Death Notices

Milton Duane Keele (September 4, 1939 – January 21, 2025)

Milton Duane Keele passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas, on January 21, 2025, at the age of 85. A life defined by service, adventure, and deep connection, Duane leaves behind a rich legacy and countless stories that continue to inspire.

Born in Gatesville, Texas, on September 4, 1939, Duane’s early years were shaped by the changing world around him. As World War II reshaped the country, the opening of Fort Hood brought his stepfather Fred into his life, followed by the birth of his beloved half-brother Donald. Duane began his education early at Turnersville Elementary and went on to attend schools throughout the Gatesville area, each year adding chapters of growth, mischief, and talent— whether playing trumpet in the junior high band or starring in his high school’s senior play.

In 1955, Duane was accepted to the University of Texas, beginning a journey that took him far beyond the Lone Star State. His college years were marked by exploration—academic and otherwise—as he spent summers in Aruba, South America, Colorado, and Chicago. After a brief foray into law school, Duane found his true calling in aviation and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1963.

Training as a Marine aviator at NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field, he began a distinguished military career that included flying missions in Vietnam out of Chu Lai, Hue Phu Bai, and Futenma, Okinawa. He was awarded the Air Medal (with Gold Star in Lieu of Thirteenth Award in 1969 for Heroic Achievement in Vietnam on March 11, 1966. It was during this chapter that Duane’s life would change in ways both personal and profound. He met and reconnected with Marlene Bruner—whom he had first encountered in 1963 while she worked at Trader John’s in Pensacola—and they married in October 1967.

After leaving the Marines, Duane’s love for flight led him into a second career as a civilian pilot with Air America. He worked throughout Southeast Asia during some of the most complex moments in recent history, sharing stories marked by grit, courage, and humor. Later, he flew with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., continuing to do what he loved until his retirement in 2003.

Duane’s life was touched by great love and loss. Marlene passed away in 1986, and in time, he found love again with Peggy Jeanette McDonald. They shared a meaningful chapter together until her passing in the early 2000s.

A historian of his own legacy, Duane played a pivotal role in founding the Air America Association and served as President of the Board. He carefully preserved the past through detailed photo albums of reunion gatherings—each picture accompanied by his own handwritten notes—now archived at the Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University in the Duane Keele Collection.

Since 2005, Duane enjoyed a peaceful retirement in Austin, Texas, where he reflected on his remarkable journey—from the small town of Gatesville to the skies above Southeast Asia. He was known for his unwavering independence, intellectual curiosity, and the many tales he shared—each one a window into living history.

Duane is preceded in death by his wives, Marlene Bruner Keele and Peggy McDonald Keele, and by his stepson, Timothy Bruner. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Throm of Temperance, MI; his brother, Donald K. Elliott of Gatesville, TX; Marlene’s children Thomas Bruner of Austin, TX; Terrance Bruner and wife Kathy of Lago Vista, TX; Theodore Bruner of Austin, TX; Peggy’s children Nicole Miller of Jonestown, TX; Erin Cummings of Illinois; two of Peggy’s grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends, comrades, and those forever touched by his humility, quiet strength, and adventurous spirit.

A memorial and graveside service will be held on June 20th at 10:00 AM at Live Oak Cemetery, 10739 Twin Creek Road, Manchaca, TX 78652. A lunch reception will follow from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Hive, 10542 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78747.
Blue skies and fair winds, Duane.

Ronald L. Dubinsky

Captain Ronald L. Dubinsky placed "wheels in the wheel well" for his final flight home on March 8, 2025. He passed peacefully in hospice in Toledo, Ohio surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, and ex-wife just shy of his 89th birthday. He joins his pilot buddies, friends, and family who preceded him to the big airplane hangar in the sky.

Born April 24,1936 to Fred and Juanita Dubinsky, Ron spent his early years in St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated from Beaumont High School in 1953. The middle child of three brothers, he was born one year after Bob and thirteen years before Jerry. A star high school baseball player, he earned a baseball scholarship to Washington University. Enjoying college life a little too much, he lost that scholarship and signed up for the Marines. The Marine Corps sent him to the United States Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida where he graduated as a pilot in 1958. He was then stationed in California, Hawaii, and Japan.

In 1965 the Marines landed in Da Nang, Vietnam and Ron was with them. Later that year, Ron joined Air America, the CIA’s clandestine airlines, as a helicopter pilot. He flew missions for two years out of Udorn, Thailand before returning stateside to attend Missouri University. Missing the excitement of flying, he found his way back to Southeast Asia and Air America in 1970.

During his time with Air America, Ron flew missions in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Ron said "In Laos we provided air support and evacuation to the Hmong tribesmen who were recruited by the CIA and caught between the warring Pathet Lao and Viet Cong. We also flew medical missions and rescued downed US pilots." Ron said: "I flew helicopters; we flew low and were susceptible to ground fire. I was hit a number of times but never injured. My mother used to say there was a guardian angel following me."

"One Night in Bangkok," as the song goes, Ron met Deanna Dirks, from Akron, Iowa, who was teaching in Saigon. Later they rendezvoused in Montreal, Canada where they were engaged, marrying February 29, 1972, in Udorn, Thailand. Air America stationed Ron in Saigon in 1973. In Saigon, Ron and Deanna fostered nine Vietnamese orphans who were adopted to families in the US, Europe and Australia. Ron and Deanna then adopted their two oldest daughters, Sasha and Nadiya, in Saigon.

Ron spoke out against escalations of the 'secret war' in Cambodia after the signing of the peace accords and withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973. He was concerned it would become like the 'secret war' in Laos. In 1974, Ron left Air America, relocating his family to Isfahan, Iran. Ron taught Iranian helicopter pilots for Bell Helicopter before the fall of the Shah. It was while living in Iran they welcomed their third daughter, Danae, in 1975. After two years in Iran, they returned to the states. Their fourth daughter, Joanna, arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1977. Ron’s first job back stateside was flying helicopters. He then purchased a transmission business, but Ron will be the first to admit running that business was not his forte and he soon returned to school to become a teacher.

Ron pursued a teaching certification–and finally finished his college degree- at North Texas University at Denton when the family moved to Plano, Texas in 1984. After ten years stateside in Ohio and Texas, Ron and Deanna returned overseas in 1987 with their four daughters to Seoul, South Korea to teach high school with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDs) at Seoul American High School (SAHS). All four daughters graduated from SAHS. SAHS students remember Mr. Dubinsky fondly for his humor in his science classroom and as the Far East Wrestling Sponsor. He also taught a high school Aviation course complete with flight simulation; some of those students went on to become pilots. Ron and Deanna parted ways at this time, but Ron continued teaching for DODDs in Korea and Germany.

Upon retirement he moved back to the States, joining some of his former Air America pilot buddies in Sarasota, Florida. The old friends often exchanged war stories, which–Ron observed to his daughters– occasionally became more embellished with the passage of time. Ron’s brother Jerry, his wife Susan and their son Joel relocated from St. Louis, Missouri to Bradenton, Florida and loved spending time with Ron by the pool. Ron and Jerry, ever still the boys of their youth, would often exchange witty but loving barbs.

Ron's last six years were spent in Toledo, Ohio where his daughter, Nadiya, and her husband, Brandon Buerk, live with their five children. Ron was especially proud that Nadiya and Brandon served as officers in the US Army and were in Baghdad during the early days of the Iraq War. Nadiya and Brandon continued the tradition of adopting two of their five children, a daughter from Thailand and a son from Ethiopia.

Ron lived in Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, Korea, and Germany and in many US states. He will be remembered by those who loved him for his distinguished service to his country and for his great sense of humor. He was very proud of his four daughters, bragging about them to anyone who would listen. His daughters doted on him until the end; Nadiya would rarely go a day without visiting him multiple times. Nadiya was a fierce advocate for her dad and her sisters give her credit for keeping him alive many more years than he might have lived. Ron was a life-long Roman Catholic. In the days before his death, he was blessed with both Ashes on Ash Wednesday and the sacraments of the Last Rites.

Nadiya applied for and Ron was selected amongst hundreds of applicants for the Flag City Honor Flight which facilitates World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War era veterans to visit the monuments in Washington, DC. The flight takes place April 1, 2025, and though Nadiya will not be taking Ron, his family knows in lieu of flowers, he would appreciate donations to either the Flag City Honor Flight or the Wounded Warrior Project. Ron will be interred with Military Funeral Honors at the Georgia National Cemetery near where Danae and Sasha live on a date to be determined.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Juanita Dubinsky and brother Bob Dubinsky; he is survived by his brother: Jerry Dubinsky, and his wife Susan Dubinsky and their son, Joel Dubinsky all of Bradenton, Florida; Ron’s oldest daughter, Sasha Makel, her husband, Brad Makel, their son, Alan Makel all of Woodstock GA; Nadiya Buerk and her husband, Brandon Buerk, their children, Kathryn, Emily, Lauren, Adam, and James Buerk all of Toledo, Ohio; Danae Werthman and her husband, Jason Werthman and their children Cole, Zach, and Maelyn Werthman all of Milton, GA; Joanna Dubinsky and partner Nathan Bluford of New Orleans, LA.; and his ex-wife and mother of his children, Deanna Boe of Roswell, GA.

WILLIAM JOSEPH MERRIGAN (1934 - 2024)

William Joseph Merrigan of Conception Junction, Long-Time Legal Counsel to CIA Proprietaries and DOD, Passes Away at 90 in Northern Virginia

William Merrigan, a dedicated U.S. Government lawyer who served both the Department of Defense and the CIA proprietary Air America over the course of half a century in both Washington and Asia died on October 26, one month after his 90th birthday.

William Joseph Merrigan was born on September 28, 1934, in Guilford, Missouri and grew up just north in Conception Junction. He was the son of Patrick Merrigan, a farmer, and Irene McLaughlin Merrigan, a schoolteacher. He graduated from Jefferson High School and in 1956 from Creighton University. In 1957 he joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps where he earned his wings in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. During law school he worked on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant for Missouri Representative W.R. Hull, which introduced him to the culture of Congress.

In 1961, during a stint in the office of the USAF Judge Advocate General in Washington, Mr. Merrigan responded to an intriguing ad in a Washington newspaper seeking an attorney for “a Chinese airline.” He soon learned the position required relocating to Taipei, Taiwan. This was the beginning of his years with the CIA air proprietaries that purported to be civilian commercial enterprises but in fact were owned and controlled by the U.S. Government. As an Air America Legal Counsel and a member of the management team, he was among those responsible for maintaining the top-secret security of the enterprise. For eleven years he lived in Taiwan and worked throughout Asia. Mr. Merrigan left Air America in 1974 as the CIA was dissolving the enterprise to return to the DOD.

Eager to return to Washington, Mr. Merrigan accepted a position as sole legal counsel at the Civil Aeronautics Board representing DOD’s interests until the Board closed in 1978. He subsequently served as DOD counsel for 20 years at the Interstate Commerce Commission on issues concerning railroads and motor carriers until the ICC closed in 1998. In addition, he served as Chief Legal Counsel for DOD on transportation deregulation legislation from 1977 – 2008.

After a 50-year career with the U.S. Government, Mr. Merrigan retired in 2008. Prior to retirement and after, he started working closely with Minority Leader Senator Harry Reid and the Senate Intelligence Committee to pass the Air America Act, to recognize his former colleagues at the CIA's Air America and its related air proprietaries for their work with the U.S. Government. Mr. Merrigan was the last living Air America Legal Counsel and used his experience and unique knowledge of the operation to draft the initial Act in 2003. Most recently, well into his eighties, he walked his 10,000 steps regularly through the halls of both the Senate and House requesting support for the Act, which is currently sponsored by the Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman and the Vice Chairman, and with significant bipartisan co-sponsorship on both sides of Congress.

A warm, gregarious man known for his strong devotion to family and loyalty to friends, Mr. Merrigan loved spending time with people of all ages, including his 45 young nieces and nephews and the children of his many friends. He loved reading books and amassed a decent library over the years. He enjoyed tennis and swam five days a week before the pandemic and was a lifelong avid walker and hiker. He was a keen world traveler, and in his later years he relished spending time in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, boating in the San Juans Islands and in British Columbia. His sense of humor, talent for storytelling, and tendency to see the bright side of everything made him a kind and lovable uncle and father figure to so many.

Mr. Merrigan was a member of the Missouri and Virginia Bar Associations. He was a long-time member of the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. For many years he was a member of the Supreme Court Historical Society, the Asia Society, and for a decade he served as a legislative counsel to the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association. Mr. Merrigan was a member of the parish at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia.

Mr. Merrigan is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sandra Whipple Merrigan of McLean, Virginia, his sisters Patricia Archer, Cecelia Meyer, and Veronica Dorrel, his sister-in-law Margaret Merrigan, his brother-in-law Bill Stark, and 45 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Patrick Merrigan, his mother, Irene McLaughlin Merrigan, his brother, Donald Merrigan, and sisters Winifred Stark, Lucia Munsch, Eulalia Schieber, and Jeannie Merrigan.

A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., November 16 at St. Columba Catholic Church, Conception Junction, Missouri, followed by a graveside service at Columba Cemetery, Conception, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hydrocephalus Association, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 905, Bethesda, MD 20814-4447; https://www.hydroassoc.org

Donald Joe Elza Overfield

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Joe Elza Overfield on October 16, 2024, in Leander, TX. Born on June 28, 1940, Donald was a quiet, loving individual, known for his deep thinking and patriotic spirit. A proud veteran, Donald served in the Marine Corps from 1962 to 1967, serving his country with honor and distinction. Following his military service, he joined Air America, where he worked from 1968 until 1974, contributing to various missions and projects. Donald was a graduate of Ottawa University. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Danielle, and his daughter Valerie Macnab and her family. We will miss him dearly. 

Francisco R. Mondelo

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of FRANK R. MONDELO of Seattle, WA on March 28, 2024, at the age of 89. He died in the Philippines while visiting his 2 other daughters and their families.

Frank was married to Necitas but was preceded in death in 1991. They have five children. He is survived by his four daughters all married, four grandchildren and one beautiful great granddaughter.

FRANK worked for Air America as a mechanic/ flight mechanic from 1966 in Udorn, Thailand and Laos. His co- workers called him FRANKIE. He then moved to Saigon, Vietnam same company, Air America and worked there until the Fall of Vietnam in 1975. FRANK was a champion in Dart. He loved to dance, he was a great dancer, loved to read books, a big fan of Seahawks!

He was a super and a great provider, all he wanted was a great life for his family, a good education for all his children and he fulfilled his goals. He was the best among the best. He was compassionate, generous, trustworthy full of integrity and dignity. FRANK was a co-chairman of El Shaddai Basilio Chapter in Manila, Philippines. He was a member of El Shaddai Seattle, Washington Chapter. PSALM 91 is one of his favorites Psalm.

FRANK will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

God bless you daddy, thanks for everything. Till we meet again.

Robert (Bob) Thorne

Robert (Bob) Thorne of New York, NY passed away on December 5, 2023 at the remarkable age of 97 being a WW2 veteran and later a Station Manager in Air America's Vientiane, Laos and later Udorn air bases during the period of 1962-65 when the Vietnam war was just starting, and President Nixon said no one from the U.S. was over there! Born to a mother from Puerto Rico and a father from Sweden, Bob grew up in New York City.

Thus, he spoke Spanish fluently. In 1944, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the recommendation of his father. He initially sought pilot training, but the Navy felt they had enough pilots at the time & because of having some photography background was offered to be an Aerial Photographer assigned to the U.S. Antietam aircraft carrier bound for the Pacific.

Luckily for him, the war came to an end just as they were preparing to attack Midway. The carrier stayed. in the Pacific and he had the unique experience of photographing China which was not well known at the time & of great U.S. interest. Being in the "air" and around planes made a permanent impact on his young life. His life followed a path of working for various airlines including Trans Caribbean (who later became American Airlines) to becoming the first employee for Iberia Airlines of Spain as he had airline experience & was fluent in Spanish. He opened up their NYC office and was Assistant to the U.S. Manager & learned the ins & outs of running an airline.

He worked for Iberia for 10 years & felt it was time to move on. Seeing an ad in the NY Times for a "Station Manager for an overseas assignment" and applied & was asked to come to Wash DC for an interview & was hired on the spot, never knowing at the time that this would turn out to be Air America.

After indoctrination as to the many responsibilities of the job, he was assigned to their Laos air base in Vientiane & ran the show for a couple of years, keeping all those daring pilots in line and ready to fly out each day, keeping the air base operational & helping U.S. Aide workers fly up country to help the Hmong tribes who were keeping the North Vietnamese in check. He was married at the time & was able to bring his wife & 2 young children to Vientiane.

After several years there, he was transferred to Udorn & then his contract ran out and it was time to go back to the States. His career then turned to the commercial travel industry where he had various positions as Sales Managers and Vice Presidents of several Caribbean airlines & even Sales Manager of the El San Juan Hotel.

Then in 1972, with such a varied background in the air & hotel industries, he started his own travel company called Inter Island Tours specializing in Caribbean travel. With his first wife dying, he married a longtime associate of his, Marilyn, and they grew the business, along with his son Greg, to eventually merge in 2004 with an upstart internet travel company, called CheapCaribbean.com. This was soon merged with the Apple Leisure Group & grew & grew until it was bought out by Mitt Romney's Bain Capital - then to KKR venture capital and in 2021 was bought out by the Hyatt group.

Bob led an incredible life - full of action, responsibility, and an immense love of travel and the airline world. He was well known in the travel industry and will be sorely missed by all who knew and admired his dynamic personality. But thru it all, his days with Air America always stood out as one of his proudest accomplishments to have worked with such a remarkable group of people at a most dangerous time in U.S. history.

He is survived by his wife Marily, son Greg, who was a partner in his business, and daughter, Janine, who is a long-time Flight Attendant with Delta Airlines now and formerly with Pan Am. A "flying family".

Rest in Peace Bob -- You Done Good! Submitted by Marilyn Thorne

Michiko Yamamoto Weitz - Born June 19, 1935

Shizunai, Hokkaido, Japan.
Naturalized U.S. Citizen September 17, 1965 Tampa, Fla.
Passed October 4, 2023, Sarasota, Fla.

Michiko Weitz led a well-lived life, and she shared experiences and stories that could captivate listeners for hours. Her stories were never fabricated; they were her real life. Most people had difficulty imagining her life. As Michiko was stunningly beautiful in her younger years, she always had a bevy of men around her vying for time and attention. Michiko was an international being. Prior to moving to Florida, she lived in Japan, Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, and Italy. Michiko resided in Sarasota, Florida from 1990 to 2023. Michiko spoke several languages: English, Thai, French, Italian, Japanese, and a bit of Spanish.

Her flair for style and fashion came to life in the small boutique she owned and operated in Vicenza, Italy in the 1970s. She served in the hospitality industry in Ormond Beach at a restaurant named Julian’s for eight years before moving to Sarasota in 1990. For 25 years, Michiko was the hostess at Joto Japanese Restaurant in Sarasota, Fla., until 2015. Many residents in the area and frequent patrons remember her fondly for her expressive personality. Michiko had lifelong friends around the world and stayed in touch with many of them throughout her life. Part of her extended-forever family included many of the pilots and families of Air America known while she and Charlie were living in Laos, Thailand, and Singapore. In addition to telling you she loved you, Michiko’s expressions of love and gratitude were displayed by her cooking. She was one of the best chefs ever and could recreate a dish after eating it once. The people she loved were constantly fed their favorite “Mich” dishes. They included stir fried veggies, stir-fried rice, panang curry, Mexican lasagna, hot peppers and onions, beef chili, leg of lamb, lamb stew, garlic shrimp, escargot, Thai beef salad, beef tenderloin, lasagna, pastitsio, pasta carbonara, and her famous banana bread. Her lifelong music passions were Julio Iglesias and Luciano Pavarotti with recent additions of Roni Benise and Pavlo Simtikidis. Michiko and Charlie shared a love for their many dogs that enjoyed long, pampered lives. Michiko is survived by Sam, a jet black mini yorkie-poo, who provided her with loving companionship for nearly 10 years. Michiko is survived by her sister, Yukie S. Hawkins, and family of Hawaii.

She will be missed by her family and her dearest friends who knew her and loved her. Michiko will be interred with Charles A. Weitz in the Honor Wall at the National Cemetery in Sarasota as well as Sarasota Bay.

There will be a celebration of life on May 4, 2024, details forthcoming.
Donations in Michiko’s memory can be made to:
Father Lucien Bouchard
Immaculate Heart of Mary
486 Chandler St.
Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849
786-537-0932

Harry Richard Casterlin (June 5, 1935 - October 16, 2023)

Harry Richard Casterlin passed away on October 16, 2023, at 88. He was born on June 5, 1935, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine Corps officer and pilot. In 1962, Harry went to work for Air America, Inc. and served in war-torn Laos for twelve years in a demanding and harsh environment. Harry went on to a 38-year career as a helicopter pilot. In his spare time, he loved reading, writing, and swimming. He authored several books about the history of Laos and Air America that Texas State University combined in a single document titled RICE, REFUGEES, AND ROOFTOPS: A Comprehensive History of Air America, 1959-1974. The book is enlightening and entertaining and a must-read for those interested in the war in Laos: https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/manuscripts/harrycasterlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Casterlin, and Marietta Casterlin. Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Prapapon Casterlin; daughter, Amanda Newman; son, Peter Casterlin; grandchildren, Jasmine Newman, and Jaden Newman. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the friends and family members who gave their support to Harry. If you as an employee, spouse, or dependent of an Air America employee or were in Southeast Asia with your family and you are interested in doing an oral history interview and want to contact Kelly at TTU.

His contact information is:
Kelly Crager, PhD
Head, Oral History Project
Vietnam Center & Archive
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409
806-834-4834
Kelly.Crager@ttu.ed

John Robert Deakin (October 13, 1939 – July 28, 2021; Age 81)

John died peacefully in his sleep at home in Camarillo, CA with his wife Tamiko and sons Alex and Thomas by his side. Cause of death unknown but likely related to complications from the stroke he suffered in 2008. John was my best friend since we met in Saigon in 1964 until his passing. We were in Air America together and then flew for Japan Airlines until our retirements. John’s passion was flying, which started when he was 6 years old, riding in his father’s 13 Cub. He flew commercially beginning at age 18 and then went to work for Air America in 1964, flying C-45’s, C-46’s, C-47’s, DC-4’s and C-123’s. He left to fly for JAL in 1968 and flew B-727’s, DC-8’s, and B-747’s. John was the youngest 747 schedules airline captain in the world at age 32. He was the impetus behind the hiring of non-type rated pilots by JAL. Following retirement from JAL, he transitioned to corporate aviation flying mostly G-3’s until his stroke in 2008. He was a member of So-Cal CAF where he flew everything from the Japanese Zero to the B-29. John was an extremely skilled, professional pilot. He also wrote many aviation articles, conducted pilot seminars, and authored a book, among his many accomplishments.
Rest in Peace my friend
Hank Schiller

Col William Byerley (1938 - 2023)

Col. William Byerley (Retired AF) passed away on July 31 after a valiant battle with kidney disease. Bill was a military brat, born at Langley Field (AFB), VA on July 12, 1938, where he decided he wanted to be a pilot. He lived in Germany from 1946-49 as a dependent. In 1955 he joined the Naval Reserves as an E1. After three years he was required to transfer to the USAF Reserves due to Advanced AFROTC at Florida State. He went to Moody AFB in Valdosta, GA for pilot training. Then he flew the C-130 at MacDill AFB.

He flew for Air America out of Vintiane, Laos starting in 1965 while remaining in the AF Reserves. Later he went to work for Southern Air Transport while living in Tachikawa AFB, Japan. With Southern Air Transport he flew numerous commercial type airplanes including the Boeing 707 and 747. Bill moved to Kansas City in 1968 as a TWA pilot and served for 30 years. He flew primarily the Boeing 727, which was his favorite airplane. He was reassigned active duty to Howard AFB, Panama from 1982-85. He served 33 years with the Air Force and AF Reserves. In all, he accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours.

Bill was a member of many local organizations over his 38 years in Fort Walton Beach, FL including Quiet Birdmen, Daedalians, Military Officers Assoc. (MOAA), the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Elks Lodge FWB and Crispy Warriors.

Bill was married to Mary Lou McAdam from 1960 to her passing in 2009. They had three daughters: Nancy Grobmyer, Stephanie Byerley and Jennifer Byerley. Bill married Jeanne Rief in 2010 and they made many great memories with family, friends, boating and traveling. He gained one more daughter, Michelle Rief.

In Remembrance of Wayne Knight From Bob Knight

My dad, born October 23rd 1937, lived an extraordinary life. Raised on a dairy farm in Indiana, dad always had strong ties to the land, but his real passion was flying. As soon as he was able, he joined the US Marine Corps and completed his flight training with the Navy. He later joined Air America in what was a career defining role. It was a time when airmen learned to fly by the seat of their pants and bold feats were a regular occurrence. Personally, I have always had this image of swashbuckling pilots making the rules up as they go and having the adventure of a lifetime in the process.

Air America’s motto "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, Professionally" was right down his alley. I know he always felt that anything was possible and that he was part of something special.

During this time, he met my mum, Lai, and together they embarked on the next phase of their lives, starting a family with 4 kids. He juggled family life with flying and while many have done the same, not many have done so in such close proximity to a war zone. I know we never fully appreciated what he did for work, but I do remember him once coming home with a bullet wound to the leg. Before recovering from the wound, he was out on the tennis court competing as if to say, “why not?” When the conflict in Vietnam ended, Dad and family emigrated to Australia where he continued flying in Cairns and New Guinea with Helitrans, a local helicopter charter company. He rounded out his career flying for Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya or West Irian.

During this time, he bought some land in Cairns and established a tropical fruit farm, thus giving us an opportunity to experience what he had growing up.

Living in Cairns and flying in New Guinea also gave dad an opportunity to pursue his other great passion, fishing. Growing up, I remember rods, reels, crab pots and all manner of fishing tackle. If they made it, he had it. He even made his own lures. Anything’s possible right? He threw himself into farming while his flying career wound down, finally hanging up his headset in 1992. Farming remained his focus until his aching bones, which he claims was a result of too many hours in helicopters, couldn’t handle the grueling workload. The farm was gradually subdivided and sold off until all that remained was the house we were raised in.

He and mum eventually sold and moved into an apartment where they could truly retire and finally relax and do some travelling. Initially his travels took him back to South East Asia where mum was also able to catch up with friends and family but ultimately I think he wanted to reminisce about the good old days. He even revisited some of the landing zones he remembered from his time in Air America. Such was the impact that that time had on him.

Over 35 years in aviation but the highlight was always Air America. He continued to live his life as a “former Air America pilot” and who could blame him. It was a unique place and time in history where the experiences and feats of those pilots could only be imagined by us mere mortals. But they lived it and I know those fond memories have remained with him to this day. Dad had been suffering from the effects of cancer for some time now. Not being one to complain, he ignored the signs until only recently being diagnosed. Unfortunately, the cancer was so pervasive and advanced that it was considered untreatable.

In his last days he stated that he didn’t want any fuss or special ceremony at the funeral. Just a simple event to get everyone together. We were all there to remember his extraordinary life.

Lawrence G. Stadulis (May 6, 1937 - July 8, 2023)

Lawrence G. Stadulis, 86, of Ashley, formerly of Nanticoke, passed away at the Wilkes Barre VA Medical Center on July 8, 2023, following a brief illness. Lawrence was born, May 6, 1937, to Veronica and Casmir Stadulis, graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1954 and briefly worked for the railroad before entering the US Army in 1960. He served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1966 and later began flying helicopters for Air America from 1966 to 1975, achieving the rank of Captain, where he proudly assisted the United States in Vietnam. During this time with Air America, he assisted U.S. civilian and military personnel, often flying in challenging circumstances. He spoke about flying while under artillery fire, transporting personnel or delivering supplies to those in need. He assisted in the final evacuation of Vietnam, rescuing people from rooftops and safely taking them to ships in the South China Sea. The Blue Ridge was one of those ships. By this time, the Blue Ridge could sort out the rogue helicopters fleeing Saigon from the Air America helicopters carrying refugees. Air America helicopter pilot Larry Stadulis was also told to stand down at the ship and was sent below. A short time later, he was told he needed to return to fly an unattended helicopter. Seeing that Larry was going back, Dave Kendall climbed in with him. Without hesitation and at their peril, they shuttled back and forth between ship and shore, hauling in refugees the rest of the day. By nightfall, both men were mentally and physically exhausted, as they found themselves in the middle of the South China Sea, in light rain, trying to find the carrier USS Midway. The Midway turned off all lights, and Larry and David were in total darkness. To make matters worse, the twenty-minute low fuel light in the helicopter had been on for fifteen minutes, and no one knew how accurate those lights were. Larry and Dave were in trouble. They were calling for help from the Midway, and the ship's radar could see them, but they could not see the ship. The low-fuel warning light kept getting brighter and brighter. Throughout the day, it had been evident that Air America's pivotal role in the evacuation was not clearly understood by the other players, as cooperation from those who were supposed to be informed had been slim to none. The ship was also not sure who was in the helicopter. In this situation, however, the Midway's cooperation was imperative. Larry informed the Midway that they needed a light and could not see the ship. It was now time for the Midway's commanding officer to decide and do it fast. The helicopter had only a few minutes of fuel when the Midway relented and turned on every topside light. Larry said it looked like a Christmas tree, and it was most definitely a gift. Larry and Dave landed on the flight deck, running on fumes. The effort made by Larry and David deserve more than just a mention. It represented exemplary conduct topping the highest standards for bravery. Larry and David did not do this work for recognition. They never knew that anyone cared, but the people they rescued that day did care, and they owe them their lives. Every Air America pilot who knew Larry Stadulis respected him. That's the kind of person he was. Larry was recognized for his courage by Senator Charles H. Percy during the rescue of the Senator and his family in 1967. He developed strong relationships among other pilots, personnel of Air America, the United States military services and reminisced each year during annual reunions held throughout the United States. He proudly served the United States in Vietnam. He appeared in a special documentary, by the History Channel, about Air America. His service to the United States has left a strong impact on Lawrence and his family. He returned to Nanticoke in 1975 and later operated the Larmel Inn, with his family, until its closing in 2011 when he began working at the Veteran Administration Medical Center and continued to assist veterans at that facility. He is survived by his daughter Kristina Davis and her family, Mountain Top, son, Scott Stadulis, Lancaster and former wife, Melanie Stadulis, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, and Robert.

Herman Eugene Jackson (November 6, 1930 – July 9, 2023)

Major Herman Eugene Jackson (Bud Jackson), 92, of Kings Mountain, NC died on July 9, 2023. Born in Kings Mountain NC, he was the son of the late Beverly Paul Jackson and Fannie Mae Mitcham Jackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters. Bonnie Jackson Warner, Mae Jackson Carroll, and Maxine Lavinia Jackson. And one great grandnephew Barney Lineberger. Survivors include two nieces Pam Lineberger and Ann Carroll, two grandnephews David Warner and Tim Warner, three great grandnephews Dylan Warner, Coleman Warner, Cameron Warner, and one great grandniece Emily Warner. Major Jackson retired from the US Air Force and was a pilot for Air America. He was a patriotic man who loved his country, his family, and his friends. He lived in Merritt Island, FL for many years. In 2019 Major Jackson moved to Summit Place in Kings Mountain, NC. After breaking his hip, he was transferred to Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC where he lived for a few weeks before his death. There will be a private graveside service.

Donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter 4600 Park Rd STE 250, Charlotte, NC 28209

William Niles Utterback (July 8, 1938 - February 7, 2023)

Cpt. William Niles Utterback Ret. was born July 8, 1938, died February 7, 2023, in Puyallup WA. Willie (or Bill) was born in San Francisco to Orval and May Utterback. He was the first of seven children. As a young boy his family moved to Washington state where he would officially reside the rest of his life. He joined the Air Force right out of high school and became a fighter pilot. He flew 222 combat missions during the Vietnam war. Then he joined Air America until they were disbanded, after which he flew commercial including America West Airlines. He also joined the Army National Guard to fill in his military time. He loved to fly! His flying took Willie all around the world, but he discovered an affinity for Thailand with the first visit to the country. He married Tasanee in 1968 and they had two daughters, Susan, and Janet. They were married for almost forty years before her passing. Years later he married Wanee who also predeceased him. Willie had unmatched zest for life, he loved to tell stories and he had so many! He had faced death many times and survived – during the Vietnam war and after. His illnesses included cancer five years ago, then recently the lymphoma returned, and Willie died of a respiratory infection, complicated by cancer. Willie was a dependable, responsible father, husband, brother, and friend - often the person one would go to for questions about almost anything. He is loved and missed by his surviving family and friends including daughters Susan and Janet, stepdaughter Chompoo, grandson Ari, siblings Sharlene, Jimmy (Cynthia) and Susie and countless nieces and nephews.

Clarence Joseph Abadie (November 30, 1934 - March 10, 2023)

Clarence J Abadie, Jr (CJ) passed away peacefully on March 10, 2023, in Reserve, LA at the age of 88. He was born in New Orleans to Clarence J Abadie, Sr and Daisy Mae Abadie and raised in Norco, LA. His parents preceded him in death, as well as his sister, Sheila Gonor, and wife, Mary Anne Bradley Cook Abadie. CJ is survived by his 3 sons from his previous marriage to Wantani Onwan; Lex (Marilou), Thai (Angelie), and Edward (Keiron Pratt); two granddaughters; one great grandchild; and siblings Catherine Trepagnier, and Richard Abadie, along with many nieces and nephews. CJ graduated from Destrehan High School and then attended Southwestern Louisiana University (majoring in mechanical engineering), before deciding to pursue his love of flying. He joined the Navy's flight training program and became a Naval Aviator. He was commissioned upon graduation as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and became a helicopter pilot. He was ultimately stationed in Japan and prior to discharge from the Marines, the CIA came recruiting. Rather than return to Louisiana, he chose adventure, and landed in Southeast Asia prior to and during the Vietnam War. He began his 14 years in Southeast Asia as a Helicopter pilot in Vientiane, Laos with Air America, Inc. He also lived in Taipei, Taiwan while working at Civil Air Transport (CAT) and Air America Headquarters. He became the Vice President of the Northern Thailand Division of Air America in Udorn, Thailand and was there until August 1974. CJ and his three sons then returned to the US, but not before traveling around the world with stops in India, Kenya, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Egypt, Greece and Venezuela. After arriving back in the US, CJ then finished his education at Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Professional Aviation and Management. He began his next chapter in management, working for companies, such as Northrop Worldwide Aircraft Services, Pan Am World Services, and retired from Johnson Controls. His adventurous spirit led him to live and work in Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Andros Island, Bahamas. CJ was passionate about his interests and hobbies and would continue until he was an expert. He had over 10,000 helicopter flying hours, and even built 2 helicopters and an ultralight aircraft which he flew from his home. He became a hot air balloon pilot, fixed wing pilot, and master scuba diving instructor. He was involved in falconry and raced homing pigeons, Harley Davidson motorcycles, classic cars, and Ham radio. His last big adventure was in a 50-foot houseboat that he purchased in Ft Lauderdale, Florida and sailed around the Florida Keys, up through the Gulf of Mexico, to Mobile, up the Tombigbee River to the Tennessee River, and to Goose Pond Marina in Scottsboro, Alabama. He accomplished that 30-day odyssey when he was 84 years old! He will be remembered by many as "The Most Interesting Man in America". Definitely a long life, lived to the fullest. CJ requested no funeral or memorial service. He was buried at St Charles Borromeo Mausoleum in Destrehan, Louisiana.

Clarence F. Beverly

Clarence F. Beverly, age 86, of Cherry Hill, NJ, formally of Paulsboro, New Jersey, departed this life on August 02, 2022. He's survived by family and friends. Clarence was a pilot for Air America, Inc., operating out of Saigon, South Vietnam.

Henry Martin Schiller, Jr. (August 9, 1935 - February 2, 2023)

“Hank” “Paw Paw” “Grump”

Hank had the kind of life most people only dream about, joining the Army after high school, where he was a photographer. He went on to attend field artillery officer candidate school then on to Army aviation. He flew for Air America to help fight the spread of communism, then settled down to fly for Japan Air Lines. He lived with his young family in Japan before purchasing a working farm in Spotsylvania VA in 1979, where he retired in 1994. Hank ran numerous marathons and was an avid water and barefoot skier. He taught countless people how to ski and to drive a boat. He took retirement seriously, becoming a full-time golf player and a part time poker player. He led his home course as club president and traveled extensively with his standing foursome at courses across the country by way of his Beechcraft Bonanza. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Madeleine Nguyen; three children Lani (Larry), Dawn (Scottie) and Michael; four grandchildren Holly, Jeff, Henry, and Ryan; his younger sister Mary; and many nephews and nieces. Hank and Madeleine moved in with his daughter Dawn’s family in 2020. He entered the Catholic Church at the young age of 87, less than one week before losing his battle with Parkinson’s. Hank loved his family, his friends, his country, his dogs, golfing, poker, Coca-Cola, and milkshakes.

 

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To view death notices from past years, please visit Previous Death Notices

 

Date	F Name	M Name	L Name	Age	Where
2/5/2019	James	Anthony	Dunn III	82	Williamsburg, VA
2/3/2018	Lynn	B	Lopshire	85	Modesto, CA
8/26/2019	Barbara		Harris	81	Gainesville, FL
8/28/2019	Edwin	Beecher	Dearborn	86	Lake Forest, CA
8/22/2019	Melano	A	Leveriza	79	Philippines
12/27/1971	Edward	J	Weissenback
9/19/2019	Francis	Xavier	Nihill	77	Boynton Beach, FL
9/9/2018	Robert	Emmett	Mackay	92	McLean, VA
11/12/2019	Edward	D	Connor		McLean, VA
11/24/2019	Luther "Chip"	E	Martin II	63	West Salem, WI
9/29/2019	Chong	Shing	Wu (Johnson Wu)	77	Peoria, AZ
2/24/2018	David	Ray	Traylor	84	Bogalusa, LA
1/4/2019	Tomiko		Miller	89	Winter Haven, FL
2/28/2019	Marylee		Maxwell	89	Medford, OR
1/27/2019	Thomas	Leonard	Andrews	97	Ridge Manor, FL
2/22/2020	Kay	Williams	Campbell	68	Chandler, TX
2/2/2020	John	N	Hanson		Corpus Christi, TX
12/31/2019	Stanley		Thompsen	90	Lawrenceville, GA
1/10/2020	Raymond	Francis	Salucci	86	Norway
1/20/2020	Emmet		Sullivan	78	Merritt Island, FL
	Tom	Dudley	Lewis		Seattle, WA
3/11/2020	Elizabeth "Kippi"	Karen	Densley		Merritt Island, FL
12/22/2019	John	Estell	Ferris III	76	Carrollton, TX
4/1/2020	Joseph	William	Hazen	85	Bellevue, WA
2/6/2020	John	Daniel	Burkholder	80	New Orleans, LA
2/8/2020	Dianna		Blake	82	Kirkland, WA
	Nat		Fralia		Fort Worth, TX
4/21/2020	Julia	A	Kanter
7/14/2020	Brenda	Joy	Burley	75	Youngsville, LA
4/27/2020	Irving "Steve"		Nichols	79
10/4/2020	John	R	Greenway	94	Bainbridge, WA
8/20/2020	Kenneth	Eugene	Wood	80	Houston, TX
10/29/2020	Marius		Burke	83	Merritt Island, FL
8/13/2020	Jay	Don	Allen	74	Costa Mesa, CA
12/5/2020	Jim		Glerum		McLean, VA
12/19/2020	Happy		Parker		Tallahassee, FL
12/31/2020	Jay		Myers	78	Igo, CA
1/2/2021	Terry		Wofford		Prescott, AZ
3/3/2021	Felix	Gideon	Steele III	76
12/23/2020	Harry	D	Campbell	98	Clovis, CA
2/24/2021	Albert "Robbie"	Arthur	Roberts		Baltimore, MD
6/17/2020	Joseph "Lucky"		Mulqueen		Capitan, NM
2/15/2021	Robert	Alban Joseph	McCauley	97	Anacortes, WA

To die completely, a person must not only forget but be forgotten, and he who is not forgotten is not dead. - Samuel Butler