Category Archives: Fallen Shipmates

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

Charles Stallings is in the 1964-65 cruise book as an AMS1 in the Airframes Shop. He is listed on the roster in the 1967 book, but his rate is not shown. Please let me know if anyone had contact with Charles after he left the squadron and knows his rating when he retired.

Charles G. Stallings VP-4 1964 – 1967

Charles Glenn Stallings, 87, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior at his home on the morning of January 12, 2023. Charles was born in Johnston County, North Carolina, to the late Oscar and Flora Starling Stallings. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shelby Jean Taylor Stallings, of 63 years. Charles served 20 years in the US Navy and 34 years in civil service before retiring at 76. Charles was a faithful member and Sunday school teacher of “The Senior Ambassadors” class at Chesapeake Baptist Church. He loved every moment he spent among his precious friends there.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters Anita Hall (Van), Barbara King, and Lisa Gilgeous; brothers Walter and Robert Stallings; 9 loving grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Burial will occur at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News.

https://www.grahamfuneralhome.com/memorials/charles-stallings/5116910/index.php#details

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

Richard was a Power Plants Officer and flew as a Navigator on Crew 2.

CDR Richard H. Hagenlocker USN (Ret) VP-4 1960 – 1962

Richard Hagenlocker, 86, of Fredericksburg, retired Navy Commander and computer scientist, died April 22.

He grew up on a Union County, Ohio, farm with his parents, Ralph and Elsie (Carson) Hagenlocker and brother Edward.

He graduated from Marysville High School and Ohio Wesleyan University (BA in Mathematics). He joined the Navy in 1959 as a naval flight officer and computer scientist. He earned his MS in Computer Science from Stanford University in 1965.

Richard met and married Elsie (Cooper) Hagenlocker at flight school in Corpus Christi, Texas. His first squadron, VP-4, was based in Okinawa, where his children Michael and Kathleen were born.

His Navy tours of duty included Okinawa, Monterey, VP-19 at Moffett Field and Iwakuni, Dam Neck, San Nicolas Island, Quantico, Dahlgren, and the Pentagon.

In 1979, he retired from the Navy and went on to consulting work for the Departments of Energy and Defense. He worked on the Tomahawk program for Southeastern Computer Consultants (SCCI) in Fredericksburg for over 20 years, retiring as vice president.

He enjoyed hiking, camping, art, and bridge (ACBL Sapphire Life Master with over 8000 competition points).

Richard was quiet and kind. He had a generous nature and a wry sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie; son, Michael (Ping Cai); daughter, Kathleen Hagenlocker (Allen Bliss); two grandsons, Charles and Elliot Hagenlocker Bliss; brother, Ed; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in King George, where he was a member for 50 years, on Saturday, May 20, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 6 Herndon Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403 (www.cbf.org).

Ken Vaughn worked in ECM as an ATSAN, according to the 1959-1960 cruise book.

John Kenneth “Ken” Vaughn, 82, of Fort Smith, AR, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023, in Fort Smith. He was born July 27, 1940 in Antlers, OK. He retired from the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam Era, an electronics technician for Martin Marietta, and a Cavanaugh United Methodist Church member. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ollie Kate Vaughn, and one son, Michael Vaughn.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dee; two daughters, Deanna Marie Vaughn of Lawton, OK, and Melissa Anne McArthur of Idaho Springs, CO; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Cavanaugh United Methodist Church, with burial in U.S. National Cemetery with full Military Honors under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Nathen Vaughn, Andy Clark, Ben Pacheco, Doug Kelly, Mike Topham, and Ken Norton.

Viewing will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM Tuesday.

https://www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com/memorials/john–vaughn/5165627/index.php

CDR Dale F. Myers USNR (Ret) VP-4 1959 – 1961

Dale Frederick Myers of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on September 13, 2022, after a brief illness. He was 87.

Dale was born on July 21, 1935, to Albert Eugene “E.E.” Myers and Katherine Minch “Grandma Gucci” Myers in Jordan Valley, Oregon. As a young child, his family moved to San Ramon, California, where he graduated from San Ramon High School in 1953. His education continued at Westmont College in Montecito, where he graduated in 1957.

While attending Westmont, his best friend, Ralph De la Vega, introduced him to his future wife, Roberta Paulin, whom he would marry and raise two children in Santa Barbara. He remained best friends with Ralph until his passing.

After college, Dale joined the Navy, completing officers’ training and serving his country as a pilot (flying P2Vs) and a commander for ten years — eventually going into the Navy Reserve for an additional 12 years.

After the Navy, Dale worked in the public sector using his leadership, communication, and writing skills in advertising. He eventually worked with and in developing the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission programs. He genuinely believed in the work of the mission and was passionate about his role.

Dale is survived by his wife, Roberta Myers; their son, Michael; and daughter, Nancy; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family requests that, in place of flowers, donations be made to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission on his behalf.

https://www.noozhawk.com/dale_frederick_myers_of_santa_barbara_1935_2022/

While verifying addresses, I found that Don Ferkin passed away earlier this year.  Don served as the Material Officer in 1958 and Schedules Officer and Crew 7 PPC in 1959.  I found this obituary published by his high school alum association.

LT Donald J. Ferkin VP-4 1957 – 1960

Don Ferkin died peacefully in Sun Lakes, AZ, on March 6, 2023, at 88.  Don was born on March 9, 1934, and had a blessed life growing up in Kenosha, WI, where he developed a passion for the outdoors.  His main activities during childhood included fishing and playing all sorts of sports, as he was a stellar athlete.  Upon graduating from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1951, he attended the University of Wisconsin in 1955 with a degree in Marketing/Finance.  After college, Don joined the U.S. Navy, where they taught him to fly, soloing him at Pensacola in a T-34 on March 17, 1956.  After ten years of Navy service, he joined American Airlines on June 13, 1966.  He was based in Chicago for his entire aviation career, flying the Convair 990, BAC 111, Boeing 727, and McDonnell Douglas DC-10.  He completed his 28-year career as a Boeing 727 Captain, retiring in 1994 at age 60.  It was the honor of his life to be a pilot at American Airlines.

Don married Mary Ellen Brickley on June 29, 1957.  Don and Mary Ellen had a large family, raising five children on Loch Lomond Lake in Mundelein, IL.  Don loved to golf, fish, ski, and play poker and tennis in his spare time.  He was very accomplished in his hobbies; he won the Navy golf tournament and played in several pro-am tournaments.  His photo books are filled with countless pictures of trophy fish.

Don spent his retirement years splitting time between Mundelein and Sun Lakes.  He continued to nurture his love of sports and fishing in both homes.  In addition to his sports activities, he thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with his seven grandchildren.  He was the best grandpa a child could hope for, taking the grandkids for countless hours to Great America and teaching them to swim in Sun Lakes.

Don is survived by his sister, Joanne Swift of Middleburg, VA; his children:  Marty Ferkin of Virginia Beach, Mike (Monica) Ferkin of Gurnee, IL, Maureen Ferkin of Parker, CO, Diane (Jay) Henry of Salt Lake City, and Donna (Tom) Lantz of Parker, CO; and his grandchildren:  Christine and Jacob Henry, Megan, Julia, Anna and Daniel Lantz, and Kailyn Ferkin.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ellen.

https://www.kenoshabradfordalumni.com/class_profile.cfm?member_id=9313371

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/260119044/donald-john-ferkin

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/170811725/mary-ellen-ferkin

https://memorials.prokofuneralhome.com/mary-ferkin/707616/obituary.php

—
Larry HamesAVCM USN (Ret)
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

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

AMSAN Jerry A. Morris VP-4 1957 – 1959

Jerry A. Morris, 86, of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at S.S.M. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
A Visitation for Jerry Morris will be held Friday, February 10, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel in Centralia. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors, Centralia American Legion Post 446, and Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Oil Belt Christian Service Camp. They will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is honored to be of service to Jerry’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
He was born August 5, 1936, in Kinmundy. He was the son of Harold Arthur Morris and Ida Belle (Sadler) Morris. He married Sue Knolhoff on June 25, 1961, and she preceded him in death on July 12, 2022.
His two children survive Jerry: Shelley Butts and husband David and Jason Morris and wife Katrina; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sister: Carolyn Lamm of Arizona; brother: Kevin Morris of Springfield, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ida Morris, wife, Sue Morris, and a brother, Larry Morris.
Jerry worked for Kas Potato Chip for several years until he retired. During his retirement, he decided to work for Country Bobs for a couple of years.
Jerry served in the U.S. Navy. While he was serving in the Navy, he started making leather items. Once back home, he and his wife, Sue, made several leather products together. Jerry was a Charter Member of Calumet Street Christian Church, formerly the Hickory Street Christian Church in Centralia. He volunteered as the Boy Scout Leader of Troup 202 for 20 years. He was a car enthusiast; he enjoyed traveling and gardening. Jerry was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan.

https://www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jerry-Morris-21/#!/Obituary

ATAN Norman R. Bute VP-4 1957 – 1959

Norman Roy Bute passed peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Norman was born to Ethel and Roy Bute on May 2, 1936, in Jackson, Minnesota, and raised on the family farm.

Norm graduated from Jackson High School in 1954 and served in the Army National Guard and the United States Navy.

Norm had many titles in life. He was most proud to be a veteran and serve his country. He loved to fly while in the Navy as an airman electronic technician. He was a mechanic and owned an auto and radiator repair shop in Windom, MN. He moved to Minneapolis and Oklahoma, where he helped design and patent an auto frame straightening machine. Later, he owned a trucking company traveling cross country, and at age 52, he retired to Randolph, NY, and bought a large farm raising livestock. In Randolph, he served as the commander of the VFW. The last ten years of Norman’s retirement were spent enjoying the warm weather, meeting new friends in Yuma, Arizona, and spending summers in ShowLow, Arizona.

Norm defined unconditional love and never met a stranger. He was a loving son and brother, a wonderful father, an adored grandfather, an uncle, and, to countless others – a treasured friend.

Norman is survived by his younger sister, Connie (Bruce) Langager, of Blaine, MN; his daughter, Sara (Chet Nedwidek) Gordon, of Jupiter, FL; and his son, Gregory Bute, of White Lake, MN. He was Grandpa to Jeffrey, Andrea, Leslie (Sam), Conrad, and Abby. He was a great-grandfather to Addi, Charley, Acen, and Oliver. He was a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors

Published Jackson County Pilot May 8, 2023

ADR2 Jerald W. Hawkins VP-4 1958 – 1961

Jerald Hawkins flew as the Plane Captain of Crew 4 in 1959/60 and Crew 7 in 1961 and worked in Power Plants.  I have been unable to locate a more detailed obituary or info about his service after VP-4.

Jerald Hawkins

August 9, 1937 – November 13, 2023

Jerald W Hawkins passed away in Hollister, CA, at the age of 86. Private cremation will be followed by private family inurnment.

https://www.blackcoopersander.com/obituary/jerald-hawkins

Donna M. Hawkins

November 21, 1937 – May 29, 2021

Donna Hawkins passed away in San Jose at the age of 83. Private cremation will be followed by private family inurnment.

https://www.blackcoopersander.com/obituary/donna-hawkins