Departures - 2004
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
Edwin Earle Carmell, Colonel USAF (Retired), formerly of Ludlow, MA and Lee, NH, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2004, at the Haven Health Center at Seacoast, Hampton, NH. He was 86. Born July 5, 1918, in Ludlow MA, Ed enlisted in the US Army in 1940 and trained as a pilot. He flew 26 missions over enemy territory with the 563rd Bombardment Squadron, 388th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 45th Combat Wing, 3rd Division, 8th USAAF. Later in the war he was stationed in Great Falls, Montana, where he met Leona, to whom he was married on July 19, 1945. He graduated from Montana State University in 1947 and rejoined the Air Force, where he went on to become a meteorologist and eventually Vice-Commander of the USAF Air Weather Service. He retired in 1975 to Lee, NH. After his retirement he worked as a real estate agent for RW Real Estate of Dover and as a real estate teacher. A devout Catholic, Col. Carmell served as a lay assistant at St. Thomas More church in Durham, NH, for many years. He enjoyed gardening, bicycling, and cross country skiing. He is survived by his wife Leona Swanson Carmell of Lee, NH and four children. P.S. Leona is quite ill with cancer; Ed had Alzheimer's for the past few years.
Edward F. Vermillion, 75, of Tucson, AZ, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2004, in Tucson after a battle with cancer. He was a native of Louisville and a member of the Masonic Order, Optimist International and Kentucky Colonels. Dr. Vermillion served in the US Navy from 1945-1947 and participated in Operation Highjump with Rear Admiral Byrd in Antarctica. He enlisted in the Air Force just prior to the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. Dr. Vermillion was a graduate of the University of Louisville and Indiana University. He began his long love affair with education as a teacher and coach at Eastern High School and as a principal at Crestwood Elementary School. He taught at Indiana University Southeast and Hanover College, where he mentored student teachers. His educational dream culminated in 1975 when he founded the Walden School. He was the headmaster of Walden from 1975-1980. He then became the headmaster of the Palm Beach Academy in Palm Beach, FL, and eventually retired after providing leadership at the Hope Day School in Arizona. "His educational vision touched and inspired many people and he will be greatly missed." Survivors include his wife, Letha Vermillion; a daughter, Lee Vermillion Edgerly; a son, Ed Vermillion Jr.; a brother, Oley Vermillion Jr.; sisters, Dewey Keller, Dorothy Vermillion and Marie Brandon; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His burial service will be private. A memorial service will be held at a future date and time in Louisville. Memorial gifts may go to the Walden School Annual Fund or to the WHAS Crusade for Children. "I would like to report the departure of my long time friend and fellow Observer of the Korean War era, Doctor of Education Edward F. Vermillion. We served together at Tachikawa AFB in 1950 and in Korea at the start of the war. That assignment was at Pohang K-3 on the east coast of Korea about 60 miles North of Pusan, which at the time was known as the Pusan Perimeter. Our Commander was 1st Lt Albert Watson. As I am the last surviving member of our detachment, I wanted to pass this information on Ed's passing in Tucson, Arizona in 2004." Bill McKinney.
Robert F. Woodnal, Col USAF Ret. lost his fight to cancer on Friday, 3 September 2004 in Colorado Springs, CO. His wife, Virginia "Ginny", past away on 21 May 2004. Bob Woodnal is survived by five children, John Woodnal, Colorado Springs; Jay Woodnal, Pueblo West; Jill Romero, Stanton, CA; Jana Christensen, Morrison, CO; Julie Lane, Colorado Springs; 19 Grandchildren and three Great-Grand Children. Jay Woodnal (Bob's son) confirmed that a celebration of life service will be held for Bob on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 6:00 PM at the Swan-Law Mortuary, 501 N. Cascade Ave in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Burial will occur at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at the Boscobel, Wisconsin Columbarium. Condolences can be sent to:
Jay Woodnal
103 N Candlewood Dr
Pueblo West, CO 81007-6538
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Richard Eugene Cale, Major USAF (Ret.), Age 83, of Riverside, CA, passed away 07/25/2004. Mr. Cale was born 09/29/1920 in Wichita, KS. He was a Consulting Meteorologist and instructor in General and Aviation Meteorology, Orange Coast Community College, 1970-1974. Principal Scientist, Booz, Allen Applied Research, Inc., 1965-1970. Meteorological Consultant, (self-employed) 1949-1950. Krickweather Service, Inc., Forecaster 1946-1948. Mr. Cale served in the U.S. Army Air Corps., 1941-1945 as a Weather Observer, Forecaster and Station Chief. Recalled to active duty 1950 and retired from the Air Force in 1965 with the rank of Major. Mr. Cale was initially trained on-the-job and at US Army Air Corps schools. Subsequently he attended University of Maryland undergraduate courses and completed his Bachelor of General Education degree at the University of Omaha. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Meteorology at the University of Utah. His education continued through technical publications, seminars, workshops, and professional meetings; research in support of client requirements; and daily current analysis and archiving of western hemisphere weather conditions. Mr. Cale was the recipient of the 1962 Zimmerman Award by the U.S. Air Force for his contributions to applied climatology and received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal in 1963 for meteorological consulting services in support of aerospace systems. Chairman, Los Angeles Chapter, American Meteorological Society, 1969-70. President, National Council of Industrial Meteorologists, 1980-81. Recipient, Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter, American Meteorological Society Award for Outstanding Meteorologist of the year 1981. Numerous contributions to technical meteorological papers. Mr. Cale was a member of American Meteorological Society, Royal Meteorological Society, National Council of Industrial Meteorological, National Weather Association, International Society of Air Safety Investigators, The Society of Sigma Xi, California Weather Association, The Retired Officers Association, Reserve Officers Association, Twin Peaks Lodge #32, F. & A. M. Midvale, Utah, University of Utah Alumni Association and Air Weather Association. Mr. Cale is survived by his wife, Patricia E. Cale, Riverside, CA.; 2 Daughters, Cheryle J. Harbaugh, Albuquerque, NM, Cindy K. Jones, Salt Lake City, UT; 2 Sons, Douglas R. Cale, Anaheim, CA., Gregory T. Thompson, Moreno Valley, CA.; Brother, Charles R. Schultz, Laguna Hills, CA.; 12 Grandchildren; 10 Great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society.
Dorothy E. Leonard, 85, of St. Louis, Mo., entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 4, 2004. She retired as a civil service administrative assistant at Scott Air Force Base. Surviving are a brother, Robert E. Leonard; and many friends and neighbors. Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2004, at Southern Funeral Home, 6322 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., and from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2004, at St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, St. Louis, Mo. Funeral: A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2004, at St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. She was Secretary to the AWS Commander in the late 60s to mid 70s and a member of the Air Weather Association.
Joe Saccone died Monday morning, 28 June, [2004] at his home in Walpole, MA from metastatic stomach cancer. He leaves his wife, Madelyn, their five children and ten grandchildren. Madelyn and the family send heartfelt thanks to Joe's many good AWS friends for their thoughts, prayers and communications during Joe's illness. The funeral will be Friday, 2 July, at Blessed Sacrament in Walpole, followed by burial at Bourne National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Delaney Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole. I talked with Joe briefly just a week ago, but it was clear at that time that he was going downhill. But I'm so glad we talked. On previous calls I presumed he was just not up to talking. The address for the Saccone family is:
24 Pine Hill Drive
Walpole, MA 02081-2144
E-mail address: sacrez@aol.com
We will all miss this kind, gentle man, who served his country with distinction, and who knew our weather business inside and out. His influence as a husband, father, leader and manager sets an example for us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Madelyn and the family at this very difficult time. -- Al Kaehn
Virginia May Woodnal, 73 of Colorado Springs, passed away Friday, May 21, 2004. She was a proud homemaker and family orientated lady. She will be sadly missed by her husband and five children. Mrs Woodnal was born July 22, 1930 in Watterstown, Wisconsin to Leo and Clara Richter. She was a Catholic and attended masses regularly until illness prevented it. She was married November 4, 1950 in Boscobel, Wisconsin to Colonel Robert F. Woodnal, USAF (Ret). As a team they enjoyed a 31 year Air Force career, managing 24 household moves and raising five children. Their 53 years of marriage was blessed in many ways. Mrs Woodnal was a member of the USAF active duty Weather Wives and of the Retired Officer's Wives Club. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Darlene and Eileen. Mrs Woodnal is survived by her husband, Robert Woodnal, Colorado Springs, five children, John Woodnal, Colorado Springs; Jay Woodnal, Pueblo West; Jill Romero, Stanton, CA; Jana Christensen, Morrison, CO; Julie Lane, Colorado Springs; 19 Grandchildren and three Great-Grand Children. A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday May 25, 2004 at the Swan-Law Mortuary at 6pm. Burial will be in Boscobel, Wisconsin's Columbarium #1 at a later date.
Richard L. 'Dick' Kimmel, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), 74 yrs., died March 31, 2004, Bellevue, Nebraska. Survived by wife, Shirley; daughters: Cheryl and husband Shawn Rodgers, Omaha; Kristi and husband Michael Pietryka, Waterford, MI; Lisa and husband Bob Chandler, Golden, CO; Lori and husband Braun Joney, Phoenix, AZ; son, Scott and wife Beth Kimmel, Merriam, KS; brother, Dana Kimmel, Forest, OH; sister, Rachel and husband Richard White, Toledo, OH; 8 grandchildren. Lifetime member VFW 2280. Celebration of Life Monday, April 5, 2004 1:30 pm, Bellevue Memorial Chapel. Interment Bellevue Cemetery. NO VISITATION. Bellevue Memorial Chapel, 22nd and Hancock, Bellevue NE
Col. Daniel M. Whealen, Retired USAF, of Universal City, passed away February 11, 2004. He was 76. Dan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Whealen; daughters Kate Whealen and Teresa Schmittling; sons, Dennis and Kevin Whealen; sister, Mary Lou Sammelman; Brothers, William F. Whealen and Martin J. Whealen, S.J.; and grandchildren, Rachel and Sam. Col. Whealen served 2 years in the US Army Infantry before attending college. After college he joined the US Air Force and served in the Air Weather Services, Military Air Command, The Personnel center, and Communication Services. While in the military he served overseas in Japan, Thailand and Germany. He retired as DCS/P for Communications Command in 1981. After retiring from the US Air Force, Dan became very active in community service, focusing on veterans affairs, including serving 1 year as Dept. Commander of the State of Texas. Dan served 5 full terms as Council member of Universal City. He was honored as Mayor Pro-tem, as appointed by his peers. Dan served as President and later Regional Director of the Texas Municipal League, Region 7. He was a loyal and dedicated public servant, serving Universal City and the entire community in a highly exemplary manor. He was a longtime member of St. Monica's Catholic Church. Dan was an avid golfer, a wonderful family man, mediator, peacemaker, and mentor to many.
Philip Thornburg Boucher died February 22, 2004, in Tempe, Arizona. He was born January 14, 1920, in Rolette, North Dakota, to John B.Boucher and Nina Ruth Boucher, nee Thornburg. He spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force as a meteorologist, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before his retirement in 1970. After his retirement, he earned a degree in accounting from Arizona State University, and worked as an accountant in Pinetop, Arizona until 1994. He is survived by his wife, Frances Ellen Boucher, nee Fry, of Tempe, Arizona; a step-son, Philip M. Burger, of Olathe, Kansas; 5 step-grandchildren: Charles Burger of Mesa, Arizona, Michael Burger of Charleston, SC, Mijanou Burger, of Lawrence KS., Antoinette Burger of Olathe, KS., and Peter Burger of Castine, ME; and 4 step-great-grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held at 3PM Friday, Feb. 27, 2004 at Friendship Village 2645 E. Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ. Arrangements by Lakeshore Mortuary. Published in the Arizona Republic on 2/25/2004.
Col. (Ret.) James Kerlin, 61, of State College, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Jim Kerlin had a sense of adventure. At the age of 21, he joined the Air Force, fulfilling a desire born form his view of the airplanes flying overhead as a child in Pittsburgh. The service was a perfect vehicle for both his sense of adventure and duty, marrying them into an enviable career until his retirement after 24 years. He was the youngest officer to earn the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he earned numerous decorations and awards throughout his military career. Upon his retirement, he came to Penn State, enjoying his position most recently as the director of education outreach and his work with the Penn State student body. His time as 11WS Commander at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska introduced him to the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, which he continued to follow faithfully every year. He planned to hike the Appalachian Trail (deemed a safer alternative by his family than his bungee-jumping plan) which he saw not as an intimidating test of courage and endurance but as a walk to enjoy. Kerlin had a sense of humor. With a twinkle in his eye and wink, he had the ability to brighten a room just by walking into it. Kerlin had a sense of family. His love for his wife and children inspired the people around him. He often spoke of the meeting of his wife, Suzanne, as the best thing that ever happened to him. His unabashed love for her was an inspiring gift to us all. His children also felt his deep love for them every day, with no mistaking the pride and care he felt for them. His "handle" (developed for his Appalachian Trial hike) was JimDad. Being a loving father just seemed to be part of the job description of his life. In addition, James Kerlin received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts degree in management from University of Nebraska and a Master of Science degree in meteorology from New York University. He also attended officer training schools throughout his military career and taught a variety of computer and scientific disciplines at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. He loved the University of Nebraska and especially Tom Osborne. He was the faculty adviser for the Penn State Gay Lesbian Student Alliance and knew more about Gettysburg than any layperson really would be expected to know. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne E. Kerlin, of State College; and his children, Paul M. Kerlin and his wife, Elizabeth J., of Fairfax, Va., Nicola E. Kerlin, of Fairfax, Va., Bridget S. Kerlin and her husband, Anthony R. Morris, of Davis, Calif., and Alistair J. Kerlin, of State College; two brothers, Nicholas T., of Lehighton, and John, of Denver; and his stepfather, Morris "Ace" Manolovich, of Aliquippa. The funeral was be held at the State College Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, 14 January 2004 with the Rev. Dr. Charles J. Curley and the Rev. Joel Blunk officiating. Burial will be at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.