren, Tim Zecher and Catie

Zecher; and his brother, Bill Bowles (Judie Bowles).

To those who knew him, Andy will be remembered less for the titles he held than

for the man he was. He believed in taking responsibility for one’s actions, working hard, treating others

with kindness, and stepping forward when leadership was needed. He raised his daughters to embrace

those same values, and they became

The foundation upon which generations of his family continue to build their lives.

Andy possessed an effortless sense of humor that never faded, even during his

final years. Those close to him looked forward to spending time with Andy

because he made them laugh and treated them like family. In return, they grew

deeply attached to the man whose warmth, optimism, and genuine interest in life

brightened every room he entered.

Outside of work, Andy loved flying, reading, traveling the world, and sharing

stories from a life rich with adventure. Whether recounting military missions,

memorable flights, or travels abroad, he had a gift for making every story come

alive and every listener feel as though they had been there beside him.

His legacy lives on not only through his family but through the countless people

who learned from his example that true leadership is measured not by recognition

but by character. He demonstrated every day that integrity, accountability,

generosity, and humor are among life’s greatest accomplishments.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the

Brain Donation Network in honor of Andy’s lifelong commitment to advancing

knowledge and helping future generations.

Fair winds and following seas, Captain. Thank you for showing us how to live with

courage, humility, and joy.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Marvin “Marv” Schrader

December 28, 1937 ~ July 24, 2026

Marvin “Marv” Curtis Schrader, age 88, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at United Hospital surrounded by family.

Marvin Curtis Schrader was born December 28, 1937 in Northfield, MN to Fred and Gladys (Kern) Schrader. The 5th of 6 children, Marv was a very curious and adventurous child. He grew up on a farm in Bridgewater Township, west of Dundas, MN. He attended District 97, a one room school, for his first eight years of schooling. In his youth, he was very involved with the 4-H club and also with FFA. In high school, he was involved with different organizations including student government where he was class president. He graduated from Northfield High School in 1955 and went to University of Minnesota. He majored in dairy husbandry and while there, joined the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation in 1959, he married Sara Margaret Nesseth on July 11th, 1959, at Vang Lutheran Church in Holden Township. In March of 1960, they left for Texas and pilot training. He spent seven and half years in the Air Force as a pilot, flying bombers and tanker aircraft in SAC. He joined Western Airlines in 1967. He was called back to the Air Force January 1968 during the Vietnam War until June 1969. He spent the rest of his flying career with Western and then Delta Airlines. He retired in 1995.

Marvin was a world traveler, travelling to 6 of the 7 continents, with 50 trips in 30 years, most with his wife, Sara. His favorite trips were to Vietnam and South Africa. Another memorable trip was a mission trip to Tanzania. After he retired, he and Sara spent their winters in Surprise, Arizona where he showed off his theatrical chops with the Happy Trails Theatre Group. He spent his retirement years in service, volunteering at Nature Bend River Center, Sertoma and Rotary clubs. He even learned how to roll lefse and make rosettes for the lutefisk dinner which he chaired for 10 years at First English Lutheran church.

Marv was happiest when he was surrounded by family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He devoted his life providing for his family and making sure others were cared for. His sense of humor and generous spirit will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sara (Nesseth) Schrader. His children, Perry Schrader of Stillwater, MN (sons, Chaz & Bryce Cernous-Schrader), Wendy Smith Becker, (Tim) of Dundas, MN {children Ryan (Becky) Becker, Sara (Cole) Jansen, Cory Becker, Abby Smith & Caleb (Crystal) Becker}, and Brenda Schrader of Superior, WI (stepson, Scott Tyler and Bailey Johnson). His great grandchildren Ian & Blake Jansen (Sara & Cole) and Kinslee & Callahan Becker (Caleb & Crystal). His sister, Ardis Liebenstein of Dundas, MN and Forest “Woody” Schrader (Ione) of Faribault, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother, Kenny, and sisters, Marilyn & Eileen.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault. Military Honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association will take place outside the church following the service. Interment will be held at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Parker Kohl Funeral Home and will continue from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at church.

Memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity or to a Scholarship in Marv’s honor through the Rotary Strive Program.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory.

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. John M. Paul

November 12, 1938 – May 31, 2026

From family we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain John Milton Paul Jr, age 87.  John Paul joined Western Airlines 10-30-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Los Angeles.  John Paul is survived by his wife Peggy along with many dear friends and family members.

John Milton Paul of Rolling Hills Estates, California passed away on May 31, 2026. John Milton, born on November 12, 1938, shared life alongside family, friends, and others. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.

John Milton will be remembered for the impact he had on the lives of those around him. Friends, family, and colleagues will cherish their memories and the time shared.

For those who may wish to send condolences, the Pauls are listed in whtepages as 

5172 Bluemound Rd., Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274.

I am so sorry to report there was an automobile accident of one of our PILOTS, JACK BAUER and his WIFE, FLIGHT ATTENDANT JANIS BAUER. They were involved in a head on collision between Arizona and Las Vegas. Jan passed away from a heart attack on May 17th, the day of the accident. Jack survived.

Please keep Jack and his family in your prayers.

To Jan, Your Wings Were Ready to fly, Ours Were Not. Rest in Peace.

My Dear Friend. You will be missed.

News Story

Update

Thank you all for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support being sent to our family during this incredibly difficult time.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Janis and Jack were involved in a serious head-on car accident while traveling between Reno and Arizona. Tragically, Janis passed away as a result of the accident. Our hearts are completely broken as we process this sudden loss of someone so deeply loved by so many.

Jack survived the accident and is currently hospitalized in Las Vegas receiving medical care and evaluation for his injuries. We are incredibly grateful he is still with us, and right now our focus is on supporting his recovery and helping him safely return home to Reno when he is medically able.

He is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. He suffered a cracked sternum, broken rib, and extensive bruising, so he is very sore and in pain. However, he is awake, talking with us, and improving daily. Tuesday night, Jack was transferred from the Trauma ICU to the Medical ICU, which is a positive step forward in his recovery and an encouraging improvement in his condition.

At this time, all immediate family members are in Las Vegas supporting him and helping navigate next steps together.

Everything has happened very quickly, and our family is still navigating next steps, medical updates, and arrangements. We created this page as a central place to share updates and help keep family and friends informed.

Your messages, prayers, memories, and support mean more than we can fully express right now. Thank you for surrounding our family with love during such a heartbreaking time.

Caring Bridge Support Site

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Lothar Biermanski

April 2, 1940 ~ May 3, 2026

From family we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Lothar Biermanski.  Lothar Peter Biermanski began his commercial flying career with Western Airlines 09-03-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Karen, and by his children and their families along with many dear friends and aviation colleagues.

Bowman Funeral Home of Boise, Idaho is assisting the family.

Should we receive further information, we will be sure to pass it along.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Joe B. Taylor

June 19, 1940 ~ May 13, 2026

Joseph Berens Taylor, a retired airline pilot and father of six, passed away of natural causes on May 13 in Boise. He was a month shy of his 86th birthday.

He had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, though the condition never fully progressed. He remained friendly and retained his sense of humor pretty much until the end.

For the past eight years, Joe lived in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife, Margaret (née Thengvall; later Gee). They first met in high school in the 1950s in Biggs, a small town in Northern California. As family legend has it, Margaret’s father, Ralph, was taken with Joe’s athletic prowess on the football field and basketball court and told him so after a couple of games.

The Taylor family—Ralph, Leona, and Joe—moved to Willows, California, where Joe had been born. (Joe’s older sisters, Lorajean, known as Jeannie, and Lovie, had already moved out.) He attended his senior year in high school there, playing on the football and basketball teams.

Joe was offered a full football and basketball scholarship to the University of North Dakota. He excelled on the football team, playing halfback on offense and safety on defense. During the 1961 season, he rushed for 248 yards, had 135 receiving yards, and scored 38 points. He was selected as the team’s “most valuable back.” His player number, 24, remained his favorite number throughout his life.

As a teenager, Joe was captivated by the sight of crop dusters sweeping low over nearby fields. The thought of becoming a pilot thrilled him, and he decided to learn how to fly a plane and pursue a career in aviation.

In college, Joe enrolled in ROTC, and after graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, where he learned to fly the T-38, and later Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he gained significant flight time. After five years, he deployed to Vietnam, stationed in Korat, Thailand. He primarily flew T-38s on reconnaissance missions. He also piloted Lockheed C-121s and U-10s, sometimes landing them in areas without prepared runways, including short jungle clearings. His third son, Brett, was born in 1968 while Joe was overseas. His fourth son, Rick, was named after a close friend serving with him.

After returning to the United States, Joe became a pilot for Western Airlines. He loved Western, with its memorable ad tagline, “The only way to fly.” Around the same time, he also joined the Air National Guard. He flew Cessna O-2 aircraft, sometimes transporting the governor of California and other dignitaries. At air shows, he became known for flying the plane backward, made possible by strong winds and low air speeds.

For many years with Western, he was based at the San Francisco International Airport and commuted from towns many miles away, including Dixon. Joe served as first officer on the Boeing 737 and later the 727. In 1987, Delta Air Lines and Western merged. At Delta, he mastered additional aircraft, including the DC-10. In the later years of his flying career, he served as captain on the 757 and 767.

Following mandatory retirement at age 60 in 2000, he worked part-time as a simulator flight instructor for Delta pilots. He also would assert to anybody who would listen that age 60 was too young for mandatory retirement. The flying public was missing out on healthy and highly experienced pilots, he said. In 2007, the longtime “Age 60 Rule” was abolished, and the mandatory retirement age was lifted to 65.

In retirement, Joe enjoyed playing golf, occasional tennis, and watching sports, including football, basketball, and hockey. He especially enjoyed watching his son Grant play tennis and cheering on his grandchildren in golf and many other sports.

In his later years, he became more active in his church community, and his Christian faith became an ever more meaningful source of peace and strength. He found great meaning in reading Scripture and discussing questions of faith with others.

Joe’s adult life unfolded in three chapters. He and his first wife, Bev (née Ferris, now Hansen), made their home in Northern California, where they raised five children: Joe Jr., Tim, Brett, Rick, and Heather. They were married for 15 years.

Later, with his second wife, Beverly (née Arthur), he lived in Salt Lake City and welcomed a son, Grant. They were married for 34 years, until her death in January 2017.

In Boise, Joe found happiness with his third wife, Margaret, and was blessed with three adult stepchildren: Colette, David, and Ian. He also delighted in a large and growing group of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him much pride and joy.

His immediate beloved surviving grandchildren include Benjamin, Morgan, Addison, and Colten, from Brett and Stephanie; Taylor and Reagan, from Heather and Jerry; Ella, from Tim (and now Tatiana); and Giuliana (Gigi) and Griffin, from Grant and Cierra.

Years ago, Joe liked to joke that with his first five kids he had created his own basketball team. Over the years, this team grew into a full bench and spilled into the bleachers. One day, it may fill an entire stadium. And somewhere high above, a jersey bearing the number 24 will float in the rafters.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Eagle Nazarene Church, 1001 W. State Street, Eagle, Idaho. He will be laid to rest in Salt Lake City at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert “Bob” Engel

June 28, 1935 ~ October 13, 2025

Robert (“Bob,” “Dink”) DeLong Engel passed away October 13, 2025 in Seattle, WA. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Peoria, IL to Robert F. and Maurine D. Engel on June 28, 1935. He started his school days in Washburn, IL but it was his dad’s Engineering career working job sites all over the country that eventually landed the family west. At a young age Bob loved cars and knowing how things work. He could fix anything. He was instinctively great at reading maps and getting around. He made friends easily, so moving often as a young boy suited him well. In 1947, the family packed up their new red Studebaker Champion and headed to Richfield, UT. Then they went further west to Bishop, CA where Bob took on a love of skiing and the mountains. The next move was to San Mateo, CA where they bought their first house but uprooted often to temporary job sites in Blackfoot, Idaho and Sweetwater, TX. In these places Bob always had a job often on a nearby farm cleaning eggs or harvesting potatoes. He had several paper routes and cherished his Wards Hawthorne bike with its large wire basket that could hold 60 papers.

Bob graduated from San Mateo High School and went on to San Jose State University where he was in ROTC and a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

After graduation, Bob joined the United States Air Force where he went to flight school. After training he was stationed in Ramstein, Germany as a squadron member of the F100 Super Sabre – the world’s first supersonic military aircraft. Bob was a great story teller and there were plenty of stories to tell about the training missions and comrarderie during these years. On one such training mission to France, the bold pilots couldn’t resist a little fun and buzzed the Eiffel Tower. On another mission, Bob and two others were dropped in the German forest with limited supplies and directions. With map and compass they avoided ending up in East Germany. One member of the group tapped out early, but Bob and the other spent several days testing their skills in survival and navigation.

In 1963, Bob was home from Germany. He brought with him a Super-90 Porsche convertible that he bought at the factory. He loved everything about cars. He shared this passion with his dad and they would often travel to car shows and work on cars together.

He retired from the USAF and settled in Tucson where he was a safety officer of the Air National Guard again flying the F100 and later the F102. It was there that he met his beautiful wife to be, Charlene. They soon moved to Foster City, California where Bob was based with Western Airlines (“The Only Way to Fly”). He had a long career as a commercial pilot retiring as a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 and 767 Captain after 30 years. Being a commercial pilot allowed he and Charlene to raise their family in beautiful places. After Foster City and Sonoma, CA they lived in Reno, NV. Bob loved water skiing and cruising around in his boat at Lake Tahoe and snow skiing at Mt. Rose.

After retiring, Bob and Charlene moved to Port Townsend, WA in the Pacific Northwest. They fixed up several homes and loved living in the quirky maritime town. Bob was a member of the Rakers car club, he supported the Port Townsend Aero Museum at the Jefferson County Airport, and loved attending and volunteering at the Wooden Boat Festival. He loved lunch at the airport on a nice day. Bob had an incredible library of books that many book collectors might envy. Both he and Charlene loved following Seattle Sports. They planned and ventured many trips together that included their favorite places – Italy and Cannon Beach. They put in many miles to Florida, Nevada, and Canada to be with grandkids.

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Charlene, his three children – Trent “Richard” Engel, Michelle Little (Larry) and Anne Newlin (Lance). Nine grandchildren – Sam, Natalie, Charlotte, Claire, Cameron, Emily, Jake, Hannah and Grace. One great-granddaughter Whitney and one on the way. His brother Jim (Lynn Johnson) and sister Barbara (Norm Anderson, deceased). And his nieces and nephew Amy, Barry, Allison, Peter (deceased) and Maurine.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Bob and sign the online guestbook.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-engel-obituary?id=61480331

~ 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

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Deward K. Hopkins

August 11, 1932 – March 1, 2026

As noted in the April issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of DL pilot Capt. Deward K. Hopkins.  Deward Kendall Hopkins joined Western Airlines 05-01-1957 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1992 based SLC.  Deward is survived by many dear friends and family members.

Kendall Hopkins, age 93, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, 2026, in St. George, Utah.

Kendall was kind, generous, and extraordinarily funny — always ready for adventure. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he taught those around him to stay curious, lead with integrity, and show up for the people who need you. He didn’t just teach these values—he lived them every day.

Fearless in spirit, Kendall chased adventure with enthusiasm. A true daredevil, he loved extreme experiences and embraced life with energy and joy. He was endlessly creative — a published writer, avid photographer, and brilliant artist whose imagination never slowed down. He loved exploring new places, trying new things, and sharing laughter with friends.

Of all his roles, being a husband, father, and grandfather meant the most. He was a loyal friend, bringing warmth, humor, and steady support to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, integrity, humor, and generosity are the legacy he leaves behind.

At his request, we share his words:
“It has been a great journey, and I love all of you who have shared that journey with me.”

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses, and CNAs at the Southern Utah Veterans Home and to Dixie Hospice. Their exceptional care, kindness, and genuine friendship meant so much to Kendall and our family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

2966 S Jacob Hamblin Dr., Saint George, UT 84790

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kendall’s name to the Utah Nurse Scholarship for Veteran Care, 1600 North 200 East, Ivins, Utah 84738, attention Tony Moore.

To view the obituary and share memories online, please visit the funeral home website at 

https://www.serenitystg.com/obituaries/deward-hopkins/#!/TributeWall