Jesse E. Trevathan, Jr., 94, of Vero Beach, passed away of complications from lung cancer and CHF on April 26, 2015.
He passed away at “martini time,” at home, with his loving wife of 48 years, Laila, and children at his side.
Born in 1921 in Laurens, S.C. to parents Jesse and Mary, he was the third of seven children.
He is survived by his brother, Louis and two sisters, Mary Catherine and Vivian.
A teenager and senior class valedictorian during the Great Depression, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill when events in Pearl Harbor inspired him to contribute to the war effort by joining the Army Air Corps. He successfully captained 87 missions over the “Hump” in a B-24 Liberator during World War II earning two DFC’s.
Returning home to begin a 35-year career with National Air Lines, he and his first wife Beatrice had three children, Kimberly, Jesse and Ben. He later married Laila and raised two children, John and Lesley.
His flying career spanned five decades in which he learned to fly in the Stearman biplane and eventually he became an international captain flying the Boeing 747. Retired 34 years, Trevathan enjoyed traveling and family visits with his children, nine grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and many more extended family members and friends.
His optimism, integrity and kindness were an inspiration to us all. He and Laila have lived in Vero Beach for 19 years. He always called it, his “paradise.” A private memorial will be held at a later time. An online guestbook is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.