LAST FLIGHT
Lt. Col. Darvan Cook, USAF (Ret.) 68, passed away January 23, 2006 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs. He is survived by loving wife Li-Hwa; children: Brian (Sheila) Cook, Amy (Rob) Ellis, Daniel (Dina) Mark, Brian (Danáe) Mark, and several grandchildren. Upon graduating from Wichita State University, Lt. Col. Cook proudly served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, including assignments as an Air Rescue HH-43 helicopter Pilot at Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam, Communications Site Commander at Diyarbakir, Turkey, and Missile Warning Officer at NORAD. After retiring from the Air Force, Lt. Col. Cook worked in real estate and financial planning. An avid golfer, Lt. Col. Cook spent many days on the golf course and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished singer and guitar player. He was also a devoted husband and a loving father who will be sorely missed by his entire family.
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CHARLES E. “CHUCK” TANNER USAF Retired SMSGT and Fire Officer Civil Service. Born November 29, 1935 died January 25, 2005. Chuck served 39 years in the USAF Fire Service and as an Airborne Rescueman on the HH-43B/F from 1953 to 1992. He started his career at Sampson AFB, NY, then to Wheelus AB in N. Africa, Aviano AB; Italy, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, Iraklion AB, Greece, Bunker Hill AFB; IN, Malmstrom AFB; Great Falls; MT, Altus AFB, OK; Davis Month AFB; AZ. Eglin AFB; FL. where Chuck worked at Fire Station 2 TAC Area in the early 1970s and finally at Sheppard AFB; TX where served 7 years in Civil Service to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Rita K. of Wichita Falls, TX. and to daughters, Angela and husband, Rodney Haynes of Fort Walton Beach, FL. and Natalie and her husband, Bryan Taylor of Huntsville, AL. Chuck was buried with full Military Honors in Wichita Falls. Cause of death was listed as heart failure, a problem that started back in 1992 causing an early medical retirement. However, Chuck lived his life to the fullest with his family and friends. Chuck was a lifelong athlete and spent 30 years pitching fast pitch softball around the world winning many championships. He coached youth league basketball, softball, and taught many sports clinics. He was also an avid fisherman and spent many of his retirement years crappie fishing at Lake Arrowhead and traveling around the world with his wife.
On behalf of the PEDRO NEWS, our sincere condolences to Rita and family. Also, use this link to read Chuck’s obituary:
http://www.mem.com/display/Biography.asp?id=1205808
Submitted by: Chief Bob Barrow USAF Retired chief.one@cox.net