Earl OUTLAND, 53, of 501 Cessna Lane, manager of the Mt. Vernon Airport, died suddenly last night from a heart attack. He was stricken at a new home the family was building in Field township, in northeastern Jefferson county and was pronounced dead at 11:35 p.m.

Mr. Outland was one of Jefferson county's best known men and, although it was known that he had a serious heart condition for some time, his death came as a shock to the community and his many friends.

Guided Airport Growth

Mr. OUTLAND, who had a distinguished career in aviation was one of the leaders whose hard work and vision has resulted in the great growth of the Mt. Vernon Municipal Airport until it is today one of the finest small city airports in the United States. Head of Mt. Vernon's best known "flying family," he had served as airport manager here on two occasions, for a total of 17 years.

After ten years as head of the local airport he resigned in 1953 to become operator of the airport at Abilene, Texas.

On October 1, 1959 he returned to Mt. Vernon and took over operation of the airport upon his appointment as manager of the local Airport Authority. His son, Jack, then 19 but an experienced pilot with a commercial license, became associated with his father in operation of the airport and has assisted in the operation ever since.

World War Flyer

Mr. OUTLAND operated the Mt. Vernon Airport for two years before entering the Air Force in 1941, during World War II. After five years of service as an Air Force captain, he received his discharge in 1946 and again assumed the managership of the local airport.

A crack pilot with an outstanding record of war service, Mr. Outland mapped out and flew the first continuous around-the- world flight under the Air Transport Command during the war. The U.S. government at that time was mapping a shuttle flying route around the world.

Each member of Mr. OUTLAND's family is an experienced airplane pilot. Mrs. Outland made her first solo flight prior to World War II and both of their sons, Bill and Jack, soloed on their 16th birthdays.

On February 26, 1951 Bill soloed on his 16th birthday while Mr. and Mrs. OUTLAND and ten-year-old Jack watched. Even then, young Jack had had many hours at the controls of a plane, but because of his age his father, or another instructor, always went along. Six years later when he was 16, the youngest age possible, Jack went on his solo flight.

Bill was a teacher at Bluford high school last term.

Only this week he and his wife moved to Houston, Texas. Jack has been assistant manager of the Mt. Vernon Airport since the family returned here from Texas seven years ago.

Chamber President

Mr. Outland was president of the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce in 1963, and performed an outstanding job of community service during a busy year of accomplishments.

Besides serving as airport manager, he was the owner of Outland Aviation Company, which is based at the airport.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Lions Club and the Amvets.

Funeral Monday

Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian church. The Rev. Robert Freytag will officiate and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. His many friends may call at Myers Chapel after 4:00 p.m. Sunday. At noon Monday the body will be taken to the church to lie in state until the funeral hour.

Mr. Outland was born November 18, 1912 in Jefferson county, the son of Elmer and Cora (RAINES) OUTLAND.

On August 2, 1931 he was married at Fairfield to Kathryn HENRY, who survives.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Bill and Jack; his father, Elmer OUTLAND of Bluford; two brothers, Mickey Outland of Mt. Vernon and Hubert OUTLAND of Bluford; and six sisters, Eula FOSHEE and Eleanor FRITZ of Rockford, Omal WHALEN of Galesburg, Clara DONOHO of Bluford, Pauline WILLIAMS of Wilmore, Ky and Evelyn SHIELDS of Belleville.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: June 1966
Submitted by: Janet Johnson - May 24, 1998
Relationship: Niece