Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/6/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

VIRGINIAN PILOT OBITUARIES

The virginian pilot obituaries section is a dedicated space for remembering and honoring the lives of those who have served in the aviation industry, particularly in the state of Virginia. This page provides a platform to share the stories and legacies of pilots who have passed away, ensuring their contributions to aviation are not forgotten. It serves as a tribute to their dedication, skill, and impact on the skies.

Obituaries in this context often highlight the unique challenges and risks faced by pilots, including the sense of responsibility and adventure that comes with the job. They may also emphasize the importance of safety, respect for the environment, and the bond formed between pilots and their aircraft. The obituaries can be a way to celebrate the lives of these individuals, acknowledging their courage and the freedom they brought to others through their work.

This section offers a unique perspective on the human side of aviation, reminding us of the individuals behind the controls and the impact they had on their communities and the industry as a whole. It is a place to pay respects, share memories, and ensure that the legacy of these pilots continues to inspire and guide future generations in the skies.

Supplementary Figures

Fig 1. Helen Burroughs Obituary | June 26, 2024 | The Virginian-Pilot

The obituary of a World War II veteran, a pilot, is displayed on a weathered wooden sign. The sign is hung on an old barn, surrounded by wildflowers. The image captures the passage of time and the legacy of a hero.

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Fig 2. Carol Boswell Obituary | June 20, 2024 | The Virginian-Pilot

A black-and-white portrait of an elderly man, his face weathered by the elements. He sits in a leather armchair, a flight helmet on his lap. The image conveys a sense of peace and reflection, a life well-lived.

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Fig 3. Lorna Clark Obituary | July 10, 2024 | The Virginian-Pilot

An aerial view of a small town, with a single-engine plane flying overhead. The pilot, a woman in her 50s, smiles as she waves at the crowd below. The image celebrates a community's love for aviation and its heroes.

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Fig 4. Mary Hendricks Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A close-up of a pilot's hands, steady and strong, holding a pair of flight gloves. The gloves are worn, with a faded badge on the wrist. The image symbolizes the dedication and sacrifice of a Virginian pilot.

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Fig 5. Samuel Reid Obituary (2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A group of young men, all in military uniforms, stand in a row. Each holds a different type of aircraft model, from a biplane to a jet. The image represents the diversity of roles within the aviation community.

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Fig 6. Robert Clark Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A vintage aircraft, a biplane, sits on a dusty runway. The pilot, a man in his 40s, stands beside it, his uniform gleaming. The image captures the romance of aviation and the allure of the open sky.

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Fig 7. Mara Crabtree Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A somber funeral procession, with a hearse carrying the coffin of a Virginian pilot. The procession is followed by a crowd of mourners, many wearing military caps. The image conveys a sense of loss and respect.

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Fig 8. Allene Hardee Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A young woman, a pilot, stands at the controls of a modern jet. She is focused and determined, with a confident smile. The image represents the future of aviation and the next generation of heroes.

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Fig 9. Mary McClelland Obituary (1937 - 2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The ...

A black-and-white photograph of a pilot's logbook, its pages filled with meticulous handwriting. The logbook is open on a wooden desk, surrounded by aviation memorabilia. The image evokes a sense of history and tradition.

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Fig 10. Colleen Bartels Obituary (1937 - 2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The ...

A panoramic view of a military base, with planes parked on the tarmac. A group of pilots, all in uniform, stand together, their faces determined. The image captures the camaraderie and shared purpose of a military aviation unit.

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Fig 11. John Finney Obituary (2024) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A close-up of a pilot's face, her eyes closed in meditation. She sits in a quiet room, surrounded by aviation artifacts. The image represents the inner peace and focus that pilots cultivate.

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Fig 12. Dora Larsen Obituary (2024) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A vintage aircraft, a propeller plane, takes off from a dusty runway. The pilot, a man in his 30s, waves goodbye as the plane ascends. The image captures the thrill of flight and the freedom of the open sky.

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Fig 13. Rebecca Fellom Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A somber photograph of a pilot's family, standing in front of a military cemetery. The family members wear black, with a flag at half-mast. The image conveys a sense of grief and respect for a fallen hero.

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Fig 14. Robert Murray Obituary (1940 - 2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The ...

A young man, a pilot, stands in front of a large aircraft, a jet. He poses proudly, his uniform crisp and clean. The image represents the pride and honor of serving in the aviation community.

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Fig 15. William Combs Obituary (2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A black-and-white photograph of a pilot's flight helmet, hanging on a wall. The helmet is surrounded by aviation memorabilia, including a map and a compass. The image evokes a sense of adventure and exploration.

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Fig 16. Mary Callaghan Obituary | July 7, 2024 | The Virginian-Pilot

A group of pilots, all in different eras of military uniforms, stand together. They pose with a vintage aircraft, a biplane, in the background. The image represents the continuity of aviation history and the shared legacy.

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Fig 17. Barbara Steffe Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A close-up of a pilot's hands, adjusting the controls of a jet. The hands are steady and confident, with a sense of calm focus. The image symbolizes the precision and skill required in aviation.

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Fig 18. All Obituaries - The Virginian-Pilot

A panoramic view of a military parade, with a group of pilots marching in formation. The parade is held in a town square, with a crowd cheering. The image captures the honor and respect given to military aviators.

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Fig 19. Roman Kotlarz Obituary (2021) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A vintage aircraft, a biplane, is painted with a vibrant design. The pilot, a woman in her 20s, stands beside it, her uniform colorful and bright. The image celebrates the beauty and creativity of aviation art.

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Fig 20. Nancy Jester Obituary (2023) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A somber photograph of a pilot's grave, surrounded by wildflowers. The grave is marked with a military headstone, and a flag is flying at half-mast. The image conveys a sense of peace and eternal rest.

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Fig 21. Martha Nolf Obituary (2022) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A young man, a pilot, stands in front of a large aircraft, a jet. He poses with a confident smile, his uniform reflecting the morning sunlight. The image represents the pride and joy of achieving a pilot's dream.

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Fig 22. The Virginian-Pilot Obituaries

A black-and-white photograph of a pilot's logbook, its pages filled with detailed notes. The logbook is open on a desk, surrounded by aviation maps and charts. The image evokes a sense of precision and dedication.

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Fig 23. Julia Moreau Obituary (1936 - 2020) - Virginia Beach, VA - The ...

A group of pilots, all in military uniforms, stand in front of a large aircraft, a bomber. They pose with a sense of camaraderie, their faces determined and focused. The image captures the shared purpose of military aviation.

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Fig 24. The Virginian-Pilot Obituaries

A close-up of a pilot's face, her eyes open in awe. She sits in the cockpit of a modern jet, surrounded by advanced controls. The image represents the wonder and excitement of flying in the digital age.

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Fig 25. John Whitehead Obituary (2020) - Virginia Beach, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

A vintage aircraft, a biplane, takes off from a runway, leaving a trail of smoke. The pilot, a man in his 50s, waves at the crowd. The image captures the thrill of flight and the joy of aviation.

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