TWU514

Rest in Peace: Beloved Brother, Husband, and Aviation Legend Elvis Boren on July 14th, 2026. A dedicated Aviation Maintenance Technician Machinist Crew Chief, Elvis spent 35 years serving with dedication and passion, retiring in 2003 after a remarkable career spanning over three decades.

But Elvis’s impact extended far beyond his time at American Airlines. As a devoted husband to Carol for an extraordinary 67 years, he inspired countless people with his love, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Together, they faced life’s challenges side by side, until their untimely passing on July 14th, 2026.

Tragically, Elvis and Carol passed away from cancer within three hours of each other, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends, and colleagues who will deeply miss his presence.

As we remember Elvis, we honor not only his remarkable career but also the incredible love story he shared with Carol. We offer our deepest condolences to the Boren family during this unimaginably difficult time.

May Elvis’s legacy live on in our hearts and memories, inspiring us to continue striving for excellence, just as he did throughout his remarkable life. Please keep the Boren family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this challenging time.

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Obituary for Carol & Elvis Boren

Lenora Carol Bass Boren was born November 15, 1941, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, to Russell Luster Bass and Dorothy Lenora Russell Bass. Elvis Lee Boren was born May 19, 1940, in French Camp, California, to Haskell Leo Boren and Mable Marie Emory Boren. They passed naturally, while not together, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Elvis and Carol both completed their secondary education in Coalinga, California, where they were graduates of Coalinga High School. They were married April 18, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, and were together for over 67 years. Elvis spent most of his working life with American Airlines in Tulsa as a machinist. Also, during that span, he worked over 40 years as a rancher. Carol was a dedicated wife and cared for her home and raising her three children.
When not spending time with family, Elvis enjoyed time spent out on the water boating and fishing, often with Carol by his side. She also enjoyed gardening and sewing and was an exceptionally talented quilter. She was also a member of the Quilting Club. They dearly loved their family and leave behind a lifetime of cherished memories. Loving family members include:
Children; Dwayne Boren, of Collinsville, Oklahoma
Carolee McCullough and husband Brian, of Oologah, Oklahoma
Steven Boren and wife Barbara, of Big Cabin, Oklahoma
Grandchildren; Whitney Boren, Chelsey Boren, Eric Johnson, Renee McCullough, Steven Boren,
Michael Boren and Russell Boren
Great grandchildren; Nolan Lowe, Penelope Boren, Hunter Johnson, Maddie Johnson, Allison Fuson,
Evan Fuson, Kennedy Bragg, Matthew Boren, James Boren, Lillian Boren, Abigail Boren, and Everly Boren
Elvis’ sisters; Jaquetia Zinn and husband Robert, of Idaho
Dolores Pederson and husband Richard, of Bakersfield, California
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Dorothy Bass.
Elvis was preceded in death by his parents, Haskell and Marie Boren, brothers, Glen Boren and Charles Boren, and sisters, Velma Dean, Carol Logan, and Janice Lindsay.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Graveside funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, Oklahoma, with Pastor Tim Prock officiating. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.
www.moweryfs.com

Local 514 Digest – August 7, 2026

Stay up to date with the latest from the Union Hall! This week’s digest covers important operational updates, safety reminders, and upcoming events for our members:

Contract & Negotiations: The TWU/IAM Association is actively preparing for upcoming negotiations. Please make sure to submit your feedback and suggestions for the next contract at www.techopsassociation.org.

Shift Bidding: Important dates are approaching for the 2026 shift rebid. Please review your schedules and check your company email for details on extended office hours for support.

Safety & Health: Reminder to prioritize your well-being, especially during the current heat. Safety glasses and bump hats remain mandatory in required areas. Please report any potential chemical exposure immediately to your supervisor.

Union Events: Mark your calendars! We have a Union Steward Meeting coming up on Monday, Aug 10, and preparations are underway for our annual Trunk or Treat in October and Adult Party in November.

Retirement: Essential information and resources are available for those planning their retirement. Please review the updated guidelines and reach out to the Retirement Committee if you have questions.

Read the full report here: https://twu514.org/d-08-07-2026/

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved retired brother, Steven McBride, who left us on Friday, February 13, 2026.

For over three decades, Brother McBride dedicated his time working here at American Airlines as an Aviation Maintenance Technician. He joined our ranks in 1985 and spent 26 incredible years working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew members. In 2011, he retired from American Airlines, but the memories and camaraderie he shared with us will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. We ask that you join us in remembering Brother McBride’s selflessness, dedication, and commitment to his work. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the impact he had on our organization.

Rest in peace, Brother McBride. Your service will not be forgotten.

Photo:
One of Stevens Projects.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Retired Brother Randal Andrew Hudson, on July 31st, 2026.

Brother Hudson served with dedication and distinction as a Plant Maintenance Mechanic for over three decades, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and superiors. He retired from active duty in 2022 after a long and storied career, which began in 1990.

Brother Hudson was known for his mechanical expertise, his ability to keep the plant running smoothly, and his kind heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including his fellow brothers, friends, and colleagues.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire union community during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, dear brother. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Celebration of Life happened on:

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
11:00AM – 12:00PM

Rice Funeral Service
631 East Will Rogers Boulevard
Claremore, OK 74017

REMINDER:

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own, David L Gregory, an Aviation Maintenance Technician with American Airlines, on August 2, 2026.

We offer deepest condolences to his loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. David joined our American Airlines in 2019 and has been an integral part of our team since then. His dedication, expertise, and passion for his work inspired us all.

Let us take a moment to remember David’s contributions and kindness towards his colleagues. We will miss him dearly and hold him close in our hearts.

Please join us in keeping the Gregory family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this immense loss.

Viewing

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
11:00AM

Rice Funeral Service
631 East Will Rogers Boulevard
Claremore, OK 74017

Viewing with family present

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
5:00PM – 8:00PM

Rice Funeral Service
631 East Will Rogers Boulevard
Claremore, OK 74017

Funeral Ceremony

Thursday, August 6, 2026
2:00PM – 3:00PM

Rice Funeral Service
631 East Will Rogers Boulevard
Claremore, OK 74017

TWU-IAM Association Tech Ops Members

The Association would like to inform all members that, beginning August 1, 2026, and continuing through August 31, 2026, the TWU-IAM Association Tech Ops website will be open for the submission of member opinions, suggestions, and recommendations for the upcoming 2027 contract negotiations.

Contract Suggestion Website:

www.techopsassociation.org

The Association Negotiating Committee encourages every member to take this opportunity to submit any contract ideas, concerns, or recommendations they would like considered during the negotiation process. Your input is vital in helping the Committee understand the priorities, expectations, and needs of our membership as we prepare for negotiations.

Make Your Voice Heard

Please do not assume that someone else has already submitted a suggestion that is important to you. Every member’s perspective is valuable, and we encourage you to share all ideas and recommendations that you believe will strengthen our collective bargaining objectives.

Your participation helps ensure that the Negotiating Committee accurately represents the interests of the membership during the 2027 contract negotiations.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute your feedback.

Fraternally,

The Association Leadership

This week's Local 514 Digest highlights:

President: Ongoing mediation regarding qualifications; the 60-day clock for the field trip arbitration (Phase Two) has started. The membership voted to endorse Gentner Drummond for the Republican Governor primary runoff on August 25.
Safety & Heat: Leadership emphasizes heat safety, including hydration and taking breaks in air-conditioned areas.
Maintenance: New reminders on signing only personally performed work, mandatory safety gear (glasses, bump hats), and policies regarding bids, transfers, and chair usage in Hangars 5 & 6.
Grievances & Headcount: MLS and Executive Board members provided updates on grievance resolutions, open cases, headcount statuses for various groups, and external hiring.
Retirement: Extensive guidance provided on retirement planning, including Medicare Part B (IRMAA) and necessary steps for a smooth transition.
Union Activities: Recaps on membership meetings, the Working Women's Committee (WWC) update, and upcoming social events (Tulsa Oilers/Drillers games, Trunk or Treat, and an Adult Party).
Memorial: The union announced the passing of retired brother Carl Howard.

You can read the full digest here: https://twu514.org/d-07-31-2026/

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Carl Howard, on July 15th, 2026. Carl started his career with American Airlines in 1968 as a Stock Clerk, and over the years, he worked hard to achieve his goals. In time, he earned his A&P certificate and became an Aviation Maintenance Technician. His dedication and expertise were an asset to our team, and we will deeply miss him.

After dedicating 35 years of service to American Airlines, Carl retired in 2003. During his retirement, we hope he was able to spend quality time with his loved ones and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Carl’s family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the memories they shared with their loving father, grandfather, and friend.

Rest in peace, Carl. Your dedication and service will never be forgotten.

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Carl E Howard passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 15. He was 87 years old.

Born on June 4, 1939, he was the youngest child of Robert and Lu Vena Howard. He met Deanna June Fox in high school, and they married on June 27, 1959 in Okemah, Oklahoma.

A natural “fixer,” he gravitated toward work that allowed him to use his brain and hands together to repair whatever was broken. Early in Carl and Deanna’s marriage, he worked at a Ford dealership and a NAPA parts store. When the opportunity to interview for a position with American Airlines presented itself, he took it. In 1968, the family which by then included two boys, Robert and Steven, moved from Okemah to the big city of Tulsa. Carl began working as a supply clerk and eventually earned certification as an airplane mechanic.

His fix-it skills extended well beyond his work. He was on-call for any car, house, or church emergency that might arise. Very often, he was on the receiving end of calls from his children describing the sounds their vehicles were making. With a few questions, he could typically diagnose the problem, buy the part, and be on his way to make the repairs. When his grandson William was 5 or 6, he expressed awe at his Papa’s mechanical abilities saying, “Papa can fix ANYTHING, even a dead dog.” This wasn’t too far from the truth.

In 1973, the family moved to Broken Arrow and soon began attending a mission of South Lakewood Baptist Church that would eventually become Florence Street Baptist. Carl and Deanna were dedicated, involved members, serving in multiple capacities. Carl was a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Maintenance committee member, and Treasurer. In reflecting upon their memories, Robert and Rebecca recalled that much of their family time was spent at the church—cleaning, mowing, repairing things. They said Dad made service feel like an adventure. Rebecca was particularly fond of getting to drive the riding mower while her dad drove the tractor to mow the grounds. Carl was most himself when in service to others.

He loved his family and was always up for a game of Yahtzee, pool, horseshoes, or corn hole. He delighted in his children’s winning, but would never dream of just “letting them.” He taught all his children to fish, spending hours trolling for the right spot that would result in a catch. Even if the catch count was zero, the time spent in the late afternoons and early evenings were so special—if not always peaceful. Robert recalls a time when far from the dock, the boat engine died. After many attempts at repair, Carl said “well, boys, start paddling.” When Steve began humming the Hawaii 5-0 theme song, even Carl had to laugh and joined in paddling the two miles back.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lu Vena Howard, sister Jeannette Findley, and son, Steven Howard. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Deanna; son Robert and wife Cathy; daughter Rebecca and spouse Joy; brother Robert (Bob) Howard and wife Wanda; Granddaughter Rachel Olmstead and husband Ricky; grandson William Howard; Great grandchildren Scarlett McKinlay and Lance Howard; and a host of extended and church family whom he loved dearly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18 at 10 am at Florence Street Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Visitation hours will be from 4-6 pm on Friday, July 17th at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow. A graveside service for family will be on July 18 at 1:30 pm at Floral Haven.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Oxford Springs Assisted Living and A-Vow Hospice for their compassionate care.

May we all honor Carl with our own acts of humble service. As 1 John 3:18 states, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”