Larry Eli Caison, who died last week in a plane crash near Panama City, will be honored with a memorial service Friday at Shalimar United Methodist Church.
An obituary in the Northwest Florida Daily News on Wednesday said Caison, who owned two local businesses, was flying to Destin to be with his family for Christmas when his plane went down Dec. 18.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident. An agency spokesman said a preliminary report will be made public in seven to 10 days.
Caison, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, was flying at 7,900 feet when he reported engine trouble. Tyndall Air Force Base then lost radio contact with his Beechcraft Bonanza G36, according to reports.
The plane went down just 50 yards from Sandy Creek Airpark, where Caison had been diverted.
Caison and business partner Kevin Camilli, also a retired Air Force officer, owned and operated Grey Aviation and Grey Tactical Outfitters in Destin.
Grey Aviation offers airborne surveillance and special mission capability. Grey Tactical Outfitters is a high-end preparedness and survival store.
Caison, described as a fitness buff and a loving family man, was born at Eglin Air Force Base. He was living in Palm Beach Gardens at the time of his death.
He left behind family in Destin and in Shalimar.
“He’s got some really great kids, who he loved and cared for very much,” said Rev. Larry Bryars, who will officiate at Friday’s service.
WANT TO ATTEND?
Larry Eli Caison’s memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Shalimar United Methodist Church at 1 Old Ferry Road.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.
