Don Clifford Commer

Born in Valley Township, Kansas, on November 8, 1926, Don was the fifth of six siblings: Francis, Phillip, Betty, Claribel, and his twin brother Dean. He grew up in Kansas with a love of flight that would define his life. He began flying on July 2, 1943, and completed his first solo on October 12, 1943. He earned his private pilot’s license on December 20, 1944.

On March 28, 1945, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces as part of the 10th Air Force, training on B-29 aircraft at Lowry Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1945, and continued his service as an Air Force Reservist until 1948.

He earned his commercial pilot’s license on May 20, 1946, and his instructor certification on May 21, 1946. From 1948 to 1950, he worked as an air taxi and sky taxi pilot. Don enrolled at Spartan School of Aeronautics on April 1, 1949, earning his engine mechanic certification on April 24, 1949, his instrument rating on February 24, 1950, and his aircraft mechanic certification on March 1, 1950.

On August 22, 1950, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, serving until August 21, 1951. He earned his multi-engine rating on November 16, 1953, and his airline transport rating on February 5, 1957.

Following his military service and training, Don flew for Warren Petroleum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1962, he transitioned to Colonial Pipeline in Atlanta, where he served as chief executive pilot until his retirement in November 1989, having flown Twin Beeches, a Queen Air, King Air 100, and Cessna Citation. In retirement he would fly his Cessna Cardinal, often accompanied by Mary or his flying buddies at the Gainesville, Georgia airport.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mary Commer, and his sons, Mark Commer and Steven Commer. He is survived by his children Kimberly Turnbow and David Commer (Lynn); stepchildren Terri Jo Reeves (Michael) and Teresa Durand; grandchildren Joshua, Kara, Bridget, Christopher, Sarah, AnnaLeah, Matthew, Melissa, Suzanna, Holly, and Rosie; and many great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward. He was also a loved uncle to his many nieces and nephews, who would travel cross-country to visit with him often and hear his stories that he had both on the ground and in the skies he loved so much.

In lieu of flowers, Dad often said that he would rather you have some ice cream and have good thoughts as you look to the sky.