Departures - 2014
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
Rev.Richard Robert Ail, MSgt USAF (Ret.) 94, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2014, at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown PA. He was the husband of Anne Oswald Ail, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage in March 2014. Born in Lebanon, on September 9, 1920, he was the son of the late Albert and Irene Glant Ail. Richard was a 1938 graduate of Lebanon High School. Following high school, he went on to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Forecasting School and later the Evangelical Congregational Seminary in Myerstown. He served proudly as a Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force for 23 years during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. While in the U.S. Air Force, he served as a Weather Forecaster. Richard was also a retired Minister from the Evangelical Congregational Denomination. He pastored churches in Rock, Pine Grove, Steelstown, and Lawn. He was a member of St. John's E.C. Church in Steelstown. For over ten years, Richard was a host for the Fresh Air Program. He was an exceptional bowler (having bowled with church and military leagues), and acquired an extensive collection of trophies for the league's high average, as well as being a member of first place teams. Some of his interests included photography, afternoon drives to visit friends or family, and practical jokes and puns. He loved reading and had an extensive personal library. Richard was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team for the past 80 years. Consistent with his passion for travel and to honor his 23 years of service, Richard visited the U.S.A.F. Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, for a special 85th birthday celebration with his children. Richard had a strong commitment to, and love for his country. He was known for his letters written to the editors of various newspapers on a wide variety of topics. He loved chocolate - especially chocolate donuts and Hershey candy - and was practically unbeatable at pinochle and rummy! The family would like to send a special thank you to the caregivers at Masonic Village for not only excellent care, but also for the tender and loving care that was given to Richard by the staff of the Lafayette West Neighborhood and the Masonic Village Hospice team. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter, Suzanne Ail; sons, Timothy and wife, Sharon Blauch Ail, Daniel and wife, Beth DeLiberty Ail, and Robert and wife, Ellen Eifert Ail; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a stepbrother, Leonard Snyder. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marguerite and Betty Jane. Interment was in St. John's E.C. Church Cemetery, Annville, with full military honors. Contributions can be made in Richard's memory to his church; Lebanon Rescue Mission, 1223 Bittner Blvd., Lebanon, PA 17046; or Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services, P.O. Box 707, Lebanon, PA 17042.
Luxner, Richard M., of Stow, MA, died on Dec. 24, 2014. Born in Newark, New Jersey on September 29, 1923 he was the son of the late George and Bertha (Fleisher) Luxner. During World War II, Mr. Luxner served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Sergeant with the 18th Weather Squadron supporting the 8th Air Force. He was a 1948 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and received his MLS from Rutgers University in 1968. He retired from his career as an area consultant in prospect research for development at various non-profits in the area. A 20 year Stow resident, for many years he tutored children in language arts at the Randall Library in Stow. Mr. Luxner was the producer, editor and publisher of Vapor Trails, the semi-annual publication of the Massachusetts Branch of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society. In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by a son, Michael David Luxner and his wife Karla of Decatur, IL and their daughter Rebecca "Bec" Luxner; a daughter, Laurie Luxner Raisher and her husband Eric of North Merrick, LI, NY and their children Benjamin "Ben" and Susanne "Susie". He was also the brother of the late David "Dave" Luxner and his late wife Heidi of Manchester, VT and Uncle "R" of Bryn Wood and her husband Tom of Waban, MA and their children, Phoebe, Katie and Macy; and Alison Luxner and her husband Craig Keller of Newton Centre and their daughter Willa Keller. Service was held December 29th, 2014 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to Eighth Air Force Historical Society, P. O. Box 956, Pooler, GA 31322. For online guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com
Modernist painter Andrew Bucci, whose work spanned nearly eight decades and appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, died November 16, 2014 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland MS after a brief illness. He was born on January 12, 1922 in Vicksburg, MS. Bucci's painting of a magnolia flower appeared on the 5-cent U.S. postage stamp issued in 1967 for the 150th anniversary of Mississippi statehood. Bucci's paintings have been featured in galleries all over the country such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, both in Washington, DC and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His work continues to be shown in galleries in Jackson and New Orleans. His best-known works are oil paintings. His painting, "Figure in Green," was the signature image on the commemorative poster for the 2014 USA International Ballet Competition. In recent years, Bucci was honored with Mississippi's prestigious arts awards. In 2009, he received the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts from the Mississippi Arts Commission for lifetime achievement. In 2012, he received the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Lifetime Achievement Award. He took his first art class at All Saints' Episcopal School in Vicksburg under the direction of impressionist Mary Clare Sherwood. In the 1930s, he began studying with Marie Hull in Jackson and continued to do so after he went to Louisiana State University to study architecture and engineering. When WW II began, Bucci enlisted in the United States Army and received training in meteorology at New York University. He served as a weather officer on air bases in England and Scotland during the war. When the war ended, he was stationed for several months at Orly Air Base near Paris and took life-drawing classes at the Académie Julian in 1945-46. Upon returning from the war, Bucci enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he received a bachelor's degree in fine art in 1952 and a master's degree in 1954. During the Korean War, Bucci was called back into military service as a weather officer at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio. He served from March 1952 to August 1953, then returned to Chicago to complete his graduate degree. He looked for work as an art instructor, but said nobody would hire him. He went to work as a meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau and served at the National Meteorological Center in Maryland from 1956 until his retirement in 1979. He moved back to Vicksburg in early 2014. Survivors include two sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was an Air Weather Association member since 1992.
Colonel Walter Marvin Dale (Retired Air Force), age 82, of Troy, MO, passed from this world into the heavenly kingdom on November 4, 2014. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee, and lived in Houston, Texas until enlisting in the United Stated Air Force in 1952. He married Anne Lee Brewer in 1953. Colonel Dale quickly moved through the ranks becoming an distinguished pilot and leader. As a 1st Lieutenant, he became a member of the Mach Buster’s Club in 1954 after exceeding the speed of sound in a F-100 Super Sabre. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Meteorology in 1968. Major Dale was awarded the Air Medal (7th Oak Leaf Cluster) in 1969 for safely diverting and landing a C-130B cargo plane exposed to a hostile rocket attack in Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1970 for safely landing a C-130B Aircraft after an engine became engulfed in flames. Lt. Colonel Dale received the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1973 for his accomplishments with global weather support at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Colonel Dale was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 1976 for his contributions of pioneering a concept of enhanced and effective communications of weather conditions to the Army troops. Colonel Dale was awarded the Legion in Merit in 1979 for exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding contributions in designing an entirely new computer simulation model to upgrade the analog weather facsimile system to a digitized high speed facsimile system. Colonel Dale retired in 1979 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Colonel Dale moved to the mountains of Colorado where he designed and built the first Solar Envelope Home in that state with no auxiliary heat. He was a talented musician, singer, and song-writer. He wrote over 50 Christian songs and traveled to churches spreading God’s love through his music. He was greatly saddened by the loss of his beloved wife, Anne, in 2010 when she went to heaven. Colonel Dale moved to Troy, Missouri in 2011 and became active in the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and served as District Chaplain. He attended several churches in the area and desired to be used of God in any way. He was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed. Colonel Dale is survived by his son, James Dale, and daughters JoAnne Ramsey, Nancy Harris, and Natalie Dale. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Colonel Dale is also survived by his wife, Carry Jane Dale, whom he married in 2013, and stepson William Thomas Webb. A visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Troy, MO. A memorial service will also be held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., at the McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Troy. Rev. Mike Ryan to officiate. Interment to follow in National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, MO with full military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association c/o McCoy-Blossom Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO, 63379, 636-528-8244. Family and friends are invited to sign our guest book at: http://www.mccoyblossomfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2802215&fh_id=10842
Richard T. McQuown, 41 of New Cumberland, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2014. Mr. McQuown was born July 29, 1973 in Punxsutawney, a son of Thomas B. McQuown of Punxsutawney and Sheila M. (Hoffer) McQuown and Thomas Murphy of Weedville. He was a veteran of the US Air Force during the Iraq War. Rich was a 1991 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, a 1996 graduate of IUP where he received his BS in Regional Planning and was a member of Theta Chi and earned his Masters in Environmental Science from Shippensburg University. He was an Environmental Planner in the Airport Engineering & Planning Division at PennDot for 11 1/2 years. Richard loved the outdoors and kayaking, reading, politics and most of all his two nieces. In addition to his parents he is survived by a sister; Christine Phillips and husband Andy of Westerville, OH., his aunts and uncles; Mary Jo Bush and husband Tom, Cheryl Mussleman, Sharon Smith and husband Pete all of Punxsutawney and Shelley Niver and husband John of Big Run, two nieces; Abigail and Caroline Phillips of Westerville, OH., and several cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Richard T. and Lillian (Bleich) McQuown, George and Shirley (Keller) Hoffer, his aunt; Deanne Bosak and uncle; Wayne Hoffer. Friends will be received from 6-8 pm Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the McCabe Funeral home in Punxsutawney. A funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Kyle Yates officiating. Interment will be private for family. Online condolences may be made at mccabefuneralhomes.com www.pennlive.com/obits
Wanda Jean Schroeder, 82, of Raymond, IL died Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, in the Montgomery Nursing & Rehab Center in Taylor Springs. She was born in Webster County, KY, on a farm near Clay, KY, on Nov. 2, 1931, to Harve and Gladys Hatley. She married Marvin J. Schroeder on Dec. 28, 1957, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 19, 2011. Her parents also preceded. She is survived by one son, Michael Schroeder of Norman, OK, and two grandchildren, Martin J. Schroeder of Wichita, KS, and Kaylynn E. Schroeder of Oklahoma City, OK. After earning her bachelor's degree at Murray State (in Kentucky), she earned a master's degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. She taught in the Panhandle Unit School District #2 for 37 years. She attended a Community of Faith Church in Raymond IL.
David Harold MacFiggen, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), died Friday, October 10, 2014 in Charlottesville, VA. Born in Erie, PA on August 21, 1925, he was the only son of the late David and Frieda Schmidt MacFiggen. In 1944 David joined the Navy where he served in the South Pacific during WWII as an aerographers mate analyzing meteorological data and developing weather forecasts for virtually any locale in the world. David furthered his military career after separation from the Navy by joining the Air Force. His Air Force career as a pilot and meteorologist was decorated by the Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. David completed 50 combat missions. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1970. David’s aviation devotion originated at the age of 16 when he began flying. His passion for flight was passed to his children as he had each of his children learning to fly before they received their automobile driver’s licenses. David’s reverence for flight was noted as he became a fully rated pilot, pilot instructor, and aerobatic instructor. He also worked for the UVA Medical Center’s flight operations as the fixed wings Chief Pilot. He would continue to fly until the age of 75. David attended Syracuse University where he received his degree in physics. He married the love of his life, Jean Marie Dudley, on December 28, 1946. Together, David and Jean had three children: Debbie, David, and Dale. David retired from his civilian career from the General Electric Company in 1987 where he worked in international sales. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners, AWA AFA and MOAA. David is survived by his wife, Jean, of 67 years; his daughter; Debbie Parmelee and husband Vic of Charlottesville; sons, Dale H. MacFiggen and wife Ella of Alabama and David D. MacFiggen of Ohio; daughter-in-law, Jan MacFiggen of California; grandsons James, Scott, and Jason MacFiggen of California, Daniel Parmelee of Charlottesville, and Brad MacFiggen of Alabama; and great-granddaughters, Lorelei MacFiggen of Alabama and Skylar MacFiggen of California. “Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wing along, and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air… And, while the silent lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God.” A private service was held at Monticello Memory Gardens, Charlottesville, VA with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in David’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or the Wintergreen Adaptive Sports, 11 Grassy Ridge, Roseland, VA 22967.
Lois Estelle Harsh (nee Sheaffer), beloved wife and mother passed away peacefully from this physical life on October 1, 2014 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, She was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 28,1926 the only child of Herbert and Mary Sheaffer. Lois graduated from Paradise High School in 1944 and from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education in 1948. She taught vocal music at Penn Manor High School, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and several grade schools from 1948 to 1958. While at Penn Manor, she directed the Glee Club and Girls Chorus. Her musicians performed annual Christmas Concerts and operettas both of which were attended by hundreds of students and families. In 1957, she married Lieutenant Eugene Harsh, USAF, and in 1958 accompanied him to an assignment at Niagara Falls, New York. She taught vocal music in North Tonawanda, New York schools until 1960 when their first son Douglas was born in Buffalo, New York. A second Son Jeffrey was born in 1964 in Colorado Springs. In the following years she accompanied her husband to Air Force assignments at The Pennsylvania State University and in Colorado, Mississippi, Alabama, Republic of the Philippines, and Nebraska. Her deep love of music led her to participate in church choirs at every location. In Colorado Springs, Lois sang with the First Presbyterian Church choir for 35 years and made many friends who respected her kind, loving spirit. She was a First Presbyterian Church Deacon and taught children's Sunday school classes. Throughout her life, music was her joy through which she witnessed her faith. Lois leaves behind devoted husband, Eugene Harsh of 57 years and loving son Jeffrey Harsh. She was preceded in death by son, Douglas Harsh, and parents Herbert and Mary Sheaffer. Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs followed by a reception in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church Music Ministries or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
Richard "Dick" Kolkka, SMSgt USAF (Ret.) 84, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, in Chicago, Ill. Dick succumbed to a heart attack and prostate cancer. Service: Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 1200 S. Davis Drive, Arlington, TX. Rosary will precede the Mass. Burial: Moore Memorial Gardens. Dick was born Dec. 30, 1929, to Cordelia and Henry Kolkka in Mineola, N.Y. Following high school Dick enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a meteorologist. While stationed in Maine, Dick met the late Mabel Connell on a blind date. They were married Sept. 8, 1952, in Mabel's hometown of Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. Following his Air Force service the young family moved to New York where Dick joined the American Airlines meteorology team. While living in New York, Dick received his B.S. degree in physics from Hofstra University. They moved to Arlington in 1981, transferring from Chicago, Ill. Dick was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church for over 30 years. As a member of the Serra Club he particularly enjoyed serving lunches and connecting with the college students at UTA's Newman Center. He moved to Chicago in May 2014 to be closer to family. Dick enjoyed going to the Maverick Club, participating in the senior aerobics and tai chi. During his retirement years his creative side was expressed in his watercolor paintings. Dick was a tall, kind, gentle man who preferred to serve his fellow men without fanfare or accolades. He will be missed by many. Survivors: Son, Robert Kolkka; daughter, Maureen Kolkka; brothers, Bob and Don; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carol Ann (Albert) Klein, age 67, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away quietly on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Carol Albert Klein was born on July 5, 1947 in San Angelo, Texas and lived in many places as a military daughter and then military wife, from Japan to California, from Washington DC to Hawaii. She was passionate about travel and loved to visit friends and family all across the globe. She graduated from Cooper HS in Abilene, TX and attended Texas Tech University and Washburn University. She was a professional travel agent working in Virginia, Nebraska, Colorado, and Hawaii. She was an accomplished bridge player, enjoyed dancing and travel, and commanded a dazzling array of card tricks. Carol is survived by her husband of 47 years, Colonel (Ret) Thomas Kelly Klein, USAF; her four children Karen Elizabeth Heinzle , Katherine Ann Brady, Kristina Noel Klein, and Thomas Kelly Klein, Jr.; her three grandchildren Ryan Brady, Logan Brady, and Thomas Kelly Klein III; her brother Thomas W. Albert, and a loving extended family. She is predeceased by her parents Lt Col (Ret) Warren Charles (Bud) Albert and Maxine Imogene (Tweedle) Albert, and her brother, Johnny Albert. There will be a private service on Saturday, September 27, followed by a small reception. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service with family and friends is planned for 8 November 2014. Memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s name to the Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation http://www.pikespeakhospice.org/about-pphpc/foundation.
Clifford "Cliff" U. Hendricks, Jr., LT COL USAF (Ret.) age 84, of Lansdale, PA passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2014 with his family at his side. Cliff was born in Fort Smith Arkansas on October 10, 1929. At the age of 17, Cliff enlisted in the US Air Force. Through determination and hard work, Cliff earned a slot in the Air Force's Officers Training School and graduated with an officer's commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Cliff progressed through the officers ranks and went on to serve a total of 36 years in the Air Force as a meteorologist, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. Two of Cliff's great passions in life were observing the weather and his family. Cliff is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat and four children; Rick from Woodland, CA, Linda from Lansdale, PA, Mary Anne from Seattle, WA, and Steve from Washington, DC. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Andrea, Jason, Christopher, Matthew, Cameron, Leslie, Conner, and Jeffrey. Interment was in St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.
James Wayne “Jim” Reel, Sr., age 86, of Marion, has claimed the promise of Eternal Life and is now with his Lord and Savior, having cast off the burdens of this life for the Heavenly rewards he strove for on this side of eternity. He was in the loving company of his dear family on the evening of Wednesday, September 10, 2014 when he passed at the Hospice House of Rutherford County. A native of McDowell County, Jim was born on February 2, 1928 to the late James Zed Reel and Bonnie Henline Reel, his biological mother who lost her life in childbirth. His second mother, Bertha Curtis Reel, who took him as her own to raise, came into his life when he was just a toddler and gave him much love and affection as she nurtured him into adulthood. He served his country nobly in the U. S. Army and also in the U. S. Air Force, where he was assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron known as the “Hurricane Hunters”. An avid reader, he was a lifelong scholar and absorbed knowledge with great ease. Jim enjoyed the fellowship of his Lodge brothers at the Marion Moose Lodge where he was a life member and also served as a former Governor. He was a true blue Tar Heels fan. A member of New Horizon Baptist Church, his Christian nature was exemplified in the way he showed his love for his beloved family and friends. His cherished wife, Annie Elizabeth Butner Reel, a daughter, Ruth Reel, and a brother, Dan Reel, preceded him in death. Jim leaves behind two children, Margaret Reel Roper and her husband Timmy and Jim Reel, Jr., all of Marion; a brother, Melvin Reel and his wife Carolyn of Marion; two sisters, Lucille Toney and her husband Carroll and Sarah Roper and her husband Gil, all of Marion; five grandchildren, Jamie Reel and his love Sarah of Las Vegas, NV, Jonathan Reel and his wife Caroline of Morganton, Josh Hardin and his wife Crystal of Marion, Bryan Radford and his wife Nina of Union Mills and Tina Stevens and her husband Scotty of New Orleans, LA; and eight great-grandchildren, Hannah, Zane, Cherish, Acacia, Katelyn, Liam, Tanner and Lauryn. He also leaves his beloved canine companion, Princess. A service in celebration of his life was held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Ray Davis officiating. Burial, with military rites rendered by the U. S. Air Force, will follow in the Bethlehem Community Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County at PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. The family wishes to extend special thanks for the professional and loving care that was given to Jim during the time he spent at Hospice House of Rutherford County.
Gerhardt Henry Platz, Lt Col USAF (Ret.), 98, of Greeley, CO, died September 4, 2014 at Porter Hospice. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Susan Louis Platz. He is survived by three daughters, Alison L. Rodriguez, Las Vegas, NV, Hilary S. Webster (USAF Retired) and husband Michael (USAF Retired) Las Vegas, NV, and Meredith J. Brown and her husband Ron, Parker, CO; grandson Damian Pitchetrungsi and his wife Gabriela, two great grandchildren, Deeana Rose and DJ, and grandson Joshua A. Rodriguez, all of Los Angeles, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the UNC Libraries or to the United Way of Weld County in care of Allnutt Macy Chapel, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO , 80631.
Larry K. Gilchrist, Major USAF (Ret.) (1937-2014). Larry was born November 10, 1937 in Freeport, IL, the son of Leslie and Virginia Gilchrist and passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2014 in Norman, OK. He graduated from Freeport, IL High School in 1955, Knox College, IL in 1959 with a degree in Mathematics, Texas A&M, TX in 1973 with a Master's degree in Meteorology and the University of Oklahoma in 1997 with a Master's degree in Mathematics. He was united in marriage to Nadine A. Ehlers June 3, 1962 in Lahoma, OK at Zion Lutheran Church. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Norman. Larry served in the United States Air Force for 20 years where he was a meteorologist and instructor. He was stationed at Mt. Home Air Force Base, ID; Vietnam, where he served as a Detachment Commander; Bryan, TX; Chanute Air Force Base, IL; Scott Air Force Base, IL; Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany; and Tinker Air Force Base, Midwest City, OK. During his service he graduated from several military schools including National Security Management, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. He also received The Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service and a Bronze Star for distinguishing himself my meritorious service as chief Forecaster and Detachment Commander in Vietnam while engaged in support of air and ground operations against an opposing armed force. During these periods, while exposed to the constant threat of hostile fire, he established and maintained a very vital weather service in support of military operations. He demonstrated outstanding planning ability, versatility and managerial techniques. Larry retired as a Major in 1982. Larry also taught at Phillips University, Oklahoma State University, Rose State College and the University of Oklahoma. He was a member Pi Mu Epsilon, an honor society for mathematics and Chi Epsilon Pi, an honor society for meteorology. He was a member of the American Volksport Association and has volksmarched in places around Europe, the United States, and 77 counties of Oklahoma. He was also a member of the Air Weather Association. Survivors include his wife, Nadine; daughter Leda of Norman; and son Carl of Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Larry's name for a pipe organ, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church at 603 Classen Boulevard, Norman, OK 73071. Online condolences may be left at www.primrosefuneralservice.com.
Colonel Castor (Cas) Mendez-Vigo, Jr., 83, of Columbus, GA died Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Midtown Medical Center. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Colonel Castor (Cas) Mendez-Vigo, Jr. was born in Tampa, Fl (Ybor City) to Castor and Luisa Mendez-Vigo, immigrants from Spain and Cuba October 24, 1931. He was the last surviving child of their 5 children. He attended Ybor Elementary School, Washington Jr. High as well as Jefferson High School, all in Tampa. In his senior year he won the prestigious Florida State Medal for Mathematics. During high school he was a member of the band, playing trumpet and later went on to play French horn with the Tampa Symphony Orchestra. Cas received his Bachelors of Arts in mathematics from The University of Florida in 1952 and a Masters of Meteorology from Florida State University in 1959. He entered the US Air Force in 1952 and rose to the rank of full colonel, retiring after 26 years of service. During his Air Force career he served our country in the Vietnam War and held numerous positions. He was one of the world’s early meteorological satellite researchers. His final duty assignment was that of Deputy Chief of Staff for Automation for Military Airlift Command. He was awarded numerous medals and citations for his service including; The Bronze Star and The Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Airmen’s Medal, First Class twice (from Spain and South Vietnam ) to name a few. During Cas’ military career he was also an adjunct mathematics professor at several US universities. Following retirement Cas went on to work for Harris Corporation where he led a team of over 280 software engineers developing state of the art software for the defense sector. Cas retired from Harris after 15 years. During his retirement he volunteered for the American Red Cross as well as Project Emeritus at Patrick AFB. He received numerous awards and citations for his volunteer work. In 2004 Cas relocated to Columbus, GA where he resided until his passing. He was actively involved in The First Presbyterian Church of Columbus as well as helping Spring Harbor residents with computer issues and training. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Ida (Gijon), 3 children, sons Dr. Mark (Pam) and Dr. Luke (Tracy), and daughter Ava, as well as 6 grand children and 5 great grand children.
Wendell "Windy" Phillips, Lt Col USAF (Ret.) joined his wife Bernice, this day, May 31, 2014, at the age of 91. They were married for 32 years. He served 21 years in the United States Air Force. Upon entering the Air Force in 1943, he attended pilot training, graduating in February 1945. He became a pilot instructor and was qualified as both a transport pilot and tactical fighter pilot. His first assignment was in Africa and the Middle East. After returning stateside, he attended US Air Force Weather School and became a meteorologist and weather officer. He completed his decorated service of 21 years at Scott Air Force Base, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1965. After retiring from the Air Force, he moved his family to Washington DC and completed a second career with Unisys Corporation. Survivors include his six children from his first marriage of 38 years to Janet Booher Phillips; Nicole O'Neil and her husband Richard, Wendell G. Phillips, David Phillips, Natalie Hocknell and husband William, Kevin Phillips and his wife Marlett, and Scott Phillips; grandchildren, Shannon Lantzy and Colin O'Neil, Kim Phillips, Helen and Robert Hocknell and Jana and Hannah Phillips; great grandchildren, Odin and Calliope Lantzy. Wendell and his late wife Bernice were active members of the First Baptist Church of Niceville for 32 years. A heart felt thanks to his caring church community. We are grateful to Jim and Debora Milne for their very special friendship. He will be forever in our hearts and eternally missed. Interment with military honors was at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL.
Richard A. Wohlman. The much loved Richard Arthur "Rick" Wohlman went home to the Lord on Friday, May 9, 2014. He was born on September 22, 1952 to the late Marion Schaffrick Wohlman and Richard L. Wohlman. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Patricia (Peterson) Wohlman; son, Richard Jackson (Katie) Wohlman; daughters, Kelly Dean (Eric) Pilarczyk, Kayce (Nate) Keane; sister, Debra (James) Hendryx; and precious grandchildren, Jackson Wohlman and Penelope Pilarczyk. Rick attended the United States Air Force Academy and then served his country as an aerial weather reconnaissance officer, chasing typhoons in the Pacific and hurricanes in the Atlantic. He received a distinguished service award for locating a crippled 47ft. sailboat with 6 souls aboard in the Pacific during Supertyphoon Tip, when the ship lost communications. All aboard were successfully rescued. His adventures took him to North Carolina where he taught classes at a university, Huntsville, Alabama where he worked for NASA and finally retiring to Parker, Colorado where he worked as a real estate broker with his wife Patricia. Rick loved airplanes, the mountains and politics. But most of all he loved his family. He will be deeply missed. Service and interment were held Friday, May 23, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
For those that remember Lt Col Walter Burgmann who passed in 1993. His widow Kay S. Burgmann, nee Powers, 75, of O'Fallon, Ill., born July 22, 1938, in Fort Smith, Ark., passed away Friday, April 25, 2014, in Belleville, Ill. Mrs. Burgmann proudly served her country in the United States Army as an OB Nurse. Upon discharge, she continued her career as an OB nurse, eventually providing care to chemically dependent patients. Her attributes as a caring and selfless nurse, carried over into her personal life. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who absolutely adored her four grandsons and was the "adopted" mother and grandmother to many other family members and friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, both in O'Fallon, Ill. She was an avid crafter, creating mosaic art, which highlighted her patience and caring nature. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter S. Burgmann; and her parents, Moultie and Wilma, nee Hunter, Powers. Surviving are her two sons, Jay (Betty) Burgmann and Jon (Michelle) Burgmann, both of O'Fallon, Ill.; her four grandsons, Tristan, Joshua, Samuel, and Jacob; her brothers, Tom (Barbara) Powers of Las Cruces, N.M., and Boley (Sandra) Powers of Hot Springs, Ark.; a step brother, David Powers; "adopted" mother and grandmother to, Bobbie Moriarity, Courtney Dietrich, Chloe and Cian Moriarity; and many other relatives and friends. Memorials are appreciated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com. Visitation: Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.. Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill. Interment will follow in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
Frank J. Brusca, 91, of Columbia, MD died on March 25, 2014 of complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Baltimore, he moved to Glen Cove, NY shortly after birth and remained there until he was 14 years old. The fourth of seven children, he had three older brothers: Louis, Richard and Thomas, all deceased, and three younger sisters: Stella Turek, Mary Klima and Edie Macchietto who survive him. Educated in Baltimore, he attended Baltimore City College High School. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and served in the Army Air Force as a weather observer in the South Pacific. In his later years, he was an active member of the Air Weather Association, helping to organize bi-annual reunions in various locations in the US. After discharge from the Army Air Force, he attended Loyola College (now Loyola University) in Baltimore where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He pursued post graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University. In the mid 1950’s he was in one of the first commercial classes conducted by IBM to introduce computers in the business world. Frank was employed for ten years by the Martin Aircraft Company, both in Baltimore and Denver. In 1963, he went to work for the Westinghouse Corporation in Baltimore and remained there until 1983 when he retired. During the uncertainty of what may happen in a computer driven world when Y2K took place, Frank was on call for businesses because he was a computer pioneer who understood several early computer languages. A man of many talents, Frank began an amateur singing career in his mid 40’s, studying voice with some of Baltimore’s leading vocal coaches. He sang with groups as diverse as the Baltimore Symphony Chorus, the Baltimore Comic Opera, Baltimore Actors’ Theater and Goucher College’s theater department. Frank had a lifelong interest in languages. Bilingual as a child growing up in an Italian family in America, he learned to speak Spanish, French and rudimentary German. After he retired, Frank studied art and became an accomplished painter and sketcher. In 1954 he married his wife, Anne R. Brusca, who survives him. He is also survived by his five children, Frank X. Brusca (KC Canada), Raymond J. Brusca (Laura), Angela Michel ( Thomas), Kathleen Wynn (Patrick) and Stephen A. Brusca; cherished grandfather of Joshua, Timothy and Andrew Brusca, Dan Michel, Brian Wynn, Erin Burns, Katie Michel, Colleen Wynn, Elaine Brusca and Victoria Brusca. Donations may be made to Winter Growth, 5460 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, MD 21044 or to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 5537 Twin Knolls Road #434, Columbia, MD 21045.
Ret. Col. Herschel "Jack" Suits, 83, of Monroe, NC, died March 12, 2014. He was born October 3, 1930. Memorial services to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, March 24th at 12:PM at Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel 4431 Old Monroe Rd. Indian Trail, NC, US, 28079. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior (11 AM - 12 PM). Jack was a Retired Colonel from the US Air Force after 38 years of dedicated service. Jack is survived by his wife, Jean Wolfe Suits; son, Gregg Suits, MD of Portland, OR; daughter, Cindy Woolley (Ed) of Monroe; grandchildren, Austen and Ryan Suits and Madilyn and Ellis Woolley. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence Hendley Suits. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. www.lls.org Arrangements are in care of Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel. Online condolences may be left at www.heritagecares.net.
Donald Baker, born July 20, 1923. Beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. Passed away peacefully on March 10th, 2014. Preceded in death by loving wife Jacqueline M. with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, mother Florence K., father William E., brother-in-law Jacques Mouzel and nephew Jean Thierry Mouzel. Survived by son William G. (Mary) and beloved grandson James G., all of St. Paul. Also survived by beloved cousins Frances O’Sullivan (Michael) and Carol Papirnik of Buchanan, Michigan; sister-in-law Janine Mouzel and niece Pascale De Sparre (Eric), great nieces and nephew, and great-nephew, all of Paris, France. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the exception of his military service, Donald spent his entire life in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul. He graduated from Murray High School class of 1941. Upon America’s entry into the Second World War, he joined the Army Air Corps, beginning his education as a climatologist . He attended the University of Chicago and trained at several Army Air Corps bases including Rapid City SD, before being deployed to the European theater. He was stationed near Wantage, England during the war as a meteorologist, providing weather information to the Air Corps pilots and crews who flew missions over occupied Europe. Upon the liberation of France in 1944, he was stationed at Orly Airfield in Paris. A dashing Lieutenant, he met a lovely young French woman named Jacqueline Mouzel. Their romance flourished and they became engaged in 1945. Their plans were interrupted by the Korean conflict when he was re-called for service by the newly established U.S. Air Force and he served in Korea from 1951-1952, where he received the Bronze Star for Merit. After his discharge, he was finally allowed to complete his romance with Jacqueline, and they were married in Paris at the Chapel of the Hotel des Invalides on Valentines Day 1953. The happy couple returned to St. Paul, where Donald continued his education. Upon achieving his doctorate in Climatology and Soil Science in 1958, Donald began his long career as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota. He established the Climatological Observatory just north of the campus, and built it with help from his students in 1960. This Observatory has recorded subsoil temperatures for over 50 years, and has provided an unprecedented database for climate change research. Donald was a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was also honored with a Governor’s Award of Recognition (Governor Rudy Perpich) in 1984 for his assessment of wind energy potential in the state of Minnesota, and he received a National Weather Service career award in 1986 for his contributions to agricultural meteorology. After his retirement as a professor, Donald was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota for contributions to teaching and research. Donald was a man of many interests including photography, railroading, archaeology, the stock market, and mentoring students. Donald spent his summers as a boy visiting his grandparents in Wellman, Iowa. From those times he gained a love of the people, natural beauty and productivity of the farm fields of Iowa that lasted his entire life. Always a true gentleman and outwardly a man of steely reserve, Donald treasured his family and friends. An only child of an only child, later in life he greatly enjoyed being part of a larger extended family through the marriage of his son. The family would like to thank the staff and management of the St. Anthony Park Home for their kind and loving care. Memorials preferred to the University of Minnesota Baker Scholarship Fund or to St. Anthony Park Methodist Church.
Bob D. Prochaska Born Aug. 27, 1949. Died Feb. 22, 2014. Physicist, 22-year Colorado Springs resident. Survived by his wife, Reyne; three sons, Andrew Robert, Matthew Thomas and Daniel Eric; a daughter, Stephanie; a brother, Steve; and three sisters, Kathy Prochaska-Cue, Linda Clark and Karen Lauersdorf. Visitation, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Blvd. Rosary, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 East Fountain Blvd. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2318 North Cascade Ave. Burial, Evergreen Cemetery.
CWO-4 Lawrence F Sanders (Larry) age 94 of Dunedin, FL passed away Saturday February 15, 2014 in Duluth, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen Scribner Sanders, daughter Sharon L Clukey and grandson Lawrence Clukey and 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter Alison Sanders (Martin Thomas) of Lawrenceville, GA, great granddaughter Amber Clukey of Omaha, NE, one brother Robert Sanders of Phoenix, AL, and two sisters - Betty Boone of Ashfork, AZ and Edytha Tiedemann of Manistee, Ml and two step great grandchildren - Jessica Peck and Jaymie Domino and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Lawrence was born January 29, 1920 in Grand Rapids, MI to Joel and Edith Sanders. He had a 30 year military career becoming a weather forecaster and teacher joining the Army/Air Corp in 1941 and becoming part ofthe Air Force in 1947. He retired at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL in 1971. He had assignments all over the world to such places as Greenland, Germany, Saudi, Alaska and many other locations. He will be buried with military honors with his wife Helen at Florence National Cemetery in Florence, SC on March 28th. Donations in memory of Lawrence can be made to DAV (DAV.org) and Fisher House (www.fisher house.org).
Herbert Moore was born in Rushville, Illinois to Lloyd and Margaret Moore. He retired from the Air Force after 22 years as a CMSGT. He worked for the National Weather Service for 19 years and served as the official in charge before retiring in 1990. Herbert was an avid camper, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by wife Delores Moore of 61 years, daughter's Karen Moore, Debbie Peterson (Tom) of Omaha, NE and grandchildren Jen of Dallas, TX and Matt of Omaha, NE. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00am - Ascension Lutheran Church, 2505 N. Circle Drive. Luncheon to follow. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/gazette/obituary.aspx?n=herbert-l-moore&pid=169198342&fhid=6105&eid=sp_shareobit#sthash.8MHxKLxw.dpuf
Purdy, Douglas C., Colonel, (USAF, Ret.), Winter Park, Florida, died on January 23, 2014. He was Catholic and a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park, Florida. He was born in Athens, Wisconsin on April 4, 1918. He was an Eagle Scout. Following graduation from McKinley High School in Marshfield, he studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. During World War II, he was an aviation armament officer at Lowry AFB, Colorado, until separation from active duty in 1946. He was recalled to active duty in 1947 to attend meteorological training at New York University, N.Y. The reminder of his career was as a meteorologist. He returned to Lowry AFB as Weather Operations Officer and then was reassigned to Offutt AFB, Nebraska, as Weather Inspector for the 3rd Weather Wing. While there, he completed the requirements for a degree from the Municipal University of Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska. He was assigned to Fuerstenfeldbruck Air Base, Germany, in 1954 as Weather Plans Officer. He was then assigned to Bitburg AB, Germany, due to the end of the American Occupation of Germany. Upon returning to the US., he attended the Air Force Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, and was then selected to remain on the faculty there for four years. He was assigned to the Pentagon in 1962 as Assistant for Weather and a member of the Air Staff. While there, he was promoted to colonel and reassigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany as Staff Weather Officer. 17th Air Force was the Air Force component of the NATO Central Air Force during the Cold War. He was also Commander of the 31st Weather Squadron which provided combat weather support to the 17th Air Force at its bases in West Germany, Italy, France, and The Netherlands. Upon returning to the United States, he became Staff Weather Officer to the Military Air Command, Scott AFB, Illinois, which provided airlift support to all U.S. forces world-wide with trans-Pacific support being a priority during the Vietnam War. He was also Commander of the 7th Weather Wing during this period. He was soon selected to be the Air Weather Service Deputy Chief of Staff/Operations overseeing world-wide forecasting and observing functions at more than 400 locations around the world. He completed his Air Force Career as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Air Weather Service at Scott AFB until his retirement in 1972. He held the Air Force Commendation Medal and twice was awarded the Legion of Merit. He served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 286, Pinecastle, Florida, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America and a charter member of the Air Weather Association. He moved to Orlando, Florida, in 1972 upon retirement from the Air Force and then to The Mayflower Retirement Community, Winter Park, Florida, in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and two daughters, Michele Noullet, Spartenburg, S.C., and Susan Marlatt, Nanoose Bay, B.C. Canada, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL on Wednesday, 29 January. Details at: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Douglas-Purdy&lc=2213&pid=169361767&mid=5832399
Harold W. Greenlee CMSgt USAF (Ret.) was born in Corydon, IA, to Charlie Carl and Leatha Grace Beam Greenlee on July 16, 1930. He died in Allerton, Iowa at his home on January 6, 2014. Hal had an interesting and diverse life. After graduating from Allerton High School in 1948, he worked for the John Deere Company in Davenport, IA. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1984 as a Chief Master Sergeant. His career as an Air Force meteorologist spanned the globe with assignments in England, Greenland, the Philippines, Panama Canal and all over the USA. He worked at the National Security Agency (NSA) headquarters in the DC area, using his meteorology background as an intelligence analyst. One of his favorite assignments was in Nevada at the infamous Area 51. He always joked that he never saw any little green men while he worked up there! He finished his military career in the Geophysics Lab at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, MA, doing high altitude balloon launches, checking for ozone radiation levels at 200,000 feet. Hal married Pat Tobin in 1953, and Rickie Lee and Joseph Dean were born to them. In 1976, Hal married Jackie Cook, and he gained two more children - Darrell and Cheryl Cook. He and Jackie came back to Allerton in 1980 and began a very fulfilling life in Wayne County. Hal joined the Allerton Presbyterian Church in 1981, serving through the years as Elder, Deacon, Trustee and leading the team for the Men's Breakfast. That same year, he became involved with the fledging Allertonworld Booster Club, presiding over it most of the time. He enjoyed all the community activities and acted in 15 of the 31 plays produced, many times taking leading roles. He and Ron Mastin were known as the "Carpenters Extraordinaire," building play sets from the ground up. Hal became the "Candy Man" in 1982, developing a business installing candy machines throughout the county. For many years, he delivered Corydon's mail by foot, over a 16-mile route. He loved people and sometimes their dogs. He used to say that he gave the growling, vicious ones treats…before they look off his leg. For 20 years, he served on the Wayne County Historical Museum board, including 13 of those as president. He was its current president at his death. Hal was currently the Wayne County Veteran's Affairs Director, a job he held for many years and thoroughly enjoyed. He gained great pleasure in helping others. He will be sorely missed. He was also a lifetime member of the Air Weather Association and the ROWF. He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Leatha. Surviving him is: his wife, Jackie; children: Rick and Lisa, Lusby, MD; Joe and Joanne, Middle River, MD; Darrell and Anne Winslow Cook, Corydon, IA; and Cheryl and Shaw Joyner, Forest Bend, TN. Grandchildren: Kim and Jeff Hemmig; Ashley Greenlee; ChelseaGreenlee and Logan Miller; Michael Greenlee; Jennifer Greenlee and Corey Long; Emily and Ty McNeely; Adam Joyner; Taylor Cook; and Mason Cook. Great-grandchildren: Zack and Zoe Hemmig; Xander Jones; and Blayre Long. Also surviving is his sister Geraldine Greenlee, as well as many cousins, extended family, and loving friends. Memory book at http://www.tributes.com/condolences/leave_memory/97579282