Aerospace Community Mourns the Passing of Sandy McDonnell

By Carmelo Turdo

The St. Louis aerospace community mourns the death of Sandy McDonnell, nephew of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation founder James S. McDonnell.  He died Monday, March 19, at the age of 89 of pancreatic cancer. 

(Boeing Photo)

Sandy took over  McDonnell Douglas Corporation (following the merger of the two aerospace giants) as President and later CEO in the early 1970s after working as an engineer and manager in early fighter jet programs.  He introduced a more relaxed leadership style than that of his uncle, and instituted business ethics reforms within the company.  In other areas of life, Sandy became President of the Boy Scouts of America and an elder in his church.   A memorial service will be held: 4 p.m. March 28 at Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Road, Ladue.

Sandy McDonnell (behind his uncle James S. McDonnell) accompanies President Kennedy on factory tour in 1962. (Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum archives).

Sandy McDonnell hosts Defense Secretary Melvin Laird and U.S. Air Force officers to view a model of the  new F-15 Eagle in 1972. (Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum archives)