Author Archives: Larry Hames

We lost another VP-4 Vet last November but I just found his obituary.

Although our database shows that Tim Duffy served in VP-4 1969 to 1972, I only found pictures of him in the 1971 and 1972 cruise books.

Tim flew on Crew 4 as Navigator in 1971 and was PPC of Crew 6 in 1972.

Timothy W. Duffy of Churchville, Pa. died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Abington Jefferson Health Hospice at Warminster. He was 71.

Timothy was the beloved husband of 48 years to Laureen M. (Butella).

Born in McKeesport, Pa., he was the son of the late James A. and Dorothy A. (Englert) Duffy.

Timothy graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968 and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA with degrees in aeronautical engineering. He was a Naval Aviator and career Naval officer.

He loved flying, earning his “Wings of Gold” in Pensacola, Fla., followed by duty assignments with VP-4 in Barbers Point, Hawaii and Patrol Wing 1 Cubi Point, Philippines flying the P-3 Orion.

Upon returning to the United States he transitioned to the Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer community and worked at the former Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, Pa., the former Naval Air Propulsion Center in Trenton, N.J., and finally the Naval Air Engineering Center in Lakehurst, N.J. before retiring as a Commander.

Following his Naval service, he began his second career in defense contracting and worked with, among other things, the world’s largest human centrifuge used to train astronauts and later, fighter pilots to manage the strenuous demands of high g-forces on the body.

In addition to his wife, Laureen, Timothy is survived by his loving children, Christopher P. Duffy and his wife, Anita of Brunswick, Maine, Nora Duffy Decker and her husband, Keil of Princeton, N.J., and Rosalyn M. Duffy of Collegeville, Pa. He also is survived by his seven grandchildren; Kassandra, Shannah, Ryan, Phoebe, Catherine, Winifred, and Augustus; his brother James B. Duffy (Sandy) and sister, Patricia Callaway (David); his brothers-in-law, William Butella and Robert Butella (Susan Weigold); and his seven nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing from 9:30 a.m. until his funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 654 Hatboro Rd. Richboro, PA 18954. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown.
http://www.fluehr.com/obituary-detail.php?obitid=2815&obitnum=0

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Larry Hames
AVCM USN (Ret)
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

Darvin Taylor
(May 16, 1944 – July 24, 2017)

Darvin Edward Taylor, 73, went to be with the Lord in Heaven on Monday, July 24, 2017. He was born in Pierce County and had lived most of his life in Wayne and Long Counties. He was retired from ITT Rayonier in Jesup as a shift supervisor with 39 years of service. A US Navy veteran, he was a member of The Enforcers Motorcycle Club and a devoted, God-fearing family man. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Jesup. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanton and Lois Taylor.

Survivors are his daughter and son-in-law, Leah and Robert Hughes of Ludowici; son, Terry Taylor of Ludowici; step-daughter, Elizabeth Smith of Jesup; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Evelyn Chapman and Barbara and Eddie Dasher of Ludowici; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, July 27 at 1:30 PM at the Howard Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Vann Dempsey officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Georgia Veteran’s Cemetery in Glennville.

Active pallbearers will be Jim Chapman, Russ Mitcham, Lee Mitcham, Jose Fuentes, Ryan Herndon, and Zach Thorn.

Honorary pallbearers will be The Enforcers Motorcycle Club members.

Remembrances are suggested to The Enforcers Club, 32 Spaniel Trail, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

Darvin worked in Maintenance Control in 1962 and later worked in Airframes.

Guest book available at https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?CFID=57df097d-dfb7-43bb-9b31-b9a4cecf9a15&CFTOKEN=0&o_id=4311869&fh_id=14679

My name is Peter Kure and I am the son of Lieutenant Commander Richard Kure who I believe was in VP4 Squadron.  I was going through his email and I came across this message.

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Zane worked in Power Plants During his tour in VP-4 he advanced from AD1 to ADC.

Zane Francis Turgeon

Birth: Feb. 19, 1929

Death: Dec. 6, 2015

Zane F. Turgeon is the ninth of ten children.

After graduating from high school in 1947, he joined the US Navy, and spent nearly 24 years serving our country. He retired as Master Chief, AFCM in 1970 with many achievements and awards.

He began a second career with Fresno County. After 14 years of employment, he retired as a Supervising Rehabilitation Specialist in 1985.

He was preceded in death by Juanita, his wife of 63 years; his parents and eight of his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his eight children; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister, Beatrice LeMair, and many nieces and nephews.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church 4870 E. Belmont, Fresno on Monday, December 14, 2015, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hinds Hospice.

Published in the Fresno Bee on Dec. 12, 2015

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

Bill was the Ordnanceman in Crew 6 and was in the AO shop while in VP-4. He also served in VP-42 and VP-45.

Bill Parris, age 83, of Ellijay, GA passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017, at his home. Mr. Parris was born on July 7, 1933, in Blue Ridge, GA to the late William Lester Parris and Lillie Davis Parris. He was retired from the United States Navy and was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Sowers Parris of Ellijay, GA; stepdaughters and their husbands, Gale and John Dover of Clarksville, GA, Judy and Maborn Worley of Cornelia, GA, Joan Burch of Ellijay, GA, Melodie Colbert of Blue Ridge, GA, Teresa and Norman Norwood of Blairsville, GA, and Glenda and Danny Crooke of Ellijay, GA; sister, Ruby Sowers of Blue Ridge, GA; nephews, Max Parris and Bill Sowers both of Blue Ridge, GA; 15 Grandchildren, 21 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 13, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. from the Akins Chapel with Norman Norwood and Rev. Ed O’Neal officiating. Music will be by Lori O’Neal. Pallbearers will be Buck Dover, Josh Dover, John Dover, William Lee Parris, Eric Sowers, and Nathan Sowers. Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Savage, David English, Michael Grier, and Terry Davis. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour of 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. from the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA with military honors by the United States Navy. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

Bill served in VP-4 from 1978 to 1982 flying as a Flight Engineer.

TUITE, William Oliver, of Hackensack, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the age of 69 years. He served his country in the United States Navy for 20 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He then went on to work for General Electric Company in Italy, France, Lynn Massachusetts and White Plains, NY as an engineer. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity R. C. Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion. Beloved husband of Carla M. (nee Viola). Loving father of Michele Brown and her husband Tommy of Jacksonville and David Osimo and his wife Laia of Barcelona, Spain. Cherished grandfather of Kristin, Justin, Theti, Fiamma, Ona and Maria. Dearest brother of the late Thomas Tuite. The funeral on Saturday, December 31st [2016], at 9:15 AM from the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union Street, Hackensack. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack with cremation following at Cedar Lawn Crematory. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 7 – 9 PM. The family prefers in lieu of flowers that you honor his memory with a memorial donation to the John Theu-rer Cancer Center, 92 Second Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. To send condolences, directions, or further information visit www.gentilefuneralservice.com
Published in The Record on Dec. 29, 2016
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?n=William-Oliver-TUITE&pid=183245702#sthash.vPV4wvhE.dpuf

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

John J. Honaker served with VP-31, VP-4 (05/1961-12/1963) on the Line Crew and in Power Plants, Commander, Seventh FLeeT (COM7THFLT) Det “A”, VP-40 (P5M), VR-51 (1970-1972) at NAS Glenview, Illinois, VR-54 (1973-1975) at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, NAS Glenview, Illinois (1975-1980) as an instructor (C118B Flight Simulator), VR-46 (1980-1982)at NAS Atlanta, Georgia and retired 08/1982 as AD1.

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John J. W. Honaker, 74, Green Bay, died unexpectedly Tuesday, September 27, 2016. He was born on August 28, 1942, in Winchester Center, CT to Marshall Vanmeter and Elizabeth (Bement) Honaker.

Following graduation from Oliver Wolcott Technical School, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served his country for 22 years and retired in 1982 with the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. John served for four years in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts. He survived both a plane and a helicopter crash. John visited 135 countries and had been around the world four times, including trips to both the North and South Poles.

On January 8, 1983, John was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Hindmon in the chapel at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA. After his military career, he worked in industrial maintenance until his retirement in 2004. John and Mary Elizabeth moved to Green Bay in 2004. He was very active in the Disabled Veterans Chapter 3. John served as past Commander and past District Commander. He was an ordained Minister and served as Chapter 3 and Wisconsin State Chapter Chaplain. John was a member of the Desert Vets, Vietnam Veterans Association, the Trench Rats, and served in the D.A.V. Honor Guard.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; son, John Joseph Wesley Honaker II; two stepsons, Alvin Leroy “Skip” Davis Jr., and Alan (D.J.) Davis; five grandchildren, Ashley Honaker, John Joseph Honaker III, Danielle Davis, Brianna (Mack) Koebach, and Tyler Davis; two great-grandchildren, Rylie and Harper; brother, Allen David Honaker; two sisters, Roberta Singleton and Susan Ruth Honaker, aka Sr. St. Paul Augustine; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Friends may also call from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, followed by the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gerry Mathisen officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in John’s name to benefit the D.A.V. Honor Guard.

Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30, 2016

http://www.blaneyfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3906951&fh_id=13215

Photos are from obituary, 1962 VP-4 Cruise Book and 2015 VP-4 Reunion.
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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

Mary Matthews, widow of Billy W. Matthews, sent me a note in response to the postcard I sent about the upcoming reunion. Unfortunately, Billy has passed away.

Billy Matthews reported to VP-4 as an Ensign in 1950. He was a pilot assigned to Crew 8 and served as Legal Officer.

Billy “Bill” W. Matthews, 87, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at Christus Hospital – St. Elizabeth. He was born on October 25, 1928, in Atkins, Arkansas, to Tempie Bowden and Roy Matthews. Bill graduated from Little Rock High School and Arkansas Tech before joining the United States Navy where he became a Naval Aviator and obtained the Rank of Lieutenant. After active duty and while continuing to serve in the reserves, Bill attended Southern Methodist University where he met his wife of sixty years, Mary Prentiss. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Bill concluded his studies at the University of Houston where he obtained his degree in pharmacology. Bill dedicated his professional career to Walgreen’s where he served as a pharmacist and store manager for thirty-three years. He was honored by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Fellow. Bill was also an endowed member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and a devoted member and servant of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Hamaco Sunday school class for fifty-three years. Bill’s passions included flying, which he continued privately with family and friends long after his twenty year naval service; playing bridge competitively and socially, and traveling with family and friends. He loved nurturing his two sons as they matured through scouts, sports, education, and life’s great lessons. His philanthropy was most felt in his hometown of Atkins where he supported Boy Scout Troop 228 and funded the renovation of the civic center which bears the name of his grandfather. Bill cherished his relationships established as a youth in Arkansas but even more dear, were the many Beaumont friends he and Mary came to love over the past fifty years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Prentiss Matthews of Beaumont; sons, William Whit W. Matthews and his wife, Shana Brock, of Windermere, Florida and Ross P. Matthews and his wife, Rebecca Hedges, of Houston; and grandchildren, Ellen E. Matthews and Olivia K. Matthews, both of Houston. He is preceded in death by his parents. A gathering of Mr. Matthews’ family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/beaumontenterprise/obituary.aspx?n=Billy-W-Matthews-Bill&pid=177692096#sthash.PvBRqCrH.dpuf

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

I received the sad news recently of the passing of VP-4 Vet Raymond F. Newhouse.

Ray served as Plane Captain on Crew 3 in 1959/1960. After his advancement to ADC he worked in Power Plants.
After his tour in VP-4 he transferred to Attack Squadron 122 at USNAS Moffett Field and USNAS Lemoore. He retired October 1963, settling in San Jose, California. Ray then spent the next 28 years in the private sector working for FMC Corp. and ESD Corp.
Upon retiring from the private sector Ray and his family moved to Mission Viejo, California where he passed away 4/21/16

No obituary has been published. Condolence cards may be sent to:

Mrs. Raymond F. Newhouse
21952 Buena Suerte Apt 154
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-3928

This sad news was passed to me today by Neal Rosenstrom, VP-4 1967 – 1970.

Tommy was an AE2 flying as Flight Engineer on Crew 8 in 1967 and AE1 on Crew 9 in 1968-69.

Command Master Chief Tommy Jones Templeton Jr., 73, of Lawton, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 10, 2016, in Oklahoma City.

A memorial service with military honors for U.S Navy, Command Master Chief T.J. Templeton will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Comanche Nation Funeral Home.

T.J. was born May 22, 1943, in Bastrop, Texas, to Evie Boatright Templeton and Tom Jones Templeton, who preceded him in death, as did his sister, Joyce Marie.

T.J. is survived by his wife of 37 years, Birdie Domebo Templeton, of Lawton; two stepchildren: Kevin Squarcia and Monica Lannon; five grandchildren of California; his son, Eric of Washington; daughter, Theresa of Texas; brother, Bob Boatright; and sister-in-law, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews.

T.J. retired from the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Magu, Calif., as a Command Master Chief in 1992 after 30 years of distinguished service to our nation, earning many awards and medals. He was proud of his 13,000 hours of flying. His awards and medals include Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation (5 awards), Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Citation (with operational conditions service), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4 awards), Navy Artic Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal ( 4 awards).

T.J. never met a stranger and was a great storyteller and fun-loving person who will be missed by many.

“High Flight by John McGee:”

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and danced the skies on laughter-Silvered Wings, Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung high in sunlit silence. Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.”

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Wounded Warriors.

http://www.swoknews.com/obituaries/tommy-jones-templeton

Captain Walter David West III USN (Ret) of Fernandina Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016, at Sigsbee Naval Base in Key West, Fla. He was 75 years old.
Walt was born on June 9, 1941, to Walter David West Jr. and Eva Marie Lawton West. He grew up in Utica, N.Y. as the oldest of seven children. Throughout his youth, he worked on the family farm where his parents taught him the values of hard work and determination. He went to college for two years at the State University of New York at Delhi, where he majored in civil engineering. He would later earn his degree at the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterrey.
In February of 1963, he finished flight training and accepted a commission as an officer in the United States Navy. During his commission as a Naval Officer, he served in Vietnam and later was Commanding Officer of VP4 and Commanding Officer of Barber’s Point Naval Air Station, Hawaii. He finished his active duty at USSOCOM in Tampa, Fla. He retired in March of 1990.
After retiring from the Navy, he opened what he would cal la non-profit organization ­– a hardware store in Apollo Beach, Fla. He was then employed by J.A. Jones in Diego Garcia as Director of Base Operations. He completed his working career as Deputy Director of Base Operations at Naval Submarine Base – Kings Bay.
Though many of his proudest moments involved those spent with his family, he was always happy to help his friends, church, community and fellow vets.
An avid traveler, cyclist, and “Mr. Fix It,” Walt’s real and abiding passion were his family and friends. Walt sought to instill in his children and grandchildren a zest for life, a commitment to family and friends, and the power of a smile.
Walt is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Ardy. His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of their three daughters: Terri, Tina and Wendy. He is survived by his three son-in-laws: Charlie, Glen and LaRoy. He will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren: Dustin, Drew, Hannah, Leah and Jessie. He is also survived by each of his brothers and sisters: Peggy, Shirley, Tom, Mike, Ken and Don.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be sent to the Fisher House and the Salvation Army Hope House on Amelia Island. His service will be held Saturday, June 25, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 9 N. Sixth St., Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Keep Smiling!

CO’s page from 1980 Cruise Book

VP-4 CO’s

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

Walter L. Schneider lll

Walter Louis Schneider died peacefully at the VA hospital in San Francisco on December 24th 2015. He was 81 years old.
Born in Upstate New York on July 19 th , 1934, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1956 and served as US Navy Patrol Plane Commander of VP-4 Crew 6 between 1964 – 1968.
Regarding his years of service, he wrote: “…. On the way to my career, a notice popped up on the bulletin board saying the navy needed more transport pilots. That sounded great to me. During our youngster summer, I toured Europe, traveling back and forth on military transports, and it seemed like a dream assignment. So, still at Corpus Christi, I requested a new set of orders—much to the consternation of the CO who told me it was an awful career move. Maybe so, it didn’t matter in the long run, but did usher me into some of the finest years of my life with a bunch of WW II and Berlin Airlift veterans. I was sent to VR-22 in Norfolk, a squadron that prided itself on going anywhere in the world and had regular routes to Morocco and Naples, New Zealand, and a two day shuttle to Guantanamo Bay and Roosevelt Roads. We flew the four engine DC-6s configured for cargo and/or passengers. After that it was the postgraduate school for a year, then two and a half at UC Berkeley, before my second squadron, VP-4 at Barbers Point. This got me lots of hours over the Pacific and a stint in Vietnam where I had a good war—if there is such a thing—living in a hotel in downtown Saigon and flying coastal patrols from south of the DMZ to Cambodia, during which, occasionally, we got shot at but, thankfully, never had to shoot back.
Next, I went to Washington, to OP-91 in the Pentagon and the Center for Naval Analysis in Arlington. After getting out of the service, I
finished a PhD. in Political Science at UC Berkeley…”

In 1968, he purchased 140 acres of pristine Redwood forests in Albion, Northern California with visions of forming an idyllic commune. It was there that he spent most of his life as a prolific writer and poet, publishing under the nom de plume David Anirman: http://www.skycloudmountain.com He never married. His ashes remain among the Redwoods.

Ruby Li Long 2016

I am passing this sad news to those of you who may have known Walt Schneider while he was attached to VP-4. He served as PP2P then PPC on Crew 6 and as Air Intelligence Officer. I am not sure what years he actually served in the squadron. His photos were only in the 64-65 cruise book. I found an entry in the United States Naval Academy Class of 1956 Fiftieth Reunion.

Jere Brinkley, VP-4 63-66, sent me this obituary provided courtesy of Ruby Li, a long time friend of Walt Schneider.

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

After a reunion reminder to CAPT Whorton was returned by the USPS as “Not deliverable – unable to forward”, I found the obituary below. CAPT Whorton served as CO of VP-4 from 3 Dec 1968 to 28 Oct 1969.

WIlliam R. Whorton
August 12, 1927 – January 8, 2015

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Collier-Butler Chapel for Captain William R. Whorton, USN, 87, of Gadsden, AL, who passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. The Rev. Jeremy Beck will officiate. Burial will follow in Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation services is directing. Captain Whorton’s great-great-grandfather Whorton was one of the original settlers of Whorton Bend in the early 1800s. His grandfather was born in 1847; his grandmother was of the Wilson family, another early settler of the area; she was born in 1870. His father was born in 1892 in what is known now as Whorton Bend. He was born and raised in Etowah County. He joined the Navy in 1945 and remained on active duty until 1946. He re-entered the Navy during the Korean War and flew with Patrol Squadron 11. He served as a flight instructor for advanced flight training. Following the Korean War, Whorton had various assignments, including commanding officer of a squadron assigned to Vietnam, operations officer for the 7th fleet, staffer for the chief of naval operations and defense attaché to Uruguay. He attained the rank of Captain. Local schooling for the future naval officer was at Striplin Elementary, Disque Junior High and two years at Gadsden High School. He was an Eagle Scout and served as manager of the GHS Tigers football team under coach Nurmi Nelson. As this was during WWII, he transferred to Morgan Prep School, a military prep school, in Petersburg, Tenn. He played football there during his junior and senior years. Graduation came in May 1945. A month later, Whorton was undergoing U.S. Navy “boot” training in Memphis. He was in Aviation Radio School when the war ended. A year later, he was separated from the service but remained in the inactive reserve. He enrolled at the University of Alabama and attended for two years, afterward he transferred to Tusculum College (Presbyterian) in Greenville Tenn., and graduated with a degree in business in 1950. At this time, the Korean War was underway, and Whorton was recalled to active duty. He applied for pilot training and was sent to the Navy’s flight school. He got his wings and commission in March 1952, then joined a squadron and wound up flying combat missions in Korea. When the tour of duty ended, the Navy sent him to post-graduate school at Monterrey, Calif., where he earned a master’s degree in foreign relations. When on Christmas leave between his Korean tour and arrival on the West Coast, Whorton met Marian Short. Romance ensued. The couple married in June 1955. Then there came a tour of duty as an instructor of flight training at Hutchinson, Kan. After that, he was ordered to attend Intelligence School in Washington, D.C. Whorton was a member of Gadsden’s First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for over 30 years. He was the church’s treasurer and business administrator for 10 years. He was a Gideon and active in Gideons International. His activities included the Kiwanis Club, The 21 Supper Club and serving on the board of the MOAA, a retired military officer’s club. He served for two years as chairman of the Gadsden Civil Service Board. During his time in the military, he received various honors and medals including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. On Nov. 7, 2007, he was honored with induction into the Patriots Hall of Honor during Veterans Day activities in his hometown of Gadsden.He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Short Whorton; brother, James Whorton; and sister, Betty Thayer. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne Whorton.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite military charity or the American Cancer Society .Special thanks to Lawanda McElyea, RN, at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, ninth-floor south, for her dedicated nursing skills and her limitless compassion and also to his Regency Pointe family. Living there made him very happy. The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m., prior to the service. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

MS1 David L. Rothman served in VP-4 as AW3 then AW2 from 1974 to 1977. He flew with Crew 11
MS1 David L. Rothman – US Navy Veteran, Susanville, CA The Patriot Guard Riders having been invited by the family of fallen US Navy Veteran, MS1 David L. Rothman, to stand and honor during his Interment service at the Diamond Crest Cemetery, Susanville, CA. 96130. MS1 David L. Rothman served his country proudly from 21 Dec 1973 to 30 Apr 1994. MS1 David L. Rothman entered the US Navy at the end of the Vietnam War and served as an Aircraft Acoustic Operator flying in US Navy P-3’s. Later in his career, he became an instructor in Anti Submarine Warfare until his separation in Apr 1994. After serving in the US Navy, David Rothman was actively involved with the VFW and American Legion in Susanville, serving as the Van Ride Coordinator for Veterans needing travel arrangements to the VA Hospital in Reno, NV. until his retirement. MS1 David L. Rothman was a proud US Navy veteran. Because of his love of life, his sense of humor and his love for his family, he will be missed by many.”

Victoria Rothman loving wife of David Rothman died on November 13, 2014 after a long battle with Lung Disease.
While flying as an AW, Dave was assigned to VP-4 (74-77), VP-6 (78-82), VP-31 (82-85) and VP-48 (85-89)

Richard Lee Todd, born May 4, 1945 in Los Angeles, California, resident of Santa Barbara County, California for the last 34 years, passed away January 12, 2015 in Santa Barbara at the age of 69. He is survived by his spouse, Katharina Todd, their daughter, Elizabeth Wright, a son and daughter from a previous marriage, Michael, Ginger and step-daughter Tammy, as well as a younger sister, Patricia Tiffany, four older brothers, Ralph, George, Robert and James Todd and their families.

Richard grew up in Redondo Beach, California, attending Aviation High School. He enlisted in the Navy for three years on May 14, 1962, serving in VP-4 from Feb 1963 to Mar 1965 as an Airman working in Power Plants. His tour took him to Washington, Hawaii and Okinawa.

Richard’s civilian life in California included working for two different telephone companies as an installer, ten years as Assistant Ground Crew Chief of Goodyear Airship Operations (the “Blimp”) in Carson, and twenty years as an Assistant Manager for his oldest brother Ralph’s plumbing business, Todd Pipe & Supply in Buellton.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 17, at Loper Funeral Chapel with Military Funeral Honors rendered at the graveside at Oak Hill Cemetery in Ballard. Family and friends gathered at the Mendenhall Museum afterwards in Buellton.

Residing in Solvang, California, for the last 33 years, Richard loved fishing, gardening, genealogy, poetry and tinkering with old radios and clocks. Above all else he loved his family and made it his life’s mission to make sure they were happy. His sense of humor and his unconditional willingness to help others will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations can be made to Richard’s favorite charity, Camp del Corazon (campdelcorazon.org) (818-754-0312).
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newspress/obituary.aspx?pid=173862090

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com

July 25, 1928 – June 09, 2013

LCDR Harry Hill Hudgins, 84, retired from USN as Aviation Maintenance Instructor passed away June 9, 2013. He is survived by his children, Richard Hudgins (Diane Deason), Carol Perry (Mike), Susan Rinehart (Bill) and Mark Hudgins (Angela). Also the mother of his children Sally Hudgins, and longtime companion, Lela Willette. He leaves four grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. Bartlett Funeral Home, 5803 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN has charge of services. Visitation Wednesday, June 12 from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, June 13, from 6-7 p.m. with memorial service following. Interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Jackson, TN.
Harry enlisted in the Navy 13 Nov 1946 at the age of 18. He served in VP-4 from 1947 to 1949 as an Aviation Machinist Mate. He left the enlisted ranks on 25 June 1958 when he was commissioned an ENS LDO Aviation Maintenance Officer. His career progressed in that field and led to his advancement to LCDR on 1 July 1967.

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Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager