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Dan Giddens

March 24, 2024

World Airways pilot Dan Giddens boarded his “Final Flight” while in Home Hospice on March 15, 2024.  At World Airways from 1978 until 1986, Dan served as a DC-8 Second Officer and then as a DC-10 Second Officer and First Officer from 1978 until 1986.

Prior to joining World Airways Dan served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1976, and then joined the Air National Guard, Van Nuys, CA, in 1977, where he served until 1992.

Following his career with World Airways Dan flew as a Boeing 737 Captain for America West Airlines until his medical retirement in 2007.  After his retirement Dan spent 17 years traveling with his family, working in his garden, and serving as a “stroke and turn official” at his son’s swimming meets.

Dan is survived by his wife Anne, their two sons, Jeff and Jay, and one granddaughter, Karsyn.

Please Keep Dan’s Family in Your Thoughts and Prayers

 

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Sofie Paez

March 2024 

I have been informed that World Airways Flight Attendant Sofie Paez boarded her “Final Flight” the first week in March.  Please keep Sofie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

  More information will be provided when it becomes available. 

 

 

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                                    Neil Kent Howard 

July 9, 1950 – February 28, 2024

Jane Howard reported that Neil Kent Howard peacefully boarded his “Final Flight” following a long battle with cancer, at the Carson Tahoe Hospital on February 28, 2024.  Jane and daughter Sarah were by his side.  He and Jane had been living in Nevada.  

Neil was born on July 9, 1950, in Price Utah to Samuel Kent Howard and Jenece McElprang Howard.  He was raised in Huntington, Utah until he was 4 years old.  The family bought a ranch on the Bruneau River in Nevada where he grew up going to grade school in both Charleston and Rowland, and then graduated from high school in the class of 1968, in Elko.

As a boy he worked alongside his father learning how to do all the things ranch kids get to do – but from a very young age he fell in love with flying.  In high school, he also worked at the Elko airport and soloed at age 16.  His instructors said he was one of the most natural pilots they had taught and that was the opinion of many of his co-workers during his entire career.

After graduation, he worked for the Forest Service packing and building trails into the Jarbidge Wilderness. This was a great experience for him, appreciating the country he saw and the beauty of the area.

Neil earned a business degree at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was able to continue his flying education.  He went on to teach and work in different flying positions while working to obtain his commercial license which led him to many different jobs both in the US and around the world.  He became a Master Airman, with 40 years as a commercial captain.

Neil was hired at World Airways in February, 1978.  While flying for World Airways, and later flying for Piedmont Airlines, Air Algerie and BWI Airlines, and living in Algeria, he met the love of his life, Jane Prout, from England.  They married on December 12, 1980, in Hadleigh, Essex, England, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage in December 2023.  Their lives took them around the world with many adventures.

Neil leaves behind his wife Jane Prout Howard; daughter Rachel Jane Howard and Flynn Stewart, of Wollongong, Australia; daughter Sarah Jane Lenard and Tim Lenard of Carson City, Nevada; and beloved granddaughter Erica Lenard; mother, Jenece Howard and sister Gerri Beitia and husband Daniel.

Neil’s stories and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.  He did not want a funeral but asked that those who wished to could donate in his name to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 Please Keep Neil and Jane and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

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Benedict “Benny” Johnson

January 28, 2024

Benedict “Benny” Johnson, 73, a native of Napoleonville, LA, departed on his “Final Flight” on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home in Gonzales, LA.

Benny will be remembered by his Flight Attendant friends at World Airways for his kind and gentle heart.  He made every trip with him memorable and was considered “one of the best” to fly with.  May he rest in peace.

His service was in Donaldsonville, LA, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA, followed by interment in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Cemetery. 

Benny is survived by his brother, George Johnson (Barbara); his sister, Chrystal Dennis; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Chester Johnson, Sr.; 5 sisters, Mary Patterson, Aurelia Lee, Beverly Buggage, Laverne Dennis, and Almatine Blame; 4 brothers, Bernard, Herman, Raymond, and Chester Johnson, Jr.  

Arrangements were by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, (225) 473-1900. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit www.williamsandsouthallfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Gary Rodriguez

January 1, 2024

World Airways Flight Attendant Gary Rodriguez’s sister advised that Gary boarded his Final Flight.   Gary was a very private person that was very well thought of and admired at World Airways. 

A Mass was held February 9th at 5 pm at “Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church” in Castro Valley, CA.

Gary was a very kind, patient, and thoughtful person and we have very fond memories of him. 

                  May He Rest in Peace.

 

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