Author Archives: Chad Derrington

In 1967, Dan was an AE3 flying with Crew 2 as an Aft Observer. In 1968-68, as an AE2, he flew with Crew 7 as 2^nd Mech.

Daniel Dean Oyler, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away on August 23, 2020, while at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in St. James, MO. Daniel was born February 25, 1946, to John Eula and Mary Evelyn (Farra) Oyler in Mammoth Spring, AR. He was 74 years old.
Daniel grew up in Thayer in the part of town that was known as Shelbytown. He attended school in Koshkonong, MO. Daniel received his GED while in the U.S. Navy, serving as a flight engineer on the P3 Orion plane. He proudly served his country and was sent to Vietnam seven different times. He spent 23 years in service and received an honorable discharge before retiring. After he retired, he and his family moved to West Plains, MO, where he taught precision instruments. He also worked at St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View for ten years. It has been said that Daniel’s first love was God, then his wife, Margaret, and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and Margaret were faithful members of Crossway Fellowship Church in Willow Springs. Daniel was an electrician and loved working with electricity. He also was a massive fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Daniel was described as a warm, loving, and generous man. He loved his fellowman so much that he even prayed for his enemies while fighting in Vietnam. He was lovingly called “Pappaw” by his grandchildren. His family, friends, and everyone who knew him will miss him dearly.
Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Becky, and his granddaughter, Karisten Lyn.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Cindy Oyler of West Plains; sons: Mark Oyler and his wife, Heather of West Plains; Eric Oyler and his wife, Pam of Florida; and Stuart, also of West Plains. Six grandchildren further survive him: Courtney, Markus, Destiny, Steven, Ryan, and Logan; three great-grandchildren: Kaelyn, Brooke, and Waylon; his brother, David Oyler, and his wife, Catherine Allyce, and their family of Panama City, FL; and his niece, Teresa Artz of Memphis, TN.
A visitation for Mr. Oyler will be held Friday, August 28, 2020, at 10:00 A.M. at Crossway Fellowship Church in Willow Springs. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Dennis Walton officiating. Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com

https://www. willowspringsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Daniel-Oyler-2/#!/Obituary

Martin Richard Ellis, 78, of Oregon City, OR, passed away on the morning of Sunday, November 29, 2020.

He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on January 30, 1942, and raised in East Lansing, MI. Summers were spent on farms in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

He and Marjorie Marian Miller were married on April 11, 1964, in Anaheim, CA, at the Chapel of the Bells.

Martin served 20 years in the U.S. Navy at many land and sea postings, literally “From Sea to Shining Sea.” After retirement from the Navy, he worked another 18 years for Clackamas County as a Deputy. Martin valued being part of the Oregon City community and found ways to give back and share his energy with others.

He was a member of the American Legion Milwaukie Post 180 and was passionate about family, friends, and sports. Showing his 1971 Malibu classic car was one of his favorite ways to support community fundraising and make friends. The pristine condition of his Malibu won him many awards.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and sons, John and Bill, as well as their wives. He has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister.

The funeral will be held at 11 am, December 17, 2020, at Willamette National Cemetery with military honors, graveside: his grandson, Timothy Ellis, officiating.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/portland-or/martin-ellis-9924464

David S. Wojciechowski

December 13, 1944 — December 18, 2023

Dallas

     David S. Wojciechowski, 79, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023, at the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Nanticoke, he was the son of the late Stanley and Esther (Buczkowski) Wojciechowski. He was a graduate of Nanticoke Area High School. After high school, he worked at Bonner Chevrolet in Kingston, where he met his future wife of 54 years, the former Diane Hodgson. He enlisted in the U S Navy and served from 1963-1966, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. After being discharged, he worked at Procter and Gamble in Mehoopany until his retirement. After retiring, he owned and operated a fishing charter business, Cruiser Charters Inc. His boat was appropriately named “The Boy’s Toy,” and his son DJ was his first mate.

      David was an avid hunter and fisherman. He looked forward to his hunting trips to Wyoming and Michigan and his fishing trips to Black Lake and Lake Ontario. He always enjoyed the reunions with the Navy VP-4 Squadron. He took great pleasure in his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and musical activities. David loved the beach, especially the time at the Ocean City, MD condo. He also loved to cook. His clam chowder and haluski were always a hit at family gatherings. He had a special bond with his German Shorthair Pointers Carrera and Hurricane.

He was a Gate of Heaven Church member in Dallas and VFW Post 283 in Kingston.

David is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, David J. (Christy) Forty Fort and Mark, Dallas; Grandchildren, Annabelle, Will, Lola, and Stella; brother Thomas (Michelle), Ohio; Nephew, Thomas, and Niece Morgan.

A blessing service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, December 30 at 11 AM at Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Friends may call from 10 AM to the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to Blue Chip Animal Farm Refuge, 974 Lockville Rd., Dallas, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com

https://www.disquefuneralhome.com/obituaries/david-wojciechowski.

Edgar (Ed) Britton Hart Jr, 82, of Fort Worth, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2023, at his Fort Worth home after fighting a battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Agape Church, 5600 Burkburnett Rd in Wichita Falls. Interment will follow at Petrolia Cemetery in Petrolia, Texas.

Ed was born on September 2, 1941, to the late Edgar B. and Anna Lou (Estes) Hart in Olney, Texas. Later, in 1952, the family moved to Electra, Texas, where Ed graduated High School in 1959. Ed furthered his education at Trinity University and obtained a B.S. in Math and Political Science in 1963. Ed proudly served in the United States Navy. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant and performed the duties of an Airborne Tactical Coordinator. Also, he served in Vietnam collecting intelligence for Operation Market Time.

In 1967, Ed joined the LTV Aerospace as an Engineering Planner. Later, he joined Ed Hart Chevrolet in Electra, Texas, and was active in the Rotary Club. 2000 Ed retired from the car business after working for five dealerships.

On July 4, 1984, Ed met the love of his life, Carolyn Connolly Schlabs. He knew she was the one, and after a short two-month courtship, the couple got married on September 1, 1984, and their love lasted the next 39 years. While living in Wichita Falls, Ed served as an Elder and Lay Minister at the Presbyterian Church. 1988, after moving to Oklahoma City, he joined the Agape Church. In 2008, after moving to Fort Worth, Texas, Edgar became a member of Gateway Church and volunteered his time for the Welcoming Committee. 

Ed cherished the time watching sports with his stepsons. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and Texas Rangers and saw each team win a championship. While a passionate UT fan, Ed was converted to an OU fan during his time in Oklahoma. Watching OU or UT was a win-win situation for him. He later became a soccer fan, cheering on the USA in the World Cup.

Ed was a fortune traveler and traveled to many locations, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Vietnam, and several other places. He also enjoyed traveling in the United States with his two favorites, New York and Washington D.C.  Ed enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His great sense of generosity and compassion will be missed by many.

Along with his parents, Ed was preceded in death by an infant son, Kirby Banner Hart.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Connolly Hart; his beloved princess, Lucy; daughter, Tiffany Rodgers; husband, Phil of Carrollton, Texas; two stepsons, Chris Schlabs and Craig Schlabs of Fort Worth, Texas; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Petrolia Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 455, Petrolia, Texas 76377, or Agape Church Special Account, 5600 Burkburnett Rd. Wichita Falls, Texas 76306.

The family would like to thank Dr. Reda Bestaurous and staff and Dr. Mohsin Soleja and staff at Texas Oncology for their care and kindness.        

https://www.owensandbrumley.com/obituary/edgar-ed-hart

John Morris flew with Crew 4.

John Kenneth Morris March 31, 1941 — January 10, 2022

John K. Morris, also known as “Key Man,” age 80, of Knoxville, formerly of Nashville, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and relocated to Knoxville in 1965 after serving four years in the US Navy. John was the manager of Sears Key Shop from 1965 to 1972, opened West Town Lock and Key and Key’ N Things in West Town Mall in 1972, and later retired in 1993. He was a published songwriter, a champion pool player, and a teacher in both endeavors. John was a 43-year member of Cherokee Masonic Lodge #728, a past president and 25-year member of West Town Optimist Club, and a 27-year member of the Knoxville Songwriters Association. He was blessed with numerous dear friends. He had friends all over Tennessee and across the country in California, Oregon, and Washington. He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Gray Morris; father, Odis P. Morris; brothers, James Morris, Ronnie Morris, and Michael Morris; sisters, Betty Duke, Renee Adams, and Judy Turner. He is survived by his wife, Anna Ruth Miller Morris; brother, Rocky Morris; many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved very much; special friends, Dan Howie, Billy Gray and Kerry Lyons of Knoxville, Jerry Isham Rockwood, Ray Waite of Connecticut, Lewis Lovell of North Carolina, friends in Okinawa, Bill Fann of Baxter, TN. Family and friends may call at their convenience on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel. Family and friends will meet on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at 1:45 pm for a 2:00 pm graveside service at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Condolences can be left for the family at https://www.mynattfh.com/obituaries/john-kenneth-morris.

Alfred Byron Chance, Sr., age 96, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed peacefully at his home on February 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Chief Alfred B. Chance, Sr. (US Navy Retired, 23 years served) was an American Patriot, serving his country with distinction (WWII, Vietnam Campaigns).

He was a devoted husband and father; he loved his family. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing tales of his travels, adventures, and naval exploits. He retired from Regions Bank (Data Processing). He was known by family, friends, and neighbors for his constant smile and helping hand. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow golfers and friends at Quail Creek Golf Course. He loved his dogs, Bummer and Quin. He was our Hero.

Alfred was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Dorothy Large Chance; his brothers, H.V. Chance, Roy Chance, and Richard Chance; sisters, Laura Erickson and Marilyn Jacobs; and grandson, Bearett Mitchell Tondu.

His children survive Alfred: Cathey Chance Kirkland (Dr. Kerry), Linda Chance Ray (Darrell Andrew), and Dr. Alfred B. Chance Jr. (Peggy Dupuis Chance); grandchildren: Heather H. Ray, Emily B. Lupair, Ashley R. Tondu (Austin Mitchell), Lauren K. Pham (Anthony H.), Rebekah R. Hendrick (Kris W.), Alfred Byron Chance, III, and Robert Adley Chance; great-grandchildren, Nolan L. Young, Ethan P. Hendrick, Stella M. Tondu, Madeleine R. Lupari, Abigail M. Tondu, Charlotte M. Lupari, Hughston, L. Pham, and Grace M. Pham; brothers, Steven Chance and Barry Chance; sister, Paula Chance Evers; along with many other loving relatives and friends.

Private Graveside services will be held on March 10, 2023, at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Spanish Fort. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

VFW Post 5660, Tunnels to Towers, Wounded Warriors, or the Veteran’s charity of your choice, in memory of A.B. Chance, Sr. and Dorothy Chance.

https://www.wolfefuneralhomes.com/obituary/alfred-chance-sr

James Roy Woodman Jr. (Daddy) passed away on November 8, 2023, at 87, with his family by his side. He was born to James Roy Woodman Sr. and Opal Pittman on March 8, 1936, in Hollis, Oklahoma.

Jim enlisted in the US Navy in 1953 as an aircraft engine mechanic and was honorably retired as Petty Officer First Class in 1973. His civilian career started at Roberts Diesel as a machinist and welder in Jacksonville, Florida.

He enjoyed treasure hunting, gold mining, gardening, and family Vegas nights.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, Daddy, and Gramps.

Jim is survived by Coral Woodman and their six children Cheryl Hall, Marc Woodman, Julie Moore, Kim Baldridge, Kerrie Snyder, & Kathleen Patton, along with ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

In place of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. You can donate through their website using this link.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/prospects-tssl.html?sc_dcm=58700008481276680&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465

https://www. broadusraines.com/obituary/james-woodman-jr

Dave Hill flew as 3rd Tech on Crew 10 and worked in the Electronics Shop as an ATS3.  After leaving the squadron, he was accepted into the NESEP program.  He was commissioned and flew as an NFO.

David George Hill, 83, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022.
Family Funeral Cremation

Name: HILL, DAVID G
Rank & Branch: LT US NAVY
War Period: VIETNAM
Date of Birth: 09/16/1939
Date of Death: 11/21/2022
Buried At: SECTION E-24 ROW D SITE 14 Click to view the Map Layout for BARRANCAS NATIONAL CEMETERY.
Cemetery: BARRANCAS NATIONAL CEMETERY
Cemetery Address: NAVAL AIR STATION, 1 CEMETERY ROAD PENSACOLA, FL 32508

https://family-funeral.com/tribute/details/10626/david-hill/obituary.html#content-start

LTJG Eugene K. Wilson VP-4 1957 – 1959

Gene Wilson flew on Crew 11 and served as Assistant Electronic Material Officer.

Eugene “Gene” Kenneth Wilson was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on March 7, 1934, to Arthur Roy Wilson and Anna Mary Brooks. He passed away on September 4, 2023, in Lakewood, Colorado. Gene eventually moved, with his family, to Granada, Co. He graduated from Granada High School on May 22, 1952. He enrolled at the University of Colorado, Boulder, as an aeronautical engineering student in the fall of 1952. In Oct. 1955, Gene put his college career on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Navy Flight Cadet Program. He completed flight training at Hutchinson, Ks. and Pensacola, Fl. and became Aircraft Carrier Qualified on December 1, 1956. Gene earned his Naval Aviation Wings and was commissioned as an Ensign on April 14, 1957. He completed advanced flight training on P-2V Neptune Anti-Submarine aircraft and spent two years at Okinawa, Japan, assigned to patrol squadron VP-4, where he was advanced to L.T.J.G. On August 17, 1959, he was released from active duty and returned to C.U. to complete his degree, graduating on August 26, 1961. Gene met his wife of 61 years, Beverly Ann Erwin, of Hayden, Co., during his time at C.U., where both were students. They were married at the Hayden Congregational Church on December 27, 1956. They were blessed with three children: Steven, Martin, and Juliann. Gene spent over 35 years working at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), working on multiple aerospace programs, including various Titan rockets and Skylab. His job took him to California, Texas, Alabama, and Florida, working with NASA at times. He was a Freemason for many years. Gene obtained a Worshipful Master in 1980. A Resolution of Respect was held for him at the memorial. After retirement, Gene earned his Real Estate license and was a Broker for many years. Gene enjoyed hunting, especially Elk and Deer, and fishing. He was very proud of his Scotch-Irish heritage. Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, parents, Arthur and Anna Wilson, Lamar; sister, Barbara Ann Wilson Saint, Greeley; nephew, Mark Saint, Loveland; and great-niece, Autumn Saint, Lamar. He is survived by his sister, Cynthia Wilson-Boxley Vargas (Pascual), Evans, and five children: son Steven (Michelle), Idaho; son Martin (Barbara), Littleton; daughter Juliann Wilson Hargrave (Kenneth) Thornton; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate a life well lived was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 10 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, Englewood, Co. Cremation took place, and the burial was at Hayden, Co., on October 8, 2023.

Published by The Lamar Ledger on November 30, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lamarledger/name/eugene-wilson-obituary?id=53666620

Paul Recker flew with Crew 8 during the 1974 deployment and served as the Assistant Training Officer. During the 1975 deployment, he flew with Crew 8 and was the Assistant Avionics/Armament Officer.

Paul Robert Recker, 70, returned to his Lord on Tuesday March 17, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, concluding his battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Constance Recker, and his father-in-law, Edwin Walhout. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy (Walhout), his children, Daryl (Laura), Kyle (Katherine), Tara (Christopher) Warwick, and his grandchildren, Natalie & Emily Recker, Samantha, Maley, & Ryan Recker, and Joseph Warwick. He is also survived by his five brothers, William (Linda), Theodore (Eunice), Robert (Sandra), Timothy (Judith), Mark (Diane); his mother-in-law, Alma Walhout; siblings-in-law Mary (David) Thornton, Ruth Jones, James (Cheryl) Walhout, Elizabeth (Robert) Banning; and 21 nieces and nephews. Paul lived his first 17 years in Nigeria, where he attended Hillcrest School in Jos. After returning to Michigan, he graduated from Calvin College before joining the US Navy. During his 21-year career, he served in many capacities including P-3 Orion mission commander, where he was instrumental in locating the hijacked ship Mayaguez during the Vietnam War. After receiving his Master’s Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, Paul finished his career as the Executive Officer for the Naval Antarctic Support Unit of the National Science Foundation, based in Christchurch, New Zealand. He retired to Grand Rapids in 1993, and began his second 20-year career with John Hancock. Paul was kind, gracious, and filled with an abundance of joy. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, reading with them and playing games with them at every opportunity. He put everyone else first, and his greatest joy in life was making people happy. Because of restrictions due to Coronavirus, there will be no service or visitation, however a memorial service will be held at a future date. If desired, donations can be made in Paul’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

https://www.zaagman.com/obituaries/Paul-Robert-Recker?obId=12472901

As an AO3 and AO2, Nolan Perry flew as an Inflight Ordnanceman on Crew 1. During his second tour in the squadron, he flew as an NFO.

Nolan Kauka’ohuikapiko’ohaleakala Perry, Jr., 52 of Waipahu, Hawaii, passed away on February 21, 2021. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He is survived by wife, Debra Perry; son, Blair Perry; daughter Amber Perry; parents, Nolan K. Perry, Sr and Johnnie-Mae L. Perry; sister, Alohalani Perry-Peters.

Private services held.

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/20202769/Nolan-Kauka-ohuikapiko-ohaleakala-Perry-Jr/Waipahu/Hawaii/Mililani-Memorial-Park-Mortuary

Lefty Nordhill flew as PP2P on Crew 12 and has ground duties as Personnel Officer in 1960.  In 1961 he was the PPC of Crew 12 and served as the Flight Officer in the Operations Department.

CLAUDE HUGH NORDHILL

Captain Claude H. “Lefty” Nordhill, U.S. Navy (ret)was born April 14, 1930, in Spokane, WA and passed away March 28, 2020, in Las Vegas. He played basketball and baseball at Willamette University before entering the US Navy in 1952 as an Aviation Cadet. Over his 30-year career, he amassed over 7,000 flight hours, served as a patrol plane commander, flight instructor, saw combat in Vietnam, for which his squadron earned the Presidential Unit Citation, and flew the ski-equipped C-130 in Antarctica. He commanded the Navy’s Antarctic squadron, VXE-6, and the Naval Support Force Antarctica, Task Force 199. Mount Nordhill, on the Antarctic Peninsula, is named in his honor. Other assignments included USS Ranger, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Naval War College as a Professor of Strategy and Policy, and Commander in Chief Pacific. Upon retirement in 1981, he taught and coached at Lutheran High School in La Verne, CA. He had a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. He moved to Las Vegas in 1993. He enjoyed golfing in the Men’s Golf Club in Sun City Summerlin and was a board member and president of the Nevada State Seniors Golf Club. His wife preceded him in death. He shared his later years with his companion, Charlotte, who made him feel like the luckiest man in the world. He is survived by his son Jim Nordhill, daughter-in-law Alisa, and grandchildren Clay, Adrienne, Matthew, and Lance.
https://obits.reviewjournal.com/obituaries/lvrj/obituary.aspx?n=claude-h-nordhill-lefty&pid=195872234

Jay Holderman served as a Flight Engineer in the squadron as an AMH1.

March 28, 1972 – March 28, 2020
Vernon Jay Holderman, 48, of Windham, NH passed away in his home on Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Jay was born on March 28, 1972 in Portsmouth, NH to Arlyda (Brown) and Vernon Horace Holderman. He was raised in North Hampton, graduated from Winnacunnet High School, and earned his bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Jay served in the United States Navy for over 21 years before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He had worked as a Flight Engineer P-3 Orion with over 4000 flight hours, flew operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his retirement, he went on to work as a Contract Administrator for the Defense Contract Management Agency in Nashua, NH.
He was a wonderful father and loved spending time with his family. In his spare time, Jay enjoyed woodworking, camping, and riding on his motorcycle.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Rene (Wedge) Holderman of Windham; his children, Ethan Albert Jay Holderman and Autumn Leigh Holderman of Windham; his siblings, Marlene H. Boutin of Candia, NH, Douglas J. Holderman of Preston, CT, Connie Holderman Wentworth of Chesapeake, VA, Lynn Holderman Dow of Nottingham, NH; sixteen nieces and nephews; and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jay was predeceased by his mother, Arlyda.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
https://www.carrierfuneralhome.com/obituary/vernon-jay-holderman

ADJ2 Rudy B. Dingman VP-4 1966 – 1969

Rudy Dingman served as the Aft Observer on Crew 2 in 1967 while an ADJ3 and was the Crew 10 FE/PC during the 1968-1969 deployment as an ADJ2.  He was a regular attendee at our reunions.

Rudy Dingman, Oakesdale resident, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at his home following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 75. He was born February 18, 1945, in Denver, Colorado to Theodore and Vonceile Eoff Dingman. He grew up in the mountains west of Denver where there was always plenty of snow. They enjoyed skiing, snowshoeing ,and hiking. Rudy loved the outdoors. He graduated from the Idaho Springs High School in Idaho Springs, CO, and attended one year of college at Southwest Missouri State and two years at Red Rocks Community College in Denver. As a young man, Rudy was very proud to donate his blood three times per year. In 1965 Rudy joined the United States Navy and was assigned to a patrol squadron. As an aircrewman and flight engineer, he flew into Vietnam and just about everywhere else in the Far East. He often said his Navy experience turned out to be one of the best experiences of his life. After being honorably discharged from the Navy Rudy married his sweetheart and had two great kids. These were the other great experiences of his life!

Rudy married Karen Shrader of Idaho Springs, Colorado on April 10, 1975. They made their home in the Denver area where Rudy had a long career (1970-2000) with the United States Postal Service. He was the shop foreman in the Denver Vehicle Maintenance facility. Over the years he had organized several truck rodeos for the postal service. Later he transferred to Claims & Accident Investigation and was assigned as the lead accident investigator for the Colorado and Wyoming region. In addition to his exemplary service in the military Rudy received numerous awards and citations during his career in the postal service. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Patrol Squadron Four military organization. He worked for the City of Englewood, Colorado from 2001 until retiring in 2012. Rudy loved baseball, yard work, working on cars, traveling, and most of all he enjoyed watching his grandkids at their games and functions. He and Karen moved to Oakesdale in 2016 to be closer to family. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Karen, at their home; two children, Jacob (Sonia) Dingman and Sara (Marcio) Correia; his grandchildren, Tanner, Madison, Garrett, Emily, Tyler, and Sam Dingman, Nandee, Isaiah, Niah, Addae, and Micah Correia; the Shrader family whom he loved dearly, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Theodore. The family suggests memorial gifts in Rudy’s memory be made to the Kindred Hospice of Pullman and/or American Cancer Society. An on-line guest book is at https://www.bruningfuneralhome.com/obituary/rudy-dingman

Bob served in VP-4 from 1973-75 as a YN2 in Admin and Training.  He also served in Patrol Wing One in Naha, Okinawa from 1967-70, VP-6 1975-76, the Pentagon (ASW Program and Ocean Surveillance (OP-095) 1976-80 and VP-1 1980-83

Robert Lee Anderson, 72, of Candler, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, December 20, 2019, at Pisgah Manor in Candler. He was born in 1947 in Chicago, IL, the son of Lee William and Gertrude Angela (Lukow) Anderson.

Bob grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and became a die-hard Cubs fan, as anyone who knew him can attest to it. He attended West Leyden High School until he enlisted in the Navy in 1964. Hearing him talk about his Navy years, you just knew it was the favorite time of his life, making many friendships that have lasted through the years. He was stationed in many places, including Memphis, TN; Omaha, NB; and the Pentagon, as well as two stints in Hawaii. He retired from the Navy in 1987, and moved to Asheville, saying he’d done his 22 years, 8 months, and 18 days of service, and that was enough.

Through these “retirement” years, Bob found employment at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was there through the transition to Mission Hospital. He managed the hospital’s print shop and was known to all as “Print Shop Bob,” the guy to go to when you needed a job done right and done fast. He finally retired from the hospital in 2015, after 28 years of faithful service.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Lee & Gert Anderson; and is survived by his wife of 24 years, Valerie (Ward) Anderson; his brother, William Anderson of Plainfield, IL; sisters Arlene Leedom of Pahrump, NV; Karen Karlovitz of Bloomingdale, IL; Gail Fox of Gilbert, AZ; and Diane Minnie of Palatine, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Morris Funeral & Cremation Care, 304 Merrimon Ave., on Saturday, January 18, 2020, with Rev. Kelly Crissman officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Refuge Baptist Church Cemetery, 27 Oleta Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Pisgah Manor and commend them for the excellent care they gave Bob during his last few months. Their kindness and compassion made a hard time much easier and will never be forgotten.

https://www.morrisfamilycaregroup.com/obituaries/Robert-Anderson-115/#!/Obituary

In 1972, Rick McBride was an AW3 flying on Crew 7 as the Sensor 3 Operator.
Richard Dennis McBride entered peacefully into rest in Hayward, California on March 8, 2020. He was 69 years old.

Born June 4, 1950, in California to parents Elizabeth and Richard McBride, Richard worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service for over 35 years. He is survived by his wife Vhannie and many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation for Richard will be held from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary.  Services will take place at 11:00 AM  also at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary 267 E. Lewelling Blvd. San Lorenzo Ca. 94580
https://www.grissomsmortuary.com/obituaries/detail/richard-d-mcbride