Captain Allan James Stinson

Allan graduated from Solon High School in 1959, and enrolled in Kent State University and the ROTC program. In 1962 he was President of his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Allan did quite a bit of flying while in college. Allan graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology. He was a member of the Arnold Air Society.

After Basic Training in Rapid City, South Dakota, Allan spent a year at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas, training on the T-38. From January, 1965 to September, 1966, Allan was stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. He flew C-130’s all over the world.

Allan trained on the C-7A Caribou transport plane at Fort Benning, Georgia, in September, 1966. He flew this plane in Viet Nam from November, 1966 to November, 1967. On several occasions Allan transported entertainers performing for our troops in Viet Nam, including Martha Rae and Jonathan Winters. Upon his return Allan was transferred to Sewart AFB in Smyrna, Tennessee. Here he met and married Dawn Beasley on April 19, 1969.

In September, 1969, Allan served as a Caribou flight instructor at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. In August, 1970, he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He was treated at Wilford Hall Hospital in San Antonio and returned to active duty in January, 1971. After a progression of the disease Allan died at the hospital on September 16, 1971. Allan had requested cremation, and his ashes were buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Allan loved all vehicles- boats, planes, and cars. He especially treasured his 1964 Mustang convertible, 1963 Shelby Cobra, and his Austin Healey.

Allan was a loving son, as well as a wonderful brother to his sisters Lisa, Holly, Merry, and Robin. Merry’s son Allan is named for him. Allan’s father Robert Stinson died in 1990. His mother Dorothy, 91, still lives in Solon. Allan was beloved by friends everywhere he went.