~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Wendell Lee Cook

June 20, 1942 ~ August 19, 2026

Wendell Lee Cook, a decorated military and commercial airline pilot of Argyle, Texas, passed away on August 19, 2026. In a fitting coincidence for a man who spent so much of his life in the sky, he departed this world on National Aviation Day. He was 84 years old.

Born June 20, 1942, in Whiteface, Texas, Wendell grew up in Holtville, California, a small town near the Mexican border. Even as a young man, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was a star basketball player, class president, and valedictorian of his high school. He later attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

His years in the Air Force marked the beginning of a remarkable career in aviation. He trained on and flew both the F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom II, distinguishing himself as an exceptional pilot and marksman. At Moody Air Force Base in 1967, he received a flying award during undergraduate pilot training. The following year, during F-100 training at Luke Air Force Base, he received the Barry Goldwater Top Gun Award after placing first in gunnery. In 1969, he again placed first in gunnery during F-4E training at MacDill Air Force Base.

During the Vietnam War, Wendell served as an F-100D pilot at Phan Rang Air Base and later as an F-4 aircraft commander at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Over approximately two years in Southeast Asia, he flew more than 400 combat missions. His military service earned him numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.

After serving on active duty until 1972, he continued his military service as a major in the Air Force Guard/Reserve. In 1976, he began his commercial aviation career with Western Airlines and later became a captain for Delta Air Lines, where he remained until his retirement in 2002.

 Beyond his accomplishments, Wendell had a big personality, a curious mind, strong opinions, and an infectious enthusiasm for whatever captured his attention. He could talk to anyone, and his presence could shift the energy in a room. He also had a remarkable tenderness toward animals. His bird feeders were always stocked, and stray cats and other assorted “varmints,” as he affectionately called them, could always count on finding a meal.

Wendell was an avid follower of current events and a devoted sports fan—not of any particular team, but seemingly of all of them. If there was a game on TV, there was a good chance he was watching.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruby Cook. He is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Cook; his son, Justin Cook; his twin brother, Weldon Cook; and his sister, Patsy Cook.

From a small desert town in California to the Air Force Academy, from the skies over Southeast Asia to the captain’s seat of a commercial airliner, his was a life few people could have imagined. Wendell was accomplished and complicated, curious and charismatic, strong-willed and tenderhearted. He loved aviation, animals, sports, conversation, and the people who mattered most to him.

Wendell had a remarkable life, and his absence leaves a profound space behind. He is deeply loved and will forever be missed. His remains will be interred at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with services to be held at a later date.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Carol Ann Wakefield, wife of retired WA/DL Capt. A.L.”Tony” Wakefield

Feb 14, 1943 — Aug 31, 2026

Carol Ann Wakefield died peacefully on the evening of August 31, 2026, at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital, with her husband and five of her seven children at her side. She was 83.

She was born on Valentine’s Day, 1943, in Mobile, Alabama, the second of Fred and Marion Davis’s four daughters. She grew up mostly in Mobile, with several years in Chateauroux, France, where her father worked as a civilian employee at the Air Force base. After high school, while working as an X-ray technician and taking classes through the University of Alabama, she met a Naval aviation cadet in flight training across the bay in Pensacola named Anthony L. Wakefield. They fell in love quickly and completely and married on December 19, 1964.

They began their family at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, where sons Glenn and Todd were born. Daughter Sherry arrived a few years later, after Tony left the Navy and the family settled in Southern California. There they built a home, a career in the airline industry, and an orchard of 800 avocado trees. In 1979 they more than doubled their family, adopting three siblings – Paul, Matt, and Amy – and also taking in their adult older brother, Mark, as their own. In 1984 they moved the family to Summit County, Utah, where Carol spent the next thirty years before she and Tony moved to St. George in retirement.

Carol carried the grace of the Southern belle she was raised to be and the grit of the Western mountain woman she became. She never met a stranger. She would welcome anyone into her home as family, sometimes to the surprise and even the chagrin of her actual family – though every one of us has since come to wish we could be more like her in that regard. She was a mama bear in defense of her children, and if the moment called for it, she could tell someone exactly where to go – but so sweetly that they would look forward to the trip.

She and Tony were inseparable for nearly 62 years, as husband and wife and as best friends. Their travels took them to very nearly every continent ocean, much of it by ship. Through five years with COPD, the illness that ultimately took her home to her Maker, she was slow to complain and quick to name what she was grateful for.

If Carol lived by a single principle, it was that love conquers all. She met eight decades ·of whatever life sent her by throwing love at it – at the problem, and at everyone in the room while she worked on it. Her life is the argument for that principle.

She is survived by her husband, Tony; her sisters, Edna and Judy; her children, Mark (Elva), Glenn (Trista), Paul (Elizabeth), Todd (Paige), Matt, Sherry (Fred), and Amy; 17 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patty, and two grandchildren.

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Kent Jeffrey

January 8, 1944 ~ June 2026

s noted in the August issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of WA/DL pilot Captain Kent Alan Jeffrey.  I was not able to find an online obituary for Kent but we do have his father WWII USAF fighter pilot Col. Arthur Jeffrey listed in our memorial site at 

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2015/05/col-arthur-jeffrey-father-of-wadl-capt.html

Kent joined Western Airlines 01-10-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2004 based LAX.  

Per whitepages, Kent had most recently resided in California :  36 Orange Ave, Larkspur, CA 94939.

If anyone has more information to share, please let us know and we will update this listing.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/09/wadl-capt-kent-jeffrey.html

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Alvin Eatinger

October 16, 1938 ~ June 22, 2026

As noted in the September issue of the ALPA magazine’s In Memoriam column, the passing of Capt.  Alvin R. Eatinger in June of 2026. Alvin Eatinger, of Ashland, Oregon died after suffering a medical emergency while swimming in Shasta Lake on Monday afternoon, according to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.

Captain Alvin Ray Eatinger joined Western Airlines 08-29-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1998 based SLC.  I believe that Al was born/raised in Indiana, and I believe that he was widowed in July of 2019…..but I was unable to find a published online obituary.  

We will update when more information is received.

---

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — An 87-year-old Oregon man died after a medical emergency while swimming on Shasta Lake on Monday afternoon.

Deputies with the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Boating Safety Unit responded at about 4:23 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026, to the Shoemaker Creek area of the Big Backbone Inlet on Shasta Lake for a medical call. Authorities said an adult male, later identified as Alvin Eatinger of Ashland, Oregon, was swimming near a houseboat when he became unresponsive and submerged underwater.

Bystanders pulled him from the water and began providing medical aid before deputies arrived. Deputies continued those lifesaving efforts until paramedics took over. Eatinger was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The department said Eatinger’s relatives have been notified, and an autopsy will be scheduled.

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/09/wadl-capt-alvin-eatinger.html

https://krcrtv.com/news/local/oregon-man-dies-after-medical-emergency-while-swimming-at-shasta-lake

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Keith Arnold Litke

June 19, 1947 ~ May 31, 2026

Keith joined Western Airlines 02-19-1979 and retired with Delta Air Lines based CVG/030.  Keith is survived by his wife Marsha, and by his children and their families. For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the Litke’s address listed in whitepages as: 

18922 Covey Ct., Grass Valley, CA 95949.

---

Keith Arnold Litke, 78, of Grass Valley, CA passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026 at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.

Keith was born in San Mateo in 1947 and was the son of Raymond and Nadine Litke. He graduated from Mills High School in 1965 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautic Operations from San Jose State University. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, where he spent 8 years as a Pilot, Instructor, and Aircraft Commander, including two years with the 1st Military Airlift Squadron. After separating from the military, Keith became a commercial pilot and spent 28 years as a Captain for Delta Air Lines.

He married his devoted wife Marsha Rodman Litke in 1970, and together they raised two children. In retirement, he found joy in golf, travel, and volunteering his time to causes he was passionate about.

Keith was a friend, mentor, and confidant to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering generosity, his invaluable guidance, and the unconditional love and support he gave those he cared for.

To his grandchildren, Lucy and Grady, he was simply “Papa.” Though he lived far from them, distance never kept him from their lives. He logged on to watch their sports games whenever he was able, cheering them on from afar. The children loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marsha; his son Mark and his wife Deb of Needham, MA; his daughter Meredith of Minneapolis, MN; his beloved grandchildren, Lucy and Grady; his brother Lane Litke and his wife Gaby of San Diego, and their two daughters, Elisa and Sara; and his brother-in-law and dear friend Jack Favour of Grass Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Ken and Janis; and his sister-in-law, Renee Rodman.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Linda Malone, wife of WA/DL Capt. Dan Malone

August 8, 1947 ~ August 12, 2026

Linda Carol Malone (born Smith), 79, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, surrounded by family.

Linda was born on August 8, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, where she grew up until the age of sixteen when her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. When she showed up at Washington Highschool, it was love at first sight for Dan Malone. “I’m going to marry that girl someday,” crossed his mind as he watched her cross the courtyard. The two were married in 1968 and shared 58 years of marriage, living their vows of love to the fullest, through sickness and in health. Their marriage was a model to so many of what true devotion looks like. Their love overflowed.

Linda earned a B.A. in Home-Ec and worked as a flight stewardess before devoting herself fully to her family and home. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, nourished with good food and lots of chat, and her home was always open to friends and family. She could make a friend anywhere and usually did! She was an avid tennis player, an enthusiastic shopper, and a talented knitter and seamstress who loved making handmade gifts especially for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gatherings with her Bridge Club (formed with neighborhood women back in the early 80’s… though we’re not sure how much Bridge was actually played!) and cherished time with her many friends.

Linda’s faith and love for Jesus was central to her life. She was raised in a Christian home and remained dedicated to the Christian faith throughout her life, reading her Bible every morning, and pouring herself out in love for others. She was a long-time member of Scottsdale Bible Church and was recently chrismated in the Orthodox Christian Church.

Her battle with ALS began last summer, robbing her of the ability to talk, eat, and eventually move. She bore this horrendous disease with grace and strength. Her deep inner beauty and strong faith radiated peace. In her final moments she continued to be an inspiration.

Linda is survived by her husband, Dan; her son, Kevin; her daughter, Karie Johnson, and spouse, Adam; her daughter, Megan Gilbert, and spouse, Gaelan; and seven grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Darrell and Marilyn.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Kathy, and her parents, Barbara and Russell Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17, 12:30 p.m. at Hansen Mortuary Chapel on 7th street, followed by a gathering at Dan and Linda’s home.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley and ALS AZ.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Sharon “Sherrie” Wilson-Walton

May 22, 1942 – August 15, 202

On August 15, 2026, I said goodbye to the love of my life. Sherrie passed away peacefully and without pain in Scottsdale, Arizona, after a brief but heroic battle with bone cancer. For 58 wonderful years, she was my co-pilot, my strength, and my best friend.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Sherrie attended Drake University before following her adventurous spirit into aviation at age 20. She began as a stewardess for Braniff Airways in Dallas and later moved to Seattle to fly the Lockheed Constellation for Pacific Northern Airlines to Alaska, a land and people she grew to love deeply. That was where our story truly began—on my very first flight with PNA to Kodiak, Alaska. I fell in love with her grace and love for life. We were married in Hawaii in July 1968, embarking on a life rich in family, service, and extraordinary adventure. Sherrie remained in the airline industry until retiring from Western Airlines in 1975.

Sherrie’s heart belonged entirely to her family. Together, we adopted our two beautiful daughters from Thailand and a son from Iowa. She immersed herself in every moment of their lives—cheering at soccer games, sitting through cheerleading practices, helping with homework, and walking the fairways during Jr. PGA tournaments. When our family grew, she poured that same fierce, tender love into being a grandmother to Victoria, John, Peyton, Cameron, Karson, Paris, and Blake.

In 1975, we moved to Scottsdale, living along a green golf course before settling in Cave Creek in 1987 so Sherrie could have her horses. She had a wonderful gift for thoughtful gestures. For our second wedding anniversary, she bought me a Stearman aircraft project—a labor of love we worked on and flew together for 44 years, later a gold placer claim in Arizona.

Sherrie had a deep, protective love for animals and children. She spent 17 years with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Search and Rescue, frequently riding her Mustang, Cheyenne, through the trails of the National Forest north of Phoenix. Her courage saved lives: she provided emergency medical aid to a woman crushed under a horse and heroically located a young boy lost in northern Arizona during the dead of winter.

Even with a full heart at home, she never stopped learning or giving back. Sherrie earned a degree in Archaeology, volunteered with the Phoenix Art Museum, Kiwanis of Carefree, and the BLM Mustang program, and shared the world with us on family journeys across America, Thailand, Korea, Europe, Russia, and England.

Sherrie had an extraordinary knack for making lifelong friends wherever she stepped. She is survived by her husband, Michael; daughters Kimberly Emminger and Tanya (Jack) Maixner; and her seven grandchildren. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of courage, warmth, and joy that will stay with us forever.

~ 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.