Willard J. Teft

Will Teft was born to Willard Jay and Sarah Katherine Teft on October 8, 1933, on August 11,2007…he slipped the surly bonds of earth.for the last time. Will grew up in Benton Harbor, MI with his sisters, MaryElla, Millie, and Norma. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1952. After graduation he attended Junior College and then joined the U.S. Air Force. Will was fond of saying ‘it’s not where you are born but where you have sense to go.’ He wanted to fly! He always encouraged people to do what they loved and if they can get paid for it- that was a bonus. After successfully completing flight school, he began flying B-25’s, C-47’s, and C-45’s. In 1954, on a blind date in Orlando he met Mary Ellen Hill. They fell in love and married in 1955. In 1957 Will was discharged from the Air Force and hired by Northeast Airlines. In December of that year he and Mary Ellen welcomed their first child Ellen Denise into the world. Two years later Will was flying as co-pilot on DC-3’s and 6’s up and down the east coast. In February 1960 Will was overjoyed to welcome his second daughter Terri Lee . He continued to climb the airline ranks and received his Captain license on DC-6’s and 7’s in 1962. That same year he and Mary Ellen had their first son Craig Jay. His airline career never satisfied his love for general aviation, particularly aerobatics. He met Curtis Pitts in 1966. Curtis had been a hero of Will’s for sometime and in the years that followed they formed an unbreakable bond. Will test flew Pitts aerobatic planes and competed in aerobatic competitions. He was ranked 5th Nationally in 1969 and received his Captain’s rating for jets that same year. 1969 also brought the birth of twins Curtis Arthur and Mary Katherine. His family was complete! Will spent the rest of his life achieving true success. True success as defined by Will was a family that he loved and who loved him. He reveled in his children and supported them in every endeavor. In 1993 Will retired after a distinguished 36 year airline career. After his retirement, Will filled his days building new Pitts proto-type airplanes with Curtis Pitts and enjoying his family. He often visited his children as grandchildren began to arrive. In 1999 his wife Mary Ellen passed away and Will started a new century in 2000 by finding true love again in Claire Metscher. Will enjoyed sharing his life and his children with Claire. Will Teft was an extraordinary father, husband, brother and friend. Those who knew him considered themselves lucky. Will was famous for saying he’d rather have luck than skill. Will had both in spades. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.