Departures - 2023
We publish departures based on the year listed in the obituary. If no year is listed then we publish them when they are received.
CMSgt Frank William Vlcek, 87,USAF (Ret) passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida. Frank was born on September 13, 1936, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His gentle manner, warm smile and Big Bear Hugs will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Frank was a proud 30-year (1955-1985) Air Force Veteran, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He served around the world as a weather forecaster, solar observer, Inspector Geneal team member and finally as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 5th Weather Wing. Upon retirement he continued to serve in the Postal Service in Yorktown, Virginia for another 13 years. Frank loved to garden and it's where he spent most of his retirement. He was well known for his green thumb, he could "root a stick." Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank, his mother, Alvina (nee Hrasky), his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley (nee Louvier), and his wife of 8 years, Debbie (nee Chandler). Frank is survived by his daughters Christine Ford (Brian) of Ojai, California and Linda Sturdivant of Sarasota, FL; his four grandchildren Jason Sturdivant of S. Carolina, Kevin Ford (Heesoo) of Oregon, Shelley Terbilcox (Dan)of Virgina, and Cara Yeager (Travis) of St. Louis, Missouri; his eight beautiful great-grandchildren; as well as many sisters-in-laws, brother-in-law, cousins, nephews, and nieces. Frank's family thank the wonderful and caring staff at Tidewell Hospice House in Lakewood Ranch, FL, the Pines Rehabilitation and Senior Care Facility of Sarasota, and the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Care. To honor Frank, please consider donating to Tidewell Hospice (www.tidewell.org), or an organization of your choice. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL. Military Honors and burial of his cremated remains follow in St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.
Major Michael F. Corbett (USAF Retired), age 76, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, April 23, 2023, with his loved ones at his side. Mike had courageously battled Primary Progressive Aphasia, a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual dissolution of the ability to communicate, since 2018. Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 27, 1947, the son of the late Leonard Patrick Corbett and Elizabeth (Betty) Miller. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on 29 September 1967 and started his career as a member of a Special Operations Weather Team and earned the prestigious Honor Graduate award from the Combat Control Training School. Following fourteen years in the enlisted force, Mike completed a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Texas A & M University and was commissioned as an officer on 3 December 1981. During his 31-year military career, he served in various weather-related positions, including Forecaster for Air Force One, Staff Weather Officer, Weather Station Commander, and War Planning Officer. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Mike completed his Master of Science in Human Resources and Development at Chapman University. He continued his service career for 13 more years as an Air Force Junior Reserve OfficersTraining Corps Instructor at Northside High School, guiding and molding hundreds of future leaders. He is survived by his wife: Ursula Corbett; three children: Lenny Corbett; Katherine Corbett; David Corbett with his wife Christina Corbett and his Mother Linda Smith; his sister Jane and her husband Robert Tatum; his brother William (Bill) and his wife Gloria Howell; his grandchildren: Kyle and Samantha Corbett; and his great-grandson Nathaniel Corbett. Also mourning his passing are extended family members in Florida and New York. As a lifelong scientist with an interest in contributing to the advancement of research into dementia treatments, Mike donated his brain to the Mayo Clinic. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the National Aphasia Association to bring awareness to a disorder affecting more than 2,000,000 Americans. The family would like to thank the private caregivers and Gentiva Hospice for their service and guidance during his passing.
Wilbur Hugh Clark, 82, of O'Fallon, IL, born Friday, August 1, 1941, in Tuscola, IL, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Wil retired from the United States Air Force as a meteorologist after 20 years of service. He also served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Sterling Baptist Church Fairview Heights IL, Turkey Hill Grange and IL Trekkers Volkssport Club. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol A., nee Block, Clark, parents, Theodore R. and Rheba H., nee Snedeker, Clark and son-in-law, Robert E. Morse Jr. Surviving are his sons, David W. Clark of O'Fallon, IL, and Sean M. Clark of O'Fallon, IL, daughters, Karla M. (Charles) McKee of O'Fallon, IL, and Kayce (Kevin) Jenne of St. Peter, IL, seven grandchildren, Jarrett (Kristen) Clark, Wesley Clark, Clark "Jr" McKee, Grant McKee, Jonathan Harrawood, Robert Morse, III, and Samantha Morse, three great grandchilden, Ryan Franklin, Eleanor Clark, and Genevieve Clark, and four step-grandchildren Taylor, Lauren, Will, and Alex Jenne. Express condolences at www.kurrusfh.com. Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Sterling Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, IL or the KLE at the First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, IL. Visitation: Visitation will be held Monday, September 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL and from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL Funeral: Funeral will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sterling Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, IL with Rev. David Gray and Rev. Ed Ingram officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO with honors.
Frank W. Rogers, 93, of Middletown, passed away on August 17, 2023 at Wadsworth Glen Health Care Center. He was born in New Britain on September 5, 1929, son of the late Frank and Elizabeth Axelby Rogers. He was the brother of ten deceased siblings. He attended local schools and was employed by Corbin Screw before entering the United States Air Forces serving as Sargent in the Air Weather Service during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan and Iwo Jima. Frank is survived by his devoted son Richard Rogers of Middletown and a close Friend Grace. Also, many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 12:15 at The D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St. Burial will be in the State Veteran's cemetery, Middletown. Relative and friends may call at the Funeral Home Thursday from 11 until the time of the Service.
Don R. Van Leuven was born on Aug. 11, 1936 in LaCrescenta, CA, to Philip R. Van Leuven and Evelyn R. Hougan. The family moved to Seattle, WA, where he graduated from Cleveland H.S. in 1955. Don went on to college at Washington State University in Pullman, where he met Carolyn Garing and they were married on Sept. 1, 1957. While at WSU Don joined the US Air Force ROTC program. Upon earning his degree in Agricultural Engineering, the Air Force sent him to Penn State University where he earned a degree in Meteorology. Don's first assignment was to the Azores Island. His 30 years of service took him and his family to many places, including California, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma bases. He was stationed at Guam during the Vietnam War and had two tours of duty in Korea. Don served on the Star Wars program at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and his last assignment was at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA. He retired after a 30-year career. He still had the travel bug upon retiring, and Don and Carolyn had many motorhome outings with the Inland Empire Explorers. They made many trips to Alaska in the motorhome and fishing trips and cruises with friends. Don and Carolyn also became snowbirds and went to Florence, AZ. Don enjoyed watching sports and playing golf. Nature was always very important to him. Don's wife, Carolyn of 65 years, passed away on April 11, 2023. Survivors include daughter, Diane Van Leuven of Spokane, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and KC Sutton of Spokane, WA; their son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Angie Van Leuven of Oklahoma City, OK. They have four grandsons and one great-grandson. Don is also survived by a brother, Jack; and Dorothy Van Leuven of Lacey, WA. Don was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn and father Philip R. Van Leuven. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Parks Association. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Noon at the Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Ave., Spokane, WA, 99223. Inurnment previously held at the WA State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit Don's page at www.hazenjaeger.com
Carolyn Van Leuven was born February 7, 1937, in Seattle, WA, to Athol B. Garing and Mildred Everett. Their family moved to Coulee Dam. Carolyn went to college at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, where she met Don Van Leuven, and they were married on September 1, 1957. Carolyn was a dutiful Air Force wife and homemaker, raising their three children. When they moved to Spokane and the kids were no longer in the household, she took a job with the city library system. Upon Don's retirement, Carolyn also retired so they could travel on many motorhome outings with the Inland Empire Explorers. They took many trips to Alaska, cruises with friends, and became snowbirds in Florence, Arizona. Carolyn enjoyed reading and shopping trips with her daughters. Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Diane Van Leuven of Spokane, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and KC Sutton of Spokane, WA; and their son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Angie Van Leuven of Oklahoma City, OK. They have four grandsons and one great-grandson. Carolyn is also survived by a brother, Bill and Carol Garing of Redmond, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parks Foundation. A Memorial Service for both Carolyn and Don will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at noon at Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 East 65th Avenue Spokane, WA. 99223. Inurnment previously held at the WA State Veterans Cemetery.
Umberto Milo Amerio, 97, retired Air Force Colonel, passed away peacefully in his Waipahu home on May 13, 2023. The son of Italian immigrants, Bert was born on Feb. 2, 1926, in San Francisco. His military career began at age 17 when he joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II. As a radio operator, he earned the nickname Sparky. After WWII Bert met the love of his life, Tessie Groesbeck, to whom he was married for 75 years. Bert joined the Air Force in 1950. He served as a Pilot, Meteorologist, Director of Rescue and Recovery in Latin America for the astronaut program, and Director of Research and Development of Civil Engineering. He received many awards and commendations, including the Legion of Merit Medal. Bert graduated from University of California (Bachelor of Science, Business), Texas A&M (Oceanography and Meteorology degrees), Michigan State, and The War College. Bert retired from the Air Force in Hawaii where he opened several businesses including Far East Trading Company an import business; General Business Services and Tax Tech Hawaii, tax and consulting businesses; Images and Accents gift boutique; and obtained his realtors license. He continued to discover his talents, like jewelry making and watercolor painting which was displayed in an art show. Those who knew Bert loved his sense of humor and were entertained and inspired by his songs, stories, and way of life. Hes a lifetime member of Elks Lodge, National Tax Practitioners Institute, Philatelic Society, Rotary International Paul Harris Society, and a Charter Member of The National World War II Museum. Selflessly devoted to country and family, Berts life is joyously celebrated by his wife Tessie; daughters Terri Amerio-Bell (Howard), Denise Sudik (Jim), Gail Martin (Jim); 9 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; surviving sister, Mary Amerio Rosetto; and countless family and friends. A Celebration of Life for Bert will be held July 31, 11:30 am, at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, arrangements through Oahu Mortuary. Remembrances in Umberto (Bert) Amerios memory may be sent to Alzheimers Association, Bristol Hospice, Honolulu Elks Lodge 616, and The Rotary Foundation.
Holliday, Charles R. March 31, 1943 - June 3, 2023 Passed away on June 3, 2023 and was born in Missoula, MT, on March 31, 1943. Charles served in the US Air Force Big Springs, TX, Guam and Offutt Air Force Base Bellevue, NE. (Ret. Lt. Col.) 1968-1993 with many honors. He enjoyed Baseball and American History. He also judged The International High School Science Fair for over 20 years in the U.S. and other countries. He has written several articles on Typhoons in the Tropics and other meteorological publications. Survived by wife Suzan and nephew Geoff Holliday. Funeral Service: 10:30am Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church 7790 S 192nd St. Gretna, NE.
David Michael (Mike) Booth LtCol. USAF (Ret) was born on July 25th, 1942 to Herbert A. and Dorothy L. Booth in Cleburne, TX at Cooks Hospital. Mike passed away on June 5, 2023. He grew up in Cleburne attending Henderson Street Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 12. After graduating from Cleburne High School in 1960, Mike enrolled in Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in meteorology. Each summer while attending A&M, he worked as a Meteorological Student Trainee for the National Weather Service. While attending A&M, Mike was a member of the Corps Of Cadets attaining the rank of Cadet Major. In May 1964, Mike graduated with a BS degree in Meteorology and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Shortly thereafter he married his longtime sweetheart Jacksie Ritchmond and together they began their journey of military life at Mikes first duty assignment as a military meteorologist at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, TN. In 1968, Mike returned to Texas A&M under the Armed Forces Institute of Technology program graduating in 1970 with his Master of Science degree in Meteorology. Mike served at several Air Force bases including a tour of duty at Nakhon Phanom Royal Air Base in Thailand. Mike was also a graduate of the Squadron Officer School and the Air Command and Staff College. He retired in 1989 while stationed at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth serving as the 7th Bomb Wing Staff Weather Officer and Commander of the base weather detachment after 25 years of service attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He received several awards during his service including three Air Force Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals. In 1989 Mike received the Operational Achievement award from the National Weather Association for outstanding achievement in operational performance. After a brief period of retirement, Mike began his second career working for American Airlines in Fort Worth as an aviation meteorologist retiring in 2003. After his retirement, Mike and Jacksie continued their travel experiences and have visited every state in the Union. They also went on cruises to Alaska, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, and around the British Isles. One of the excursions included a visit to the Normandy Battlefield and Cemetery; a place Mike had always wanted to visit. Mike and Jacksie have been members of Wedgwood Baptist Church since 1984 where he taught adult Sunday School for many years until his physical condition forced him to quit. In 2014, Mike was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease known as sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacksie, his daughter Michael Ann Jameson and husband Ron of Fort Worth, his son David L. Booth and wife Alicia of Lavon, Tx and seven grandchildren; Caitlyn Jameson, Courtney Hunter and husband Caleb, Tanner Booth, Emmaleigh Booth, Connor Jameson, Hunter Roy and Reece Roy.
Gregory D. Keates MSgt, USAF(Ret.) passed away suddenly, aged 71, on Sunday, April 30, 2023 in Ogden. He was predeceased by his father, Leslie Keates and is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandra Keates; his mother, Virginia; siblings, Joanne, Doug, Debbie, and Cindy; nieces Geny, Niki, Danielle, Whitney, Leslie, and Molly; and nephews, Eric, Christopher, and Robert. Greg was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but as a result of family moves came to Salt Lake City where he graduated from Olympus High. Greg joined the Air Force in 1971 and served his entire military career in Air Weather Service rising to the position of Master Sergeant/Station Chief. His assignments included providing weather support for several Shuttle Team missions at Edwards AFB California, serving at the Air force Academy in Colorado Springs providing weather support for Fort Carson Army Base. He retired in July, 1995 from Scott AFB Illinois after serving as one of the first NCO advisers to the future Weather Program. He chose to return to Utah where he spent the next 25 years in his second career in End User Computing for Zions Bank, retiring in August 2020 after making many special friendships. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made, in his name, to any of the following: Disabled American Veterans, The George Whalen Veterans Home in Ogden, Student Affairs Excellence Fund, or the Counseling & Psychological Services Center at Weber State University. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lindquists Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist Washington Heights Memorial Park.
Frederick Edmond Gesser, MSgt USAF (Ret), 76, of Thorndale, PA passed away, peacefully, on April 30, 2023. Fred was born in Lakewood, NJ in 1946 to Frederick David and Doris Eileen Gesser. Fred retired as Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He served in the Vietnam War from December 1968 to December 1969 as a combat weather observer with Big Red One, also known as the Fighting First. After retiring from the USAF, he continued working as a respected Meteorologist in the private sector until officially retiring in 2016. Even after retiring, the artistry of his forecasting and his accuracy in predicting the weather continued to be admired by those who knew him. He was often fondly referred to as  Fred was a member of the American Philatelic Society and was an avid stamp collector. He also enjoyed spending time fishing and bowling with family and friends. Fred was the devoted husband of Kathryn S. Gesser Sabata); loving father of Sheri Fowler (Jeff), Kathi Traylor (Jim), Lisa Holstine (Mike), Bryan Gesser (Christina), Gregory Sabata (Kayla); proud grandfather of Craig, Tyler (Taylor), Jimmy (Morgan), Allyson, Jacob, Hailey, Chloe, Hannah, Grace, Maci, Nathan, Emma, Van, Ava, Lucas, Brooke; great-grandfather of Jaedon and James; dear brother to Bob Gesser (Wendy), Jim Gesser (Stefany) and Tom Gesser (Marlene). He is also survived by stepmother Joyce Gesser; first wife Gayle Gesser; and many nieces, nephews and family members, and his furry companions Sherlock, Wallace and Taz. He was predeceased by his parents and step-sister, Linda Wagner.He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Visitation: Tuesday, May 9, 10:00 11:00 am, Thanksgiving Church, 3702 370th Plaza Ave, Bellevue, NE 68123. Funeral Service: Tuesday, May 9, 11:00, Thanksgiving Church Committal : Tuesday, May 9, 12:30, Omaha National Cemetery Military honors to be performed by the Offutt AFB Honor Guard Memorial contributions in Freds memory to Lift For a Vet, http://iuec5.org/lift_for_a_vet.aspx would be appreciated.
Joan (Darlene) Skidmore On the evening of Thursday, April 6th, Joan Darlene Skidmore joined her Heavenly Father in His peace and eternal love. Darlene was an extremely caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. She was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives. She was born in Frostburg, Maryland to John and Virginia Logue on April 2, 1941 and had two sisters, Susan Vining and Andrea Donius. She first met her future husband, Rance, in kindergarten and after graduating from Beall High School, they both attended Frostburg State College. Rance finally won Darlene over and they were married in 1962. They spent the next sixty years together and travelled far and wide in service to the United States Air Force and then for their own pleasure. They had two children - Wendy Michelle and Eric Rance. Darlene worked several jobs over the years managed a china shop, worked for several churches and companies as an administrative assistant, etc., but her passion was her family. She loved creating delicious meals for her family and friends, creating a welcoming, loving home, spending time with her family and friends, traveling and generally spent her life in service to her family, her church, and her community. She served in a wide range of missions and ministries, helping to repair homes in Appalachia, caring for the homeless and less fortunate, and volunteering at local food pantries. Her passing on Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper and of Jesuss family. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on April 22 at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Dorcas Ministries in Cary, North Carolina.
Lorna Misciasci, 76, beloved wife and mother, passed away March 6th, 2023 at Holmes Regional Medical Center. Sue was born in Tecumseh, MI on January 19, 1947 to Margaret and Loren Campbell. She resided in Howell, Michigan and graduated from Howell High School in 1965. She attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1969 with a degree in Social Work. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she was employed by the city of San Antonio as a Social Worker. While there, she met Frank Misciasci, an Air Force Captain. They were married in 1972 and she spent the next twenty-six years accompanying him in a variety of Air Force assignments throughout the US and abroad, moving thirteen times in the process. In 1975, she gave birth to her daughter, Amy, while stationed in the Azores and in 1979, her son Michael was born in Omaha, Nebraska. After Frank retired from the Air Force in 1995, they resided in Omaha for three years and then moved to Melbourne in 1998 when Frank was employed by Harris Corp. Frank and Sue celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August. She was preceded in death by her parents, and is survived by her husband, Frank, her children, Amy and Michael and daughter-in-law Sandra, grandchildren Saiya and Khari, and her two brothers, Jack and Dave Campbell. Services will be held at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach, FL on March 29, 2023 from 4-6 pm. Funeral will be at St John the Evangelist, March 30, 2023, 5655 Stadium Parkway, Melbourne, FL 32940 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL at 2:30 pm In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society.
James R. Johnson, age 78, died recently at his home in Dodge City Kansas. He is the oldest of eight siblings and is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Harriet, and wife of 36 years, Carolyn Fenton. Born in Roanoke, Illinois, Jim went to school in Owego, New York, graduating in 1962. He was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim attended college and served in the US Air Force in Great Britain and later at Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE where he began his life-long career in meteorology. Following his service in the USAF he gained employment as an aviation meteorologist, eventually taking a job as a forecaster with the National Weather Service where he remained for the rest of his career. He remained professionally active and played a key role in starting the highly respected High Plains Chapter of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. He was Chair of the Board and a reviewer of professional publications for the E-Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology. Jims friends and family knew him as a big-hearted, compassionate man who was always willing to help others. He was an exceptional musician who could play and master most any instrument with minimal or no training and was particularly fond of the folk, bluegrass, and country genres. Jim was a founder, avid supporter, and coach with High Plains Youth Hockey Association and a life-long fan of the NY Rangers and NY Giants. He loved motorcycles and restored both a vintage BMW and a vintage MG sportscar. Jim loved history and was a supporter of the historical community celebration, Dodge City Days. He was instrumental in efforts to erect a statue of actor James Arness of Gunsmoke fame and served as director/president and Board Chair of the Dodge City Trail of Fame. Jim regularly appeared in various roles at the Depot Theater in Dodge City and once appeared in a one-man show as Mark Twain. He was a self-proclaimed expert and connoisseur of craft beers and a regular at Dodge City Brewing offering critical reviews of brews and dispensing wisdom on a wide range of topics. He is survived by his Molly, stepchildren Craig (Jackie) Ray; Toni (David) Strawn; grandchildren Allison (Josha) Cauthen, Garrett (Carrie) Strawn, Dillon (Kelsey) Strawn, and Stephanie (Taylor) Fehl; great grandchildren Hank and Jace Cauthen, and Emelia and Clara Strawn. He is also survived by siblings JoEllen Streit, Indianapolis, IN; Anne Joseph, San Diego, CA; Janice Allton, Las Cruces, NM; Helen Harrington, Central Sq, NY; Thomas Johnson, Glenville, NY; Jean Johnson, Ballston Spa, NY; and Donald Johnson, Gardnerville, NV. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Tax-deductible donations in Jims memory may be made to the High Plains Youth Hockey Association.
Lt. Col. Harry Danforth White III (USAF, Ret.) passed away on January 21, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. He was born on June 8, 1941, in Kingman, Kansas to Agnes Sereta Barkley and Harry Danforth White, Jr. Dan enlisted in the Air Force in 1959 and completed the Weather Observer School as an Honor Graduate at Chanute AFB Illinois. He entered the Airman Education Commissioning Program in 1969 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology from the University of Utah in 1971. In 1980, he graduated from University of Texas with a Master of Science in Engineering (Fluid Dynamics). Being an avid learner is the legacy his father passed down to him and his siblings. Lt. Col. White was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his younger brother, Donald E. White. He is survived by his children, Maria White, Harry Danforth White IV, Susan White Tabor (Greg); his sister, Marianne Lee; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who all mourn his passing. Lt. Col. White had a distinguished military career in the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lt. Col. He was stationed over 5 different countries during his 33 year career. He also managed Europe's largest and busiest base weather station with the most complex weather support tasking in NATO (Commander of Detachment 15, 28th Weather Squadron). His responsibilities included providing staff, and operational environmental services to organizations of seven major commands with components of all branches of the services. In 1973 he served as Wing Weather Officer to the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing and 98th Strategic Wing and as Staff Weather Officer to the USAF Instrument Flight Center. During this tour his duty included developing an Air Force wide education program relative to low level windshear and instructor for the Instrument Pilot Instructor School (IPIS). He also published his master thesis for the military: An Experimental Investigation of Convection in A Laterally Heated Rotating Annulus. Awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Dan was also a birder. He was very impressed with The Cascade Raptor Center, so much that he became a donor. He was a winter Texan for many years and would stay in Rockport where he could do a variety of bird watching. His favorites were the Whooping Crane, Great Blue Heron and especially the Osprey. Sailing was also one of his life passions. He sailed the Caribbean and enjoyed visiting the islands. He also did a sailing trip from Galveston to Corpus Christi, Texas. Another of his many interests was The Lewis and Clark Expedition Trails, to which he dedicated a 4 week drive to study. We are grateful for the all the wonderful memories we shared with him during this lifetime and will always be in our hearts forever more may he rest in peace until we meet again one day. The family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hutchinson Community College Endowment, 1300 N Plum, Hutchinson, KS 67501 In Memo: Dan White Scholarship Fund.
George H. Poulson, age 85, of Harborcreek, was lovingly surrounded by his family as he passed away at his home on Monday, January 2, 2023. He was born in Warren, PA on January 29, 1937, son of the late Lorenzo and Gertrude Poulson. George was a 1954 graduate of Lawrence Park High School. Following graduation, he entered the US Air Force and attended the weather school in Chanute Field, Ill. George was first based in Iceland, where he tracked weather data. He then became a supervisor and worked in the control tower, observing weather for pilots and supporting the B52s refueling over the North. George was also based in several other arctic areas, and was the first person known to observe a thunderstorm in Greenland. He also forecasted for the Strategic Air Command. After his service in the Air Force, George worked for the National Weather Service and was fortunate enough to be based in Erie until his retirement. George was a member of Belle Valley Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and time spent with his pet Bassett, Skinny. George was an avid fan of the track and field teams for Iroquois and Harborcreek. After retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Palm Harbor, FL with his wife for eight years. George is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Poulson; four children, Sam Poulson, Randy Poulson (Cindy), Jodie Bean (Jerry) and Mike Poulson (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, on Friday, January 6th, at 11:30 am, conducted by Rev. David Edmunds. Military Honors will be rendered by the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. Memorial contributions may be made to Belle Valley Presbyterian Church, 1694 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.