Tributes have been paid to two missionary pilots who died after their aircraft carrying critical aid supplies crashed in the mountains of Haiti, leaving no survivors.
Agape Flights, based in Florida, has now published the names of the pilots following the tragedy on the afternoon of Feb. 5. They are Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby.
The N316AF Embraer 110 Bandeirante disappeared over the mountains of Jeremie, Haiti, and Chief Executive Officer Allen Speer of Agape Flights later confirmed that no one survived, as previously reported by Christian Daily International.
“Today, our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of two incredible men, Patrick Decker and Kory Elleby,” said an Agape Flights update on social media.
“Both faithfully answered the call God placed on their lives and gave themselves fully to it. They served with humility, loved without reservation, and ran their race with perseverance. We hold solace in the fact they were welcomed at the gates of Heaven with the words, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servants.’”
Decker and Elleby were “more than Agape Flights pilots,” the mission’s tribute said. “They were our brothers in Christ, devoted servants of God, and men who lived out their faith with sincerity and courage.”
Decker is described as first and foremost a loving and dedicated husband to Kathy for 40 “beautiful years” and a proud father to their two grown children. His family was the center of his world, the tribute added.
“If you knew Patrick, you knew how deeply he loved; steadily, faithfully, and without needing recognition. Service wasn’t something Patrick did. It was who he was.”
Decker previously flew for United Airlines for 40 years, a career that reflected both his incredible skill and his steady confidence in the cockpit: “Flying was not just a job to him; it was something he truly loved.”
One particular highlight was when he flew as captain during one of his last United flights while his son served as first officer.
“Sharing the cockpit together was more than a professional milestone; it was a deeply meaningful season for both of them. To sit side by side, doing what he loved most with one of the people he loved most, was a gift Patrick treasured.”
Decker’s many achievements included being among the first pilots given clearance to return to flying at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the 9/11 tragedy.
“That moment required courage and trust, and Patrick carried both with quiet strength,” the tribute said.
He also volunteered to be part of a special program within the Federal Aviation Administration, taking on the responsibility of protecting others in the face of potential danger.
“That was Patrick, always willing to step forward when something needed to be done. And as remarkable as his aviation career was, it was only part of his story.”
Decker served as a firefighter for 50 years, including as Fire Chief for Sparta, New Jersey, in 1996.
“For five decades, he ran toward emergencies when others were running away. He led with strength, but also with compassion.”
Decker became a volunteer pilot with Agape Flights nine years ago, and he faithfully served each week in cargo as well.
“He was the kind of man you could always count on. If something needed fixing, organizing, or just plain doing, Patrick was there. He baked pies for Pie in the Sky. He helped a fellow volunteer install a toilet without hesitation. He showed up early. He stayed late. He never needed applause. He just loved helping.”
Decker and his wife Kathy loved to travel and ride their bikes around town. Wherever they went, joy seemed to follow, the tribute said.
“You could often hear Patrick before you saw him. His booming, unmistakable voice filling the room, usually followed by laughter. He had a presence that made you feel safe, welcomed, and included. We will miss him more than we can put into words. Patrick lived a life that mattered. Not because of titles or accomplishments, though there were many, but because of the way he showed up for people. He served faithfully. He loved deeply. He gave generously of his time, his strength, and his heart. And that kind of life leaves a mark that will never fade.”
The tribute also honored the other pilot, Kory Elleby, describing him as a devoted husband, a loving and proud father of two grown sons, a kind-hearted brother, and a caring presence in his mother’s life.
“He approached life and his call to serve with Agape Flights with wholehearted devotion,” the mission tribute said.
Elleby relocated from Illinois to Venice, Florida, with his wife Ruthie in 2016, and they founded Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. The modest venture soon grew into a trusted and respected business serving Venice and the surrounding communities.
“From the outset, Kory built the company on two guiding principles: loving God and serving people well,” the tribute said. “That commitment was evident in every project, every conversation, and every relationship he cultivated.”
Elleby flew with Agape Flights for eight years, and aviation was described as one of his greatest joys.
“His passion for flying began early; he earned his pilot’s license even before obtaining his driver’s license, and flying remained a defining part of his life. He possessed a rare gift for making strangers feel like lifelong friends, leaving people everywhere he went feeling encouraged, valued, and truly seen.”
The tribute described Elleby as carrying a servant’s heart into every space he entered and often saying that flying with Agape Flights was not simply a role, but a calling he deeply cherished.
“All of us at Agape Flights will miss his kindness, his unwavering humor, and even his bold, unforgettable shirts. Kory faithfully served the Kingdom of God, and his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched with every encounter.”
Agape Flights gave this concluding tribute to both men:
“God called these men to serve, and they responded without hesitation. Though their lives ended in tragedy, their faithfulness and obedience will continue to live long after this moment.
“They lived every day with purpose, served God with conviction, and placed their trust fully in the Word of God.
“Today, we grieve their loss and honor the lives they poured out in service to Him. Our hearts are hurting, yet we hold fast to hope, knowing that these faithful servants are now home, resting in the presence of the One they loved and served so faithfully every flight.”
