Walter E Earl Whitesell

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - LD

On Thursday, November 17 Walter E. Whitesell, "Bear" completed his last PreFlight and "Flew West'' on his next great adventure. Walter, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His humor and stories will be greatly missed by the family.

Walter was born in DeRidder, Louisiana in 1938 and was the eldest son of three 3 boys. He was a graduate of DeRidder High School class of 1956. After graduating from high school he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, La. When his obligation to the Air Force was over he attended LSU and worked part-time for a local TV station. After LSU he started his career as a communication specialist for the Union Pacific Railroad. He had a long and successful career of over 40 years. In retirement, he enjoyed tinkering with machines and technology, living the country life, traveling, and taking care of his cat Sylvester & the kittens.

His love of aviation and aerospace guided him throughout his life. He became a private pilot, earned multiple certifications, and was a lifelong member of Civil Air Patrol-the Auxiliary of the US Air Force. In Civil Air Patrol he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was Squadron Commander of the Capital City Composite Squadron, and directed communications for the Louisiana Wing. He recently earned recognition for 50 years of service in CAP. He was also an active member of the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) Chapter 614 in Pineville, Louisiana . This is where he enjoyed having breakfast and interacting with the aviation community and friends.

Walter is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Carole Whitesell; his children, Walter Whitesell (Cheryl), Melissa Whitesell, and Jennifer Begley (Brian); grandchildren Zachary Whitesell, Brennan Begley, Nathan Begley, Sydney Whitesell, Timothy Whitesell, and Lance Whitesell; and a great-grandson Kyler Doughty. He is also survived by his two brothers Paul Whitesell, Jr. (Claudelle) and Dale Whitesell (Connie), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Madelaine Whitesell and his parents Willie Standford and Paul Whitesell, Sr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 2pm until religious services at 3pm. The visitation and services will be held at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 20440 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. The Interment of ashes will be at Port Hudson National Cemetery with full military honors. Once a date has been given, family and friends will be notified. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to EAA Chapter 614 - 2L0, Lake Buhlow Airport, Pineville, LA 71360.

**Blue Skies & Tailwinds Forever Daddy....We Love You!**