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Russell T. (Tom) Dawe left his family and friends to be with the Lord on August 7, 1999. Tom Dawe was born on June 21, 1926 in Gallup, New Mexico to Russell C. and Mable E. Dawe. In 1934 the family moved to Albuquerque. He graduated Albuquerque High School in 1944 the same year he married his highschool sweetheart, Mary Jo Moran. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 2. Tom served in the Army Air Corps Cadet Program during World War II. Following his military service Tom studied at Spartan School of Aeronautics from which he graduated in 1946. From 1946 until 1949, he taught aviation at Highlands University in Las Vegas, until he went to work for Carco Air Service as a pilot and mechanic in Albuquerque. He continued pursuing his passion for aviation when he was hired as a pilot with United Airlines in 1953. During his 33 year career with United, he flew every plane in the company's fleet, from the DC-3 to the 747. As a pilot, he represented all of the United Air Line pilots as Chairman of the Master Executive Council for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). Following his service with the pilots' union, Tom moved into management, where he was named Chief Pilot for New York and then later for United's flight operations at O'Hare International Airport, United's largest operation as well as the busiest airport in the world. At that time of his retirement from United in 1986, he was a 747 Captain for United in Chicago. In retirement, Tom continued with his love of aviation by restoring vintage aircraft at his home on Mid Valley Airpark in Los Lunas. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen (QBs) and the Los Lunas Escadrille, which met weekly in his hangar at Mid Valley Airpark. At the time of his death, Tom held the oldest Air Frame and Engine (A & E) Mechanics' certificate in New Mexico, having obtained it in 1946. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Mary Jo, Tom is survived by his mother, Rev. Mable E. Dawe, Pastor of Faith Chapel; his son, Tom and his wife, Melinda Dawe of Albuquerque; a daughter, Mitzi and her husband, Rick Hobson of Corrales; and son, Kevin (KC) Dawe and Kathy Allen Dawe of New Jersey. In addition, Tom is survived by four grandchildren, Ian Tyler, Kevin and Jacob Dawe. His faithful companion, Gus, his Boston Terrier is also at the family home. Pallbearers will be his sons, Tom and K.C.; son-in-law, Rick Hobson; grandsons, Ian and Tyler Dawe; and nephew, Richard Booth. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Tom's beloved Los Lunas Escadrille. In addition, two grandsons, Kevin and Jacob Dawe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Presbyterian Lifeline, c/o Presbyterian Foundation, P.O. Box 26666, Albuquerque, 87125-6666. Services will be held Wednesday, August 11, 1999, 10:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, with Rev. Mable E. Dawe and Rev. Tom Salmon officiating. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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