Ann Mawhirter began her career rolling a cart down the aisle serving meals to passengers on an airplane. Today she is rolling down the road serving food through Meals on Wheels to senior citizens.
Mike Mawhirter transported people around the nation on various aircraft and today is transporting senior citizens to various places around Wichita.
But that’s getting ahead of ourselves. In 1967 Ann was a flight attendant for Central Airlines, a 5-state regional airline. Mike, a young pilot looking for a new job was on her flight. They didn’t exchange numbers at the time but later, by some stroke of luck, Mike found Ann’s “unlisted” number in a phone book and asked her for a date. They were married on March 30, 1968.
Mike’s work has taken the couple all over the nation and he has also served in several capacities. Among them would be working as a corporate pilot for Cessna and instructing both civilian and air force pilots, including many veterans of the Vietnam war while serving in the Air Force at Vance Air Force Base.
Together they now joyfully serve and minister to senior citizens. Mike turned his love for transporting people into driving part time for Georgetown Retirement Center. Ann has now devoted more than 30 years to Meals on Wheels. Additionally, they assist and minister to the widows in their church.
A self-proclaimed “Gear Head” Mike transferred love of engines to cars. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Thunderbird club. The Mawhirters have a two-car garage designed, as Ann puts it, “to limit Mike to just two collector cars! “
When asked about how they created a plan to fund their retirement, Mike piped up and said, “Anne was always the planner; thrifty with our money.” “Anne quickly adds, “Yes, I kept detailed accounts and when we got professional help, that made all the difference.”
It doesn’t take much to see the eager pilot and young flight attendant as both faces light up when they share about the people they serve and the lives that have touched their lives. “The Friendships formed have been the most memorable,” says Mike.
“I love being with older people,” Ann adds, and then with a sheepish grin admits,” I guess we enjoy being with people like us, now that we would be considered seniors.”
Both also agree that the path their lives have taken has been Providential. The sense of gratitude for God’s provision throughout their life and into their retirement is ever present. A gratitude that is expressed through generous serving of others.
Ann and Mike Mawhirter on a cross-county airplane trip: second and third from the right.
If you would like to discuss this article, please call Greg at 316-440-2550.
Gregory A Carr MBA, AAMS®, CKA®
Financial Advisor
Accredited Asset Management Specialist
