Departures - 2022
Obituaries on the Departures pages were submitted by family or friends. Some notifications only provide the name and year of death and are posted on the
deceased members list (for members only).
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
Gerald J. Dittberner Ph.D. Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), 81, renowned climatologist, satellite meteorologist, forecaster, and engineer, passed away on November 22, 2022. An early global warming researcher in the 1970s, Dr. Dittberner served in the US Air Force for 21 years, starting with the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's satellite operations and applications. Following retirement from the USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel, he worked with research satellites in the aerospace industry for 10 years, was a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) program manager and advanced technology research and development manager for 12 years with NOAA, then became a consultant. In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Jerry was a kind, humble, man of the world. He was a wonderful, loving husband to Mary Kay for 57 years, supportive and fun father to Colleen Spears (Bob), Matt Dittberner, and Brigitte Dittberner, and delightful grandfather to Robert and Thomas Spears. A global traveler, he visited many countries in 6 continents.
Jerry's goal was to give back to the community by contributing to research and applications in weather and climatology. We are fortunate to have had him in our lives and are so proud of our genuine rocket scientist. Visitation will be on Saturday, December 10, at 10 a.m., followed directly by Mass at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, VA. Arrangements are being handled by Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. For more information please visit the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home website at www.FMFH.com. Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 4, 2022.
Dr. Kenneth Daly, a resident of Dothan passed away Monday, November 21, 2022 at home with his family. He was 91 years old.
Services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022 with the visitation from 10-11 am, funeral services starting at 11 am with Pastor Elizabeth Hinton
officiating at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with graveside services to follow with full military honors at Memory Hill Cemetery. Dr. Daly retired from 25 years in
U.S. Air Force as an E-9/Chief Master Sergeant. After retirement he continued his education achieving his doctorate in Psychology. He later became the Program
Manager of the Air Force Junior ROTC program. Dr. Daly was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his military and civil service careers he
received numerous honors, decorations and awards to include the Bronze Star, Meterorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Outstanding Airman Award.
Dr. Daly is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Daly, their 2 children and spouses: Lindsey Fox (Steve) and John Daly (Rini), and their 3 grandchildren:
Jason and Cassie Simerly and Jak Daly. Services VISITATION Saturday November 26, 2022 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Ward Wilson Funeral Home 2414 Hartford Highway Dothan,
Alabama 36305
Dr. Charles Perry Arnold Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully entered eternal rest on
Monday, October 10, 2022, at his home in Upper Marlboro, Md. Charles was born on March 10, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Mildred Mains and Charles P. Arnold,
Sr. Charlie spent his childhood in Akron, Ohio, where he earned his B.S. degree from Akron University and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. He was a gifted
musician playing the trumpet and swam competitively. In December 1963, he married the love of his life, Elaine Schuster. The two spent 59 years together and raised
four children. Charlie served his country by joining the United States Air Force in 1963, where he began his career as a meteorologist. While in the Air Force, he
attended Texas A.M., and Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Master's degree. Charlie furthered his education by attending Colorado State, University,
where he received a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science. During his time in the military, Charlie had assignments in Texas, Kansas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Guam, Colorado,
Nebraska, California, and Maryland. Charlie spent his military career teaching, researching, and specializing in remote atmospheric sensing. Upon retiring from the
Air Force, he worked as a consultant with local space companies in Maryland until 1998. After retirement, he devoted his time and talents to his true passions;
studying Theology, writing, conducting genealogical research, and teaching Bible classes. His fervent work resulted in the publication of four books. Charlie enjoyed
simple pleasures in life and found immense joy in feeding, watching, and tracking birds as they flocked to his feeders. Charlie found beauty in music, appreciated
nature, and enjoyed engaging in deep conversation. He was a strong man of faith, loved God, and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. Charlie's faith was
essential to his life, and his legacy will live on in his family. He is survived by his wife Elaine, step-brother Edward Mains and wife Pam. He is mourned by his c
hildren Amy E. Mensing and her husband Michael; Bethany A. Dewey and her husband Bryan; his two sons; Charles P. Arnold lll and Michael W. Arnold; four grandchildren;
Ryan Mensing, Katy Dolinar, Rachel Mensing, and Jacob Dewey. Charlie has three adored great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who are grateful for
his presence in their lives.
William Cavanaugh, MSgt. (Ret.), William "Bill" Cavanaugh Jr, of Clinton, MD, passed away on September 19, 2022 at the Charleston
Assisted Living Facility in Waldorf, MD. He was born on July 29, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to his father, William Cavanaugh Sr, and his mother, Clara Cavanaugh.
Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years, Linda (Clark) Cavanaugh; five sons - William Cavanaugh III (Cindy), Michael Cavanaugh (Beverly), Timothy Cavanaugh (Joann),
Erik Cavanaugh (Nora), Todd Cavanaugh (Erin); daughter Shelley Degges (Edward); his sister Doris Ragan; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and served until 1948. In 1950, he re-entered service with the U.S. Air Force and served until 1969, gaining the rank of Master
Sergeant. During his military career, Bill earned the following decorations and awards; World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal (Japan), National Defense
Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal with 4 Bronze Loops, Air Force Outstanding
Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF NCO Academy Graduate Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, Bill entered U.S. civil service with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration where he worked as a computer scientist providing programming support with some of the earlier weather satellites and
meteorological data collection until his final retirement in 1994. Bill enjoyed traveling, wood working, building furniture, painting, stamp collecting and
working on many home improvement projects over the years.
Col. John William Reames USAF, Retired passed away at the age of 88 on July 21, 2022. He was born February 7, 1934, to Florence and
Leslie Reames and was the youngest of seven. He was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Harre Reames; and their infant daughter, Frances Ann.
He grew up in Sandston, Virginia, and attended the University of Richmond with an ROTC scholarship. As a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, he was stationed in
Germany and met his wife, JoAnn, who was teaching school for the Department of Defense. John served as a meteorologist in the Air Weather Service and retired as a Colonel
in 1981 after 25 years of service. John and JoAnn were married for 58 years and traveled the country and the world together. John touched many lives and was quick with a
welcoming smile and helping hand. He loved working in the yard, relaxing on the beach, emailing "Today's Funnies," and Happy Hour at 1700 hours. Family meant the world to
him and it showed through annual vacations, holidays, and weekly emails to his grandchildren while they were in college.
Life was Good; God is Great; Keep Smiling! - John Reames
He is survived by daughters and their spouses, Karyn Reames and Rick Upchurch of Clearwater, FL, and Lynne and Gary Fly of Greensboro, NC; and grandchildren, Cpt. Adam
and Kalie Fly of Valdosta, GA, and Madison Fly of Ft. Worth, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Resident Care Fund at Pennybyrn, 109 Penny Road, High
Point, NC 27260. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
Joseph Elliott Tucker January 7, 1930 - July 8, 2022 Spanaway, Washington - Colonel Joe Tucker (USAF, ret) of Spanaway passed peacefully
into God's hands on July 8 with his beloved wife of 30 years, Sandy, at his side. Joe was born Jan. 7, 1930 in La Grange, MO, son of Joseph and Julia (Elliott) Tucker. He is
survived by his four children, Cheryl Tucker (Rick Fraser) of Lakewood; Lt. Col. (USAF, ret) Joe Tucker (Kristy) of Peoria, AZ; Margaret Tucker (Max Theobald) of Tacoma; and
Jana Helzer (Stuart) of McKenna; five stepdaughters, Laurie Lasky (John) of University Place; Lisa Bizzell of Columbus, GA; Lynnette Fredericksen of Dunwoody, GA; Cathy Fitzer
(Trace) of Eatonville; and Diana Young of Buford, GA. Joe was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was especially proud of
the heritage he began with a son and two grandsons in the Air Force. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Yowell and nephew Brad Yowell. Joe grew up on a Missouri
farm and graduated from La Grange High School in a class of 19. He attended Culver-Stockton College for two years and then Northeast Missouri Teachers College, where he signed a
professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns. Shortly afterward he found he could not hit a curve ball and in 1950 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
In 1951, Joe married Dorothy Brown while at Norton AFB, CA. They raised four children together during his Air Force years. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant before being
commissioned a second lieutenant in 1953 through the Officers Candidate School program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1959 at the University of Washington
(go Huskies) and in 1965, a Master of Science at Texas A&M (go Aggies).
From there he was assigned to the United States Strike Command and subsequently to the Military Assistance Command, South Vietnam. There, as a major, Joe was awarded the Legion
of Merit by Gen. Creighton Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam. Joe believed this presentation ceremony to be the proudest moment of his career. On his return from Vietnam,
Joe was assigned to Langley AFB, VA where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1970 and full colonel in 1974. His last assignment was to Hickam AFB, HI where he assumed command
of the 1st Weather Wing in 1976. He retired from that command and the Air Force in June 1978. Col. Tucker's military decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster,
Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Award with five oak leaf clusters, Republic
of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.
An award that Joe was most proud of was his appointment by the enlisted men and women of 5th Weather Wing to honorary enlisted status in 1974 in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant.
Joe loved golf and shared many great times with golfing buddies on courses around the world and at the former Oakbrook Country Club where he was a member for over 20 years. He was
particularly proud of his three holes in one. He enjoyed doing volunteer work in the community and for the Catholic chapel on McChord AFB. For a number of years, he served on the
parish council and co-chaired the Outreach Committee. He was a life member of the Air Force Association and active in the McChord Chapter since 1979, serving as its president for
three terms.
Col. Tucker's greatest love, after his wife and family, was the U.S. Air Force and the career that took a Missouri farm boy all over the world.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, preceded by the rosary at 9:30 a.m. Joe's final resting
place will be at Tahoma National Cemetery. A reception will follow at a separate location.
Richard Craig Clayton, Colonel (Ret) USAF 11 October 1952 - 2 July 2022 (Age 69) Craig made the leap from time to eternity on Saturday at
home with his wife, Carol Lee, son, Daniel, and sister, Terri, by his side. It was a beautiful, sunny Alaskan summer day, appropriate for a weatherman. While only on hospice
care for four days, he fought the challenges of cancer since 2015 valiantly and without complaint. His desire was to stay here as long as the Lord allowed, but knew that his
faith in the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ would carry him home at the perfect time. We are forever grateful for the many family and friends who prayed alongside us on
this journey and all those who were our compatriots, colleagues, and fellow adventurers throughout his life. Craig loved the Lord, his family, the Air Force and its Weather
community, the staff at Wayland Baptist University-Anchorage, the immense beauty of Alaska, and all things fussball, or soccer.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of this hands (Psalms 19:1). Hiking, cross-country skiing, and taking the high ground in the mountains was
where Craig found peace. His heart was always with special operators, wounded warriors, and fellow veterans. Airborne! He quietly and generously supported numerous Christian,
Bible-centered organizations and foundations supporting veterans. Craig is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Carol Lee; his son, Brig Gen (select) Daniel Craig Clayton
and his wife, Dr. Erica Reynolds Clayton, and their two darling daughters, Brinkley and Breck; his sister, Terri Clayton Walker and her son, Ian and his wife, Maret and great
niece, Ayla and great nephew, Nyle; and Carol Lee s brother, Kenny and his wife Susan, who were with us every step of the way. In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to remember
Craig and his service to our nation and fellow citizens.
Cheryl Lee Wilson, nee Holt, 78, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, December 2, 1943, in East Saint Louis, IL, passed away Tuesday, June 14,
2022, at St. Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO. Cheryl was the light of our lives. She was funny, silly and if you were her friend, you had a friend for life. She
never forgot your birthday, anniversary or a special event. She was a mother or grandmother to every child she met. Cheryl loved her family but especially her fur baby Libby.
Libby comforted Cheryl like no one else could. Cheryl followed her husband during and after his US Air Force career to Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado and organized a new home
everywhere she lived. She was an artist and painted beautiful pictures. She was an avid gardener who could grow anything. Cheryl started her working life as a clerk for the New
York Central RR. She then became a graphics artist at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL and then became the membership director for the Shrine's
retirement community. During her stay in Texas she earned an LPN. She then worked in doctor's offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Belleville. During her stay in Colorado she was
an active Red Hat Lady. In her life Cheryl was able to visit England for the Chelsea Flower Show, see Stonehenge and ride the big London Ferris Wheel. That was a highlight of
her life. She also got to spend a month in Korea with her husband and visit Hawaii. Not a bad life for an East St Louis girl from St Theresa Academy.
We will celebrate the time we had with Cheryl and we know she is in a better place now, where pain is not an issue. Much love to our Cheryl, you will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her: Parents: Leonard W. and Cherie, nee Toussaint, Holt, Brother: Michael Holt
Surviving are her: Husband: Major David Wilson, USAF Ret of Belleville, IL
Children
Robert, Bobby (Judy) Hutchinson of New Athens, IL
Edith Edie (Michael) Brady of Belleville, IL
William (Julie) Wilson of California City, CA
Sister: Kathy (Richard) AuBuchon of Port Orange, FL
Much loved by many great nieces and nephews.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snow.
Service: Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Weber, Eugene Martin - CMSgt USAF (Ret) June 9, 1932 - May 12, 2022 Age 89. Eugene served 31 years in the Air Force and a total of 50 years as a Military Weather Man. He had numerous articles published by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Digest. Preceded in death by parents, George and Ethel Mae Weber; siblings, JoAnn Lyons, George "Georgie" Weber, and David Weber; son Gary Weber; and grandson Joseph Hollars. Survived by wife of 68 years Doris; children, Eugene J. Weber, Teresa Hollars (Walt), Kenneth Weber, Mary Ann Lepper (Nathan), and Nancy M. Phelps (Dan); 6 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. VISITATION: Monday, May 16, 5-7pm at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, May 17, 4:30pm at Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel. To view a live broadcast of the Service, go to the website below and click the link on the Weber obituary. MILITARY HONORS by Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials to: Ursuline Mother House, 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206.
Bobby Joe Vance, MSgt.USAF (Ret) 93, of Robinson, Texas passed away surrounded by loved ones Tuesday, April 26, 2022, following a brave fight with cancer. Bob was born in Bryan, Texas on September 25, 1928. Due to difficult economic times and his father passing away, he was placed into the Waco Methodist Children's home in 1934 at the age of 5. He remained at the Children's home until the age of 15 when he returned to Bryan to live with his mother. During his stay at the Children' Home Bob became active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning an Eagle Scout Award in June 1944. He remained active in the program for years as a Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Commissioner. In June of 1947 after graduating from Bryan High School, Bob joined the Army Air Corp. Soon afterwards, the Air Force separated from the Army Air Corp, and he served in the US Air Force for 26 years, retiring on June 30, 1973 as a Master Sergeant. During his service he spent time in numerous countries including Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Europe, as well as various stateside locations. Following his military retirement, he worked for Standard Register in Memphis, Tennessee before returning to the Waco, Texas area and finally residing in Robinson for 37 years. He enjoyed working with wood and spent time in his workshop building everything from bookshelves to wooden earrings. He was also blessed with a knack for fixing almost anything, including household appliances. Over many years, he had repaired the dryer so many times that his wife, Amnie Louise, finally had to put her foot down and plead for a new improved dryer even though he'd gotten the old one up and running yet again. One of his largest and most intricate projects was constructing scale models of the original buildings on the campus of the Waco Methodist Home where they can be viewed. Bob met his wife of 61 years, Amnie Louise Vance, in the stadium parking lot following a Waco vs. Bryan football game on September 24, 1948. They were married on December 23, 1950. Together they raised four children, three sons and one daughter. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Amnie Louise; parents, Walter and Annie Vance; brothers, Sam and Bill; and baby sister, Jeanie June Vance. Bob is survived by sister, Jean Cangelose; sons, Jim Vance and wife, Martha, Doug Vance and wife, Barbara, Alan Vance and wife, Miriam; daughter, Carol Palmer and husband, Michael; along with grandsons, Seth, Sean, Clint, Shane, Andy, and Josh; granddaughters, Bailey and Jordan. He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to companion Sue Ferguson, Jessica and Karen from Hospice , Dr. Thai etc. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, May 2, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco with burial immediately following at Rosemound Cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Healthcare of Texas Providence Hospice, 670 Sanger Ave., Waco, Texas 76710.
Online guestbook www.pecangrovefuneral.com
Frank Bower, LtCol USAF (Ret) 81, died peacefully on April 11, 2022 at High Pointe/ Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill,
MA after declining years living with dementia. He was a former long-time resident of Nashua, NH. Frank was born in May 1940 in Olympia, WA, and grew up in Yelm, WA,
which provided fond memories and appreciation for the views of Mount Rainier. Frank graduated from the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, after which, he was
commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. He continued his education in meteorology at the University of Michigan and Texas A&M Universities, proudly serving in the
military for 23 years. He was stationed in several areas of the U.S. including Massachusetts, Maryland, and Nebraska. He retired from the military at Hanscom AFB,
Bedford, MA, in 1987. After his military retirement, he spent several years with Digital Research Corporation. Frank also greatly enjoyed tutoring and educating
students during several years spent in Pennsylvania. Frank was a caring and loving father to his daughters, Tracey and Carrie. He is survived by his daughter, Tracey
and her husband Jim McCarthy of Newburyport, MA, and daughter Carrie and husband Chris Boyer of Scottsdale, AZ. Frank leaves behind seven grandchildren, Bailey, Kelsey
and Bryn McCarthy, and Parker, Cameron, Mitchell and McKenna Boyer. He is also survived by his brother, Garry Bower of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Throughout his life, Frank
was a natural story teller. He relayed stories about his military experiences in Guam and Korea. He loved telling stories about his children and grandchildren. In their
younger years, grandchildren (and dogs) quickly learned they could get away with a few extra things when grandpa was babysitting! Lifetime interests included getting his
private pilot's license, sports, investment clubs, his beloved New England Patriots football, classical music and reading. He showed his appreciation of other's cooking by
playfully being a member of the "clean plate club." Frank will be honored as a military veteran in a burial at Fort Devens Cemetery at a later date. Contributions may be
made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Lt. Colonel David A. Bush, USAF (Retired), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the age of 94 in Mesa, Arizona.
He was proud to serve his country, was a longtime member of Red Mountain United Methodist Church and a resolute family man. Dave shared the following traits of the Greatest
Generation: personal responsibility, integrity, humility, work ethic, friendship, and faithful commitment. "Your reputation is your most important valuable possession" was a
quote Dave lived by his entire life. Dave was born on August 19, 1927, to William and Margaret Bush in Traverse City, Michigan. As a family, including his sisters Barb and
Bev, they resided in several towns in Michigan including Traverse City, Akron, Pentwater, Sebewaing and Essexville. He graduated from Sebewaing High School, class of 1945.
Dave, nicknamed Fireball, participated in various sports including basketball (leading scorer his Senior year with 94 points), baseball, track and field, and football. He
was also a member of various clubs including Glee, Science (as Vice President), Press and Varsity. As a Senior, he served as class Treasurer, performed in the school Operetta and
was Editor of the school yearbook, The Echoes. Dave delivered newspapers, milk and propane; was an ice cutter, a roofer and a grave digger; picked grapes an sugar beets; and earned his first bike by selling magazines. Upon high school graduation, Dave enlisted in the US Navy. Boot Camp was at Great Lakes NTS, Illinois. He was then assigned to BUSANDA in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving in the Navy for two years, Dave enrolled at Michigan Tech (Soo branch, now known as Lake Superior State University) in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His major field of study was Electrical Engineering, and he was a member of Air Force ROTC. In 1948, his second year at Soo Tech, Dave met his future wife of almost 70 years, LaVone, at a student dance. Eventually, he proposed to her in below zero temperatures, while standing in the snow overlooking the famous Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1949, Dave transferred to the main Michigan Tech campus in Houghton. Dave and LaVone were married after his junior year at her parents' home in Detroit, Michigan. After graduation, Dave was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF. His first duty station was Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He then attended Meteorology School at Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania. During Dave's career in the Air Force as a Meteorologist, he and Lavone were stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio; Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado; Bitburg AFB, Bit burg, Germany; Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio; Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama; Willow Run AS, Ypsilanti, Michigan; Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Montana; Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, Canada; Larson AFB, Moses Lake, Washington; Fort Ritchie AP, Maryland (including weather forecasting for Air Force One, Two and Camp David); Richards-Gebaur AFB, Belton, Missouri; and Luke AFB, Glendale, Arizona, where he retired after 28 years of service. Between his assignments at Larson AFB and Fort Ritchie AP, he was stationed at Bien Hoa AFB, Republic of Vietnam. After retiring from serving his country for 30 years, Dave worked as a high school substitute teacher in Glendale, Arizona. He sold solar hot water systems and worked in the ticket offices of the Arizona Wranglers/Outlaws and Phoenix Suns. In addition, Dave began volunteering for the Fiesta Bowl including the Fiesta Bowl Parade. After a few years, Dave became Assistant Ticket Manager with the Fiesta Bowl and traveled around Arizona promoting Fiesta Bowl activities. When he retired from the Fiesta Bowl, he continued to work part-time for the Phoenix Suns. He helped open the American West Arena ticket office, where he was able to work side-by-side with his daughter, Debra. After Dave's second retirement, he became involved in community and church activities. As a devoted member of Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa, he attended various Bible studies, served as usher, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, helped make lunches for a men's shelter, visited home-bound church members, helped with Produce on Wheels, attended Half-time for Men breakfasts, and participated in yearly church property clean-ups. A highlight of each week was coffee fellowship following church service. Travel was a true passion for both Dave and LaVone. In 1961, while stationed at Malmstrom AFB in Montana, they purchased their first of many trailers, campers, fifth wheels and RVs. During the next fifty plus years, they spent their vacations and free time traveling throughout the United States and Canada, camping in national, state, and local campgrounds along the way. Dave loved every aspect of traveling via camping including planning, packing and of course, the actual trip. He and Lavone were always eager to take the "scenic" route. He was a long-time member of the Good Sam Club. In 2000, the highlight of all their years of travel was a two-week long camping trip throughout their home state of Michigan, celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Accompanying them were their son, two daughters and son-in-law, resulting in fourteen days of treasured family memories. Dave's all-time favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved everything about the holiday and embraced the true meaning it held. Dave always enjoyed decorating the outside of their homes. He created some spectacular Christmas light displays. This past Christmas, now as "Supervisor of Decorating," he enthusiastically directed his kids in putting up the decorations. Dave enjoyed listening to big band and swing music. Some of his favorite performers were Stan Kenton, Louis Prima, George Shearing and Frank Sinatra. He even bought a hat like the one worn by Frank, which he wore with great style. He was so proud of that hat! Throughout his life, Dave enjoyed playing various card games with family and friends, such as Bridge, Cribbage, Pester and Postage Stamp. Dave was always involved in watching and supporting his favorite sports' teams. He cheered on (and sometimes chastised) the teams from his home state of Michigan (except for those Spartans!) and his alma mater, Penn State. After moving to Arizona, he became a loyal fan of the AZ professional teams and was an avid fan of the Arizona State Sun Devils. Dave loved reading the newspaper front to back, and of course, the first section he tackled was Sports. At some point, Dave decided to learn and "perfect" his golf game. He continued this endeavor until just prior to his 94th birthday. More important than his score and his skills was the opportunity to spend time with his golfing buddies, including his son. All-in-all, Dave enjoyed a life of family, friends, and associations. His love of exploration, travel and fellowship led him to numerous adventures, places, and lasting relationships. Dave was a dedicated father, committed to his kids' activities and endeavors. Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Lavone, his parents, two sisters, and his infant son. He is survived by his oldest daughter, Debra Van Dusen, his son, Daryl Bush, his youngest daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Dave Kaubisch and his brother-in-law, Keith Naramor. Our Dad will live on forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dave's name to: Red Mountain United Methodist Church 2936 N. Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85215. Check made out to: Red Mountain United Methodist Church On the memo line write: In memory of Dave Bush The Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org
Thomas Tom DeLoyd Damon, LtCol. USAF (Ret) 91, of Colorado Springs passed peacefully on January 30, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born to parents James and Josephine Damon on April 28, 1930 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and grew up with siblings James and Sue.
Tom married the love of his life, Anita in April 1952. Later that year he graduated from Oshkosh State College and joined the United States Air Force focusing on meteorology and space weather. He earned his master s degree in Meteorology in August 1965 from the University of Wisconsin. His final station for the Air Force was in NORAD near Colorado Springs, one of his favorite locations, and he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1978. He began his second career as a college professor at Pikes Peak Community College teaching many subjects including physics, computer science, geology, astronomy, astronautics and space science for which he wrote the textbook entitled Introduction to Space: The Science of Spaceflight which has been published in four editions. He retired for good in May 1997 and remained in Colorado Springs. He spent most of his summers at his favorite place which was the cabin in the Colorado Rockies that he designed and constructed with family. Tom had a passion for photography from a young age and captured thousands of images from his adventures around the world often with his family in tow. He eventually visited all 7 continents and had even flown over the North Pole. He was the president of the Pikes Peak Camera club in 1978 and joined a gallery in Woodland Park, Colorado to sell some of his work during retirement. He enjoyed telling the story of how he was born during an eclipse and finally got to see a total solar eclipse in August 2017 from the mountains of Idaho. It was spectacular and he has many photographs of it. He always wanted to see humans on Mars and dedicated his book to his grandsons - To James, Jacob and Maxx . . . may they one day walk on Mars. His passing is preceded by his father James Paul Damon, mother Josephine Elizabeth Damon, brother James Edward Damon and sister Sue Carol Dichtl. He is survived by wife Anita of 69 years, sons Thomas Damon, Timothy Damon, daughters Theresa Damon, Tammy Saxton, Christina Damon, grandsons James (Stephanie) Saxton, Jacob Saxton, Petty Officer Second Class Maxwell (Jenna) Damon, great grandchildren Tyler, Jayden and Liana Saxton. The family extends a special thank you to the amazing staff at Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care in Colorado Springs for their loving care and support during his final days. Tom's Catholic faith was always important to him. He served the noon Mass at St. Mary's Church in Oshkosh, WI, until he was married and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. With a family devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, it is a blessing that he will be laid to rest on her feast day. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL, 60601. https://www.alz.org Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Damon family.
Robert Marcus Chamberlain, Colonel, United States Air Force (ret.), died January 6, 2022, age 92. He was the elder son of Marcus Freeman Chamberlain and Sarah Stephenson Chamberlain of Jaffrey, NH. He attended Jaffrey schools, graduated from Conant High School in 1948 and from the University of New Hampshire in 1952. He was awarded a BS degree in zoology and commissioned a Second Lieutenant from the USAF ROTC program. His first assignment was to get a master's degree in weather forecasting at the University of New Mexico, where he met and married his wife of 68 years, Mary Louise Sanders. Over the next thirty years they lived in Europe, Asia, and the USA. When he achieved his present rank, he became the Director of Operations of the USAF Air Weather Service. Some medals and badges he received were the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with four oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal with four battle stars, Chinese Nationalist Air Force Wings, Master Weather Badge, and Parachute Badge. He retired to Jaffrey in December, 1979. He built a passive solar home. He was elected Selectman and served six years. His administration reorganized and computerized the Town Office, upgraded and extended the town's water and sewer systems, enlarged and air conditioned the town library. He obtained state funding for the completed first phase of the Jaffrey Route 202 thrupass. During the following years he and his wife traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Africa, Europe, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Norway, Finland, Russia, England, Ireland, Costa Rica and Burma. They moved to Camarillo, CA in 2018 to be near their daughter. He leaves his wife Mary Louise, son Mark and wife Debbie, granddaughter Sarah, daughter Kathleen Matsumori and husband Ivan, grandsons Ryan and Connor. He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Charlotte Anne and his brother William. His ashes will be interred in Conant Cemetery at a later date.
