L. Dale Felix

Felix, L. Dale 89, retired experimental test pilot, died on 15 March, 2017, at home with his family. Dale was born on 16 August, 1927, to William and Grace Felix in Hoopeston, IL. He is survived by Mary, his wife of 71 years; children, Nancy (Ron) Moore, Terri (Jon) Jenson, Judy (Rollie) Jennison, Cathy (Ron) Ragon and Bill (Tonya) Felix; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Dale's family was his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Jeanne Marie; and brother, Bill Felix. World War II was over before Dale enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. After his tour in the Army, he attended Purdue University graduating with a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a commission in the Air Force Reserves. Later, he went on active duty with the Air Force and became a multi-engine pilot. He joined Boeing in 1957 and 9 years later, he was promoted to Chief of Flight Test. He flew experimental tests on most of the B-52 models. He flew the F-86 and F-100 jet fighters on pace and chase missions and was type rated in the Boeing 707 / 720 airplanes. When most of the work on the B-52 program came to an end, he joined Lear Jet, flying test and development certification tests on business jets. He completed his career with the FAA as an aircraft certification test pilot for several years. He retired in 1991 with over 10,000 flight hours. Dale was a Charter Member of the Central Section of the International Society of Experimental Test Pilots being the first in that section to be promoted to Fellow. He was inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame in October of 2014. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, 19 March, 2017, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Celebration of Life service will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, 20 March, 2017, at the Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Dale's name to the Kansas Aviation Museum.