Category Archives: Fallen Shipmates

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

YN2 Leland R. Glasscock VP-4 1982 – 1985

Leland Randall Glasscock of Mountain View, Missouri was born November 28, 1962 in Catania, Italy and went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at his home in Mountain View. He was the son of Leland Rosco and Ruby Christine (Mullenax) Glasscock, who precede him in death.

He was united in marriage to Thresa Ann Moores on May 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Two children were born to this union, Leland Andrew and Christine Lynn.

He is survived by his wife, Thresa Ann; one son, Leland Andrew Glasscock and wife, Chelsea, of Mountain View; one daughter, Christine Lynn Kimbrough and husband, Cody, of Birch Tree, Missouri; one brother, Steve Glasscock of Washington; and one grandson, Remington Duke Kimbrough, on the way.

Leland grew up in Alabama, where he entered service in the U.S. Navy in 1982. After serving his country for five years, he was honorably discharged having received the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

Leland was a Boy Scout Leader for his son’s troop and was a member of the Masonic Lodge #637. He was currently the manager of RNR Tire Express in West Plains, Missouri. He loved just about anything that had to do with the outdoors including golfing, camping, and woodworking.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View. Masonic funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made Masonic Lodge #637. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.

http://www.yarbermortuary.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1880557

Emmette Zimmerman Jr. was an AE1 Flight Engineer flying with Crew 8 during the 1979 – 1980 VP-4 deployment.

Emmette Ray Zimmerman, Jr. (Zeke), age 73, passed away November 11, 2016. He was born on July 2, 1943 to Emmette R. Zimmerman Sr. and Mary B. Zimmerman in Salisbury, NC. He was raised in North Carolina. He graduated from James A. Gray High School in 1960. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1960-1987. He was ranked as an E7, received the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

He was married to his wife of 35 years on April 25, 1981. He enjoyed participation in good times and fishing.

Emmette Ray Zimmerman, Jr. is preceded in death by: his father, Emmette Ray Zimmerman, Sr.; mother, Mary Mina Zimmerman; sister, Judy Z. Byerly. He is survived by: his wife, Felicitas Frago Zimmerman; siblings, Brenda Z. Leonard, Sherry Zimmerman, Debbie Z. Tant, Ronald Zimmerman and Benny Zimmerman; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Alexandra and Scott. He is also survived by his pets Keisha and Nache Zimmerman.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-9:00PM, Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30AM, Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Coastal Bend Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

http://www.seasidefuneral.com/obituaries/Emmette-Ray-Zimmerman-4872674951/#!/TributeWall

Donald Carl Hoosier, 71, passed away April 24, 2016, in San Jose, California. Don was born in Ohio and went to first and second grades in Sterling, moving to Tucson, Arizona, where he was raised. After high school graduation the family moved back to Ohio. Shortly afterward he enlisted in the Navy to pursue his interest in technology.

A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, Don retired as a master chief petty officer after proudly serving twenty-two years. His Navy career took him around the world, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Diego Garcia, Adak, Alaska and Hawaii. In his civilian life he was a systems engineer, avid gardener, 10k race runner, indoor arena football fan (San Jose Sabercats), and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are daughters, Donnalyn (Craig) Zarzeczny and two grandchildren, and Jessica Hoosier, of San Jose, California; his mother, Ruth Hoosier of Sterling; a brother, Tom (Kathy) Hoosier of Anchorage, Alaska; and his former spouse, Linda Hoosier of San Jose, California.

He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Hoosier.

Private burial service will be in San Joaquin National Cemetery.

Published in the Daily Record.

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

Sorry to have to pass along this sad news from Dee Perry, Billy’s daughter.

I am very, very saddened to tell you that my sweet and special Daddy passed away this morning at 0730, shortly after I told him I loved him and that it was okay to go be with Mom.  It has been a tough week and even tougher few days.  We made it to his hometown last week and once that was done, his situation declined at warp speed.  He did not suffer much and for that I am eternally grateful.  It is still a bit surreal.  Below is the link to the Obituary.  I will be giving the eulogy at the funeral on Thursday.  I plan to wear Daddy’s “birddog” cap, military ribbons and naval pin during visitation.  Daddy will have full military honors at the cemetery.  I thank you all for what VP-4 has meant to Dad and Mom and then myself.  I am a VP-4 Brat FOREVER! 

Eulogy for Billy Dale Fritts 

Billy Dale Fritts

September 8, 1935 – August 14, 2016

Billy Dale Fritts, age 80, of Carrollton, Georgia, joined his beloved wife in heaven on August 14, 2016. Billy was born on September 8, 1935 in Eldorado, Illinois to Geraldine Faught Fritts and William Fritts. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Raenell Williamson Fritts, his parents, three sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Denise and Randy Perry and Christy and Timothy Hawk; grandchildren Taylor Perry, Ian, Lane and Grayson Marks, and Haley Hawk; brother-in-law Bill Lawrence of Evansville, Indiana; sisters-in-law June Watson of Hiawasee and Linda Sullivan of Carrollton and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves many friends including the Breakfast Crew at Hardee’s, the Roopville High School Class of 1957, former co-workers of Southwire, lifelong friends Velma Jay, Donnie Irvin, George Bruner and Doyle Smith and fellow squadron mates of U.S. Naval Squadron VP-4 (1959 – 63). Born in Eldorado, Illinois and raised in Evansville, Indiana, Bill served 20 years in the U.S. Military, first with the Navy and then in the Air Force, serving one tour of duty in Vietnam in the mid 1960’s. He thrived in the service of his country and kept in touch with fellow service men, especially those with whom he served in U.S. Naval Squadron VP-4. After his last tour in Montgomery, Alabama in 1976, he began work at Southwire in machine maintenance, retiring in 2001. Bill loved history, baseball, westerns, reading his newspapers every day and his grandchildren. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Carrollton. In his younger days he enjoyed quail hunting with his father-in-law, Raymond Williamson and eating fried apple pies made by his mother-in-law, Bessie Williamson. Reading newspapers every day made him a trivia expert on many subjects – clipping articles that he knew others would enjoy. He also kept abreast of changes and news in the military community. Always available to help someone with a project or moving, he enjoyed being around people. He will be missed by many. A celebration of the life of Billy Dale Fritts will be conducted on Thursday, August 18, 2016, at First Christian Church of Carrollton conducted by Barry Shoemake and Jon Day. Visitation with the family will be at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Interment will be at conducted by Anthony Puckett at Carroll Memory Gardens immediately following the celebration of life. The family would like to thank Wilson and Myra Knott, Elton and Virginia Lyle, Randall and Mary Ellen Wilson, Jerry and Joyce Latimer, Dwight and Peggy Riley, Buck and Karen Morton, B and Jean Daniel, Jack and Barbara Harris, and Anthony Puckett, who will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. A profound sense of gratitude is extended to Martin & Hightower Funeral Home for their sincere care of the family during a difficult time. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Guestbook available at http://www.martin-hightower.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1840067

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

Steven Lavalle Latterner, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on June 22nd, 2016, in Largo, Florida. He was born in Excelsior, Minnesota, and moved to the St. Petersburg, Florida, area in 2000 with his wife, Kaie. During his career, Steve was in sales management in the automotive paint and software industries and joined Kaie’s company, TEC, in 1997 to grow their business. He was also a Navy Chief, proudly serving our country for 23 years in his beloved P3 Orion submarine patrol aircraft: four years of active duty during the Vietnam War era and then as a reservist for 19 years out of the Navy base at Glenview, IL. Steve was also a member of the VFW and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Seminole, Florida. Steve loved boating, woodworking and traveling to relax.

Steve battled a total of five cancers over a 19-1/2 year period more bravely than anyone could have ever expected or anticipated. And he did so while never, ever, ever complaining or feeling sorry for himself. When asked how he was feeling or doing, Steve’s answer was always a firm “I’m fine” no matter how many challenges he was facing at the moment. While having a chemotherapy infusion on June 22nd, he suddenly told Kaie that he felt “really, really weird” and within just a few minutes, we lost him. Some type of catastrophic event, such as a pulmonary embolism or cardiac arrest, took him from us, and even after a long CPR effort, they could not bring him back. We are devastated over this loss, but we know that he is in heaven with God. We are thankful that he is no longer suffering.

Steve was known and loved for his positive can-do attitude, his incredible eyes and smile, his gentleness and patience, his generosity and kindness, his clever sense of humor, and most of all his loving and caring ways. He was a hard worker all his life, which he accomplished with the highest level of ethics, morals and honesty. His love and dedication to Kaie and their marriage was beyond anything that could be expressed in mere words.

Steve was preceded in death by: his father, Donald O. Latterner; his mother, Leona (Koehnen) Latterner; and his sister, Carol Hazelton. He is survived by his wife, Kaie (Pohi); his son, Bret Latterner; his grandson, Anthony Kuempel; his brother, John Latterner (Karen Carsick); his sister, Betty Vinkemeier (Jim) and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, Kaie has started a foundation to memorialize Steve and his valiant fight against the monster we call cancer: The Steven L. Latterner Memorial Foundation, at Wells Fargo Bank. With monies that she collects and raises for the foundation, Kaie will keep Steve’s legacy alive to help others to be brave and stay as healthy and positive as possible while fighting this horrid disease. Although only in the initial planning phase for but a few days, likely goals are for the funds to provide inspirational messages and signs in chemotherapy and clinical trial facilities, to provide education and information on the importance of strong patient advocacy, and to supply cancer patients with a wide variety of helpful and motivational products and activities that are so needed during these unbelievably stressful times. We are thinking of calling the foundation “Steve cares…” Any and all ideas and suggestions will be heartwarmingly welcomed. Donations in Steve’s memory can be made out to The Steven L. Latterner Memorial Foundation and mailed to our home address. (Please contact Kaie for further details.) You can also make a donation at your local Wells Fargo Bank by asking them to process a donation to a registered Wells Fargo memorial account. (The account was setup by Nakita Vizena at the Redington Shores FL branch.)

There will be two memorial services for Steve: one in Florida and one in Minnesota. The one in Florida will be at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd located at 10891 102nd Avenue North, Seminole, FL (727-391-4644) on Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 P.M. The memorial in Minnesota will be sometime during the first half of August but has not been arranged yet. This website will be updated with the appropriate information as soon as we have a time and place.

We are beyond moved and overwhelmed by all the love, support, cards, calls, flowers, FB posts and messages that we have received since Steve’s passing. We are eternally grateful to all of our friends and family.

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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

Ray Frazer, (VP-4 66-69), sent me the sad news of the passing of another Skinny Dragon.

John W. Robertson, ATC, passed at 11:50 AM. June 3, 2016 at the age of 79. CPO Robertson and his wife would have celebrated their 56th Anniversary on June 11, 2016.

While a member of VP-4 John was assigned to AMD Department at Barbers Point, HI and IMA in MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Photo is from the 1967 cruise book.

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John William Robertson, 79, of Olney, died Friday, June 3, 2016, at his residence.
Graveside services with full military rites were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 6 in Haven Hill Memorial Garden. Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Robertson was born March 22, 1937, in Indianapolis, the son of Ray and Kathryn (Ziegner) Robertson. He married Priscilla Robertson on June 11, 1960, in Imperial Valley, Calif. She survives.
John was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. Once he retired, he was employed at West Salem Champion Laboratories for 10 years. He was a member of American Legion in Olney. John enjoyed fishing, operating a ham radio, and woodworking. He took pleasure in camping and photography. John loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Mr. Robertson is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Priscilla Robertson, of Olney; daughter, Ginger Thoms and husband Mark, of Olney; son, Ray Robertson and wife Isabel, of Olney; son, Kevin Robertson and wife Marna, of Mancelona, Mich.; grandchildren, Nathan, Mandy, and Nick, Heather, Terri, Ale, and Becky, and Angus and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Brody, Madison, and Emily; nephew, Mike Myers; and niece, Stacey Sims.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judy Myers.

Online condolences may be left at www.kistler-patterson.com.
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Cards may be sent to:

Mrs. Priscilla Robertson
600 South Baltimore Street
Olney, IL 62450-1750

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

In Memory of
John A Dodd
July 23, 1947 – May 25, 2016

Senior Chief John Allen Dodd II, US Navy Retired died Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital. Graveside funeral services with military honors will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Riverdale Cemetery, according to Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, AL. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Mr. Dodd was born July 23, 1947 in Bethesda, Maryland; son of the late John Allen Dodd, Sr. and Patricia Murphy Dodd. He was retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years of service and was later retired from IIG Insulation Group with 20 years of service. Mr. Dodd was a member of Central Baptist Church in Phenix City and a member of the Wilson-Williams Masonic Lodge 351. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Greathouse and her husband, Robert Greathouse.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Elaine Pearrow Dodd of Phenix City, AL, son; John Allen Dodd, III and his wife, Kristy Ann Dodd of Salem, AL, daughter; Heather Dodd Harris and her husband, Chad Harris of Marietta, GA, sister; Barbara Dodd Galloway and her husband, Morris of Canton, GA, grandchildren; Britny Carter (Anthony), Haley Lynn Dodd, Hannah Nichole Dodd, Brenden Chase Harris, Braxton Cooper Harris, great grandchildren; Sebastian Carter, Kaleb Winslow, Hayden McVay and Rachel Carter.

Please sign the online registry at www.shphenixcity.com

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.

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

Another Skinny Dragon has fallen.

Ron Buchnat, age 70, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Ron is survived by his wife: Ursula; daughter: Anastasia “Stacey”; and sister: Ruth Ann Buchnat of Jones, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jerome and Charlotte Buchnat. Ron taught reading and communications for 34 years at Heritage Middle School in Lansing, IL. He was a member of St. Michael Church in Schererville, IN, a member of the Sauk Village Moose Lodge and served in the U.S. Navy as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam Conflict. Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed competitive shooting matches. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the c from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Memorial offerings may be given in Ron’s name to: The Nature Conservancy, 620 East Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Arrangements entrusted to Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN. View and/or sign guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com or contact 219-663-2500.
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Ron had been active in recruiting VP-4 vets to attend our reunions. He made these entries on his Rallypoint.com profile

I was a structural mechanic and I was an air crewman for a short time. I flew the bow/mad position in the old P2V7 Neptune. After our 1st deployment to Iwakuni, Japan & Southeast Asia my squadron transitioned to the P3-A Orion Aircraft. On our 2nd deployment to the same places, we lost a P3 (YD-6) in April 28, 1967. All hand were lost, the cause of crash was never determined. While in VP-4, I did some work in the line crew, night check, check crew and airframes. I left the squadron in Dec. , 1967 and was discharged from the Navy in Jan. 1968 from Great Lakes Naval training Center.

I retired in 2005 from the education field. I taught high school in Chicago for 1 year and junior high for 1 year. I then went and taught Remedial Reading and Communications in Sunnybrook School District #171 for the next 31 years. I really enjoyed my years in the education field. While teaching, I also worked in general aviation.

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

LCDR McDaniels was an LDO Avionics Officer who served in VP-4 from 1961 – 1965 as a Navigator/TACCO and Avionics Division Officer. Photos are from the 1962 Okinawa book.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Joseph Eugene McDaniels LCDR (Ret.), 83, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Springfield, Ill., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.
He was born April 26, 1932, in Buffalo Hart, the son of Joseph Lee and Marcella Stanfield McDaniel. He married Helen Douglass on Nov. 18, 1952.
Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he retired after 27 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Beverly Ann Azra and Ellen Fancher.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; one daughter, Patricia Geraty of Eden Prairie, Minn.; and two sons, Joseph Lee McDaniels of Jacksonville, Fla., and James Robert McDaniels of Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at Mechanicsburg Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project.
Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.
Published in The State Journal-Register on Nov. 15, 2015
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sj-r/obituary.aspx?n=Joseph-Eugene-McDaniels&pid=176508224#sthash.NsayD3Us.dpuf