“Donald R. Cress, Principal and Aviation Department Manager for PDR Engineers, Inc., in Lexington, Kentucky, passed away January 16, 1997, at his home after a long illness.
Don received his Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1958 and his Masters of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1960, both from the University of Kentucky. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Don started his career in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command Headquarters at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He was an officer on the staff of the Director of Civil Engineering responsible for the planning activities at 19 air bases in the western half of the U.S. After the Air Force, Don went to work for the Kentucky Department of Highways, where he served as a staff assistant to the Highway Commissioner and managed the Off ice of Program Management. After this, Don worked for Spindletop Research, Inc., in Lexington as Manager of the Transportation Program for the applied research organization. Don also worked for Landrum and Brown, Inc., in Cincinnati as Vice President. He was responsible for their marketing program, and conducted assignments for the firm’s air service and airport physcial planning consulting practice. After leaving Landrum and Brown, Don founded his own consulting firm, Cress and Associates, and in 1989, after 1 O years, dissolved the firm and went to work for PDR Engineers, Inc. While at PDR, Don was a member of the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission.
Don was a ”True Blue” University of Kentucky sports fan. Only when he was in the hospital did he ever, physically miss a sporting event, and then he watched it on television. Don was also a charter member and trustee for the Aviation Museum of Kentucky where he dedicated a lot of his time helping build the museum from its infancy into one of the finest historical aviation museums around the area. Don loved his work. It was his home away from 6 home. He loved to travel and to meet people. He had a passion for life and lived it to its fullest. Even when he was down, he was never out.
Don is survived by his wife, Mary Carmen Cress; 1 son; 2 daughters; 6 stepchildren; 3 granddaughers; 1 grandson; 8 step grandchildren; his mother and 2 brothers. If interested, donations can be made in Don’s name to: Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4000 Versailles Road, Lexington, Kentucky, 40510. A memorial for Don highlighting his work and accomplishments over his 25+ years in aviation will be set up in the museum.”
– Provided by: Jim Wikstrom, Senior Aviation Consultant PDR Engineers, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky
The following are personal reflections from some individuals here who knew Don well and cared deeply about him.
“I began my association with Don in the early seventies. At that time, he was preparing airport master plan studies for several airports in Texas, and I was working with the Texas Aeronautics Commission staff developing the Texas Airport System Plan. We continued our association for many years, sharing ideas, methods, and visions for different communities and their airports. Don’s experience grew nationwide as he worked on projects throughout the United States. My experience was more geographically limited, and I always benefited from Don’s wider experience, which he was always happy to share. I considered Don to be one of the nation’s finest airport planners and the consummate professional planner. Don had excellent technical planning skills, unusually good presentation skill, and great people skills. Everyone liked Don the person. He did well at both marketing the services of his firm and delivering a quality planning study to the client at the conclusion of the project. Don also contributed to the advancement of the airport planning profession through participation and continuing contributions to airport-related committees of the Transportation Research Board. In this capacity, he encouraged and contributed to the professional development of many other planners. Don contributed much to many communities within Texas and to orderly development of their airport facilities. His mark is widespread throughout the state. I will miss my visits with Don, but know he is now working on even bigger plans and projects for the ultimate Client.”
– George B. Dresser, Texas Transportation Institute The Texas A&M University System
“I would say that Don was one of the most positive, energetic, and optimistic people I have ever met. It was a pleasure knowing him and working with him, and I know we will all miss him and his infamous green jacket that he wore to every Texas Airport Operators Conference.
– Linda Howard Director of Planning & Programming TxDOT Aviation Division
“Don Cress was the consumate airport planner. He was liked and respected by everyone who knew him, be it client, acquaintance, or competitor. Don truly believe in the importance of general aviation and the role of the states in developing and maintaining good statewide airport systems. His support for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) over the years was unequaled. We have all lost a true friend and compatriate in Don Cress. He will be missed.”
– Dave Fulton, Director TxDOT Aviation Division
“Don was the most energetic consultant I have ever worked with. It was not unusual for him to be in Nebraska working on a project one day and in South Texas for another project the next day. He was diligent and optimistic about everything he did. He was most conscientious. Don was a strong supporter of our Texas Airport Operators Conference. He even provided pinata airplanes at our 50th Anniversary Celebration in 1995! Don was a devoted father and often told me about his children and was exceptionally proud of them and their success. Two of his children were make-up artists for movies and television. He would call me to tell me about the famous stars his children were involved with. His all time actress heart-throb was Dana Delaney. His son was working on a set doing her make-up and he got Don on the set to meet her. Needless to say, Don was thrilled. Also, he told me about the time Susan Sarandon became the “set baby sitter” for his granddaughter who travels with Don’s children. He thought that was really neat to have such a famous baby sitter for that adorable child. He had 3 children and 4 grandchildren from his first marriage, and over a dozen stepchildren and step grandchildren from his current marriage. All of these children were very important to him, and it was obvious from our conversations that he was very important to them! About 3-4 years ago, Don met up with an old college sweetheart after all those years. They started dating and were married close to two years ago. Her name is Mary Carmen. For a kinda honeymoon months after they were married, he took her to the south of France. He said he had a real hard time adjusting to driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. He said they had a marvelous time as they drove throughout the beautiful countryside, and he wanted to go to other countries and do the same thing. Don loved to wear his green (and I mean BRIGHT GREEN) blazer to his proposal interviews. He told me it was his lucky jacket and always tried to wear it. It was so bright, it nearly put your eyes out!! If no one remembered his name or face, they would have to remember that green blazer.”
– Karon Wiedemann Director of Grant Management TxDOT Aviation Division
“Everybody knows that Don lived a great life … but it was the way he faced death that showed his true spirit of living. He never complained … everyday was a new beginning … a new day to him. That’s what I found so incredible about him … so incredible. I never met a person who didn’t like Don. There was just something about him … maybe it was his joy in living.”
– Michelle Hannah Airport Facilities Planner TxDOT Aviation Division
“I didn’t know him, and I wish I had. As I reflect on the things being said by those who did know him, something Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote many years ago seems appropriately to belong to Don Cress.
‘To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived … this is to have succeeded.’
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Don’s family and friends. We obviously lost one of the good guys.”
– Cheryl Williams Public Information Officer/WINGTIPS Editor TxDOT Aviation Division