George
I Ruddell
Barnard J Lazrath
John
Dunbar
Chas "Sully" O'Sullivan
Curran
"Jack" Jones
Robert Gerhardt
Robert
E Seipel
Stanley O Andrews
Ralph
Martin
Donald & Mary Green
Warren
J Brooks
Frank Angier
Albert
Anthony
Roy Seher
Eugene A Wahl
|
Col. George I. Ruddell
January 21, 1919 - February 27, 2015
Col.
George I. Ruddell USAF (Ret.) 96, was born in Winnipeg Canada on
January 21, 1919. He passed away peacefully at the Oregon Vetran's Home
in The Dalles, Oregon, on February 27, 2015. George, a long time
resident of The Dalles, OR, is survived by his wife Mavis and sons Jeff,
Greg and wife Cheryl, and Ken. Two Grand daughters Tiffany and Catlyn,
and two Great grand children. He was an outstanding husband, father, and
pilot with the United States Air Force.
|
Bernard J. Lanzrath
Bernard J. (Bernie)
Lanzrath was born September 11, 1932 on a farm near Greeley, KS. He was
the fifth of Norbert and Rose's children. At age nine, the family moved
to Wichita, KS. Bernie graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950 and
then went to work for Boeing Aircraft Company.
Bernie entered the U.S.
Air Force in 1952, spending time at Ft. Ord, CA, Wichita Falls, TX,
Chanute, IL and Amarillo, TX. He spent 22 months in Japan from May
1954 until February 1956. He married Jo in December 1956 in Wichita,
Kansas. They have five children, seven grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
Bernie passed away on
September 28, 2014 from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was
interred at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
|
John Dunbar and son, Stephen
Waltham, PA - Mr. John C. Dunbar, of Waltham, died Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Leland Home in Waltham. He was 94. John
was born in Braddock, Pennsylvania on July 25, 1919, the only child of
the late John A. and Gertrude (Holden) Dunbar. He was raised in Braddock
and earned his Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the
University of Pittsburgh in 1941. In September of that year he joined
the United States Army Air Corps. Following
the outbreak of World War II John was assigned to the 39th Fighter
Squadron and following state-side training on the new P-38 'Lightning'
he was sent with his unit to the Pacific. Based out of New Guinea he
flew one-hundred fifty-one missions with the 39th before returning home
to become a training officer. At
the start of the Korean War he was called back to active duty to train
other pilots before being discharged two years later as a major at Eglin
Air Force Base in Florida. In
1945 John met the love of his life, Irene L. Murphy of Cambridge, at a
USO dance. They were married for sixty-one years until Irene's death on
June 3, 2010. In 1953 John and Irene moved to Waltham where they raised
their family and had been residents since. In
1946 John earned his Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and after the war began flying
for Pan American Air Lines, then one of the largest airline companies
in the world. His career at Pan Am was short lived as he was hired away
by MIT's Charles Stark Draper Labs in Cambridge. Working
as a test pilot at Draper Labs he had a front row seat to twentieth
century aviation history. His began his piloting career flying bi-planes
for the civil air patrol and before its end he'd piloted some of the
most sophisticated planes in the world including airliners, bombers, jet
fighters and helicopters. John's
work at Draper also brought him into the NASA family where he worked on
the Gemini and Apollo space missions as well as projects for the
International Space Station and the Space Shuttle program. His work with
astronauts was routine and he was proud to have piloted a Chinook
helicopter that developed the prototypes for the landing sequencing and
propulsion for the 'Eagle'; the Apollo 11 capsule that landed men on the
moon for the first time in July, 1969. He
was the rare breed that was able to combine brilliance with humility; a
true team player helping to achieve some of the greatest
accomplishments of his generation. At
home John was equally busy. He was active with the Boy Scouts, having
been an Eagle Scout and longtime Scoutmaster of Troop 265 at Saint
Mary's Church in Waltham. He belonged to Saint Mary's Holy Name Society.
An accomplished musician, he was also a member of the American Theatre
Organ Society and the Reagle Players in Waltham. He
was also long active with the 39th Fighter Squadron Association,
attending almost all of the outfit's reunions, including the event held
in 2012. John also belonged to the Order of Daedalion, an association of
military pilots. John
was also accomplished with a set of tools and used them well. He built
and donated the white arbor at Saint Mary's Church and created thousands
of woodworking gifts for his children and grandchildren from furniture
to toys to doll houses to an exact replica of the White House that had
been displayed at the Kennedy Center. Through
it all, and especially in the twilight years, John's devotion to his
family was limitless. When Alzheimer's claimed his beloved Irene for the
last seven years of her life John never missed a daily visit to be with
her and loved her to the end. As
an only child whose mother died when he was just twelve; as a child of
the Great Depression; and as a warrior in the sky John never let
adversity defeat him. His gift of life, legacy and love will be
treasured by the family who mourn his passing but glow with pride at
being a part of him. He
leaves his children, John M. 'Mike' Dunbar and his wife, Elizabeth, of
Worcester, Charles K. Dunbar and his wife, Sarah, of Milford, New
Hampshire, Kathryn A. Hines and her husband, Terence 'Ted', of Waltham,
David A. Dunbar and his wife, Barbara, of South Windsor, Connecticut,
Lorraine 'Lany' Ciccone and her husband, Paul, of Lexington, Jane E.
Edwards and her husband, Jay, of Londonderry, New Hampshire and Stephen
W. Dunbar and his wife, Cheryl, of Franklin; his grandchildren, Sean,
Kimberly, Megan, Brian, Peter, Tim, Terry, Jeff, Tim, Julie, Lindsey,
Kristen, Cassie, Stephanie, Kelly, Jen, Jake, Allison, Matthew, Brian
and Sean; his great-grandchildren, Britton, Carinne, Dominic, Hannah,
Brooke, Rowan, Jackson, Noah, Donny, Caiden and Connor and several
nieces and nephews. John was also the father of the late Mary Dunbar. Family
and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for
calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20),
Waltham, on Sunday, January 5th, from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on
Monday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133
School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10
a.m. Burial will follow in Grove Hill Cemetery, Waltham. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 0247
|
Charles "Sully" O'Sullivan
(1915 - 2013)
NOTRE
DAME, IN -- Col. Charles P. "Sully" O'Sullivan, 98, World War II ace
fighter pilot, missile wing Commander at Little Rock Air Force Base, and
Worthen Bank executive, died September 20, 2013. He resided with his
wife, Mareelee, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and most recently in
Notre Dame, Indiana.
O'Sullivan
(he restored the O' to his name in 1973) was born in Eureka, Illinois
on July 31, 1915, to parents Peter Anthony Sullivan and Mary Alice Pifer
Sullivan, Washington, Illinois. He had two brothers, Roger Anthony
Sullivan and Edward Earl Sullivan. He grew up on a farm and taught
school in a one-room school house. He married Mareelee Frances Legel of
Roanoke, Illinois, on October 12, 1941. They would later have five sons.
"Sully"
graduated from Eureka High School, attended two years at Eureka College
and graduated from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois with a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in June, 1950. He was
also a graduate of the Air War College, 1955.
O'Sullivan
began his aviation career in 1941 by enlisting in the U.S. Army Air
Corps prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a decorated fighter
pilot in the air war in the Pacific, including action in the Bismarck
Sea Battle. He also became a national news hero and example of
determination by surviving a 30-day trek alone out of the jungles of New
Guinea following an aerial dog-fight, crash landing and encounters with
native headhunters.
On
September 20, 1943, while on a New Guinea raid, O'Sullivan's plane was
shot up by a Japanese fighter. He eluded the fighter and crash landed in
the jungle. He survived a 30-day trek, during which he encountered
hostile natives. After a dramatic evening around a campfire, he had a
serious altercation with the natives and escaped to continue walking
alone through the jungle with little to eat for three more weeks. He
finally came upon Australian commandos, who helped him contact his home
base. After catching a ride in a small plane, he experienced a second
forced landing in the bush before arriving safely at his home airfield,
having lost 40 pounds during his trek.
Fifty years later, in
September 1993, O'Sullivan's crashed P-38 fighter plane was discovered
in the New Guinea jungle. His World War II story is told in the movie,
"Injury Slight, Please Advise."
After
the war, he continued his distinguished aviation career nationally and
abroad. As the atomic age dawned, he was called to Washington, D.C.,
where he served as chief of plans for a secret world-wide operation that
detected the first atomic detonation by the Soviet Union. In 1956 he
was asked to serve for four years as Air Attaché with the U.S. Embassy
in Portugal. During that time, he had the opportunity to completely
circumnavigate by air the continent of Africa as part of his diplomatic
mission.
With
the acceleration of the Cold War in 1960, Col. O'Sullivan was assigned
to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and in 1961 began his association
with the State of Arkansas as the first Wing Commander of the 308th
Strategic Missile Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, commanding the 18
ICBM missile sites in Arkansas. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in
1969.
His
decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished
Flying Cross, Air Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Order of Military
Merit from the Portuguese government. In 1998, he was inducted into the
Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.
Having
lived and worked all over the world, he and his family chose Arkansas
as their permanent home following his Air Force career. In the ensuing
years, he was active in Arkansas civic, aviation and business community
activities, including serving 12 years as vice president and division
manager of Worthen Bank in Little Rock.
O'Sullivan
was a life member of the Air Force Association, the American Fighter
Aces Association, the Daedalian Society of Military Pilots, the P-38
National Association, and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He was a
board member of the Arkansas Aerospace Education Center, the
Jacksonville Military Museum, past president of the Arkansas State
Festival of Arts, and past president of the Building Owners and Managers
Association (BOMA). He was a member of the LRAFB Community Council, the
Serra Club of Greater Little Rock, the "Old Goats" Club and Apelo Club,
a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of
Jerusalem, and received the Alumnus Award of Merit from Eureka College
in Illinois.
Mareelee,
his beloved wife for 66 years, died in 2007 in Notre Dame, IN at the
age of 92. He subsequently lived at Holy Cross Village in Notre Dame,
IN.
He and
Mareelee considered one of their proudest accomplishments to be the
raising of their five sons, all graduates of the University of Notre
Dame. The sons include Steven Charles Sullivan (wife, Kathy Huisking),
retired Federal Express pilot, Cordova, Tennessee; Peter Kent Sullivan
(wife, Mary Jo Yonto), retired Major General in the U.S. Air Force
Reserve, South Bend, Indiana; Patrick Dennis O'Sullivan (wife, Eileen
Henderson), executive director of the Blue & You Foundation for a
Healthier Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas; Don Jeffrey O'Sullivan (wife,
Kathy King), TV news photographer, Providence, Rhode Island; and Jon
David O'Sullivan (wife, Jane Wellin), vice president of PentaVision
video production company, South Bend, Indiana
Grandchildren
include Todd (deceased) and Bryan Sullivan; Kirk, Katie, Anne and Joe
Sullivan; Kelly and Kevin O'Sullivan; Piper O'Sullivan; and Connor,
Margaret and Robin O'Sullivan. Great-grandchildren include Milliana
Mammolenti, Alexander Sullivan and Sullivan Mammolenti.
A
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September
24, 2013 in Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel at Dujarie House, Holy Cross
Village, Notre Dame, IN, where family and friends may visit one hour
prior to the mass. Cremation will follow.
Memorial
contributions may be made to: Todd Sullivan Memorial Scholarship Fund
to either: Director of Donor Relations, St. Mary's College, Notre Dame,
IN 46556-5001 or Development Donor Services, University of Notre Dame,
Notre Dame, IN 46556.
Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.
|
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Curran "Jack" Jones
Lt. Col. (ret) Curran L. "Jack" Jones was received by our loving
Savior, Christ Jesus, on Sunday, November 17, 2013. Jack was born on
October 4, 1919 in Columbia, South Carolina to Curran L. and Marie
Munckton Jones. He entered Clemson University where he participated in
the ROTC and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp as a fighter pilot.
He returned after the war to complete his degree in history.
One of the first to arrive in the Pacific at the beginning of WWII
with the 39th Fighter Squadron, Jack flew P-39 Aerocobras and P-38
Lightnings out of Port Morsby in New Guinea where his many victories
distinguished him as an American Ace. He participated in the Battle of
the Bismarck Sea and had the unusual opportunity to meet his former foe,
the foremost Japanese Ace, Saburo Satai, years later at the Nimitz
Museum in Fredricksburg, Texas. Following the war he was transferred to
Europe and had a command in the Berlin Air Lift. He retired in Salado,
Texas to launch the Grace Jones dress shop and raise thoroughbred
horses.
Jack initiated the Salado Chamber or Commerce, the Salado Art Fair,
the first Republican precinct in Holland. He was a founding member of
the Bell County Sheriff's Posse, active member of the Salado Lions Club
and past president of the Heart of Texas Sons of the American
Revolution. He enjoyed tennis, golf, and English riding.
For over 30 years Jack authored "Aviation by C.L. "Jack" Jones," a
column in the Kileen Daily Herald and other local papers focusing on men
and women pilots in Texas. He also produced a monthly PBS television
program, "Skies Oer Texas," in which he interviewed pilots throughout
the state.
His perpetual smile and high energy life style will be sorely missed
by his wife of 32 years, Joyce Bateman Jones, his daughter Marie
Catherine Jones, stepson, Aaron Austin Mullen and wife Jennifer, and
grandsons Isaiah and Wyatt.
Please direct memorials to the Central Texas Area Museum, 1 North Main Street, Salado, Texas.
|
Memorial for Bob Gerhardt
Robert "Bob" Gerhardt took
his final flight on January 18, 2013, at the age of 93. Bob was
born in Corona, New York, and lived there until he joined the Army Air
Corps in 1941. He trained as a P-51 pilot and served in the Pacific
Theatre during World War II. His love of planes and flying continued
throughout his life. In his later years, he regaled his family with a
variety of anecdotes about his flight experiences.
Bob married Georgina in 1949. They had five
children: Christine, Robin (Debbie), Robert, Jr., Laura, and William.
Bob continued his career for General Motors Corporation with time in New
York, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, England, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.
Bob and Georgi enjoyed sightseeing in many unusual countries
during the overseas years including Kenya, Egypt, Syria, Thailand, the
former Yugoslavia, the former Czechoslovakia, and Turkey. After
the untimely passing of Georgi, Bob married his second wife, Rita, and
moved to Florida. He and Rita lived in Florida for many years and
enjoyed the company of many friends who had retired in the area.
Declining health forced both Bob and Rita to
move in with children in 2007. Even when his energy was failing, Bob's
mind and memory remained sharp and he enjoyed good jokes and good
stories. In the end, his body became too frail to house a spirit that
remained exuberant. Bob's last internet joke was sent less than 48 hours
before his passing.
Bob will be laid to rest next to his first wife, Georgina, at a memorial in June.
Linne Haddock added a note
that those who attended the 2012 39th FSA Reunion will remember
Bob and his scooter being everywhere so he did not miss a thing! But Bob
himself will be missed.
|
Robert E. Seipel passed away into the loving arms of our Lord on April 4th, 2011.
How
do you begin to try to fit 91 years into a 1x2 inch rectangle of space
in a newspaper? Well, in this case it starts with "Once upon a time..." a
boy was born on January 9, 1920. He was loving, smart, and loyal from
the start, obedient and mischievous all in one body. A native of
Riverside, California who snuck into the Fox Theatre for the premiere
screening of "Gone With the Wind" in his late teens. A boy who quickly
became a man when he served his country as a member of the Army Air
Corps, 39th Squadron after marrying the love of his life. An eternal
love that was blessed from that first shared look, Bob and Janie began
their union on January 17, 1942. Their three loving offspring survive,
as does Janie, the epitome of a devoted wife and picture of Bob's
devotion.
Adult
children are Kathy, Robert (Joyce), and Teresa Seipel who are proud
beyond words to have had Bob for their father and their friend. His
granddaughters Lauren, Lindsey, Brooke, and Carly glow in his shadow of
example of what integrity really means. We will miss his strength and
also his natural capability of teaching love and acceptance in its
highest form. We will love and miss him forever and always.
Graveside
services were held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Pierce Brothers
Crestlawn Memorial Park. The family requested in lieu of flowers or
donations that friends simply hug their loved ones, say a kind word to
someone who is down, or pay it forward to someone in need.
|
Lt. Col. Stanley O. Andrews (1920 - 2012)
Lt.
Col. Stanley O. Andrews, beloved husband, father and grandfather,
passed away peacefully on September 7, 2012 in Colorado Springs,
Colorado. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1920,
only child of Harry and Irma Andrews. Stan graduated from Florida
Military Academy in 1939. After graduation, he attended St. Petersburg
Junior College in Florida, earning an Associates Degree.
In 1941, he signed up with the Army Air Corps to become a pilot.
During WWII Stan was a P-38 Fighter Pilot, earning Ace status while
flying battles over New Guinea and in the South Pacific. During his
illustrious career as a fighter pilot and Air Force Officer, he earned
medals including the Bronze and Silver Stars, the Air Medal and the
Distinguished Flying Cross, among others. In May of 1942, he married his
childhood sweetheart, Betty Leifeste and recently celebrated 70 years
of marriage. Together, they enjoyed the life of a military family while
being stationed in various locations including Florida, Texas,
Massachusetts and Hawaii.
After
retirement from the Air Force and Civil Service, he kept his love of
planes at the forefront by building and flying remote-controlled
aircraft. He also enjoyed being a ham-radio operator, making friends all
over the world. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Betty,
daughters Sheryl Sailar (Bud) and Karen Smith, and son Ken Andrews
(Donna), seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
|
Lt. Col. Ralph Martin
1916 - 2012
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ralph Gilbert Martin, 96, of Shalimar, Fla., passed away at home July 1, 2012.
Ralph was born in Chicago and grew up in Detroit. He was a
graduate of Olivet College and joined the service in 1939, where he
became a pilot for the Army Air Force flying P-38s during World War II and served his country for the next 28 years. Ralph retired at Eglin in 1967 and has since been a resident of Shalimar.
Ralph traveled the world and had a love for people and life. He
always had a smile on his face and had a kind word for all. He loved
sports, but especially golf. Ralph was a technical advisor for the film,
"Towards the Unknown," filmed at Edwards Air Force Base and was
instrumental in bringing the F-105s to Eglin AFB. He was a long-time
member of theRotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other associations.
Ralph, one of three brothers, is survived by his loving wife of
66 years, Jane; brother, Allen; sister-in-law, Ina, wife of brother,
Howard (deceased); and children, Roger and wife, Jeanne Miller and Linda
and husband Jimmy Bailey and Steven. His grandchildren include Kimberly
Martin and husband, Paul, Bret Bailey and wife, Jessica, and Clint
Bailey; and great-grandchild, Colt Bailey.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rosa and
Monica who provided endless hours of loving care, and Emerald Coast
Hospice.
Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, July 5, at 11 a.m.
at McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. The
family received friends one hour prior at the mortuary. Interment
followed at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla., at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fort Walton
Beach Rotary Club Scholarship Inc., P.O. Box 0892, Fort Walton Beach, FL
32549.
|
Donald J. Green
August 16, 1916 - May 21, 2012
Former
Resident of Hayward, Col. Don Green USAF, Ret., 95, passed away
peacefully on May 21, 2012, at Riverside Regional Medical Center
following a stroke. He was born on August 16, 1916, in Missoula,
Montana to James Green and Elizabeth Green. He attended Creighton
Preparatory Academy in Omaha, Nebraska. Thereafter, Don enrolled in
Washburn University in Topeka, KS. In 1940, Don left college to attend
flight school. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Army Air
Corps. During World War II he became an ace fighter pilot, flying combat
missions in both the European and Pacific theaters. He was the squadron
commander of his P-38 flying unit. By age 26, Don had flown countless
combat missions. He was shot down twice during air battles in the
Pacific Theatre. During the war he attained the rank of Major and earned
numerous combat awards including the Silver Star with One Oak Leaf
Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal, the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Four Clusters, the Polish Combat
Medal and the Purple Heart.
After the War, Don returned to Washburn to finish his degree. There
he met and married the love of his life, Mary Campbell Green. In 1960,
while still serving in the Air Force, Don received his MBA from Ohio
State University. In 1963, after 24 years of military service and
achieving the rank of Colonel, Don retired from the Air Force.
He moved with his family to the San Francisco Bay area. He embarked
upon his next career as a professor and lecturer at Chabot Community
College in Hayward, where he eventually became the Dean of the Business
Department. He also served as a professor in business with the
California State University system. Don retired from teaching in 1980,
and moved with his wife Mary to Truckee, CA. However, even in
retirement, Don continued his quest for knowledge. In 1986, at age 70 he
obtained his PhD in Business Administration. At age 92, in 2008 he
received a law degree. While at his home at Air Force Village West, Don
continued to read about, take courses and teach on subjects ranging from
economics, computer science, photography and the Catholic religion.
Don was an exceptionally gifted athlete. At Creighton he played on
the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams, and was the
Nebraska State Tennis Champion. At Washburn, he was a member of the
football and tennis teams. In 1988, Don won the National Golden Masters
Racquetball Championships at age 72. He learned to snow ski at age 60
and continued to ski 30 to 40 days a year until age 89. Don was an
outstanding golfer. At Air Force Village West he played three times a
week with his dear friend Lt. General Harry Goldsworthy at the General
Old Golf Course. He played a final round only two days before his
passing.
Don treasured his Irish roots and his close family relations in
Counties Limerick and Dublin, Ireland. He visited Ireland several times.
On his last visit at age 90, he received a commendation for his bravery
during World War II from the Limerick County Council at a ceremony held
in his honor. Don was also a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint
Patrick. He enjoyed marching in the San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade
with his son Danny and grandson Patrick.
It was Don's wish that part of his ashes be
scattered at the old Celtic cross atop Galteemor, the highest peak in
the Galtee Mountains in County Limerick. By far, Don's favorite songs
were "Galway Bay," "Danny Boy," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." He
loved his Guinness and Jameson Irish Whisky. Don was also a true animal
lover. There was always a dog or two in the home, and usually a dog on
his lap.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary, his children,
Danny Green (Jana), Patty Green Goodman (Larry) of Castro Valley, CA,
and Peggy Green Wilson (Don) of Carson City, NV, his step-daughter,
Linda Morgan of Lawrence, KS., and his grandchildren, Capt. Patrick
Green, USMC (Stephanie), Katie Green Goodman of Castro Valley and
Jonathan and Page Frakes (Ann Marie) of Niles, CA. Don loved his family
dearly. A Catholic Mass was held in Don's honor May 25, 2012 at the new
Chapel at Air Force Village West, in Riverside. On May 26, 2012 his
ashes were interred with full military honors by the Blue Eagles Honor
Guard at the Riverside National Cemetery. The family will have a happy,
rollicking, music filled Irish wake and Hooley celebrating Don's life
upon the return of his grandson Patrick from his current military tour
in the Middle East.
-Inside Bay Area
Mary Campbell Green Mary
Campbell Green, beloved wife of Col. Don Green, Ret USAF, died
Jan 31, 2013, just eight months following the death of her husband. She
leaves behind her son, Dan Green (Jana), and three daughters; Patty
(Larry) Goodman, Peggy (Don) Wilson, and Linda (Bob) Morgan. four
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A
Mass was said on Feb 5th followed the next day by interment with her
Don at the Riverside (CA) Memorial Cemetery. An
Irish hooley was held for both of them on St Patrick's Day weekend in
San Diego. Part of Mary and Don's ashes will be taken to Ireland in May
by their children. Anyone wishing to contact the family or express condolences may write in care of: Patty Green Goodman 5775 Whispering Pine Ct Castro Valley, CA 94552
|
Mary Campbell Green,
beloved wife of Col. Don Green, Ret USAF, died Jan 31, 2013, just eight
months following the death of her husband.
She
leaves behind her son, Dan Green (Jana), and three daughters; Patty
(Larry) Goodman, Peggy (Don) Wilson, and Linda (Bob) Morgan. four
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A
Mass was said on Feb 5th followed the next day by interment with her
Don at the Riverside (CA) Memorial Cemetery.
An Irish hooley was held for
both of them on St Patrick's Day weekend in San Diego. Part of Mary and
Don's ashes will be taken to Ireland in May by their children.
Anyone wishing to contact the family or express condolences may write in care of:
Patty Green Goodman
5775 Whispering Pine Ct
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Mary Campbell Green
Mary
Campbell Green, beloved wife of Col. Don Green, Ret USAF, died
Jan 31, 2013, just eight months following the death of her husband.
She
leaves behind her son, Dan Green (Jana), and three daughters; Patty
(Larry) Goodman, Peggy (Don) Wilson, and Linda (Bob) Morgan. four
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A
Mass was said on Feb 5th followed the next day by interment with her
Don at the Riverside (CA) Memorial Cemetery.
An
Irish hooley was held for both of them on St Patrick's Day weekend in
San Diego. Part of Mary and Don's ashes will be taken to Ireland in May
by their children.
Anyone wishing to contact the family or express condolences may write in care of:
Patty Green Goodman
5775 Whispering Pine Ct
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Mary Campbell Green
Mary
Campbell Green, beloved wife of Col. Don Green, Ret USAF, died
Jan 31, 2013, just eight months following the death of her husband.
She
leaves behind her son, Dan Green (Jana), and three daughters; Patty
(Larry) Goodman, Peggy (Don) Wilson, and Linda (Bob) Morgan. four
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A
Mass was said on Feb 5th followed the next day by interment with her
Don at the Riverside (CA) Memorial Cemetery.
An
Irish hooley was held for both of them on St Patrick's Day weekend in
San Diego. Part of Mary and Don's ashes will be taken to Ireland in May
by their children.
Anyone wishing to contact the family or express condolences may write in care of:
Patty Green Goodman
5775 Whispering Pine Ct
Castro Valley, CA 94552
Mary Campbell Green
Mary
Campbell Green, beloved wife of Col. Don Green, Ret USAF, died
Jan 31, 2013, just eight months following the death of her husband.
She
leaves behind her son, Dan Green (Jana), and three daughters; Patty
(Larry) Goodman, Peggy (Don) Wilson, and Linda (Bob) Morgan. four
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A
Mass was said on Feb 5th followed the next day by interment with her
Don at the Riverside (CA) Memorial Cemetery.
An
Irish hooley was held for both of them on St Patrick's Day weekend in
San Diego. Part of Mary and Don's ashes will be taken to Ireland in May
by their children.
Anyone wishing to contact the family or express condolences may write in care of:
Patty Green Goodman
5775 Whispering Pine Ct
Castro Valley, CA 94552
|
Warren J. Brooks Saturday, June 16, 2012
Word
has been received of the passing of another member of the 39th. Warren
J. Brooks passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Mission Vejo,
California. He was 92. Warren is survived by his daughter, Wendy,
son-in-law Richard, grandchildren Kevin and Kelly, and great-grandson
Charlie. His second great-grandson is due later this month.According to
his son-in-law "He was very proud of the 39th Fighter Squadron and his
fellow soldiers. When I asked him about what the War was like in the
Pacific, he did not speak about it very much. What he DID like to talk
about and what gave him great pleasure was the 39th Fighter Squadron
fast pitch softball team with (its) record of 35 and 1, and (being)1944
champions of New Guinea."Warren will be interred this Thursday, June 20,
2012 in Palos Verdes, CA. No obituary was prepared for the small
service. However, a large memorial service will be planned this summer
when his grandson Kevin will be able to attend. The obituary will be
printed on the web page when we receive it.
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World War II Pilot, Frank Angier, Dies
Frank Angier (link to Tulsa newspaper article and picture, click on link directly below)
by Tim Stanley, World Staff Writer
Frank Angier could only hope that the missionaries had done their
job well. Otherwise, this visit with his new friends and hosts - a group
of "reformed" headhunters - would probably be a short one. But the
fighter pilot, who had gotten used to things not going as planned, was
not the kind to lose his head easily. A member of the Army Air Forces'
39th Fighter Squadron during World War II, Angier had been flying over
the Pacific island of New Guinea earlier that day when the engine of his
P-39 fighter failed. Just seconds from crashing into a mountain, the
pilot had to bail out over the jungle. It was there, hanging by his
parachute in a tree, that the locals found him. Formerly a tribe of
head-hunting cannibals, the natives recently had converted to
Christianity during a visit from missionaries, he learned. If Angier had
any doubts, they were soon put to rest: the natives' conversion seemed
to be genuine. They even invited him to join them at a prayer meeting.
Later, they helped him get back to his base on another part of the
island.
The day his engine failed wasn't the first time he'd had to bail
out in midair. In fact, just a few days earlier in that summer in 1942,
during an engagement over the New Guinea jungle, the plane he was flying
had been shot down by Japanese fighters. Angier's parachute deployed
successfully. But as he descended, the Japanese tried to pick him out of
the air, causing him to swing from side to side to avoid their bullets.
Thankfully, one of his fellow fighters swooped in and drew the Japanese
fire, allowing Angier to make it to the ground safely. Both times he
bailed out and was briefly missing in action, Angier's resourcefulness
as an Eagle Scout came in handy. Once, when the rugged terrain wore out
his shoes, he used parts of his parachute to make new ones.
Angier, who was awarded a Purple Heart and other decorations, was
not shy, but he was private, family members say. He didn't share a lot
of details about the war until late in life. In describing his harrowing
experiences, "he said he knew he was blessed and that God was keeping
him," one of his daughters, Carol Nelson, said.
After the war, Angier made a career of the Air Force. Over his
nearly 30 years in the service, he was stationed all over the world,
with his wife and children accompanying him. He retired in 1969 from
Tinker Air Force Base, where, as commander of the 31st Air Division, he
had directed all aerospace defense activities over a 12-state area.
Angier remained an active fighter pilot throughout his career,
participating in various operations and logging more than 4,500 hours in
31 aircraft. Any suggestion that he was a hero for his World War II
service, however, was quickly shrugged off. Nelson said he would just
say, "I just did what I needed to do. We all did what we needed to do."
After Angier retired from the military, the family stayed in
Oklahoma, and he was executive vice president of the South Oklahoma City
Chamber of Commerce. He later worked for the First National Bank of
Midwest City. A dedicated Rotary Club member with 37 years of perfect
attendance, Angier was Rotary's district governor for Oklahoma in 1994.
He continued to make every annual 39th Fighter Squadron reunion as long
as he was able.
A retired Air Force colonel, Frank E. Angier died Oct. 7. He was
94. A service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Vondel-Smith South
Lakes Funeral Home in Oklahoma City. Burial will follow Monday in
Baltimore. A native of Baltimore, Angier moved to Tulsa from Oklahoma
City in 2002 and made many friends through the Rotary Club of Southeast
Tulsa.
He is survived by a son, Frank Angier Jr.; two daughters, Carol
Nelson and Deborah Snow; eight grandchildren; and 15
great-grandchildren.
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Roy Seher (1923 - 2011)
Roy
Seher passed away at his home in Hydesville, on Thursday, September 29,
2011. He was born in Fresno, CA to Jacob and Margaret Seher on March
12, 1923. Roy quit high school his senior year to join the Army. He
enlisted on December 27, 1941 just 20 days after the bombing of Pearl
Harbor. He
felt it was his duty to help defend his country. He was assigned to the
Army Air Corps, 39th Fighter Squadron as a crew chief on fighter
airplanes. He
spent the major portion of his enlistment in New Guinea. In his
lifetime he held a wide variety of jobs in the timber industry. Also in
highway construction, and as a self employed metal fabricator and he had
a roadside brush cutting business. Roy
was a volunteer in the Fortuna Fire Dept., Co 4, Hydesville, and a
member of the VFW and of the North Coast Vintage Aviation Society. His
longtime passion was the 39th Fighter Squadron Assn. He had served as
their President, Secretary and Treasurer and volunteer historian. He
enjoyed attending the reunions all over the U.S. and reconnecting with
his buddies and swapping war stories. When he mastered e-mail then it became easier to maintain a network of old and dear friends. Roy
was loved and cared for by his wife of 47 years, Pat Robinson Seher,
son Brad and wife Kristy and his special granddaughter Aly. He is also
survived by his son David and wife Kathy, daughter Pam and son Paul. He
is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh and Amanda and great
granddaughter Skye. Other survivors are his sister Lilllian and many
nieces and nephews along with his special sisters-in-law Madge Seher and
Mary Ann Seher. Roy
was predeceased by his mother and father, siblings: Ray, Clara, Eddie,
Jake, Walt, Clarence and Floyd, and granddaughter, Brandi. Roy's
family would like to thank his longtime friend Doug Coleman for coming
to visit him so regularly. Also, our special thanks to his Hospice care
givers: Tracy H, Chris, David and Joanie, you were all here when we
needed you. Thanks also to Kristen, Catherine and Carly for venturing
out in the middle of the night to care for him. You are invited to
attend graveside services at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka on Friday,
October 7th at 1:00 p.m. There will be a gathering at the Fortuna Fire
Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers please make a
contribution to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Ave., Eureka, 95501 or
the charity of your choice. Arrangements
are under the direction of Fortuna Mortuary, Fortuna. Please sign the
guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click Obits.
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COL. EUGENE A. WAHL 1916 - 2011
Eugene
(Gene) Wahl, 95, of Westlake Village, California suffered a fatal heart
attack on November 16, 2011 while walking his dog.
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on
October 19, 1916, Gene graduated from Wabash College in 1940. Soon
thereafter he began his 33-year career as an officer in the U.S. Air
Force. His initial tour was as a fighter pilot in the Southwest Pacific
during World War II, for which he was awarded the Silver Star,
Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. His later
years on active duty extended throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars
until his retirement as a Colonel in 1974.
In 1942, he married Mary Ellen Koch
and later became the father of two daughters, Susan and Katherine. His
military assignment often required relocation which ranged from the cold
of Alaska to the pleasures of Hawaii. During his off-duty hours, Gene
was absorbed in supporting the successful competitive swimming careers
of his daughters, enjoying bowling, woodworking, and collecting stamps
and coins.
Gene retired in Alexandria, VA and
later moved to Pacific Grove, CA, the childhood home of his wife. An
active member of the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce, he also found
time to attend reunions of the 39th Fighter Squadron until his wife's
extended illness demanded his attention as caregiver until her death in
1992.
In 1995, he married Marjorie Carle and relocated to Phoenix, AZ then subsequently to Westlake Village, CA.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie,
his daughters Susan Tomkin of Tryon, NC, Katherine Wahl of Oak Beach,
NY, and his grandson Zachary Wahl who is attending graduate school at
the University of Alabama.
Colonel Wahl's remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery on February 13, 2012.
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