Melvin Charles Brent, United Airlines Captain, born in Chicago, April 25, 1940, the second of three sons born to Melvin and Betty Brent. Mel was raised in Chicago, graduated from Schurz High School and attended the University of Illinois on a NROTC Scholarship. After graduating, he began his flying career with the Navy. In 1968 he joined Eastern Airlines as a commercial pilot, continuing his career with United in 1989. Mel was a resident of Park Ridge and Schaumburg, IL for many years, currently living in Colorado. He was planning to retire October 1, 2000. Mel died September 17, 2000 while flying, with his brother Dick, in a private aircraft outside Boulder, CO. He is survived by his mother, Betty; his brother, Elwood; his three children, Mary, Tom and Scott; and his twin granddaughters, Emily and Haley. A Memorial Service was held September 22, 2000 in Boulder, CO. A celebration of Mel’s lifed is planned for Saturday, Oct. 21, 2000, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant at Palwaukee Airport in Wheeling, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Mel’s name to the Young American Education Foundation, 311 Steele St., Denver, CO 80206.
