Matthew Donald Akstin
July 8, 1931 ~ June 21, 2017 (age 85) 85 Years Old
Matthew Akstin Obituary
Matthew Donald Akstin, born in Astoria, NY in July of 1931, passed away on June 21, 2017, just a few days shy of his 86th birthday.
Matthew will be interred next to his wife, Janet, at Baldwin Memorial Cemetery in Robertsdale, AL. according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga.
Matthew was a lover of machinery, engines in particular. He served in the Air National Guard during the Korean War as Crew Chief for his Gooney Bird. During his voluntary enlistment, Matthew passed the GED, and later utilized the G.I. Bill to achieve his pilot's license and instructor's rating. Through his keen knowledge of aviation, Matthew was noticed, and given the opportunity to take a test for Eddie Rickenbacker's Eastern Airlines at Rockefeller Center.
Matthew's prowess earned him the responsibility of Captain for Eastern Airlines. He is now named as a pioneer of commercial aviation on a plaque in Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport. He loved to fly the DC-9, and was the pilot of the last commercial flight of the Lockheed Constellation. Captain Akstin flew 29 years, before retiring to care for his wife, Janet Phalen Akstin in 1986. They sold their home, and lived full-time in a beautiful motorhome, where Matthew could dedicate twenty-four hours to nursing, yet still embrace life, seeing America with Jan. Matthew enjoyed visiting family and friends in the coach, and was invigorated by the freedom. He often recommended the lifestyle.
Janet predeceased Matt in 1997, as did his parents Daisy and Marty Akstin, and his brother, Richard Allen, all of Robertsdale, AL.
Matthew is survived by his sister, Simonee of Warwick, NY; brother, Wayne of Hillsborough, NC; son, Matthew Daniel Akstin of Juneau, AK; and daughter Kerry Britt of Columbus, Georgia. Matthew proudly boasts of his grandchildren: Matthew Douglas Akstin of Acworth, GA; Anja Marie Akstin of Tampa, FL; Christopher Drew Akstin, a student at Embry - Riddle University in Daytona, FL; Cole Britt, a student at Georgia Military College in Columbus, GA; and youngest grandchild, Kelly Britt, age 12, of Columbus, GA. Great grandchildren are Ava Danielle Akstin and Matthew Damian Akstin, of Acworth, GA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the scholarship fund of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association. https://www.aopa.org/donation/oneclickdonation?keycode=R1612WP01&_ga=1.262431182.310185605.1455221345
Matthew will be interred next to his wife, Janet, at Baldwin Memorial Cemetery in Robertsdale, AL. according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga.
Matthew was a lover of machinery, engines in particular. He served in the Air National Guard during the Korean War as Crew Chief for his Gooney Bird. During his voluntary enlistment, Matthew passed the GED, and later utilized the G.I. Bill to achieve his pilot's license and instructor's rating. Through his keen knowledge of aviation, Matthew was noticed, and given the opportunity to take a test for Eddie Rickenbacker's Eastern Airlines at Rockefeller Center.
Matthew's prowess earned him the responsibility of Captain for Eastern Airlines. He is now named as a pioneer of commercial aviation on a plaque in Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport. He loved to fly the DC-9, and was the pilot of the last commercial flight of the Lockheed Constellation. Captain Akstin flew 29 years, before retiring to care for his wife, Janet Phalen Akstin in 1986. They sold their home, and lived full-time in a beautiful motorhome, where Matthew could dedicate twenty-four hours to nursing, yet still embrace life, seeing America with Jan. Matthew enjoyed visiting family and friends in the coach, and was invigorated by the freedom. He often recommended the lifestyle.
Janet predeceased Matt in 1997, as did his parents Daisy and Marty Akstin, and his brother, Richard Allen, all of Robertsdale, AL.
Matthew is survived by his sister, Simonee of Warwick, NY; brother, Wayne of Hillsborough, NC; son, Matthew Daniel Akstin of Juneau, AK; and daughter Kerry Britt of Columbus, Georgia. Matthew proudly boasts of his grandchildren: Matthew Douglas Akstin of Acworth, GA; Anja Marie Akstin of Tampa, FL; Christopher Drew Akstin, a student at Embry - Riddle University in Daytona, FL; Cole Britt, a student at Georgia Military College in Columbus, GA; and youngest grandchild, Kelly Britt, age 12, of Columbus, GA. Great grandchildren are Ava Danielle Akstin and Matthew Damian Akstin, of Acworth, GA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the scholarship fund of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association. https://www.aopa.org/donation/oneclickdonation?keycode=R1612WP01&_ga=1.262431182.310185605.1455221345
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew Donald Akstin, please visit our floral store.
Friends and family have shared their relationship to show their support.
How do you know Matthew Donald Akstin?
We are sorry for your loss.
Help others honor Matthew's memory.
Email
Print
Copy
Services
You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Matthew Donald Akstin
© 2024 McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility