Sheldon Park "Skip" French

Sheldon Park “Skip” French, 90, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 1, 2025. Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1935 to Addison and Elizabeth French, Skip spent summers camping with his family and close friends in the Adirondacks. He loved being outdoors—playing hockey, hiking, and fishing—and was especially proud of the years he spent singing as a boy soprano soloist in his local Episcopal church.

He graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1953 and earned a BA in economics from Union College, where he was involved in the tennis team, Glee Club, ROTC, and Psi Upsilon fraternity.

Skip served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1966, flying KC-135 and KC-97 Stratotankers as part of the Strategic Air Command. He became a member of the Mach Busters Club after breaking the speed of sound in an F-86 fighter jet. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award, and was honorably discharged in 1966 with the rank of Captain.

In 1966, Skip began a nearly 30-year career with American Airlines, where he served as a flight engineer, first officer, and captain. Over the years, he flew several aircraft, including the Boeing 707, 727, MD-80, 747, 757, and 767. He retired in 1995 after a distinguished and respected career in aviation. Skip often said he loved flying so much he couldn’t believe he got paid to do it—a reflection of the deep joy and fulfillment he found in the skies.

Skip’s interests included family, sports, travel, and music. He was a dedicated member of many church choirs over the years, including at Plymouth Park UMC, First UMC in Irving, Dallas, and Arlington, and Madison Street UMC in Clarksville, Tennessee. He also sang with the Dallas Symphony Chorus. An avid tennis player in his younger years, he remained a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He enjoyed swimming, boating, and traveling—especially to Hawaii and Alaska.

Skip was a devoted supporter of Karen’s conducting career, helping her complete her doctoral degree, relocating with her for work, and attending every concert throughout their 22 years of marriage. In later years, he found joy in front porch visits with neighbors (usually with a gin martini in hand), golf cart rides, and caring for his beloved beagle, Buddy.

Skip’s love for his family was unwavering. He celebrated every milestone, supported every ambition, and remained fully present through each season of their lives. Whether cheering from the stands, offering quiet wisdom, giving a warm hug, or simply listening, Skip showed his care through steady, genuine attention.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Kenaston-French; his brother, Bruce French (Nancy); his children, Doug French (Marty), Sally French Tyler (Ed), and Ashley Atkinson (Zach); six grandchildren—Katie Tuttle (Derek), Kyle French (Abby), Landry, Gage, Jade, and Jolie Atkinson; and three great-grandchildren—Robbie Mac, Reese, and Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Addison Ross French and Elizabeth Sadelmyer French.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 23, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

From the roar of jet engines to the quiet of choir harmonies and porch laughter, Skip’s life was a steady presence in an ever-changing world — a long life lived with character, strength, and love.