Early EAA pioneer Dennis Trone, of Petersburg, Illinois, flew west unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, May 5th, 2008. He was 77.

Although well known as a riverboat pilot and ship designer, he spent much of his time at Brodhead Airport with one of his passions – antique airplanes.

The Brodhead Airport family knew him as an aviation historian of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s era. He restored rare antique airplanes, many of which were one-of-a kind. Many of his restorations won awards and all were beautiful as well as historically and technically accurate.

A pilot nearly all his life, he was experienced in many types of aircraft and well known in the antique airplane community.

Denny entertained many with his music and storytelling during his days and nights on the river and he carried that talent to the antique airplane fly-ins and hangar talk. The life of Dennis Trone would make a rich biography. He will be missed.

Lincoln Sport biplane. Photo by Walter Bowe

Denny with a Curtis Robin.
Photo by Walter Bowe

Denny sitting in Walt and Carline Bowe’s Eagle Rock. Photo by Walter Bowe

Denny’s Thunderbird, which won grand Champion Antique at Blakesburg in 2007

Denny and Carline Bowe with his Command Aire with Hisso engine. Photo by Walter Bowe

Denny’s Polson Racer was to fly later the week of May 5th.