Alumni News
** Alumni News **
Edward Neal McKinney
November 23, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we are letting you know that retired United States Air Force Colonel, and World Airways Pilot, Edward Neal McKinney boarded his “Final Flight” on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 12:42pm at BAMC (Brook Army Medical Center) in San Antonio, Texas. Neal arrived at BAMC on November 8, following an accidental fall from a deer stand on his ranch near Dublin, TX. The fall resulted in a spinal injury that resulted in the paralysis of his lower body.
“Since arriving at BAMC on November 8th, he fought a courageous battle. He had a life well-lived, he fought the good fight, and yesterday Nov. 23rd at 12:42pm (CST), he no doubt experienced a glorious homecoming hearing “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” He was surrounded in love and prayers from family & friends as he was ushered peacefully into heaven. We loved him, will grieve his loss and hurt without him, yet rejoice he is with his Savior.”
Obituary | Col. Edward Neal McKinney | Harrell Funeral Home
Honoring Neal’s wishes the family will not have a funeral. There will be a Military Burial Service in Dublin, TX, on January 4, 2025. A “Military Processional” will start at 12:45pm from the Harrell Funeral Home, 112 North Camden Street, Dublin, TX, and proceed to the Military Burial Service that will begin at 1:00pm at Live Oak Cemetery, 1415 W. State Hwy 6, Dublin, TX. Following the burial there will be a “Remembrance for Neal” at the Lucky Vines Vineyard and Winery, 675 CR 497, in Dublin. The family asks that if you plan to attend, please let them know by December 31.
Please Keep Neal’s Family in Your Thoughts and Prayers
“The 2024 Las Vegas Reunion”
It Started on Sunday Afternoon, September 15, with the “Reunion Safety Meeting” Hosted by Larry Coubrough at The Orleans Hotel.
On Monday, After Everyone Got “Checked-In” the Traditional “Crew Party” Was Held at “Baliwicks Pub”.
On Tuesday the “Hospitality Suite” Was Open and That Evening a”Pub Crawl” and “Dinner Out” Was Popular.
Wednesday Was Spent in the “Hospitality Suite” Again …. Some “Shopping and Time Out on the Town”…. Followed in the Evening by the “Reunion Banquet”.
Tony Huff
Cynthia Whisnant has announced on Facebook that Tony Huff has boarded his “Final Flight”.
No other information is available at this time.
David Murdoch Johnson
July 9, 1948 – July 19, 2024
David Murdoch Johnson was born on July 9, 1948, and boarded his “Final Flight” on July 19, 2024.
David was a lifelong Californian. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1970, and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130’s. Following his reserves, he started working at World Airways in Oakland, CA, where he spent more than 30 years as a beloved Captain on the DC-10.
David loved spending time and working on his family ranch in Northern California and around his home. His love of nature and the preservation of land and the environment was very important to him. He also enjoyed stamp collecting and following baseball and football.
David is survived by his wife Sarah Johnson, their beloved Border Collies, and their cat.
A celebration of life for David will be held on September 15th at noon in Graton, CA.
For those who are unable to attend and wish to share memories or photos, you can send them to the email address below.
RSVP by 9/9/24 @ sarah@fitdogs.net or text to (415-) 987-4123.
The Address of the Celebration of Life location will be provided to those of you who RSVP for the event.
William Gerald Cauble
March 6, 1969 – July 5, 2024
William Gerald Cauble was born on March 6, 1969, to Stephen and Mary (nee Elliott) Cauble. William went by many names including Billy, Bill, and then Will, and his favorite name was “FUN Uncle Will”.
William grew up in Granite City, IL where he attended St. Margaret Mary school and Granite City High School. After high school he briefly attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Will became a Flight Attendant for World Airways where he flew and visited all over the world. After the airline he worked for the Four Seasons hotel in Chicago, IL. He then returned to Granite City to live with and assist his parents, and that is where he stayed until he boarded his “Final Flight” on July 5, 2024.
Will loved his family, and being “FUN Uncle Will” to his nieces and nephews. He loved to joke and make people laugh and also loved to plant flowers and “tinker” with everything. He routinely went to the junk yard to fix or improve his vehicle. He loved water, and his fondest memories were his time spent boating on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and kayaking and swimming on Horseshoe Lake. Will also loved his animals and had a special fondness for all dogs, especially HIS dogs – Sisko and Patches.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, Will suffered a major brain bleed that caused a stroke. All efforts to save his life were extended to him but sadly all efforts failed, and he boarded his “Final Flight” on July 5. Will is going to be missed by his parents, his sister Stephanie Brissenden and his brother Matthew Cauble, and by all of his friends. According to Will’s wishes he will be cremated and there will not be a funeral service.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you choose to pay compliments often to others, as Will always knew how to make people smile and feel good about themselves. Our world could use so much more of the kindness that Will showed to everyone.
Online information and a guestbook is available through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory at www.wojstrom.com
David J. Mason
June 22, 1953 – July 13, 2024
” To our family and friends, it is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of David Jay Mason.”
“Even as a young kid, he was talked about being fascinated with planes and knowing what he’d want to do with his life. May we look up in the sky and remember him happily flying airplanes.”
“Dave was a caring husband and a loving father to his kids and grandkids.”
“Please include him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Additional details of his funeral will be announced later. For personal messages, please contact the next of kin:
Jess Divine Jessie Mason Yhet Mason
Yolanda Vega
June 18, 2024
Yolanda (Jolie) Vega boarded her “Final Flight” on Tuesday, June 18, following her long battle with cancer.
Yolanda served as a Flight Attendant for World Airways in Yokota, Japan, and was the Flight Attendant Supervisor of Training at World Airways in Oakland.
Dick Kalman’s history with Yolanda goes back many years. Yolanda introduced Dick to his future wife Branka in 1988. Yolanda’s sister-in-law, who lived in England and was a friend of Branka’s at the time Branka sold her boutique in Kensington, England, suggested that Branka take a trip to the USA. She introduced Branka to Yolanda and Branka came to stay with Yolanda and her family in California. Yolanda introduced Branka to Dick when they went to see him at the WOA Training Office in San Leandro. The next day Dick asked both of them to have dinner with him, and it was “Love at First Sight” for Branka and Dick. On October 14, 1989, Dick and Branka were married. At the wedding, Yolanda served as Branka’s “Matron of Honor”, and Ford Larsen was the “Best Man”.
Yolanda, Branka and Dick remained “Best Friends” through the years. Yolanda was a wonderful hostess and gourmet cook, and they shared may New Year’s Eve and other parties together. When Dick was promoted to Training Manager while working at the Bay Area Transit Authority, he hired Yolanda to take his previous training position, which she held until her retirement. She later served as the Chairman of the Board of the “Workforce Development Board” of Contra Costa County.
In October of this year Branka and Dick celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary, thanks to “Matchmaker Yolanda”. Dick stated, “We miss our dear friend Yolanda, and we were blessed to be part of her circle of friends. Yolanda was a “high energy can-do woman”.
Following the loss of her son Johathan in the war in Afghanistan, Yolanda was very involved in the “Gold Star Mothers” organization. Her surviving son Mathew lives in Los Angeles.
May Yolanda Rest in Peace and Comfort.
Please Keep Her Family and Her Many Friends in Your Thoughts and Prayers.
No memorial is scheduled at this time. More information will be provided when it is available.
Kenn Barton-Jones
September 10, 1953 – May 22, 2024
Phil Hastings has reported that Senior Flight Attendant Kenn Barton-Jones boarded his ‘Final Flight” in Toronto, Canada. Kenn had been house-bound with health issues for several years and suffered a heart attack in his sleep on May 22, 2024.
Please keep Kenn’s sister Vicky and the family in your thoughts and prayers!
Helen Chavez
January 18, 1937 – May 13, 2024
On Thursday July 11, members of the “World Airways Family” held a “Celebration of Life” at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Strawberry Point, in Marin County, to honor and remember World Airways Flight Attendant Helen Chavez, who boarded her “Final Flight” on May 13, 2024.
A Tribute to Helen Chavez
by Stephanie Suganuma
Helen will always be remembered as a wonderful friend to everyone at World Airways. She was a pleasure to travel and work with, and she used her smile and friendship to make everyone’s work at World Airways a great experience that will be remembered by us all. Helen now will rest with our prayers and love, and we will have wonderful memories of her.
“May She Rest in Peace Among the Angels”