David R. Wooden
1932 ~ 2024
Captain David R. Wooden, age 91, died July 22, 2024 at Grand Itasca Clinic in Minnesota after an auto accident that occurred the afternoon of July 18, 2024.
Dave was born on November 26, 1932, at Riverside, IL to Richard and Susan (McLaughlin) Wooden. He was a good student with a bent toward technology and science. After high school he attended college in his home state - Illinois. In late 1952 & early 1953 the United States was deeply engrossed in the Korean War. It was no surprise that his local Draft Board sent Dave a notice of inquiry preceding induction into the Army. Dave opted to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet rather than face induction into the Army as a draftee.
In early May 1953 David Wooden passed through the much-acclaimed gates of NAS Pensacola as a Naval Aviation Cadet pilot trainee. By his own accounts Dave enjoyed his military flight training. He loved describing basic flight training in the famed SNJ-4 Texan. His advanced training was at NAS Kingsville, Texas where he arrived at jet age with the T2V trainer and F9F fighter.
Upon earning his Wings of Gold, Dave was commissioned a 2/Lt. in the USMC and assigned to MCAS Cherry Point, NC. His initial assignment was to VMF-122, the first Marine squadron to fly the FJ-2 Fury, the Naval counterpart to the North American Sabre Jet.
In short time Dave found himself doing aircraft carrier duty in Asian waters. After extended sea duty, Dave returned to Cherry Point and ferried (flew) a wide range of older fighters to Bone Yard airfields for long term storage or dismantling.
Dave yearned for more time at home and when the opportunity arose to separate from the active military, he opted to revert to reserve status. At the time of his separation Northwest Airlines was hiring pilots. Dave’s official date of hire at NWA was August 07, 1957.
The year 1957 was still before the arrival of jet aircraft at Northwest Airlines. Dave soon found himself in the right seat of the Douglas DC-4. 
As seniority permitted Dave checked out as copilot on the DC-6B, the DC-7 and eventually the magnificent Boeing Stratocruiser. The turboprop Lockheed Electra arrived on property at NWA in July 1959. The NWA fleet was soon to transition to the jet age.
In time Dave checked out as captain on the Electra, an airplane that permitted months of enjoyable domestic flying. His move to the pure jet aircraft came with the Boeing 720 and 320 series. Dave was a very accomplished Boeing 707 series captain and a delight to work with. He met the dream of his peers by qualifying and flying as captain on the Boeing 747 Classic. Dave put aside his fight bag for the last time and retired to the lake country of Minnesota in November 1992
After retirement, Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, lake life, and time with many great friends. Mr. Wooden was a dedicated husband and father and dearly loved his Family. He loved life and always had a welcoming smile that will be greatly missed!
A few years ago, Dave visited the Fagen Fighter WWII Museum at Granite Falls, Minnesota. Having flown many of the aircraft within, the museum staff interviewed Dave about his unique aviation past. The video of that interview can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/FagenFightersWwiiMuseum/videos/us-marine-veteran-david-wooden/2748530662121092/
David Wooden was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Karen Wooden and Lorna Wooden; brothers, Bruce and Neil Wooden; and Grandson, Braedon Mclaughlin. David is survived by daughter; Susan Mclaughlin, and Son, Richard Wooden; as well as Grandson, Austin Mclaughlin.
Captain Wooden, we were honored to share your cockpit.
(-Wooden Family and Bill Day)