Johnny Keith Gower, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 7th, 2012 in Pasco Washington.
Johnny was born December 9, 1934. to Alvin and Mildred Gower in Kendrick, Oklahoma.
Johnny moved to Pasco in 1944 and graduated from Pasco High School in 1952. After high
school, he attended Washington State University. He then moved to Cheney to attend Eastern
Washington College. While at Eastern, he was selected for ROTC and received his commission in
1956. His first assignment after college was in the Field Artillery Branch of the army at Ft. Bliss,
Texas as an Electronics Instructor. After completing his two years at Ft. Bliss, he went to flight
school and became proficient in fixed wing and helicopters. In 1960, he received orders for a
three-year tour in Germany.
Johnny served two combat tours in Vietnam, starting in 1965 with the newly formed Air Calvary
Division. During these tours he served with the Bullwhip Squadron C Troop 1/9th and 117th
AHC Company, as well as many other assignments. He received numerous awards and decorations,
including several air medals.
When Johnny returned from Vietnam, he was selected to attend Command and General Staff
College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He spent seven years assigned to CACDA (Combat Arms
Combat Development Activity). After many commands, awards and schools, Johnny retired as a
Lieutenant Colonel after serving 22 years in the Army. After retiring from the Army, he and his
family returned to Pasco. He then worked for Battelle Northwest for 20 years. While there, he
was a Department of Defense project manager.
Johnny is survived by his high school sweetheart Barbara Conn, who he married in 1953. They
had 3 children, Johnny Keith Gower, Jr., Kathy Jean Bausch, and Karen Leigh Cooper (Blair); 8
grandchildren, Nick, Tony, Ben, Kalleigh and Marty Bausch, Amanda Gower, Cody and Casey
Cooper; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Brayden, Brooklynn, Tabion, Joziah; his brother Jimmy
(Jan) and family, Jenny (Dennis) Rogers; Jimmy Jr. (Mary), Wade, Wyatt and Wilhelmina; also
Jerry's surviving children, Jayna (Craig Motzkus), Janel Clum, Jerry Gower, Jr.; cousin,
DeWayne (Frankie) Gower and family; Aunt Helen Gower. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Alvin and Mildred Gower and brother Jerry.
Special mention to close friends and neighbors Lance and Waleta Michael, Glen and Mary
Simons, Roma and Ted Walters, Lori and Dale Lindsey, Sonny Putman, Class of '52, Bill and
Doris Williams. Johnny loved to fly and really enjoyed his antiques and especially his antique
cars. He bought a 1940 Chev like the car that he and Barb used when dating in high school.
In the 5th grade, Johnny made a list of his goals for his life. We can proudly say he completed
these goals by being in the Army and becoming an aviator. No words can express how much he
will be missed nor how much he is loved by all his family and friends. He fought a valiant battle
with his cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and
brother, uncle and cousin.
We want to express our sincere "Thank you" to everyone at Lourdes and Kadlec hospitals, Columbia
Basin Hematology and Oncology Center, Tri-City Home Health (especially Clay and
Linda); Hospice at the Chaplaincy, Chaplain Tim and Cassia, Dr. John Intravatolo and Commander
Lyle Gilk.
Charles Brady Dunlap, 69, of Glen Burnie, passed away on March 28, 2012 at Gilchrist Center Howard County in Columbia. Charles was born in 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He served in the US Army for 20 years until retiring, and then went on to work for the Department of Defense for 27 years. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ann M. Dunlap; two children, Christine Trott and Brady Dunlap; three grandchildren, Garrett Madsen, Lillian Trott and Charles Dunlap; and many cousins and family in the North Carolina area.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Ste. 433, Columbia, MD 21045- OR- Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256..
Dr. Timothy Craig Hope, age 62 of Grand Ridge (Florida) passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at his home. Mr. Hope was born on October 26, 1948 in New York to the late Herbert and Mary Edith Hope. He was a disabled Vet that proudly served his country during Viet Nam War in the United States Army with Charlie Troop 1/9th Cavalry as WO Scout Pilot. Tim worked several years for Jackson County Schools as a substitute teacher. He was an Eagle Scout who spent a lot of his time volunteering for the local Boy Scouts and was a strong supporter of the American Legion and the NRA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Tiffany Renee Hope Claycomb and a grandson, Blaise Adam Bordelon. He is survived by two daughters; Michelle Hope Bordelon, and Brandy Hope, five grandchildren, one brother, Herbert L. Hope, Jr. and one sister, Pamela Hancock.
A native of Virginia, he was the son of the late Raymond A. Sr. and Mildred Burner Kerns. Mr. Kerns holds an associate degree from Troy State University. He was retired from the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer. While in the service, he served in both the 82nd and the 101st, 173rd Airborne Divisions as a paratrooper in the First Calvary as a combat helicopter pilot. He was awarded many medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm (four awards), two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the United States Army Commendation Medal.
He was preceded in death by his son, Troy Andrew Kerns.
A memorial service with military honors will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009, at Cape Fear Presbyterian Church in Lillington.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society , 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615 or the E. Carlton Powell Hospice Center, 185 Pine State Street, Lillington, NC 27546
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Anna Garrison Kerns of the home; brothers, Dale B. Kerns and his wife, Linda, of Rhoadesville, Virginia, Franklin Theodore "Ted" Kerns of Charlottesville, Virginia, Owen Kerns and his wife, Janice, of Barboursville, Virginia; two granddaughters, Priscilla Kerns and Isabelle Saul.
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Tom Stokesberry informs us that his son Tom will soon be shipping out again.
Tom writes "Well my son is at Ft Hood going to war again so how many of our old cav solder's live around Ft Hood? My son is a PSG (E7) with the Alsaka guard full time, but best of all he is a PSG in a Blackhawk unit. I just wanted to tell everyone I am a proud Dad."
You can count us in as proud as well Tom.
Lionel De La Rosa Jr.
Lionel De La Rosa, J.R., 75, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away June 11, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born February 27, 1935, in Kingsville, Texas, the son of late Josefina and Lionel De La Rosa, Sr. He served in the U.S. Army as a Door Gunner and Recon in his two tours of duty in Vietnam in the 1960s and 70s with the 1st of the 9th Air Cav and retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service in 1973, he then was a bio medical technician, and retired in 2000.
He is survived by his wife Lillie Ann De La Rosa who he dearly loved and cared for over 20 years. From his first marriage to Gloria Nevins, he is survived by his five children, Mary Lou O'Connell, Larry Nevins, Kathy Martinez, Daniel Nevins and Christina Griffin. From his second marriage to Brigitte Emmert, he is also survived by five children, Shonie De La Rosa, Tina Donner, Amanda Coleman, Michael De La Rosa and David De La Rosa.
Lionel has thirty one grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am with services to begin at 11:00 am on Monday, June 14, 2010 at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary 200 W. Beardsley Rd. Burial will take place at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona 23029 North Cave Creek Road.
Dr. Judson Leon Dukes, Jr., 64, of Lake Waccamaw, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at the VA Hospital in Durham. He was born June 15, 1945 in Columbus County, the son of the late Judson Leon Dukes, Sr. and Mary Smith Dukes. He was a Doctor of Psychology and owned Waccamaw Psychological Associates in Whiteville. He was a retired US Army Captain, a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and served in the 1st and 9th Cavalry. He was also a former Professor at MTSU in Knoxville, TN. A memorial service will be conducted 11:30 am, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Peacock's Chapel by Padre, Marcos Leon.
Dr. Dukes is survived by his.wife, Vickie Gore Dukes; three sons, Trey, Daniel, and David Dukes, all of the home; a daughter, Michelle Dukes of San Antonio, TX; a sister, Marsha Brown and husband, Tony, of Hallsboro; a granddaughter, Azaria Price. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bennie Dukes.
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SMSgt James B. Barrett, USAF, Ret, age 68, of Saucier, passed away on February 23, 2010 in Gulfport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck Barrett and Mildred Barrett.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Bettie Barrett of Saucier; his children, James M. Barrett, Karl B. Barrett, and Sonya Sandig and her husband, Joel, all of Saucier; a sister, Diane Barrett Reed and her husband, Jerry, of Long Beach; and four special grandchildren, Jonathon, Joseph, Jacob, and Joanna Sandig.
He retired from a distinguished military career, having served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. He served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart.
During his civilian career, he was a Quality Assurance Manager for the U.S. government and private industry. His greatest accomplishment was raising his loving family.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport where family and friends may visit from Noon until service time. Burial with full military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Biloxi National Cemetery.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.
http://www.legacy.com/SunHerald/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=140029359
Rhett Wayne Lewis, age 66, died December 21, 2009 at home in Pensacola, Florida after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. Rhett was born in Greenwood, South Carolina on Jan. 5, 1943. He graduated from Greenwood High School, where he played football. He went on to also play football for Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He was a graduate of Austin Peay University in Clarksville, Tennessee., where he was a life time member of Alpha Kappa Psi. He was a lifetime member of Mathews Methodist Church in his hometown of Greenwood where he played the piano and sang with the choir.
Rhett completed Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1968, and graduated from Rotary Wing Flight School Class 69-19 in 1969. He served in Phouc Vinh, Vietnam as a Lift Pilot with C Troop 1/9 CAV, 1ST Air Cavalry Division from August 1969 - August 1970 under the call sign Cavalier 43.
Upon his return to the United States, he served as a UH-1 instructor pilot while stationed in Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Air Cavalry/Attack Helicopter Commanders Training Course, Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He also served in Germany prior to his separation from the service. Rhett was a Lifetime Member of the Bullwhip Squadron 1/9 1st Cavalry Air Mobile and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot's Association.
Rhett's military awards and decorations include: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V", one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 34 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with "V" three oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, and the Silver Star. Rhett was also awarded the Parachutist Badge and Senior Army Aviator Wings.
Rhett is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Deborah Brandon Lewis; his beloved son, David Alan Meredith and wife Debbie of Clearwater, Fla.; his beloved and special aunt, Ms. Nita B. Flowe of Greenwood, S.C.; and numerous family members and friends. Rhett was predeceased by his beloved son, Bradley Wayne Lewis, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident at the age of 24. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Letha Batton Lewis and father, Albert Rhett Lewis.
Rhett Lewis is also survived by many fellow troopers and friends of the 1/9th Cav. As one of those troopers, I am finding it difficult to say farewell. Rhett was my roommate in Vietnam, my co-pilot, and my lifelong friend since the day I met him in August of 1969 in Phouc Vinh. He was a true patriot and American hero both in combat and here at home. I know. I witnessed his bravery and dedication many times. If anyone had The Right Stuff, he had it. He was a patriot all of his life, and often said that the proudest thing he ever did was to serve with the 1/9 Cav.
Rhett's love for his wife and children was unparalleled. He also treasured his extended family, friends, his home, and his pets. He lived a full life of both joy and tragedy. All who kept in touch with him in later years can attest to the heartbreak that he and his wife, Debbie, endured with the loss of one of their sons, Bradley, in a tragic car accident several years ago. Surviving this was Rhett's greatest challenge, greater than surviving the war.
It is always difficult to say goodbye, so I will simply say, Farewell, my friend.....for now, to my soul mate and best buddy, Rhett Lewis.
Graveside services are planned for Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., with full Military Honors. He will be buried there on the same day as Michael Martin, our fellow C Trooper and friend.
Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Woundedwarriorproject.org, in memory of Capt. Rhett W. Lewis.
Respectfully,
Jim Pressman, CPT, Lift Pilot, Cavalier 39, C 1/9 1st Cav 1969-1970
Now when Gary mentions Somalia he neglects to tell you we're talking "Blackhawk Down". See the aforementioned writeup. Good luck Colonel, I bet we're almost as proud of you as your ol' man. |
LTC Michael L. Rogney CDR, Federal Police Transition Team Knights Raid Brigade Mosul, Iraq "Boomslang 6" |
Kehoe, Thomas M. III 60, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, went to heaven to be with God on October 27th. Thomas Kehoe was born on November 27, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois. He served two tours for his country during the Vietnam War (1967-1969). His first tour was with the A Company 35th Infantry Army Regiment, and his second tour was with the C Troop 1/9 Cavalry. Tom was a recipient of the Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal Air Crewman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was employed by the City of Phoenix Fire Department. He also worked for the City of Scottsdale as a fire mechanic. Tom was involved in The Knights of Columbus. Tom is survived by his wife, Teresa Kehoe, daughters Cheryl Ray and Christina Kehoe, grand children, Allison and Christopher Ray, as well as his sister, Joan Wencel and brother, Jerry Kehoe, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Monday, November 2, 2009 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 7655 E. Main Street, Scottsdale followed by Interment at 1:30 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army, 2707 E. Van Buren, Phx., AZ 85008, St. Mary Food Bank, 2841 N. 31st Ave, Phx., AZ 85009 or St. Vincent de Paul Society, P. O. Box 13600, Phx., AZ 85002 in memory of Thomas Kehoe.
Joseph Baron R.I.P.
Joseph A. M. Baron, 80 LEBANON, Maine -- Joseph A. M. Baron, 80, of Lebanon,Maine, died at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. Joe was born in Sanford on Feb. 5, 1929, to Donat and Helen Furlotte Baron and attended local schools. He worked for a time as a weaver in Lawrence, Mass. until he left to enlist in the U.S. Army; serving for over 21 years, fighting in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He retired as a 1st Sergeant from Troop C 6th Squadron 1st Cavalry 2nd Armored Division Fort Hood Texas Fourth U.S. Army. After leaving the military, Joe went to work at Simplex in North Berwick for two years until the company relocated. He then went to work at Moulton Tool and Die in Alfred where he stayed for several years until the company closed. After Moulton Tool and Die closed Joe went to work as a machinist at Eastern Plastics in Sanford until his retirement in 1991. Joe was a communicant of St. Thérýse of Lisieux Parish, Sanford/Springvale. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Past Grand Knight. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a handyman and enjoyed doing projects around his house. Joe was a dedicated family man and the patriarch of his family. Whenever any of his family members had a problem or were looking for advice they would come talk to him for guidance. Joe will be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents; a great-granddaughter, Hope Loflin; two brothers, Roland and Robert Baron and a sister, Jeanette Baron. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Barbara Baron; two daughters, Lori Hallinan of Lehigh, Fla., and Helen LeBlanc of Sanford; nine grandchildren, Barbara Schiattone of Fort Myers, Fla., Lisa Sanchez of St. Petersburg, Fla., Nicole Turner of Noblesville, Ind., Robert Golasky of Lehigh, Fla., Danielle Self of Plano, Texas, Jason LeBlanc of Washington, D.C., Kristen Loflin of Greensboro, N.C., Brandon Hallinan of Tampa, Fla., and Ryan Hallinan of Lehigh, Fla.; six great-grandchildren; a nephew, Scott Baron whom Joe raised from North Berwick; two brothers, Gerard Baron and his wife Dolores of Wells, Raymond Baron and his wife Marion of Sanford, a sister, Doris Madore and her husband Ralph of Saco; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., in Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at St. Thérýse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church located on North Avenue in Sanford. Interment will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.blackfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: The American Cancer Society New England Division 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300 Topsham, Maine 04086 or the American American Diabetes Association 80 Elm St. Portland, Maine 04101 Joseph A. M. Baron
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