Jose Michael Macapagal
May 22, 1961 — January 8, 2026
Retired Crew Chief Michael passed away after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. I man who deeply loved his family and friends will be missed.
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Randall Joseph Rima
November 22, 1952 - January 8, 2026
Randall (Randy) Joseph Rima, 73, passed away at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, MO after a courageous battle with ALS. Randy was born on November 22, 1952, in Decorah, IA to Robert and Agnes (Schemmel) Rima. He is survived by his beloved wife Luann (Knoll) Rima. Randy grew up in the Decorah, Iowa area, where he graduated from high school in 1971. He spent a few years at Indian Hills Community College before he was drafted in the US Army and spent his term stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. After his time in the service, he returned to college at University of New Mexico. Later, he began a long career with American Airlines as a baggage handler in Albuquerque, Kansas City, and ultimately in Dallas, TX. He retired in 2010 and he and Luann made their final home permanent at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2012. He was an avid golfer, and was a proud founding member of the Motley Crew golf group at the Lake. He also enjoyed his travel time with Luann, going on cruises (her favorite), including several trips to Hawaii.
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Michael Dean Hemphill
June 21, 1954 – January 31, 2026
Michael went to greet the Lord in the early morning hours of January 31st after a brief but valiant battle with esophageal cancer. He was blessed to pass peacefully in his sleep at home. Mike was born in Monett, Missouri to Harley and Mary Hemphill and was the eldest of five siblings. Mike enjoyed the outdoors and working with his hands all his life. He spent most of his professional career working with Burlington Northern, Eastern Airlines, TWA Airlines, and American Airlines as a mechanic and maintenance worker. He almost always kept livestock of some sort, enjoyed fishing, and could spend hours simply sitting in the woods.
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Jay E. Hoover
June 9th,1948 - February 14th, 2026
Jay had a 41-year career with American Airlines which led him and Joy to move to Texas in 1973 to raise their family. Jay enjoyed many interests over the years including racing his '66 Chevelle, bowling, bass fishing, golf, jogging, and competing in vertical marathons. Jay absolutely loved spending time outdoors and spent his retirement years tending to his abundant vegetable garden, gathering and shelling pecans, and lounging by the pool.
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Paul Franklin Runkles
March 19, 1944 — February 21, 2026
Paul spent 44 years as a Crew Chief for American Airlines, where he earned a reputation as someone you could always count on. He believed in showing up, doing the job right, and never cutting corners. He was a straight shooter with a sharp, sarcastic wit, the kind of man who told you exactly what he thought, but somehow made you laugh while he did it. He gave advice without judgment, stood by his word, and worked harder than anyone in the room.
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James Harry Shepperd
August 13, 1954 - March 3, 2026
James was born on August 13, 1954 in San Antonio TX as the first born of three children to Della and Thadius Shepperd. Most friends and family members knew James affectionately as "P.A." and most of his work family knew him as "Shep". James spent most of his first 11 years in Los Angeles, California until his family moved back to Arkansas in the mid 60s. Classrooms weren't his thing and he left school at 16 and moved out and supported himself ever since. He eventually followed in the footsteps of his father Thad in what proved to be a long and rewarding career at American Airlines that landed him in St Louis, Pittsburgh, Little Rock, Tulsa, and ultimately Dallas until he retired. When he wasn't running his crew as the crew chief at American Airlines he was on his lawnmower successfully running his own business in Tulsa, Oklahoma just because he could and because he loved to work and "make things, make things, make things!" as his Uncle Doug likes to say.
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Tori Shields
August 13th 1967 - March 2, 2026
It is with great sadness, we share that Tori Shields, fleet service clerk, with American Airlines passed away. Our hearts are broken by this loss.She loved her family and friends deeply, and that love was returned by so many who knew her. She loved the color pink and was full of life with a great smile and lots of hugs to everyone she crossed paths with.
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TIMOTHY GONZALES HALL
August 24, 1963 - March 5, 2026
Timothy Gonzales Hall, age 62, passed away on March 5 in Hermitage, Tennessee. Tim worked for many years at DFW before transferring back home to work in Tennessee. Tim was a great friend and left a mark on the hearts of his friends in Dallas as well as Nashville. He will surely be missed by all.
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Mrs. Juanita E Anderson
August 28, 1948 – March 5, 2026
Juanita's early years in Longview were marked by her spirited nature and a deep commitment to learning. She was a proud graduate of the Mary C. Womack High School class of 1966. She worked alongside her mother and sisters in domestic service, a longstanding source of livelihood for many Black women in the Deep South. Her thirst for knowledge led her to California, where she pursued professional studies, laying the groundwork for an incredible career. She began her professional journey as a key punch operator at TXI before finding her calling at American Airlines. She loved her co-workers and cultivated a family-like environment with food and laughter. Juanita dedicated 20 years of service to American Airlines as a Fleet/Cabin Service Clerk, retiring with commendations for her exceptional work and dedication.
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Stephen (Steve) Daniel Carter
March 19, 1962 ~ March 21, 2026
For over 40 years, Steve dedicated his career to American Airlines, where he was known as an incredible leader who led with integrity, wisdom, and genuine care for others. After retiring in June 2024, he stepped into a new chapter, excited to live out the dreams he and Carol had worked so hard to achieve.Beyond his career, Steve faithfully served as Pastor of Eden Blessing Tabernacle for 13 years. He had a special gift for making the Bible understandable and meaningful to everyone he reached. He loved Jesus deeply and was passionate about teaching others to know Him, often encouraging others to seek faith and reminding them that no one is promised tomorrow. Steve leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, kindness, and love. He will be remembered as a man who stood strong in his beliefs, honored God in all circumstances, and lived with gratitude for the life he was given.
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Alan Wayne Judd
October 31st, 1960–March 23rd, 2026
t is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Alan Wayne Judd, a courageous man who was born in Amarillo, Texas on October 31, 1960. He departed from this life on March 23, 2026, while residing in Arlington, Texas. Alan was a cherished member of his community, respected for his resilient spirit. His life was a living embodiment of the quote, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." Throughout his lifetime, Alan demonstrated his courage in countless ways, serving as an inspiration for those around him.
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Donell Elaine Davis
October 24th, 1962–March 24th, 2026
Donell embraced life with the grace and determination of a true adventurer, embarking on a rewarding career with American Airlines. Through this role, she soared across the skies, forming connections and friendships that spanned far and wide. Though her journey was not without its challenges, Donell's 32 years of recovery were a testament to her enduring strength and unyielding spirit. Recently celebrating her 12-year sobriety chip, she embodied the belief that every day is a gift, sharing her wisdom and love with those fortunate enough to cross her path.
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James Manuel Murphy
July 16, 1942 – April 5, 2026
Jim accomplished many things in his life, both personally and professionally. He began working at the age of six in the well-water service business with his father and later worked in the oil industry after leaving the Army. He went on to work for American Airlines for 30 years, earning numerous accolades, including a remarkable 10-year span without taking a sick day. In addition, he worked as a mechanic, rebuilding car engines on weekends and after work. Jim and his wife, Lonnie, enjoyed restoring cars together to sell. Even after retirement, he continued working at O’Reilly Auto Parts so he could enjoy discounts that supported his passion for working on cars.
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Reynaldo "Rey" Barrera Jr
December 14, 1943 - April 7, 2026
Rey enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. He served both in the United States and two years in Ankara, Turkey. After completing his military service, he settled in the DFW area. He went on to work for 32 years at American Airlines in Dallas, TX where he was a dedicated coworker and built lifelong friendships. His colleagues often said, “He was old school in the best way—believing in hard work, showing up, and getting the job done right.” He was recognized for not missing a single day of work over a 20-year span. Thirty of his 32 years were spent handling cargo, and he served as a Crew Chief when he retired.
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Kerry Allan Hein
April 7, 1954 – April 10, 2026
He really enjoyed playing his flight simulator for hours and video games that challenged him. He made multiple trips a year, traveling to Odessa, Tx to visit family and friends. Kerry worked for Ogden Aviation Services from 1984, retiring in 2021. Supplying services alternately between both airports, starting at Love Field and later transferring to DFW. He worked in fuel maintenance maintaining all fueling equipment and pumps to include maintenance and measurement of aircraft fuel and supplies.
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Deanna McClleland Donoho
October 8th, 1937–April 17th, 2026
Deanna was born and raised in Northern Missouri. After her Dad died, she and her mother moved to Belle, Mo, where she graduated from high school and met her husband. From there they moved to Chillicothe, MO, where they started their family and lived for several years before moving to Kansas City. She and her family attended St. Catherine's Catholic Church. Several years later, the family moved to the DFW area where she spent the rest of her life primarily in Ellis Co. Deanna enjoyed travel and worked for American Airlines for several years in Fleet Service. Prior to her years with AA, she worked in the hospitality industry as an Assistant Executive Housekeeper for Hyatt in Dallas. Her travels took her to many places, from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Singapore in Southeast Asia and many places in between. In addition to travel, she loved the ocean and island life, having lived for several months in Cozumel working at a hotel there. She also had a love of antiques and enjoyed collecting and displaying all her treasures. Her love of animals was evident throughout her life, caring for and loving her many pets.
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Marylee "ROCKY" O'Connor
Passed away April 25th, 2026
Rocky was a woman who believed deeply in the value of hard work and took great pride in everything she did and was so proud to be part of the American Airlines family.Rocky, chasing a lifelong dream to work for an airline, wrote to then CEO Bob Crandall, letting him know she was a veteran, wanting to work for AA and he told her to put in an application and he'll make sure she was hired.She began her career at 53, proving that it’s never too late to pursue dreams,and worked faithfully until she was 67.
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Bruce Albert Clay
March 30, 1941 - April 26, 2026
Bruce's formal education was acquired through the Oklahoma City Public Schools. He attended Page and Edwards Elementary; F. D. Moon Junior High; graduating from Douglass Senior High Class of 1959. Bruce completed the Dale Carnegie for effective speaking and Human Relations courses. Then he attended EOC College in Edmond, Oklahoma. His career pursuits began in Oklahoma City as a manager at TG&Y. He became interested in Real Estate and received his license. Bruce became a member of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors. Bruce married Dorie, the love of his life, on October 11, 1981. They later relocated to Arlington, Texas, where he secured employment with American Airlines until his retirement. They later moved to Mansfield, Texas, where they resided until his final days.
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TROY WAYNE MILES SR
June 16, 1973 - May 8, 2026
Troy Miles a great father, grandfather, husband and friend, passed away on the morning of April 8th. His family wants you to know the 3 things he loved the most were God, family and the Dallas Cowboys. In that order!
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Jim Andrew Nichols
April 5, 1942 — May 7, 2026
Jim Andrew Nichols, 84, of Boyd, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Jim was born on April 5, 1942, in Kermit, Texas, to Hubert M. and Lois Mable Nichols (Hardaway), who preceded him in death.Jim lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and unconditional love for others. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. His understanding heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need left a lasting impression on all who knew him. To his family and friends, Jim was simply a very good man.
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