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Donald Tusing Obituary
September 28, 1938 - April 12, 2024
Donald "Don" Carl Tusing, 85 of Broadway, VA, passed away peacefully April 12, 2024 at Shenandoah Terrace in New Market, VA.
He was born September 28, 1938, in Timberville, VA, to Sturn H. Tusing and Mary Stayner Tusing. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by sisters, Phyllis Trumbo and Connie Shifflet; brothers, Eugene (Jack) Tusing and Clayton Tusing.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor Hoover Tusing; son, Gregory Carl Tusing and wife (Cheryl) of Broadway, VA; daughter, Donelle Sigmon and companion (Pete) of Calabash, NC; grandsons, Parker Sigmon and Mason Sigmon of Charlotte, NC; sister, Betty Lohr; and brothers, Ellis Tusing and Terry Tusing.
He graduated from Broadway High School in 1957 and enlisted in the Army where he spent four years (two in Germany) as a helicopter mechanic. This is where he got his passion for aviation. After the service he went to Spartan School of Aviation in Tulsa, OK and received his mechanic license. He worked as a mechanic in Martinsburg, WV, for several years and then went to Miami and received his commercial pilots license in 1964. He flew for East Coast Flying Service out of Washington, DC. The next few years following he had the opportunity to fly The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five and Patty LaBelle. He also met future President Richard Nixon. In 1968, he got his big opportunity and went to work for Piedmont Airlines and then USAir where he retired in 1995 after 26 years.
He moved the family to Mooresville, NC in 1983. Shortly after moving to NC, he and Greg built two convenience stores and a sports store in Mooresville. He was an avid fisherman and fished in many striper tournaments in the southeast. After retiring he and Eleanor spent many years traveling around the country in their RV and gradually settled in Sebring, FL before returning to the Shenandoah Valley four years ago. Don had been in declining health for several years with Dementia.
As per his wishes the body was cremated and there will be a visitation on Friday, May 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway, VA. Burial will be private. A celebration of Life is planned for later.
Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Broadway Rescue Squad.
Thank you to the staff at Shenandoah Terrace for their care and support.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grandlefuneralhome.com.
Grandle Funeral Home Inc.
148 East Lee Street
P.O. Box 114
Broadway, VA 22815
(540) 896-3231
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Tusing
Sponsored by Grandle Funeral Home, Inc. - Broadway.
Dorlin Kerr
May 31, 2024
I am sad to hear of Don's passing. I send my sympathy to the family. It was great knowing Don through the building of his home and years of patronizing the D&G mart. He was a good man with such a loving and dedicated family.
Maureen Foy
April 25, 2024
Don was a good man. My deepest condolences to Greg and the rest of the family. Rest in peace don.
Bob Gattanella
April 17, 2024
Don was the first Captain I flew with as a new hire
on the YS-11A He was a perfect person to start with.
So sorry to here of his death
Bob Gattanella
Darrell Moorefield
April 17, 2024
I was a new F/O on the 737 in ORF and flew with Don . He was easy going to fly with an excellent aviator . I remember he loved to save all the fuel he could helping Company . He showed me how to land at idle power ,back then . And fortunately for me I actually did it under his supervision . I think he took many brief naps after that . I used his experience foward . Sad to hear of his passing and my heartfelt condolences to his family
Greg Gibson
April 17, 2024
Miss you brother, great aviator, great friend. Blue sky and tailwinds.
Janice H Drimer
April 16, 2024
It was always a pleasure to fly with Don. Condolences to his family.
Colleen Buckner Fields
April 16, 2024
Deepest sympathies
The Piedmont Silver Eagles
Bevin Mann
April 16, 2024
My condolences to Don's family and loved ones. He was one of the "good ones" at Piedmont Airlines!
Angie Daniel
April 15, 2024
I am Gay Stayner´s daughter Angie. My mom loved spending time with Don and Eleanor. My sympathy is with you and your family. May God be with you.
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Grandle Funeral Home, Inc. - Broadway148 East Lee Street P.O. Box 114, Broadway, VA 22815
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