March 09, 2025

The world will be a sadder place now that Streaker has “flown West”. He was a tremendous friend, aviator and fellow employee! Always a quick wit with a great sense of humor, he will be missed. Only God knows why he was taken from us too soon but, most assuredly, he is looking down on us from above and preparing to welcome us all when it is our time. Godspeed, Streaker, and rest in peace, my friend! 
Greg “Screamin” Freeman

March 03, 2025

Paula, I’m so saddened to hear about Doug’s passing! He will be greatly missed! Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time 💔.Love, Tom & Bernadette Renz

March 02, 2025

Uncle Doug will be missed by all.  The thanksgivings we all spent together as a family are some of my best memories.  The world lost a great man, a great husband/dad/grandpa.
Eric brown

February 26, 2025

Paula, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. 
Dana Tucker

February 24, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Baile family. Doug was a boyhood friend and always happy and kind. It was great to see him at our recent high school reunion. What an impressive list of accomplishments in his life.
Craig Rynier

February 24, 2025

Doug and I were junior volunenteer fireman, Southern Manheim Twp.  Best of friends since we were 13 years old.  I’m so very lucky to have had Doug part of my life.
Steven Weems

February 23, 2025

I met Doug in 1980 within a few days of my wedding to my former husband, John, and immediate move to Kingsville TX. Doug was one of the first people I was privileged to know at VT-21. He was incredibly kind and helpful to me as a lost and overwhelmed Navy spouse, new to military life, as he was to anyone in need of assistance; he was a gentleman of the highest integrity. His Navy/TopGun and Northwest /Delta career mirrored John’s, so through mutual friends throughout the years I would continue to hear of his humor, dedication to family, and wonderful character. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his loved ones.
Sally Skogsberg Smith 

February 23, 2025

Mrs Baile-I send my sincerest sympathy to you for this profoind loss. May God bless you and your children as you grieve, and please know I am thinking of you and caring.
Stephanie Mackey MD

February 22, 2025

We were so saddened to hear of Doug’s unexpected passing. As a neighbor and childhood friend of the Baile family Doug had all the “Right Stuff”. He had an impressive career and was a true gentleman. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and will keep you all in our prayers through the tough times ahead. God Bless.
Steve & Mary Dettinger

February 22, 2025

For the past +15 years I’ve been blessed to count Doug as my friend. Very blessed. After my own heart attack and surgery, Doug and Nick were at my home to clear the snow off my drive. He was that kind of guy – and more. 
Doug and I spent hours over beer and snacks, solving the world’s problems after retirement, but mainly catching each other up on our families. He loved Paula, and Nick and Kate and spoke of them with admiration and love every time we got together. 
I look forward to our reunion in glory. Until then, I will miss his solid presence, and humor, and character.
David & Jan Lucca

February 21, 2025

It has been an Honor and Privledge knowing Doug ” Beetle” over the years.. actually decades. How do I sum up a lifetime of joy packed memories ? How can I even start to describe the adventures.. the Class, the brilliance, the warm heart, the Kindness, the laughs, the pranks , The FRIENDSHIP that we shared literally around the world .. ? Dougs unassuming and humble sense of humor , mixed with Paulas infectious heartfelt laughter always made our times together special. We will cherish and hold those memories in our hearts forever.Doug was, is, and always will be a class act. He was one of those guys everybody likes, and just gravitates to. There are no words that can truly convey the sadness we feel right now, knowing Doug is actually gone from us. Gone WAY too soon. But, we do find immense comfort knowing that although he left us way too early .. he IS at home now with our Lord. I have NO doubt about that. Doug earned his wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator. After achieving the highest honors in the Navy, Doug added on a pair of Airline wings .. first from Northwest , then Delta.  And now , he received his ultimate other wings…the ones that will carry him for eternity.
Doug was ” one of a kind” .. He was ” that guy” everybody loves . He is irreplaceable… He will be missed.  And we will love him always.. and forever.
GOD BLESS 
Kurt ” Quickdraw ”  and Nancy ” Pancy ” Rasmussen 🇺🇸
 

February 21, 2025

Doug was one of those guys you just can’t forget once you met and spent any amount of time with them.  He was a standout on the grinder at P’cola, always steady-on in a Pennsylvania yankee kinda way.  I had the pleasure of flying an A-4 cross-country from Kingsville to Pensacola and back when he was a Redwing SERGRAD.  Boy, what a stick!  Smooth as glass from wheels up to the final break. No question, Doug found his calling; Tomcats and Top Gun came as no surprise to those of us who knew him. Aside from a loving spouse and awesome kids, you can’t ask for much more than that. Clearly, he will be missed.
Steve Nichols

February 21, 2025

First met Doug the summer of 77′ AOCS in Pensacola. An outstanding human being and excelled at all the challenges we faced through pilot training and beyond.  I’m definitely proud to have had him as my friend and will miss his sense of humor. God speed brother. Prayers to the family. 
Jim Gerlock

February 21, 2025

Doug was a classmate in 1985 at Northwest and a fine gentleman.  I never had a chance to fly with him, but knew he was an accomplished pilot in the military and throughout his airline career.  Too young to leave us.  He will be missed.
Allen Benzing

February 21, 2025

Doug and I mostly crossed paths on our travels to/from work at NWA, but I had the pleasure of flying with him on my 757 OE trip. A great guy; generous with his knowledge and experience; a true gentleman. My most sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Hal Myers

February 21, 2025

Dear Baile family,
We are very saddened to hear of Doug’s passing.  Steve ofcourse remembers him from years ago being friends with Bob.  However, I just met Doug and his lovely family during Bob’s passing and funeral.  You all welcomed us into your home so graciously after the service.  We are in Florida now so we unfortunately won’t be able to attend Doug’s service.  However, please know you will all be in our hearts and prayers.  In sympathy and friendship, Steve & Connie Schmitt  ❤️❤️

February 21, 2025

Doug Baile was one of my older brother’s closest friends. He still stopped in to see my mom after he died. I remember his upbeat attitude as a boy, one I am sure contributed to his amazing future. I remember also having dreamed of being a fighter pilot, and him telling me that “It’s not that hard. You can do it.” And, man, I wish I did. He was the super-cool guy, a real “Maverick” in my eyes. Sad to see this. 
David Huehnergarth

February 20, 2025

I am still having a hard time processing this news,  Our careers overlapped from AOCS to the fleet, Northwest, Delta and continued after Retirement with a Navy/NWA chat group. I was with Doug the night he met the love of his life, Paula. Incredible Aviator, Leader, Husband, and Friend. Save a seat for me at the bar Beetle, Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Kurt Hettermann

February 20, 2025

I’m proud to have called Doug my great friend, in the Navy and the airlines, for the last 45 years. I don’t have adequate words to express how much I admired him. Paula, my thoughts are with you and your family. Every time Doug and I would cross paths over the years he would just light up when asked about his beloved family. One of those rare human beings whose priorities were always authentic and true. I’ll miss you, shipmate
Scott McKee

February 20, 2025

I was a VF-24 Renegade PR (Aircrew Survival Equipmentman) in the early to mid 1980s and Lt Baile as I knew him then was a good officer and pilot. Always a nice guy, always smiling. Fair winds and following seas. My deepest sympathies and condolences to family, friends and close associates.
John Wendelin

February 19, 2025

Beetle – when you came to VF-24 Renegades after my 2nd cruise on Constellation, I knew I was rolling out soon – and the “new guys” started rolling in – that included you. We did not have much overlap – but I remember flying with you on my wing a couple of times. You were already an accomplished pilot(a very polished nugget) and I never had to worry about you in the air as you were always in the right spot all the time. Maybe that is the best tribute I can give your memory – you were always there – doing the right thing – all the time. This world is not as complete without you in it – and the hole left behind can’t be perfectly filled – May your family be comforted by all the positive memories we also hold for you. Fair winds brother.  Ed Riley

February 19, 2025

I had the privilege of going through training with, and later flying many trips with Doug at Northwest Airlines as his First Officer/Copilot. Whenever I saw Doug’s name on the trip roster I smiled, knowing that it would be a great trip. Doug was kind, funny, a consumate gentleman, a man of great character, and an amazing pilot. 28 years later, as a Captain now myself, I think of Doug often and aim to be just half as good as he was. Wishing all of God’s blessings to the Baile Family.
Ken Powell

February 19, 2025

I had the pleasure of flying with Doug at both Northwest and Delta.  I am so sorry to hear this news.  I last flew with Doug on the A350.  I will miss flying with him.  God Bless Dougs Family and Doug.
Kenneth Raynor

February 19, 2025

I worked with Dougie at Northwest and Delta. Smiling, confident, inclusive, and a great pilot too!  Way too soon my friend!
Wade “Bones” Kellogg

February 19, 2025

we had the privilege of Doug’s acquaintance for a short period of time. But in that short period of time, Doug left an indelible impression. His love for Paula was so evident that it was inspiring. There’s nothing quite like seeing two people who are married have such an admiration for each other, and are truly each other’s best friend. Doug was the person that you meet and feel like you’ve known him your whole life, warm, genuine, intelligent, funny, and a man of great character. We are privileged for the time spent in his company, and we will carry a little bit of him with us every day.
Re DePietro and Louis diLeonardo

February 19, 2025

Doug, we are all blessed for having known you, and we celebrate your life! I am comforted to know that you will stand watch until we all meet again on that distant shore. Farewell, shipmate. May God bless your family.
Jim Lowder

February 19, 2025

I was a training command classmate of Doug’s.  What a wonderful, thoughtful, and giving person he was.  He gave me my first callsign, which was complimentary, but did not survive our entry into the F-14 community! It was an honor and a pleasure to be around him–he made everyone better.  My heartfelt condolences to the extended Baile family.
James “Jaws” Winnefeld

February 19, 2025

We knew Doug from Kingsville, Texas.  My husband was the skipper of VT-21 from Dec. 1982 – March 1984.  A very special group of people served during that time.  Doug Baile was one of these people who kept everyone together over the years. Always fun to spend time with him at the reunions.  He will be missed, but forever in our hearts.  Our best wishes go to his family.
John & Beth Davison

February 19, 2025

I had the honor of being his classmate and roommate in Navy Officer Candidate School at Pensacola. He was a great man and accomplished much in the short time he was with us. He will be missed. Steve Churchill 

February 19, 2025

Doug I was sorry to read of your passing. Growing up as friends on Elizabeth Drive we shared alot of fun and laughs. In 1968 I believe was our last time we saw each other when I left for the Marines and my Dad gave you my bike. I read stories about you and was honored to know you. My condolences to your family I know you will be missed. Maybe someday we will meet in Heaven. Semper fi Brother may God Bless you and your Family. Jon Bruce

February 18, 2025

Doug was the epitome of a VT-21 “Redhawk” and one of the finest “Sergrads” I ever had the privilege to train and serve with.  I was very proud, even though I was out of the squadron by that time, that he had chosen and went on to fly F14’s.  He was a superior Officer, Pilot and “Just Great Guy”!!!! Streaker, we all raise a glass, knowing as much as we might attempt to be like you, YOU were one in a million! Respectfully, your friend and shipmate – Bill “Stalker” Lee

February 18, 2025

NICKEL to you Beetle!
Doug “Beetle” Baile was my squadronmate and friend.  I met Beetle when he came to the 107th Fighter Squadron to fly the F-16.  As a new lieutenant and his wingman, I was fortunate to benefit from Beetle’s air combat skills he learned in the Navy.  A professional fighter pilot who’s Cheshire cat grin, snappy retorts and sense of humor made you gravitatite to him always!  I also flew with Captain Baile (always Beetle to me) at the airline. Again, always a pro and after we were at the layover, always a great friend to enjoy a meal, beer, and memories with laughter, talks about flying, our nation and most of all, his love of family.  Beetle, here’s a NICKEL!  “So here’s a nickel on the grass to you, my friend, and your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice and courage – but most of all to your friendship. Your’s is a dying breed and when you are gone, the world will be a lesser place.”   www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yxGOLD1x2Y
 
Col. Mike “Tiger” Greiger USAFR (Ret.)

February 18, 2025

I knew and worked and flew with Doug at Northwest Airlines, truly a great person, very accomplished pilot, all around good guy. My sincere condolenses to his family!
RJ

February 18, 2025

Prayers with all as we celebrate Doug and all the kindness he shared with all he met. 
Lora Brown

February 18, 2025

I also trained with Doug in 1977 with the infamous AV-737-77 Black Sheep. Doug excelled in all aspects of out training, receiving awards for military, academics, swimming and physical training. I loved Doug like a brother. I was always happy when we got a chance to get together, his personality and sense of humor always made everyone smile. He will be greatly missed. Paul Haas

February 18, 2025

I had the honor of being one of Doug’s AOCS AV-735-77 (The Black Sheep) classmates.  One of the most honorable, dedicated, accomplished gentlemen I have ever met bar none.  My heartfelt condolences to Paula, Nick, and Kate on the passing of your husband and father.  The world is a lesser place without him. Godspeed Doug.  Very respectfully, Nipper