Game Warden Donald Wyatt Gentry

I began my career as a Virginia State Game Warden on February 14, 1972 (hired with Allen Flippo). I had the pleasure of working with Donald Gentry frequently during the summer of 72, mostly on boat patrols. I grew up on the Chickahominy River and Donald introduced me to the Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers, which I had never seen. They were beautiful streams and there was much less boating activity than now. There was also very little development along the rivers, although fishing was very popular. I have fond memories of working with Donald that summer. I was a young rookie and Donald called me his "little buddy". I was working with Donald and Allen Flippo on the night that their plane went down in Southampton County. I was still somewhat inexperienced and was riding with Isle of Wight Game Warden James McClenney. Allen picked Donald up at the Franklin Airport for a special spotlighting patrol that we were working. McClenney and I were the ground units. I remember that shortly after the plane got off the ground, Donald called on the radio to McClenney and told him to "take care of my little buddy". I will never forget Allen or Donald or the events that led to their deaths. They were both dedicated officers and loved their job. May they rest in peace and may God bless their families who had to continue on without their loving prescence.

CPO Kenneth D. Skinner
VA Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries

November 7, 2017