Don Doud

Don Doud passed away peacefully in Palos Verdes overlooking the lights of Los Angeles on the evening of June 14, 2014. He succumbed to complications from a stroke on May 24, 2014. Don was born in Seymour, Indiana on April 21, 1926. His family lived in Seymour, Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, Chicago, IL and Louisville, KY during his adolescence. He grew up with aviation in his soul and started building model airplanes when a young boy. Don answered the call and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944 and was trained as a Liaison Pilot. He was preparing to deploy to China when the Pacific War ended in August, 1945. He was honorably discharged from Sheppard Field, TX and promptly bought a surplus Boeing Stearman trainer for $690 to fly home at only 19 years old. He used his new airplane to barnstorm across the Midwest including trips to Purdue University where he studied his second interest, horticulture.

Purdue was where Don met his only love, Catherine "Katie" Koontz at a Kappa Delta Rho fraternity function. Don graduated from Purdue in 1950 and married Katie in January 1953. Don and Katie raised four children; daughters Marsha, Karen, Julie and son Leslie. Don held various positions after college before getting hired by Capital Airlines in 1955 flying copilot on DC-3s throughout the Midwest. After Capital was purchase by United Airlines, Don went on to have a long, rewarding career flying several airplanes including the DC-6, DC-7, Vickers Viscount, Lockheed Constellation, B-727, B737, DC-8 and DC-10 from bases in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA. His wife Katie passed away in 1977 and he never remarried.

During his career with United, Don grew Orchids in his time off and after retirement in 1986, he continued to enjoy his love of horticulture by growing a beautiful rose garden at his home in Palos Verdes. He was also a Ham Radio enthusiast and enjoyed talking with people around the world.

Don was a generous man supporting all those he loved with his time and resources. He will be missed by several, loyal friends that enjoyed his gentle and thoughtful soul.

He is survived by his four children Marsha, Karen, Julie, Leslie, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his sister Arla.

Godspeed Dad! May you have full tanks, tailwinds and fair skies forever! Meet us at the gate when our flight arrives…


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275