Edmond C. Shivers Sr.
1927 – October 26, 2025
Edmond C. Shivers Sr. was a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman who received his pilot training during World War II but was honorably discharged in 1945 before its completion.
Early life and training
- Born in Vado, New Mexico, Shivers moved to Arizona with his brother as a young man to work picking cotton.
- Following high scores on an aptitude test, he was accepted into the Army Air Corps’ pilot training program at the Tuskegee Institute.
- He was in the 40th and one of the last classes to train at Tuskegee. The program concluded after the war ended and he received an honorable discharge in 1945.
- Throughout his life, he spoke about the prejudice he endured and shared stories of his solo flights.
- Shivers was a cousin of Lt. Col. Clarence L. Shivers, a career Air Force pilot and fellow Tuskegee Airman.
Post-military career and legacy
- After returning to Phoenix, Shivers became one of the city’s first Black morticians.
- He later worked in construction for 40 years with his uncle’s company, Boyer Brothers’ Construction, before retiring in 1992.
- Edmond C. Shivers Sr. passed away at the age of 98, as announced by Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
Later career and legacy
- After returning to Phoenix, Shivers became one of the city’s first Black morticians.
- He later worked in construction for 40 years at his uncle’s company, Boyer Brother’s Construction, before retiring in 1992.
- Shivers was a cousin of Lt. Col. Clarence L. Shivers, a fellow Tuskegee Airman and an artist.
- In their announcement of his passing, the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. noted that Shivers had joined his fellow airmen in the “Lonely Eagles Chapter,” a term for fallen members.
The term “Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen” (DOTA) is used for any person, military or civilian, of any race who served at the Tuskegee Army Air Field or in any of its programs between 1941 and 1949.
Sources:
Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. National Office Facebook
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