death of DL Capt. Merrill Joseph Vallender, age 93

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Jul 4, 2024, 9:26:31 PM (11 days ago) Jul 4

to Pilot Communication Net

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Merrill Joseph Vallender

October 23, 1930 - January 24, 2024

We note the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Merrill “Val” Joseph Vallender, age 93. Captain Vallender joined Delta Air Lines 03-05-1956 and was based Chicago and then Atlanta at time of retirement. He is survived by his wife Leora, and by his children and grandchildren.

Obituary information can be found at https://www.kiblerbradyruestman.com/obituaries/Merrill-Joseph-Vallender?obId=30734246 also at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/merrill-vallender-obituary?id=54211489

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2024/07/dl-capt-merrill-joseph-vallender.html

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the Vallender’s address listed in whitepages as

8525 WASHINGTON ST

DOWNERS GROVE IL 60516-4802

Merrill Vallender Obituary.

– Merrill Joseph Vallender, 93, of Bloomington, IL, formally of Downers Grove, IL, passed away at Martin Health Center in Bloomington.

Merrill (Val) was born October 23, 1930, in Madison, WI, to Robert Joseph Vallender and Mabel Ann (Steinke) Heyroth. He married the love of his life, Leora Janet (Swartz) on April 19, 1958, in Robinson, IL. Leora caught his eye and heart while working at Midway airport in Chicago. Val would always tease by saying she “robbed the cradle” even though he was 8 years older.

Merrill was a commercial pilot. He began his career in what he called the “golden age” of airline travel and finished by flying the big jets (L1011) to Europe. He caught the flying bug at the age of 6 when his mom bought him a ticket to ride a Ford Trimotor at a fair in Madison, WI. When he was in high school just after WW2, the Civil Air Patrol was established and he pursued aviation. He started taking flying lessons at Middleton, WI Airport, which was 25 miles away from his home. He rode his bike every 2 weeks to his $10.00 half-hour lesson. Since money was tight, it took him 2 years to get his private pilot’s license.

Merrill joined the National Guard. When the Korean Conflict broke out his unit was called up to serve under the Air Force (325th Fighter Interceptor Squadron out of Truax Field in WI). After his service he attended a Janesville, WI Vocational School (Blackhawk Aviation today) to become an Airframe & Power plant (A&P) mechanic. He then went on to get his flying instrument rating at American Flyers in Ft. Worth, TX. He worked 5 days a week as an airplane mechanic at American Flyers and on the weekends he would fly a DC-3 on charter flights. He flew college football teams, bankers, movie stars, and U.S. troops from coast to coast.

In the mid 50’s airline travel began to blossom. He got hired by Delta and flew as a flight engineer for 1 year, a co-pilot for 7, and then as a captain for the next 23 years. He retired in 1987 at age 57 after 31 years with Delta. One of his fondest memories was having the honor of flying the last DC3 from Chicago to Atlanta when that plane type was retired from the Delta fleet.

He was an early member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) with number 591 at the envy of many of his fellow aviators. EAA has over 220,000 members today. As a charter member of EAA Chapter 101 (Addison, IL), he formed lifelong friendships with many. If a prayer was needed before an EAA Chapter gathering, he was there to give it. Family summers were always filled with camping at the annual EAA National Conventions and visiting the family farm in Baraboo, WI.

He built two airplanes (PJ-260 Aero Sport and Van’s Aircraft RV-4) as well as helping with many of his friend’s projects and working on the many planes he owned during his lifetime. Whenever a tool or some advice was needed, Val was there to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Leora; his two children: Jeff (Kerry) Vallender of Normal, IL, Lisa (Mike) Cox of Bloomington, IL; a Son-In-Law Mike Antonoff of Punta Gorda, FL; six grandchildren: Mike Antonoff Jr., Rachael (Bradley) Behrens, Zachary (Kristy) Antonoff, Emily (Kendall) Oliver, Gretchen (Austin) Spencer, and Sean Cox; and ten great grandchildren: Mikayla, Maebel, Payton, Lydia, Lucille, Carly, Elouise, Elias, Cameron, and Rosalie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Raymond Heyroth, and daughter Susan Janette Antonoff.

In retirement, he kept busy with his many hobbies of skeet/trap shooting, woodworking, glass paperweight/pottery collecting, reading, solving puzzles, watching mystery themed shows, jewelry making, and being with family.

The family will have a private ceremony to celebrate Merrill.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or to the church of your choosing.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Martin Health Center for their kind and attentive care.