Kenneth O. Sass was born February 22, 1932 in Hooper, Nebraska to Roma(Uehling) and Werner Sass and passed away on October 16, 2006 in Midland, TX. He joined the United States Air Force when he was 18 earning FAA certificates as a Flight Engineer/Instructor/Mechanic while serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This led to a career flying the DC3, B25, B29, C97 and C141 planes accumulating more than 30,000 hours.Retiring from the United States Air Force with 28 years of experience Ken went on to fly with Rosenbam Aviations, Trans Continental Airlines, Kalitta-American International Airways and The Commemorative Air Force. He transported everything from Salmon in Alaska to VIP's all over the world.When Ken was not flying he enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren. Ken met his wife Erna while touring the nation and flying the Commemorative Air Force's B29 "Fifi" to air shows. Erna shared his love for the planes and traveled in the Commemorative Air Forces C46 "The Tinker Bell." He is also survived by his brothers' Jim (Janie) Sass of Ceres, CA., Larry (Karen) Sass of Salem, OR.; three sons' Kenneth (Alycia) Sass of St. Joseph, MI., Jerry Banister of California, and Jimmie B. Ward of Waco, TX.; four daughters: Betty (Ron) Ulery of St. Joseph, MI, Yolanda (Michael) Stamper of Hobbs, NM., Dawn (Frank) Tucker of Odessa, TX., Jana Ward of Denton, TX. and former wife Darline Sass of Moreno Valley, CA. He will also be missed by his 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Ken was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be Wednesday, October 18, 6-8pm followed by a memorial service on Thursday October 19th at 2pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring, Midland, Texas. Mr. Sass will be interred at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, 12004 S Spur 56A, Maxwell, NE at 11am on Monday, October 23, 2006.The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made to United States Aviation Museum, P.O. Box 21846, South Euclid, Ohio 44121 for restoration of the B-29 "DOC."Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
