Donald Carl (Don) Tusing 85 of Broadway, VA passed away peacefully April 12, 2024 at Shenandoah Terrace in New Market, VA.

He was born September 28, 1938 in Timberville, VA to Sturn H. Tusing and Mary Stayner Tusing. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by sisters; Phyllis Trumbo and Connie Shifflet, brothers; Eugene (Jack) Tusing and Clayton Tusing.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Eleanor Hoover Tusing, son; Gregory Carl Tusing and wife (Cheryl) of Broadway, VA, daughter; Donelle Sigmon and companion (Pete) of Calabash, NC, grandsons; Parker Sigmon and Mason Sigmon of Charlotte, NC, sister; Betty Lohr and brothers; Ellis Tusing and Terry Tusing.

He graduated from Broadway High School in 1957 and enlisted in the Army where he spent 4 years (2 in Germany) as a helicopter mechanic.  This is where he got his passion for aviation.  After the service he went to Spartan School of Aviation in Tulsa, OK and received his mechanic license.  He worked as a mechanic in Martinsburg, WV for several years and then went to Miami and received his commercial pilots license in 1964.  He flew for East Coast Flying Service out of Washington DC.  The next few years following he had the opportunity to fly The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five and Patty LaBelle.  He also met future President Richard Nixon.  In 1968 he got his big opportunity and went to work for Piedmont Airlines and then USAir where he retired in 1995 after 26 years.

He moved the family to Mooresville, NC in 1983.  Shortly after moving to NC he and Greg built two convenience stores and a sports store in Mooresville. He was an avid fisherman and fished in many striper tournaments in the southeast. After retiring he and Eleanor spent many years traveling around the country in their RV and gradually settled in Sebring, FL, before returning to the Shenandoah Valley 4 years ago.  Don had been in declining health for several years with Dementia.  As per his wishes the body was cremated and there will be a visitation on Friday, May 10th from 6:00-8:00 at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway VA. Burial will be private.  A celebration of Life is planned for later.

Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Broadway Rescue Squad.