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Donald Lee Bloom

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Donald Lee Bloom
April 1932 – July 18, 2017
GRAPEVINE – Donald Lee Bloom, 84, passed away in on July 18, 2017 in Grapevine, TX.
Services for Don will be at 12:30 p.m. July 31 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Please arrive at 12:15 p.m. (15 minutes prior).
Don was born in Tulsa, OK in April 1932 and was fascinated with flying from a very young age. His dream of becoming a pilot was put on the back burner when football became his passion during high school and college.
It was during his senior year in college at the University of Houston with a football scholarship, he graduated in 1955, that becoming a pilot became crystal clear.
Following graduation he joined the U.S. Navy flight-training program. After his preflight training, Don became a navy cadet and was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. His first flight as a pilot was in Pensacola, FL in October 1955. After spending four years flying for the U.S. Marine Corps he became an experimental Test Pilot for Kaman Aircraft 1960-1961.
Don joined Bell Helicopter as an experimental test pilot and development pilot in 1961. Don retired from Bell Helicopter as a senior experimental test pilot 1990, and continued his love of flying as an expert witness in aviation accident trials. His credentials during his career at Bell include first flights and structural demonstrations in the model 577 (super UH-1D), OH-58A, AH-1J, 206L series, 222 and UH-1C. As a Bell Helicopter Engineering Development test pilot, he flew structural demonstrations that were required for military approval.
He was the project development pilot on the first prototype fighter helicopter, the Bell AH-1G Cobra. Don was project pilot on 187 projects between 1961 and 1990, logged 150 flight test projects in chronological sequence, log books reflecting the flying of 102 different helicopters and 15 fixed-wing aircraft. Total flight hours logged are 14,000 plus, of which 6,540 are experimental and development time.
He developed high velocity curves for the OH-58A, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206B, 206B-1, 206B-3, 204B-4 and the UH-1C. In 1984 the Society of Experimental Test Pilots presented the coveted Iven C. Kinchloe Award to Don for his successful investigation into the spin phenomena of the OH-58A (later identified as loss of tail rotor effectiveness-LTE).
He was the first helicopter pilot to receive this award since its inception in 1958. Recipients of this award are displayed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum including John H. Glenn Jr., Neil Armstrong and Charles E. Yeager.
Don and Tom Wood, Bell Senior Technical Fellow, were also recognized in 1984 for developing a new understanding of LTE based on flight investigation for which they received the Howard Hughes Award.
This award is given in recognition of an outstanding improvement in the fundamental helicopter technology brought to fruition during the preceding calendar year. The results of this flight data and interpretation of this data is still taught at Bell’s Flight Training Academy today.
The FAA recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 or more years by awarding the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award. Don received this award in 2011.
For 21 years at Bell and 15 additional years since retirement, Don had served as SW Region /FAA Designated Engineering Representative Flight Test Pilot. From his first flight in 1955 through his retirement from Bell in 1990 and after his retirement, self employed, DB Aero, DER and DER consultant activities, expert witness trial and depositions, accident investigations and analysis, and helicopter operations advisor, Don continued to set an example for what the meaning “Master Pilot” is. According to his fellow pilots, “Don does not fly helicopters, he wears them.”
He was a loving son, husband and father.
Don is predeceased by his mother, Georgia Randolph Bloom (1984); father, Fred Miles Bloom (1988); and by his loving wife, Anne Marie Bloom of 52 years.
Don is survived by his children, Susan Bloom and partner, Tammy Upson, Stacy Bloom, Robert Bloom and Todd Bloom; Herb Waldrop (Don’s best friend, long time golf partner, coworker and expert engineer in flying), Cookie Kirschner (Don’s best friend and sister since the age of 12 that shared his love of playing the piano, writing music, singing and flying), and Bubba Applewhite (friend and golf partner).
Offer condolences for the family of Donald Lee Bloom at www.lonestarcremation.com/donald-lee-bloom.
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Barbara Gail Covey Hutson

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WEATHERFORD – Barbara Gail Covey Hutson, 85, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2024 at her home in Weatherford, surrounded by her loved ones.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Newport Cemetery in Newport, TX.
Gail was born in Goree, TX in 1939 to parents Houston E. and Berniece Covey. Gail lived most of her younger years in Fort Worth until her family moved to Bowie when she was in the eighth grade. Although shy by nature she always said the move to Bowie afforded her new experiences she wouldn’t have had in Fort Worth such as being a part of the nationally acclaimed Bowie High School band and the Bowie Rodeo Club, which allowed her to enjoy her love of horses. Upon graduating from Bowie High School in 1957 she attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX majoring in English.
Gail was a creative person who loved the arts, whether it was literature, theatre, movies or art. She wrote poetry and as an avid reader, her home was filled with books. Fine art was one of her passions and she worked with various mediums. Although her work was never sold in galleries, several pieces received top honors in art shows. Her sketch of the Parker County Courthouse is used for pamphlets, posters and other signage for the Parker County Historical Commission. Her artwork, now treasured heirlooms, will be enjoyed by her family and descendants for years to come.
Additionally, she had a passion for music which was a part of her life until the day she died. Considered a child prodigy on the piano, she performed on the “Young Americans” program at the age of 10 on WBAP-TV in Fort Worth. She took pleasure in passing on the love of piano by teaching her granddaughter, Blair, to play since her biggest passion of all was her family. Considering it her finest achievement, she raised two children with her husband, Red, creating a loving family bond that will continue to grow and blossom with each new generation.
Gail was a member of the Weatherford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society, one of the oldest chapters in Texas. Gail’s sixth great grandfather, Samuel Covey, was one of the 900 Patriots who fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina in 1780. The Battle of Kings Mountain was one of the most decisive engagements in the American War of Independence.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dairel Hutson and is survived by her daughter, Janna Gail Blumentritt and husband Bruce; son, Jason Covey Hutson and wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Blair Willmott and husband Justin, Marlowe Streck and husband Joe and grandson, Layne Hutson; nephews, Greg Hutson, Spencer Freidl, Peter and Mark Covey; nieces, Ann Covey Smith and Laura Covey Danforth and her aunt, Charlotte Lloyd, as well as great grandchildren, Skylar and Houston Willmott.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association or Give Kids The Arts, an organization that helps provide art, music, dance and theater supplies to children.

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Wilma Jean Lauderdale

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February 6, 1947 – October 7, 2024
SUNSET – Wilma Jean Lauderdale, 77 of Sunset, and recently Midland, passed away on Oct. 7, 2024.
The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the White Family Funeral Home. A service will be at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Sunset, with pallbearers, Marvin Jones, Kevin Romine, Jacob Lauderdale, Thomas Romine, Chris Smith and Robert Lane.
Wilma was born on Feb. 6, 1947 in Bowie to Lloyd and Melba Romine. She married the love of her life, Otho Eugene Lauderdale, on April 25, 1969 and they enjoyed 48 years of life together.
Wilma spent her life helping others and taking care of her family. Her family was her top priority, and she went above and beyond to ensure their needs were met.
She worked at Walmart for 22 years in various roles in Bowie. Everyone who shopped there knew she would help them. Her coworkers and friends valued her loyalty and compassion for everyone.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Otho “Gene” Lauderdale; sister, Mary Jones, brother, Joe Romine and grandson, Aaron Gower.
Wilma is survived by her daughter, Debbie Dore and husband Mike, Timpson; son, Richard Lauderdale and wife Miranda, Midland; grandsons, David Dore, Timpson and Jacob Lauderdale, Abilene.
Other survivors include brothers, Thomas, Doyle, Lloyd Jr. and Lonnie Romine; sisters, Lorene Beasley and Marie Alred; niece, Michele Smith, Bowie and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express their gratitude toward Brookedale Assisted Living in Midland. The staff of Home Care Plus offered care and compassion as well. The family wishes to also thank the many close friends for all their love and support through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice or to the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

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Miranda “Alene” Garrett

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June 7, 1923 – October 9, 2024
BOWIE – Miranda “Alene” Garrett, 101, died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 9, 2024.
A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Alene was born on June 7, 1923 in Montague County to Charles Franklin and Nannie Mae (Hamilton) Taylor. She was the youngest of five children.
In July of 1941 she married Edward Norman Chandler and they had two children, Glenda and Larry, before Edward’s death in 1948. In March of 1954 she married Glen Garrett who had one daughter, Susan. She and Glen then had one daughter, Deborah. Glen passed away in 1998.
Alene and Glen lived in Hobbs, NM for many years before returning to Bowie in 1977. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Bowie.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Ed and Glen; sisters, Eleanor Norris and Nell St. John; brothers, W.T. and Jack Taylor and one grandson, Ben Chandler.
Alene is survived by her son, Larry and wife Joan Chandler, Las Cruces, NM; daughters, Deborah Garrett, Fort Worth, Susan and husband Lewis Burton, Butte, MT and Glenda and husband Waldo Roth, Bowie; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff of Independence Hall for the wonderful care they have given Mom throughout the last nine years. Also the staff of Solaris Hospice who cared for her with such kindness and dignity the last two years. You have all been a blessing to us.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Bowie in honor of Alene.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

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