Captain Michael Dale "Mike" Stuart

IIICaptain Michael Dale "Mike" Stuart, passed away on January 19th, 2025. At Chandler Regional Medical Center in Chandler, AZ at the age of 72. After a lengthy battle with pneumonia Mike succumbed to complications from his illness. He took his final flight surrounded by his family and loved ones. Michael was born on March 8th, 1952, in Columbus, Indiana to Glen Dale and Kathleen Thayer Stuart.
Mike was a pilot, flight instructor, car enthusiast, animal lover, avid race fan, and a true-blue Colts fan. He possessed a deep and profound love of airplanes and an intense yearn for speed. "He just liked to go fast". Some might say he "had a need, a need for speed". Family and friends would characterize Michael as selfless, wise, honorable, steadfast, charming, and charismatic. An incredible storyteller. A devoted father and husband. A loyal and trustworthy friend. A humble man, of great integrity, with a philanthropic heart. Whose life and legacy can be summed up in one word. Legendary.
Michael was a graduate from Decatur Central high School, class of 1970. He went on to further his education at Wyoming Technical University. Obtaining two technical degrees in Mechanics and Racing. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1974. Later that same year he purchased his first airplane. Thus began his journey to becoming a commercial pilot. While pursuing his many aspirations Michael also raised three children. As well as countless misguided youth. Otherwise lacking a stable figure in their lives.
In 1998 He met his now wife Reannon on a red-eye flight to Chicago. She was his 1st Flight attendant for the trip. They arrived at Chicago Airport as the sun was rising. They spent the entire twenty-four-hour layover together. It was love right away. The two continued to travel together all over the world. They married in 2009, in an intimate family ceremony. They exchanged vows aboard a ship in Long Beach, California, before setting sail. Their life and love were full of adventure. Like most things in Mike's life, it all began with flying.
Michael began his career in commercial aviation in 1989 and moved his then family to Arizona. He served as first officer with America West Airlines and was promoted to Captain in 1993. As an Airline Captain, Michael was employed by America West Airlines, US Airways, and eventually American Airlines. Michael remained employed throughout each of the mergers between these three organizations. Mike fought hard for the rights of the crew members during the restructuring. In flight, Mike's strict safety standards and his adherence to protocol were paramount. Over the course of his more than 30-year career; Mike made many contributions to the Airlines. As well as the Air Line Pilots Association, also known as ALPA. His contributions helped ensure the rights and privileges of his colleagues.
In 1995 Mike's ambitions directed him to co-found Native American Air Ambulance Services. He served as co-founder and the Chief of Flight Operations with Native Air from 1995 to 2001. Michael remained an airline captain until his forced retirement in 2017.
In 2018 Michael became a flight instructor with CAE. Never a more worthy educator to serve as a mentor; guiding the next generation of young pilots. Recognized early on for his vast knowledge and experience in the field of aviation. He was soon well known and respected amongst colleagues and students. In 2022 Mike received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. For Fifty Years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety. A ceremony was held in his honor at CAE. He graciously accepted his award and the recognition he readily deserved. For his lifetime of service and excellence.
In short, Michael led an interesting life. Full of adventure and exciting opportunities. He made his mark upon this world. He touched so many lives far and wide. His loss will be felt by all who knew and loved him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Reannon Stuart of Chandler, AZ; his three children: John Stuart of Chandler, AZ, Sarah Kalicki of Chandler, AZ, and Dawn Polsgrove of Camby, IN; his grandson, Stuart Kalicki of Chandler, AZ; his sister: Margaret Nimz of Indianapolis, IN and his brother, Bob Stuart of Avon, IN.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents Glen and Kathleen Stuart, and his sister, Mary Stuart-Marsh.
Family and friends may show their love and support from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, January 30th and from 10 to 11 am on Friday, January 31st at Jones Family Funeral and Cremation Service in Mooresville. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 31st following visitation at the funeral home. Mike will be laid to rest during a graveside service with military honors at Lincoln Memory Gardens, 6851 S. Indianapolis Road, Whitestown, Indiana 46075
The family would like to extend an invite for a gathering following graveside services at The Coachman, 6112 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, Indiana 46168
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Make-A-Pilot Foundation on behalf of Michael, https://make-a-pilot.org/donations. To ensure the donation is made in his Mike's name, donators need to send an email to: Amanda@make-a-pilot.org with their name, donation amount and my Mike's information. You may also send your donations via Check at:
P.O. Box 737, pleasant grove CA 95668 please be sure to include his details in the memo.
To share a favorite story about Mike or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.jonesfamilymortuary.com