Departures - 2009
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
Karl Francis Grumbach, MSgt USAF (Ret.) died on December 12, 2009 in SunCity, Arizona. He was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Pheonix. He is survived by his wife Teresa. John added -- The Grumbach's were our guests at the AWRA reunion in SanAntonio last October. His picture is on the reunion Web page http://www.awra.us/reunion2009-2.html. I have known Karl since the mid70's. We served together at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C. with ETAC. We both transferred to Scott AFB with ETAC. Karl later served inKorea. Karl retired as a weather forecaster at Nellis AFB in Nevada.
Luke V. Campeau, 89, of Aurora, Colorado suffered a heart attack and died, November 3, 2009. He was a Veteran of World War II. Served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Army Air Corp 15th Weather Squadron and member of American Guerrillas of Mindanao, Philippines and was awarded the Bronze Star. He is survived by his wife - Fran, children and spouses - Lyn Batcheller of Sioux Falls, SD, Sheila Campeau & Mike Mohoric of Laguna Nigel, CA, Debra Campeau & Steve Hopkins of Denver, CO, Kris Olinger of Denver, CO, Steve Campeau & Eric Herrli of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jeff & Kathy Campeau of Breckenridge, CO and Matt & Margie Campeau of Louisville, KY. Grandchildren - Paul & Erika Batcheller, Joe & Shauna Batcheller, Jarrid Campeau, Clara Rose Campeau, Gracie Campeau, Eli Campeau, Aaron Hafliger, Adam Hafliger, and AnnaLise Hafliger. Great grandchildren - Lila Batcheller and Owen Batcheller. Mass of Christian Burial, was held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Aurora. Interment was at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan, Denver, CO. Luke was an active Air Weather Association member attending many of the bi-annual reunions with his wife Fran. He began his weather career with the 15th Weather Squadron in the Pacific and kept up with the 15th and 20th WS Alumni at their annual get togethers. Luke was a past-president of the A.G.O.M. (American Guerrillas of Mindanao) Association. Their motto is -- We Remained 1941-1945. When the Japanese took over the Island of Mindanao, 136 Americans hid in the jungles instead of surrendering. They survived and continually harassed the Japanese until Gen. MacArthur recaptured the Philippines. They were also joined later by others (including Luke and other 15WS members) who came to the islands by submarine to provide weather reports and surveillance of enemy troop and ship activities in preparation for the return of Gen. MacArthur. Luke attained the rank of CWO before discharge.
Steven Puskar Jr., Col USAF (Ret.) 90, of Satellite Beach, Florida died Monday, November 2, 2009. Col Puskar was the Air Weather Service Comptroller from July 70 - July 72 when the function was abolished. His wife Sylvia died in 1993.
Gary Leon Sickler, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) (1945-2009) a loving husband, father, and grandfather, 64, passed away Monday, Oct 26, 2009, surrounded by family and friends at his residence in Weatherford, Texas. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Friday, 30 October 2009 at White's Chapel of Memories in Weatherford. Gary was born June 6, 1945 in Cooperstown, New York. Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of eighteen. His incredible rise through the enlisted ranks then through the officer ranks, culminated in his command of the Air Force Combat Weather Center, Hurlburt Field, FL. Gary retired in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after thirty-three years of faithful and stalwart service to his country. Having earned his PhD in Meteorology, he then embarked on his second career - research scientist and lecturer at his alma mater, Texas A&M University in College Station. Upon retirement, he taught at Embry Riddle University and Weatherford College. Gary's professional life was forged by hard work, discipline, and integrity. It was marked by success, the respect of his peers, and a reputation for dedication to excellence. Gary's personal life was rich with family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary E. Taylor and step-father, Robert Taylor>. He is survived by his adoring wife, Kellie Ann Sickler and son, Cody; sister, Kimberly Taylor; daughter, Lisa Stolt and her husband, Mike; son, Eric Sickler and his wife, Sherry; son, Joshua Sickler and his wife, Nichole; beloved grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, and Emily Stolt, Savannah and Jake Sickler, Riley Sickler and Skylar Polansky; nephew, Rocky Matthews and niece, Rachel Matthews. Nothing brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye like his family. He was a dedicated provider, fierce defender, and a hopeless sentimental. Gary's last years were happily spent hunting in the mountains of Colorado and adventuring in his new motor home camping and bass fishing. He will be dearly missed.
Freeman R. Smith, CWO-4 USAF (Ret.) (1918-2009) passed away at age 90 on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at a Sacramento area hospital. Interment was at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, on October 26th. Freeman was one of the few remaining retired CWO-4s in the US Air Force; he retired in 1970 after 28 years of active service as a military meteorologist. His post-retirement employment was as a meteorologist with the California Air Resources Board. He was a charter member of the AWA and the National Weather Association and a long-term member of the American Meteorological Society and many military/veteran's associations. He will be remembered by many for his longtime service as the first locator/database maintainer for the Air Weather Association. The scope of his efforts as the editor of the AWA world-wide roster is still seen today. Freeman is survived by his wife, Teruko/Terry, two adult sons, an adult daughter, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cyriaque John Loisel, Col USAF (Ret.) (1922-2009) passed away peacefully October 8, 2009 in his home after a difficult struggle with lung cancer. He was born June 28, 1922 in the Bronx, NY. He graduated from Queens College in 1942, St. Louis University in 1952 and M.I.T. in 1961. Colonel Loisel proudly served in the United States Air Force for 26 years as a Command Pilot and Meteorologist. In World War II he flew 100 missions in B-25's and was credited with sinking six Japanese warships and freighters. In the Korean War he flew B-29's over North Korea. During the Vietnam conflict Colonel Loisel was the Vice Commander of the First Weather Group, Saigon, South Vietnam. His assignments took him to California, Morocco, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Illinois where he retired in August 1970 as the Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Weather Service. His first wife Virginia Loisel preceded him in death in 1992. He is survived by his present wife Carolyn Loisel of Green Valley, AZ, his daughter Jacqueline Kittleson, his son John Loisel, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Colonel Loisel will be interred at the Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
Rev. Robert Floyd McGlew and SMSgt USAF (Ret.) age 82, longtime Amesbury, MA, resident, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He battled esophageal cancer for more than a year and it traveled into his lungs. Born in Newburyport, April 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Floyd W. and Dorothy (Brown) McGlew and was a graduate of Newburyport High School. Bob left high school during war time and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from June 6, 1945 until his honorable discharge on August 11, 1946. He returned and graduated from Newburyport High School in 1947. He learned to fly at the Plum Island airport and then attended Gottschalk School of Aeronautics in Michigan. It was there he developed a keen interest in meteorology, which set the course for the remainder of his lengthy military career. He proudly served in the Air Force from December 23, 1949, during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and he was honorably discharged on December 31, 1968 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Bob attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1979 at the Byfield Parish Church. He continued his dedicated ministry, serving as Associate Pastor and Director of Elder Ministries of the Byfield Parish church. He also served several churches as interim pastor in New England and Florida. He is survived by his devoted wife of forty six years, Margery J. (Hills) McGlew of Amesbury; two daughters, JoAnn E. Whitley and husband Raymond of Salisbury; Jennifer E. Hills-MacFaden and husband Scott; six grandchildren, Benjamin Roy, Sarah Poulin and husband Raymond; Philip Whitley and wife Elisabeth; Joel Roy, Daniel Roy and Maya Zolnay; two great-grandchildren, Josiah and Samuel Whitley; two sisters, Barbara Reardon of Seabrook and Marilyn Chase of Exeter, NH; along with several nieces, nephews, a former daughter-in-law Stephanie Roy, and many loving friends. Robert was predeceased by his son, Lawrence "Bud" Roy, Jr., and by his sister, Patricia Devenish. A memorial service was held Sunday, September 20, 2009 at the Byfield Parish Church, 132 Jackman Street, Georgetown, MA. Interment was private for the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for the Patnership Program, 130 Essex St., South Hamilton, MA 01982. Checks can be made payable to Gordon-Conwell, please add Partnership Program-Robt. McGlew in memo.
Garthel Brett, 79, passed away Friday, September 4, 2009. She was born in Lowndes County, GA on January 14, 1930. Garthel lived at the Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne where she was an avid golfer and bridge player. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Col USAF (Ret.) Walter R. "Dick" Brett; children, Brenda (Tom) Cockerham, Carol (Gene) Manley, Dale Brett, William (Robyn) Brett, Robert (Debbie) Brett; sister-in-law, Nancy (Nick) Ware; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home Chapel in Viera. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contribution to Wuesthoff Hospice Care Center in Melbourne, Florida or the American Breast Cancer Association.
Harold E. Roudebush 89, Topeka, KS, passed away August 10, 2009. Mr. Roudebush was born in Peru, IL on January 2, 1920 to the late Delano and Clarissa White Roudebush. He spent his childhood in several different parts of west-central Illinois graduating from high school in Good Hope, IL. He earned undergraduate degrees from both Western Illinois State University and Millikin University, and furthered his education with a Masters of Science degree in chemistry from Western Illinois. Most of his career was spent as an analytical research chemist at Eli Lilly & Co. in Indianapolis, IN, where he was involved with antibiotic research and development. Mr. Roudebush served in the Pacific theater as a weather observer and meteorologist with the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945. He was a weather forecaster and master sergeant with the 7th Weather Squadron AAF when discharged in November of 1945. He was proud of his service as a weather forecaster and remained a keen observer of weather all his life. He was a 60-year member of the American Chemical Society and a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Scientech Club of Indianapolis, the Cloud Appreciation Society and the Air Weather Association. He was an active member of All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis. He lived most of his adult life in Indianapolis and the town of Wynnedale, and moved to Topeka in 2007 following the death of his wife of 58 years, Constance K. Roudebush. Mr. Roudebush is survived by his sons Philip Roudebush and his wife, Joanne Burns, of Topeka; John Roudebush and his wife, Jan Wolf, of Snellville, GA; and four grandchildren, Amelia, Matthew, Kelly and Shannon. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Indianapolis. Memorial contributions can be made to All Souls Unitarian Church Music Fund, 5805 W. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46226, or the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, 32 East Washington St., Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Elbert O. "Bert" Peay, Sr., SMSgt USAF (Ret.) 79, of Mansfield, OH, died August 4, 2009, at his home. He was born January 12, 1930, to Aubrey and Katie (Hunt) Peay in Huntsville, Kentucky. He was raised on a farm and graduated from Rochester High School in 1948. After graduation, Bert moved to Evansville, Indiana. He joined the Air Force in 1948. His service took him to Frankfurt, Germany, where he met his lifelong love, Auguste L. Gebhardt. They were married in Germany and together shared 57 years of marriage. Bert was a Chief Meteorologist in the Air Force and served in France, Italy, Okinawa, Korea, Vietnam, and ended his career in Washington, D.C. as advisor to Air Force One. He retired from the Air Force in 1969 and served as an advisor to the 179th Airlift Group at Mansfield Lahm Airport. Bert was active in real estate sales from 1962 until his retirement in 1995. He obtained his real estate broker's license in 1970, opening Appleseed Realty in 1971. He became a certified real estate appraiser, opening Appraisal Services of North Central Ohio in 1984. Bert was a lifelong member of the Mansfield Board of Realtors and served as their President in 1990, as well as a member of the Board of Directors and other various committees. He was a member and Chief Executive Officer from 1980-1986 of Home Builders Association of Mansfield and Past President of what is now known as the Building Industry Association. Bert was honored as Builder of the Year in 1979 and recognized by the Ohio Home Builders Association for Outstanding Membership Recruitment Efforts in 1985, being tireless in his efforts to grow the Builders Association. He was a member of the Mansfield Kiwanis Club, a lifetime member of Amvets Post #26, the Liederkranz, Ontario V.F.W., Richland County Fish and Game Club and the Shadow Flight Group. Bert is survived by his loving wife, Auguste; son, Elbert (Nancy) Peay, Jr. of Pickerington; daughters, Shirley Joseph of Reynoldsburg and Sandra (Victor) Rini of Ontario. He was known as Handsome Bert to his loving grandchildren, Alysia (Brian) Sweeney of Ontario, Shannon (Andy) Springer of Lithopolis, Lynsey White (Mike) Dasher of Westerville, Morgan Peay of Ontario, Michelle White of New York City, NY and Philip Joseph of Columbus. Others left to treasure his memory include four great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Chase Springer and Jared and Taylor Sweeney; brothers, Albert (Wanda) Peay of Evansville, IN, Aubrey (Vicki) Peay of KY, Clarence Roscoe (Judy) Peay of Phoenix, AZ and Tyler (Doris) Peay of Morgantown, KY; sisters, Katie (Vinyard) Ferrell of Dunbar, KY, Annie Pearl (Shelby) Wester of Quality, KY; twenty-one nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Sarah Howard. He is also survived by grandchildren by marriage, Joseph (Connie) Rini, David (Colleen) Rini, Vicki Maloney and Matthew (Amy) Rini; and great- grandchildren, Lindsay, Allison, Joey, Margaret, Rose, Grace and Nathan Rini, Ryan, Sean and Megan Maloney, and Kayleigh and Sydney Conley. He was preceded in death by his son, Albert Peay and great-grandson, Erik Saunders. Burial with military honors was in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH 44805.
William "Bill" Cramer, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep, July 26, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas. Bill served in the Air Force as a meteorologist after graduating from Southwest Texas State Teachers College and earning a Master's Degree from Texas A&M. Mike Cohick remembers, "Bill as the quintessential 2546 serving in places like Eglin, Kindsbach, Hanscom, and Scott. I met him at Scott where he was my mentor on the MAC IG. We remained close friends for over 36 years. He also served at USAFETAC at Scott. He retired in 1975." In retirement Bill received the National Weather Service Special Service award when information from him allowed their forecasters to issue more precise area flood warnings in October 1998 and 3 similar times in 1987, 1991 and 1993. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary; son, James and his wife, Betty; daughter, Janet; niece, Nancy Cramer and sister-in-law, Gazelle Sump. Having never met a stranger, Bill leaves behind too many friends to list. He will be dearly missed and forever loved. Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 9:15 AM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 1 PM at University United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bill's memory be made to The Salvation Army, a charity he supported, or to the senior adult ministries at UUMC.
Sherwin Woodward Jamison, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) 71, passed away July 24, 2009 at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, following a heart attack and surgery. We'll miss Grandpa's stories. He was born 19 March 1938 in Franklin, Idaho to Vernon C. and Ruth W. Jamison. From 1958 to 1961 he served as a missionary in the Brazilian Mission. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Meteorology from the University of Missouri. He served his country in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. After leaving active-duty in the Air Force, he worked as a civil servant for TVA and for the Air Force. He enjoyed family history, and, with Glora Belle, served in the Family and Church History Mission and as a ward family history consultant. He was also a volunteer at the Clearfield Family History Center. He is survived by his wife Glora Belle (Forbes) and their three children: Susan Engberson, Mark, and Eric Jamison; by his mother, Ruth Jamison; his sister Bonnie Sampson; and brothers Max, Bruce, and Karl; as well as his grandchildren Ray and Dallin Engberson, Emily, Luke, Benjamin, Brigham, Daniel, and Levi Jamison. Funeral Services were held on July 29th at the Homestead Ward chapel at 2350 W. 1900 S., Syracuse, UT with interment following at the Franklin City, Idaho Cemetery.
David H. Fish, Col USAF (Ret.), 90, died July 21, 2009 in Savannah, GA. David was born in Boston, MA on December 27, 1918, the son of the late Harold Dufur and Ethel Deering Fish. He was a graduate of Evanston High School in Evanston, IL, later receiving his formal education from Dartmouth College where he graduated in 1940 earning his B.A. in Physics. After college, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and through their assistance attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a degree in Meteorology. Mr. Fish had an impressive career serving in the Armed Forces spanning over forty years as he ultimately retired as Colonel from the U.S. Air Force. After his military career he used his knowledge in meteorology as he worked with American Airlines. He later began working with Montgomery Ward Company where he retired as a senior buyer in 1981. Dave retired to Skidaway Island, GA where he enjoyed playing golf, bridge and swimming in his pool. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Nicholson Fish; and brother, William Deering Fish. He is survived by his children, daughter, Joan "Joannie" Nicholson Fish and son-in-law, Charles H. Higgins, III, of Savannah, daughter, Anne Deering Fish and companion, Philip J. Bailey of Marlborough, MA, son, Robert H. "Bob" Fish, daughter-in-law, Betsy Baer; grandson, David Joseph "DJ" Fish; and dear friend, Jackie Brasher. His hearty laugh will be missed by friends, family and all who knew him. Memorial Service was held at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411 or to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, PO Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402.
Edward Allan Town, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), age 70 of Weston, Texas passed away July 8, 2009, in Plano, Texas. He was born on August 31, 1938, in Grove City, Pennsylvania to Eugene and Josephine (Rossi) Town. On December 23, 1995, he married Sharon Gunn in McKinney, Texas. Mr. Town proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985. Following his military retirement, he assumed a career with Rockwell and Boeing and retired in 2000. Edward became Mayor of Weston, Texas in 2007. Edward is survived by his wife, Sharon Gunn-Town; daughters, Mary Heath, Michele Town and Melissa Zak; 7 grandchildren, 2 nieces and a nephew. A memorial celebration was held Saturday, July 18, 2009, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Parish Hall in McKinney, Texas. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com. Memorials may be made to the Volunteer Fire Department of Weston, Texas. Ed Boselly remembers, "I first met Ed when I was stationed with the 1st Cav at An Khe in the RVN in 1966. He came through trying to recruit people to come to "work" with the Keith Grimes group. It sounded interesting until I found out I'd have to go to the ARVN jump school. I decided not to pursue the venture. Ed was a very nice person and I wish we had been assigned together somewhere." Dave Ladwig remembers, "Only worked with Ed a short time at Ft McPherson GA, but he was a knowledgeable, tactical kind of guy who would have been right at home in the multiple deployment environment our weather people have seen in the last 10 years. He always seemed to wear an infectious, mischievous grin. He knew who he was. My best memory is Ed talking about his promotion board to LtCol. He was absolutely certain that when they drew the line, he was exactly one position above it; surprised and grateful for something he never expected."
Thompson, Donald H. SMSgt USAF (Ret.) July 7, 2009, Don, 61, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by parents Ryno and Inez Thompson. Beloved husband of Josefina M. Thompson, married 38 years; dear father of Danny (Marilyn) Thompson, Lynn (Kelly) Kuhlmann, Marsha (Tim) Thompson-Koors and Melissa Thompson; dear grandfather of Samantha, Christopher, Mikayla, Brendan and Dolen; dear brother of Diane Thompson; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. A devoted family man, he had a generous spirit, a warm heart and a keen sense of humor. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Interment was at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org or The Wellness Community Center, www.wellnesscommunitystl.org. Erik Johnson remembers, "I knew Don from his work at the 28th Weather Squadron at RAF Mildenhall, England from 1985 to 1988 where he served with CMSgt Harvey Hurtt."
Roland Foss Harvey, Maj USAF (Ret.), passed away at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home on July 7, 2009. He had just celebrated his 87th birthday on Father's Day. Roland was born on June 21, 1922, in Duxbury, Vermont. In December 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp and became a Commissioned Officer in September 1945. In 1948, while stationed on the Island of Guam, he met and married a young Civil Service employee from Waukesha, WI, named Olive Martha Siewert, the love of his life. Together, with their growing family, they were stationed at bases in California, Louisiana, Japan and Spain, before returning to Barksdale AFB for the Major's final assignment and retirement in January 1963. For the next 6 years, Roland managed Manpower, Inc in Shreveport while teaching next door at Shreveport Draughn Norton School of Business. He then went to work as General Manager of Foster Mobile Home Sales on Greenwood Road until his retirement in June 1990. Major Harvey was preceded in death by wife, Olive Martha Siewert Harvey, his parents Harold and Terrace Harvey, brother and sister-in-law Harold and Yvonne Harvey, and his sister Ann Priestly. Roland and Ollie celebrated 54 years of marriage before her passing in November 2002. Major Harvey is survived by six children: his sons James (Kathy) Harvey of Lexington, KY; and Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret) Tommy (Paulette) Harvey of Bossier City, LA; his daughters, Susan Cornette of Fort Worth, TX; Patti (Kavin) LaCaze of Bossier City, LA; Maria (Tommy) Starkey of Lexington KY; and Laura (Mike-Master Sergeant, USAF Ret) Bratcher of Hooks, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, James Harvey, Jr.; Scott (Kristy) Cornette; Belinda (Shawn-Major US Army) Bault; Chasity (Marty) Owen; Chris (Sarah Faith) Cornette; Adam (Amy) Bullock; Technical Sergeant, USAF Jason Harvey; Clay (Karen) Harvey; Staff Sergeant USAF Jonathan Bullock; Kari Harvey; Travis Starkey; Austin Starkey; Hannah Starkey; Sarah Bratcher and Martha Bratcher. And his great grandchildren: James Harvey III; Christian Cornette; Kaleigh Timmons; Luke Cornette; Grant Cornette; and Savannah Bullock. Also, celebrating his life is sister-in-law Elly Siewert Parry of WI, and nieces and nephew Jeanne (Tim) Stien of IL; Jill (Mike) Woodford of WI; Jim (Karla) Parry of WI; Karen (Skip) Lata and Sheila Trombly both of CT. Major Harvey was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, the Retired Officers Association, and VFW Post 5951 where he was formerly the Chaplain and Blood Drive Chairperson. Roland volunteered for many years with LifeShare Blood Centers and the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center. The family would like to express their appreciation to the following: Dr. Robert McCoy, Dr. Roy Fleniken, Mr. Byron Hines, and the staff of the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home where he resided for the last months of his life. A service celebrating the life of Major Harvey was held at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with interment with full military honors in Hill Crest Memorial Park.
Duane R. (Bob) Goodman, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), (1928-2009), passed away on 14 June 2009. He had been an RAO volunteer at McChord AFB WA for the last fourteen years, and had served as the RAO Office Manager for the last five years. He took on the leadership role and set a fine example for all RAO volunteers to follow. Bob will be kindly remembered by those he worked with and all that he met. Bob was a graduate of Oregon State and went on to earn a Masters Degree from MIT. Bob retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Col in 1972 and from the Washington State Department of Ecology in 1993. Bob Goodman is survived by his wife Emma and son Steven, daughters Sharon and Susan and stepchildren Michael, Jean and Joanne and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Carl L Nelson, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2009. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from Port Isabel High School. He earned a degree in meteorology at Texas A&M. Captain Nelson's Creed: I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation's Call. I am an American Airman. My mission was to Fly, Fight, and Win. I was faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation's Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger. I defended my Country with my Life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I never left an Airman behind, I never faltered, And I did not fail. Carl proudly served his Country in the United States Air Force for twenty years. Carl then transitioned into automotive sales for more than twenty years, where he won many awards. He has been the Fleet & Commercial Manager at Henna Chevrolet for more than ten years. Carl is survived by his wife, Jeanette Nelson; his children, Sonya Cornett (Bubba) and Carl Nelson II (Karin); his grandsons, Gerry Williams (Samantha), Rowdy Williams, Carl Nelson III, James Nelson, Cody Cornett, and Dustin Cornett. He was preceded in death by his parents Gustaf and Maxine Nelson. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him. Visitation will be held in the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, TX, Wednesday June 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., immediately following a Memorial Service celebrating his life from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX is tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. Please make Memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.
Lt. Col Baldwin L. Troutman Jr., USAF retired, father, grandfather, husband and uncle, passed away peacefully Friday night, May, 29, 2009. He was 91 years old. Baldwin was in many ways a larger-than-life figure. A member of the Greatest Generation, he was born in Fort Valley, Georgia, on Oct. 29, 1917. Baldwin grew up on a plantation near the Okefenokee Swamp in southeast Georgia. He was hunting food for the family there from the age of 12, and said that his mother would cook anything he shot, although she never found a way to make alligator taste good. During his time in high school in Albany, Ga., in the time of the Great Depression, Baldwin worked for a coal and ice company. After high school, he was a salesman/driver for Dr Pepper. He enlisted in the Army (later the Army Air Force) in 1941 and met his wife, Favorita, in Louisiana during training. He rose through the ranks, from private to lieutenant in two years, and spent most of the war in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a meteorologist. His first son, David, was born there. After the war he was sent to the University of Michigan, where he got a master's degree in physics and became father to his second son, Mark. After 24 years in the Air Force working mainly with nuclear weapons, he retired as a Lt. Colonel and joined Mitre Corporation. In this period he met his second wife, Marianne, and later adopted her son, Charles. At Mitre, Baldwin was the director of an enormous project building a worldwide telecoms system for the U.S. military, the biggest project of its kind at that time. Later he became director of Mitre's training college. In this period he also became a Mason and advanced to Grand Master. And he was part of the first delegation of American scientists to visit China. His was a life out of the American Dream. After a career that went from plowing behind a mule and hunting alligators to satellite-based telecoms, nuclear weapons and a guest appearance in international diplomacy, he retired to Newnan, Ga., in 1985. There he devoted himself to building his dream home and to good works, working with Marianne for many years in different capacities for the Newnan Hospital volunteers. He referred to himself in that period as one of the "pink ladies." Baldwin was mentally very active until the end. Although nearly blind, he used the Internet daily and kept up on the latest developments in the world, including quantum physics and medicine, by listening to books sent to him on tape from the Library of Congress. Baldwin was a Southern gentleman of the old school, a soldier, a scholar and a scientist. He will be remembered by all who met him. He will be missed. He is predeceased by his son, Mark, his second wife, Marianne Troutman, and his brothers, Thomas and Glenn Troutman. He is survived by his sons, David and Charles Troutman, five grandchildren and his first wife, Favorita Troutman. He will be buried at Arlington on September 2. A memorial service was held at McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan, Ga., on Friday, June 5. Don't send flowers. Give something to someone who needs help instead, as Baldwin himself did for so many years.
Charles E. Massey, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) passed May 20, 2009 in Sacramento, California at age 88. Born in White City, Texas on July 24, 1920, reared George West, Live Oak County, Texas. Prior to entering Aviation Cadet Training in 1942, he worked as an engineer for the Texas Highway Department and U.S. Engineers. After graduation as a B-17 Navigator, he went on to Europe, where he flew 35 missions during World War II. From 1946-1956, he flew as a Navigator for weather reconnaissance in B-29 aircraft California to Hawaii and to Alaska, as well as atomic test at Eniwetok and in Nevada. While in Alaska, he flew the first weather reconnaissance mission to the geographic North Pole. On 3 September 1949, Ist Lt. Massey was a navigator on a B-29 Weather Reconnaissance flight from Misawa in northern Japan to Eielson AFB, Alaska. This was a thirteen-hour and thirty-six minute Loon Charlie mission. When the debris on the filter papers of that aircraft were analyzed, it suggested that Russia had detonated an atomic bomb. This was verified by other flights following the debris further and from analysts including J. Robert Oppenheimer. This important highly classified news was brought to President Truman who announced publicly to the world on 23 September 1949 that Russia had the bomb. Senior Navigator Technical Specialist School at Mather AFB, California in 56-57 led him to the assignment of Director of Military Training, Harlingen AFB, Texas (57-61); Director of Training, Randolf AFB, Texas (61-65); Base Commander, K-2 Taegu, Korea (65-66); Base Commander, Fuchu Air Station, Japan of 36 military units, including Headquarters, U.S. Forces Japan, Fifth Air Force, for 4,000 military and 10,000 dependents (66-69). Arriving back in the U.S. in 1969, Executive Officer, 47th Air Division, Castle AFB, California (69-71); Special Services Officer and Deputy Base Commander, Castle AFB, (71-72). Upon retirement, he went on to banking (Harlingen National Bank, Harlingen, TX 72-74) and then returning to Sacramento, California real estate (Red Carpet Realtors and Davis & Davis Real Estate). A life-long member of the Elks Lodge, he held many positions a member of the Rat Pack. Legendary for his storytelling and backyard grilling. Preceded in death by wife Janice June Pearson Massey, sisters Norma Elizabeth Massey Hornsby, Norine Leona Massey Johnson, brothers (infant/unnamed) and William Smith Massey, III. Survived by his brother Holman C. Massey, San Antonio, TX; daughters Linda Becker (Hot Springs, SD) and Colleen Herin (Sacramento, CA), sons Raymond (Red Bluff, CA) and Colton (Sacramento, CA) and their spouses/companions Alan Becker, Candi Nichols, Patti (Hogan) Massey, 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His family and friends will dearly miss him. He was cremated in Sacramento, CA. Memorial service with military honors and internment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at George West Cemetery, George West, TX. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Lt. Col.(Ret) Richard Charles Suehr, 91, of Fayetteville, N.C., passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at North Carolina State Veterans Nursing Home, Fayetteville. He was born May 4, 1917, in Crafton, to the late Harry C. Suehr and Ethlenna Roehrig Suehr. He served his country for more than 28 years in the Air Force and was a veteran of World War II and the Vietnam War. During his military career, he was the recipient of the numerous commendations and medals including two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was preceded in death by a son, Ralph T. Suehr. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Suehr, of the home; one son, Richard "Rick" C. Suehr II, of Raleigh, N.C.; one sister, Nell Bull, of Nescopeck, Pa.; and a grandson, Richard Charles Suehr III, of Long Beach, Calif. Funeral services were conducted at Main Post Chapel, on Fort Bragg, with Father Micheas Langston officiating. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, July 9, 2009, with the rendering of full military honors. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the family of Col. Suehr. Our family is truly thankful that he has completed his final mission and has flown back into the sun to meet his squadron and go back the final time to his home base and be with his supreme commanding officer eternally. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Knights of Columbus, 1220 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305.
Neil P. Clemans news photographer for The Los Angeles Mirror, passed away on April 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Neil enlisted on January 2, 1942 in Seattle, Washington. He served stateside, and then in Africa and the Middle East as a sergeant and weather observer for the 19th Weather Squadron. He published a WW II memoir titled Marooned in Darfur, now part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. It's a really delightful read and probably the only detailed account, with photographs, from that time and place. See http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/182115.
William Oscar Senter, LT GEN USAF (Ret.), 1910-2009, 98, died April 19, 2009, at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, Florida. He was born in Stamford, Texas, on 15 June 1910 seven months after his father was killed in a cattle herding accident. He moved with his family to Abilene, Texas, where be graduated from high school in 1928. After attending Hardin-Simmons University for a year he entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in June 1933 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps. While at West Point he lettered in football and lacrosse. In September 1933, Lieutenant Senter attended flying school at Randolph Field, Texas, receiving his pilot's rating a year later and transferred to the Army Air Corps. Upon graduation, his first station was Langley Field, Va., where be served with the 20th Bomb Squadron of the 2d Bomb Group. There, Major Barney M. Giles selected Lt. Senter as his navigator when the Army Air Corps took delivery of Boeing's first production B-17 bomber. In 1937, he entered Massachusetts Institute of Technology for meteorology training, studying under Carl-Gustav Rossby and Hurd C. Willet. In June 1938, he served as a weather officer at Maxwell Field, Ala., and as a weather regional control officer with regional headquarters at that same station. He was promoted to Captain (October 1940) and Major (July 1941). On 18 August 1941, he assumed command of the 4th Weather Squadron at Maxwell. In January 1942, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and in June 1942, was assigned to the Army Air Forces Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as chief of the Operations Division in the Directorate of Weather and later an executive officer in November 1942. He was promoted to Colonel on 21 July 1943. Colonel Senter assumed command of and organized the Army Air Forces Weather Wing in Asheville, N.C. when the Directorate of Weather in Washington D.C. was disbanded in 1943. In March 1945, he was assigned to command the Far East Air Forces (FEAF) Weather Group (Provisional) on Luzon, Philippine Islands. He became staff weather officer to Lt Gen George F. Kenney and later meteorological advisor to General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. The following September the FEAF Weather Group became the 43rd Weather Wing which moved to Tokyo, Japan in March 1946 and Colonel Senter commanded it for two years. In addition to his regular duties, he was also responsible for the rehabilitation of the Japanese and Korean weather services and for the establishment of a weather service within the Ryukyuan Islands. Colonel Senter entered the Air War College at Maxwell Field, Ala, in July 1948. Upon graduation a year later he was appointed deputy chief of the Air Weather Service at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. On 1 August 1950, he assumed command of the Air Weather Service and was promoted to Brigadier General on 4 August. He was promoted again on 8 March 1952 making him the first Major General to command AWS. He was named commander of the Oklahoma City Air Material Area in May 1954, moving in August 1957 to Headquarters Air Material Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, as director of Procurement and Production. He was susequently assigned as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Material at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in August 1959. Promoted to Lieutenant General on 1 August 1963, he was named Director, Petroleum Logistics Policy in the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations and Logistics), Department of Defense. He retired in 1966. Significant events during General Senter's tenure as the sixth AWS Commander include the establishment of the Severe Weather Warning Center at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma in 1951 and the reorganization of AWS from geographic to functional support in May 1952. After his retirement from the military, Lt. Gen. Senter organized the Natural Gas Supply Association in Washington, D.C. This organization of natural gas suppliers was formed to develop stable and continuous supplies of natural gas energy for the nation. He retired from that position in 1974. Lt. Gen. Senter lived in Tequesta and Palm City, Florida, since 1975. He was preceded in death by his two wives, Ruth Jane Tinsley Senter (1967) and Carolyn Fallon Senter (2003). He is survived by two daughters; Suellen Senter of Oakland, CA, and R. Jane Senter of Bigfork, MT. Additional survivors include two grandchildren; Michelle Bolle' of Aptos, CA., and Ken Bolle' of Felton, CA., and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997, (772) 403-4530 or on line at www.tchospices.org. SERVICES: A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. May 16, 2009 at the Pavilion at Sandhill Cove in Palm City, FL. Inurnment with full military honors occurred at Arlington National Cemetery on 28 September 2009.
Dr. Fred W. Decker, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) of Corvallis OR died on 3 April 2009. His wife Charlotte died on 25 March 2009. Article from local newspaper follows - Community Loses Colorful Character: Retired OSU prof held strong beliefs. By KYLE ODEGARD Corvallis, Oregon, Gazette-Times reporter
Fred Decker was a candid, energetic conservative voice
Fred W. Decker, 91, was known to many people as the founding father of atmospheric sciences at OSU, colleague Steve Esbensen said. Esbensen, a professor emeritus in the College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, said Decker helped create strong undergraduate and graduate programs. But Decker, a talkative and friendly Oregon native, also was well-known for his conservative beliefs, and for not shying away from a political fight. Decker died a week ago in Corvallis, leaving behind an accomplished, distinguished, colorful and sometimes controversial legacy. He was appointed to the Department of Education by Reagan, and he was a global warming skeptic, Esbensen said. In recent years, Decker sued Oregon for adopting its vote-by-mail election system, arguing that it violated federal law. He fought Benton County over same-sex marriage, lobbied against required diversity classes at OSU and ran for the Corvallis School Board in 2003 in response to the Boy Scouts being barred from recruiting in local public schools. He shared his views with Gazette-Times readers as one of the regular contributors to the Letters to the editor forum. As dedicated as he was to defending his beliefs, family members said he was most dedicated to his wife, Charlotte. The couple married in New York City in 1942, and family members said they were devoted to each other. After she suffered a stroke, he took care of her in their home for years until his own health began to decline. Charlotte Decker died March 25 at the age of 94. Fred Decker died on April 3. Rainy Decker Takalo, 55, of Damascas, joked that after her mothers death, her father was nine days overdue in following her. He was late for everything, she said. Although Decker had the gift of gab, small talk wasnt his forte. Heavens forbid; the guy was a meteorologist, so you couldnt even talk about the weather, Takalo laughed. Jane Decker, 65, of Tucson, Ariz., said her father was constantly in teaching mode, so conversations often featured lengthy explanations. Bill Decker, 60, of Sunnyvale, Calif., remembered his father as a Boy Scout leader who helped make Troop 142 into an Eagle Scout factory, referring to the highest rank in Scouting. Annual family vacations often were camping trips at the Oregon Coast. During World War II, Decker was called for active duty in the Army Air Corps to teach meteorology to weather officers, Jane Decker said. After the war ended, he remained an active Air Force reservist. In 1946, Decker joined the Oregon State faculty to teach engineering physics and expand meteorological classes. Decker also had research grants from the Army and established a research radar installation atop Marys Peak in the 1950s. That later was moved to the north of Corvallis. Except for a four-year stint in Washington, D.C., Decker and his wife lived in Corvallis since 1946 and had the same phone number. Decker left OSU in 1981, when he was appointed to the Reagan administration to be the deputy assistant secretary for research and improvement in the U.S. Department of Education. Takalo said it was the dream job for an incredibly conservative person who was really into education. A memorial service honoring Decker is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 18 at Grace Lutheran Church, 435 N.W. 21st St. in Corvallis. Kyle Odegard covers Oregon State University. PS: Fred and Charlotte enjoyed the Air Weather Asociation reunions, but for poor health missed the last few. Fred was also a staunch physicist and reminded all of the physics base to meteorology any chance he had.
David M. Smith (1921-2009), Morris K. Jesup Professor Emeritus of Silviculture at Yale University and author of the worlds most widely used forestry textbook, died in Hamden, Connecticut, on March 7, 2009, at the age of 87. Born March 10, 1921 at Bryan, Texas, the son of John B. and Doris (Clark) Smith; he grew up in Kingston, Rhode Island, and was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, receiving a BS in botany in 1941. During World War II he trained to be an Air Force meteorologist at New York University and served as a weather forecasting officer at heavy bomber headquarters in North Africa and Italy. He retained a lifelong interest in weather, including (but not limited to) the effect of weather and climate on forest ecosystems. He was a charter member of the Air Weather Association. Later at Yale he instituted the first U.S. instruction in forest meteorology. At Yale University he received the Master of Forestry in 1946 and PhD in 1950, joining the faculty in 1947. He retired in 1990 after 43 years on the faculty of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He was an expert on silviculture, the technology of growing forests. He was the author or co-author of 4 editions of the textbook, The Practice of Silviculture, which is used throughout North America and, in several translations, throughout the world, and of numerous research papers and commentaries on forestry practices. His most important scientific contributions were in developing the concept that complex mixtures of tree species can be managed as even-aged aggregations in which different groups of species occupy different levels in stratified mixtures and that they often arise from advanced seedlings that naturally appear beneath forests. In his 43 years at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies he served as an advisor and mentor to numerous graduate students and directed the management of the Yale Forests, totaling 12,000 acres of New England forest land. He was a very popular teacher and an esteemed colleague. American Forests gave him its Distinguished Service Award in 1990. He was a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters and received the Distinguished Service Award of its New England section in 1969 and 1993, the only person to receive this award twice. In 1986 his forestry efforts in Maine brought him an honorary Sc. D. degree from Bates College and in 1993 the University of Rhode Island awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree. In the early 1970s he was silvicultural consultant for the Presidents Advisory Panel on Timber and the Environment. He was also an advisor to the US Forest Service and an advisor to government agencies in Australia and British Columbia. For four decades Smith was either a Director or the President of both the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and Connwood Foresters, Inc., the nations oldest forest landowners cooperative. He was on the Connecticut Forest Practices Advisory Board during the 1990s and for many years a Director of the Hamden Land Conservation Trust. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Catherine V. A. Smith, daughters Ellen D. Smith of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Nancy V. A. Smith of Carbondale, Colorado, sons-in-law Richard Norby of Oak Ridge and John Stewart of Carbondale, grandson Karl Norby, and brother Allen Smith of Hendersonville, North Carolina, as well as by a niece, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In keeping with David Smiths wishes, the family requests contributions in lieu of flowers to Yale University, designated for The David M. Smith Forestry Scholarship Fund, to School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511.
Charlotte Francis Henriques Bundgaard was born on January 3, 1921 to the Right Reverend Hoyt Emanual and Charlotte Weeks Henriques. She died on January 13, 2008. While she lived 88 years, she was forever 39. Charlotte grew up in Salt Lake City and attended Westminster College and the University of Utah where she earned a degree in Mathematics. She also attended Columbia University and, under the direction of Dr. Irving Lorge, earned a Master's degree in Statistical Science. During the war she worked as a Statistical Stress Analyst at Lockheed Martin. She also taught high school Math at the American Schools abroad. She married Robert Clausen Bundgaard (Col. Ret. USAFA) on September 19, 1942. As a "military wife", she raised a loving family while moving around the world. She did this with a sense of humor and grace, moving a family of seven 19 times in a 21 year period. Charlotte was very involved in many activities: she played Mahjong, was a Life Master in Bridge, a member of the Retired Weather Wives Association and former President of the Retired Officers Wives Club. She volunteered extensively with the Episcopal Churches where she lived and was especially proud of her membership with the Daughters of the King (DOK). She was also worked (and shopped) the church Thrift Shop for many years. Charlotte loved gardening and always shared her beautiful flowers and vegetables with her friends and neighbors. She spent many hours with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her gardens, sharing her life's stories. Charlotte made many friends throughout her life, being blessed with the ability to see the positive in everyone and to share her love with all. She is preceded in death by her brother Douglas Henriques, Federal Circuit Court of Appeals Judge, her sister Margaret Henriques Teng, loving Mother and sister, and her grand-daughter Jenny Thompson, Angel. She is survived by her husband Robert C. Bundgaard; children R. Michael (and Joyce) Bundgaard, Kristine B. Thompson, PhD (and Joe Bachofen), James H. (and Sondra) Bundgaard, Rebecca "Becky" (and Walter) Williams, and B. "Peg" Bundgaard (and Jeff Love). She had 11 grandchildren and 8 (soon to be 9) great-grandchildren. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Road, Colo Spgs CO 80919 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Pike's Peak Hospice or to a loving charity of choice. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.