Obituary of Donald Edward Urbain

Donald Edward Urbain, 87, passed away surrounded by family at his residence on March 2^nd 2023. He was born April 14, 1935 to Eileen Marie Dunn Urbain and John Thomas Urbain in Chicago, IL. Don graduated in 1953 from Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, IL. After high school, he attended Kansas State University, the University of Illinois, and the University of California, Berkeley, from which he graduated with a major in International Relations.

After graduating from college, Don joined the Navy and trained as a pilot in Pensacola, FL. He flew A4D’s and served on the USS Forrestal. During his career in the Navy, Don earned the rank of Lt. Commander.

Following his tour of Naval duty, Don commenced a 33 year career as a pilot with Trans World Airlines, flying numerous airline transports including the iconic Lockheed Constellation, Boeing 707, Lockheed L-1011, and ultimately all models of the 747. He had achieved Captain status approximately 5 years after joining TWA and served most of his career on international operations which extended worldwide. Interspersed with his regular career path, Don also served periods of duty in the TWA Flight Training Department as well as on special assignments for TWA, operating Boeing 747’s for Saudia Arabian Airlines and the Japanese carrier, All Nippon Cargo Airlines. Completing this extensive and varied career, Don also found the time to lend his many talents to serving the TWA pilots in a number of capacities as a representative of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA). His most notable and enduring achievement was his significant role in bringing the pilot’s Retirement Plan assets under the permanent oversight and control of the TWA pilots. That success resulting in a viable Retirement Plan that exists today even though TWA has long ago disappeared from the scene. Don’s career might be summarized as a Flight Plan well flown.

Before retiring, he moved to Hilton Head Island, SC and for several years he served as president of the Mariner’s Point Homeowners Association within Hilton Head Plantation.

Don is survived by his wife Christianne Roush Urbain of Hilton Head Island, SC; his two sons, Aaron Marc (Jill Masten) Urbain of Sandy Hook, CT., and Brian Keith Urbain of Seattle, WA.; his brother Robert Kenmar Urbain of Chicago, IL and sister Dr. Cathleen Marie Urbain of Minneapolis, MN. Donald is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Donald is predeceased by his parents and his brother John Thomas Urbain, Jr..

A private service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, especially nurses Ellen, Suzi and Pat and his aide Showanna.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, PO Box 3827 Bluffton, SC 29910 or the TWA Museum 10 Richards Rd #110, Kansas City, MO 64116.