Cliff Buchan
News Editor

John B. Hastings, one of four generations of family members to earn his wings in an airplane, has died.

Hastings, who also founded Pinehaven Tree Farm in Wyoming, died from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease on Friday, Aug.31. He was 83.

A native of St. Paul, Hastings had called Wyoming home since 1956.

He was the son of Morris Ogden Hastings who was 28 in 1917 when he joined the United States effort in World War II as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. M.O. Hastings spent 1917 and 1918 flying open cockpit bi-planes training as a bomber pilot for duty in Europe.

When the war ended, Hastings was still training in the south.

His son, John B. Hastings followed his father’s tradition by joining the Army Air Corps in 1942 with the United States deeply involved in World War II. Like his father, John B. Hastings served his W.W. II duty stateside.

In 1945 he was training for air rescue missions in China to bring home downed pilots when the war ended.

His love for flying never flickered, however.

Hastings spent the next five years working as a flight instructor, a crop duster and ferried Piper Cubs from Oklahoma to the Twin Cities to gain valuable flying time.

His efforts paid off in 1950 when he was hired by Northwest as a commercial pilot.

His first job was flying between the Twin Cities and Chicago’s Midway Airport.

When his commercial career came to an end on his 60th birthday in 1984, Hastings had logged nearly 37,000 hours of flying time.

His son, Johnny Hastings and grandson, John J. Hastings, have both gone on to become licensed pilots.

Pinehaven Farm

John B. and Barbara Hastings founded Pinehaven Farm after their move to Wyoming.

The farm, located west of I-35 and one mile north of CR-22, served for many years as a Christmas tree farm.

The business is now operated by Johnny Hastings and his wife Sue and their family.

Today, the business has moved from a Christmas tree farm to a business that specializes in seasonal promotions that encompass the grounds of Pinehaven. Family events are offered that coincide with Halloween, Christmas and the Easter seasons.

Funeral details

A funeral service for John B. Hastings was Wednesday, Sept. 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wyoming.

Interment was at the Wyoming United Methodist Church Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; son and daughter-in-law, John and Sue Hastings; grandchildren John J. (Taylor) Hastings, Jeremy, Jacque, Becky and Josh; brother Bill (Marilyn); brother-in-law Dick McGuire; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorials are preferred to the Fairview Lakes Hospice.

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