Former Head Of McDonnell Douglas Dies At 89

Sanford N. "Sandy" McDonnell, who at one time led McDonnell Douglas Corp., passed away at his home in Clayton, MO, on March 19th. McDonnell was 89 years old.

McDonnell's death was announced by Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997. In a 2010 feature article on the Boeing website, the company relates that Sandy joined the company founded by his uncle James McDonnell following a stint as a soldier in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he worked on the Manhattan Project.

As an engineer and designer, Sandy played a pivotal role in developing the highly successful F-4 Phantom II fighter jet.

“The people of Boeing extend our deepest sympathies to the McDonnell family, and join them in mourning Sandy’s passing. Sandy’s commitment to his colleagues and customers, his country, and his community during his 40-year career and throughout his lifetime, was extraordinary,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney.

McDonnell had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November, 2010, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. (Photo F-4 Phantom  from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com