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Larry CAISON Obituary
Lieutenant Colonel Larry "Eli" Caison (USAF Retired), 52, was killed in an aircraft crash in Bay County near Panama City, FL, on Dec. 18, 2013. He was born at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, to Larry and Lorie Caison on Oct. 30, 1961. Eli was flying from West Palm Beach to Destin, FL and enroute, the single engine plane he was piloting lost power and crashed one mile short of an emergency landing attempt at Sandy Creek air field. He is preceded in death by his father, Larry Foard Caison, in 2009. He is survived by his mother, Lorie Caison of Destin, FL; sister, Lisa Branham of Chesapeake, VA; daughter Loren Caison and son Owen Caison of Shalimar, FL; son Keaton Thomasson, son Dillon Thomasson, and their mother Kathryn Thomasson of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; and niece, Jessica Bullock of Newport News, VA. Eli graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1983 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the USAF Special Operations Command in 2006 after 23 years of service. He piloted the B-1 bomber for the Strategic Air Command and C-130 Combat Talon for the Special Operations Command. He was president of Grey Aviation, a company in Destin, FL, that he founded after retiring from the USAF. Grey Aviation is a small company that provides airborne surveillance and special mission capability to U.S. and foreign military and other government agencies. Eli enjoyed jogging, working out, a cold beer, and a good cigar. He traveled around the world for business, but when at home every moment was devoted to his children. He was a very generous man and felt that no task was too great or too small. He appeared invincible and made those around him feel safe and secure. His caring love will be missed by all. A memorial service will be held at Shalimar United Methodist Church, Shalimar, FL at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NICU at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, 2801 N. Gantenbein Ave, Portland, OR, 97227. Phone: 503-276-6500.
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry CAISON
Nathaniel Middleton
January 12, 2014
Outstanding leader! Eli will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
Greg "Ben" Benjamin
January 9, 2014
Leader, Warrior, Friend
Deanna
January 7, 2014
We will miss Eli so much. Great colleague and friend, enjoyed working with him. Very dynamic person! So sorry for this loss to his family and to Grey as well.
Lee Hess
January 4, 2014
I join all Stray Goose comrades worldwide mourning the loss of a great American patriot. Rest well our brother, your mission here is complete.
Lee & Ginny Hess
January 1, 2014
We are so saddened about the loss of Eli, but feel fortunate that we had the privilege of knowing him; Lee--as a flying special ops brother and Ginny as the involved and caring father of one of her students. Our thoughts are with his family.
Dominique
December 31, 2013
My deepest condolences on the loss of an amazing man and dear friend ...
Gregg & Janet Vander Ley
December 28, 2013
We are so saddened for your loss. We truly enjoyed being stationed with, knowing, and working with Eli and his family. He will be missed by all.
Patrick Butler
December 28, 2013
I am heavily saddened by Eli's passing. We had great times flying the Pacific together. I and our family express our most sincere condolences to your family.
Robby Roberson
December 28, 2013
I held Eli in my arms when Lorie brought him home from the hospital, and followed his stellar AF career throughout the years. Unfortunately, the last time I saw hem was when we laid his father to rest at Barrancas. Lorie, I know it's almost too much to bear, but hand in there, sugar.
Al Williams
December 27, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Eli was a great friend from our days in Okinawa. I have very fond memories flying, working, going TDY, and visiting with Eli and the family. I will never forget his constant need to work out, his need to always do his best and be the best, and the GQ look and smile. Rest in peace Eli.
Ken Beebe
December 26, 2013
I remember some great times flying with Eli in Okinawa. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Gerald and Rosemary Smith
December 26, 2013
Thanks Eli, for your service to our country and the sacrifices you made to keep us safe. It was an honor to know you and we only wish it could have been longer. We pray for you and family.
Cat Soulvie Bess
December 26, 2013
So saddened to read of Eli's passing. Eli was a great man. I had the pleasure of working for him in Okinawa and a little bit here at Hurlburt Fld. I send my condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed. RIP Eli Caison
Rory Foster
December 25, 2013
You were good man Eli. I'll always remember the times we shared at Hurlburt Fld and Kadena AB. You'll be missed.
December 24, 2013
On behalf of all of the employees at Regal Air Destin (formally Miracle Strip Aviation)we want the family to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for the time Eli spent with us. He will be missed.
Vince Stubbs
December 24, 2013
I was good friends with Larry during high school and college...last saw him during our 1999 high school reunion, but will always remember him fondly...rest in peace, my friend.
George Zankich
December 23, 2013
I briefly knew Mr. Caison through business, but he was very professional, sincere and pleasant to work with. Very sad to hear of his death, my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Catherine Tyree
December 23, 2013
My thoughts go out to Eli's family and friends.
December 23, 2013
I am truly sorry for your loss. May God Bless you in this time of great sorrow.
Jeri Kelly
Ellen Stacy
December 23, 2013
Truly saddened by this news. Larry was a good person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Jay Williams
December 22, 2013
Our prayers and sympathy to Eli's family. I have great memories both at VMI and the times we overlaped assignments in the Air Force.
God Bless, Jay and Paige Williams
December 22, 2013
Highest Regards for Eli and my deepest sympathy to all of his family.
Jim Outland
VMI83
Ann & Randy Johnson
December 22, 2013
We will miss you, Eli!
Linda Reymond
December 22, 2013
I am sure the world will miss you. But
you will be remembered forever.
Linda Reymond
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