Kenneth R. Volk, Jr.

SANGER, TX/ROME, NY ~ Kenneth R. Volk, Jr., 62, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Rome, sadly flew the last flight of his life aboard a Med Evac Air Unit to the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where he was taken following a motorcycle/car accident in Rush Springs, OK, on August 11, 2013.  Surrounded by his loving family, he died two days later on August 13, 2013, as the result of his injuries.

“Kenny”, as he was affectionately known by his sisters, was born in Rome, NY, on June 18, 1951, the only son of Kenneth R. and Jeanne McKay Volk, Sr., and was graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1969.  He then attended Parks Aeronautical College in St. Louis, MO, and later transferred to SUNY at Geneseo from where he received his BS degree in Biology in 1973.

A proud veteran, he entered the US Air Force in May, 1975, at Beale AFB, CA, and served as a Navigator with the 9th AREFS, DO on a KC135 Stratotanker.  He was honorably discharged as a Captain in November, 1979.

Following his military service, Ken began his civilian aviation career as a corporate pilot based in Oklahoma flying mostly King Airs until 1984, after which he was hired by Oneida County, NY Airport-based Empire Airlines as a pilot flying commercial air routes.  In 1985 he accepted a Detroit-based position with Delta Northwest Airlines, where for over the next 27 years he piloted Boeing 727’s, 757’s and B767’s on innumerous domestic flights and was among the airline’s elite fleet of pilots especially trained and qualified to captain its many international routes.  Since retiring as a loyal and highly respected Captain in October, 2012 from Delta Northwest, he had continued his professional career as the President of his airplane restoration company, Olde Tyme Air, in Dallas.  He also was a respected and highly-skilled private flight instructor having taught flying and maneuvers to many students including astronauts.  
    
As a young boy, Ken had a keen interest for and enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, which undoubtedly began with his admiration for his Dad, Ken Sr., who was a decorated B-24 pilot having flown 50 missions in the Army Air Corps during WW II.  Later in life, Ken built a replica of the Stearman his Dad flew and proudly displayed it at many fly-ins and was always eager to give everyone a ride in it.  It was truly his pride and joy!  
Ken also took great pleasure in residing at the BAR-V-K Airpark in Sanger, TX, where he could land and take off in his plane at his pleasure.  Ken was also a devoted dog rescuer.  He currently had owned three “rescued” dogs and frequently donated his time and skills flying animals to their new “forever” homes for the Pilots N Paws Rescue Organization.

His professional memberships and affiliations included AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association), ALPA (Airline Pilots Association International), and the Stearman Restorers Association.  He was also a member of HOG (Harley Owners Group) and loved riding his Harley which he was doing at the time of his accident.

Kenny was best known by all who knew him for his infectious laugh and handsome smile, his unique caring of others, his willingness to always help anyone, especially someone in need, and his absolute love for his family.

Surviving are his daughter, Emily Mary Volk, Denton, TX; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Sheila R. and Robert Wentworth, Sandwich (Cape Cod), MA, Barbara V. and Donald Page, Leland, NC, and Marcia V. and Paul Marcellus, Rome, NY, and nieces Courtney J. Sobrado, Leicester, NY, and Jenna C. Marcellus, Rochester, NY.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at his home at 6849 Falcon Loop, in Sanger, TX, on October 5, 2013.

Memorial Donations may be made to Pilots N Paws, c/o 4651 Howe Rd., Landrum, SC 29356.

To view Kenny’s on-line obituary or extend a message of sympathy, please visit www.scanlonfuneral.com.

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