GULF WAR VETERANS DYING AT EARLY AGES

OCTOBER DESERT STORM/GULF WAR TAPS REPORT

Half of the twenty deaths were under the age of 50!  

Count is 20 so far for October.  Age Groups: 30’s -3, 40’s-7, 50’s -6, 60’s -3, 70s -1.  Military Service count:  Army- 4, Army Reserve 1, USMC 5, USAF 4, NG 1, Army National Guard 1, USN 3, Naval Reserve 1.  Cause of Death factors:  Residence 4, sudden 1, hospice 1, hospital 1 Cancers 6 to include Kidney, Leukemia/lymphoma.  Multi war service:(3) VN and Desert Storm 1, VN, Desert Storm and current wars 2     

WE HONOR THEM- Roll Call- Salute- Gun Barrage- Taps

1.  Kathy Roberts, 39, TX, at her residence
2.  William R Plumley, 50, NY, Army, suddenly died
3.  Carl L Warrick II, 52, PA, US Army Reserves
4.  Richard J "Rick" Wendel, 40, NY, at VA Medical Center Hospice Care, USMC
5.  Michael Anthony Markley,38,WV, in hospital Cancer, US ARMY
6.  Louis Albert Bassie Jr, 52, USAF,Miss
7.  Robert W. Beck "Bear", 77,Cancer,KS,USMC AVIATOR and Trans World Airlines(flew troops to Desert Storm)
8.  Anthony Ray Blackledge,38, Miss. National Guard
9.  Robert Alan Cogan, 63, U.S. Marine Corps, gunnery sergeant,Conn, Lengthy illness- Cancer
10.  John E. Gonzalez Sr, 55,NY, USN, Vietnam, Desert Storm and, most recently, Operation Noble Eagle in response to September 11.
11.  Glenn Alan Mills,Master Sgt, 47, in hospital, USAF,CA Leukemia & Lymphoma, flight engineer for the 326th Reserve Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, DELAWARE
12. Chuck Price, 51, Ohio, USMC Staff SGT,at his residence
13.  Michael James Cote, 52, VA., USN, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Kidney Cancer
14.  James Odell Burns Sr., 68, VA, Cancer, USNR
15.  Gregory Scott McNamer, at home, 47, CALIF, Known as "Flare", he flew the OV-10 Bronco in the Desert Storm Gulf War.  USMC
16.  Thomas "Tom" Robert Reuter, 44, US ARMY, Maryland
17.  Yolanda May King, 43, Oklahoma City, Okla, USAF
18.  Richard M. Durrance, 67, USN, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars  ,KY/WV,
19.  Glenn E. Stoss, 43, at home, USA
20.  Major Tad T. Hervas, 48, MN, AF navigator ODS, and then National Guard. He was deployed in 2004 to Iraq as Commander of the 216th Air Defense Artillery Echo Battery. In 2009 he was redeployed as a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division as a military intelligence officer

Special Recognition

Esther R. Whitenett Greeter of Troops ODS at Westover AFB

Neal Christianson, USMC, VN, he worked for the Rock Island Arsenal for the past 20-plus years. During his tenure at the arsenal, he served as a civilian during Operation Desert Shield, providing training for our troops.

Kathy Roberts   
Kathy Roberts, 39, of Corsicana passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at her residence in Corsicana. She was born on May 10, 1970, in Dallas. She was a veteran having served during Desert Storm.She is survived by her daughter, Lauren Shaw and husband Robert of Corsicana; grandson, Tanner Shaw of Corsicana; mother, Sharon Barrington and husband Jim of Corsicana; father, Jerry Lewellen and wife Linda of Plano; sister, Tracy Reamy of Corsicana; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Corley Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Corley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Steve Ewton officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.Pallbearers will be family and friends.An online guest book is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com by selecting the Kathy Roberts obituary.Arrangements by Corley Funeral Home- corsicanadailysun/Obituaries

William R. Plumley Jr.  
October 14, 2009 William R. Plumley Jr., 50 of Syracuse, passed away suddenly Wednesday. William was employed by Rapid Response. He was a graduate of Fowler High School and an Army veteran of Desert Storm. William is survived by his children, William III, Shaunessy, Corey, William, Boston and Razib, and their mother, Mary Plumley; his granddaughter, Gianna; grandmother, Virginia Sherman; his seven brothers and sisters, Yvonne, Gene, Starleen, John, Lorne, Vicki and Marilyn Plumley. Calling Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Hollis Funeral Home. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hollis Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at hollisfuneralhome.com Hollis Funeral Home 1105 W. Genesee St. 422-7966 http://obits.syracuse.com/obituaries/syracuse/obituary.

Carl L. Warrick II, 52, of Carlisle, went to be with his Lord on October 17, 2009.
Born February 7, 1957 in Findlay, OH, he was the son of Rosella May Shirley Warrick, Carlisle and the late Rev. Dr. Carl L. Warrick. Carl was a U.S. Army Reserves Veteran serving during Operation Desert Storm. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle. He was deeply loved and will be truly missed.
Surviving in addition to his mother, are a brother, David Warrick and his wife Sherry, Gardners; two sisters, T. Faye Brown and her husband Kenneth, and Linda Kent and her husband John, both of Carlisle; six nephews, Aaron and Eric Brown, David Lee and Will Warrick and David and Bobby Miller; and two nieces, Tomalee Jo Brown and Beth Miller.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Louther Street, Carlisle, with the Rev. Timothy W. Sadler officiating. There will be a viewing from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday in the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle.

To sign the guest book visit www.hoffmanroth.com   
www.pennlive.com

 
Richard J. "Rick" Wendel, age 40, of the City of Tonawanda, Saturday, October 10, 2009, at VA Medical Center in Buffalo, under the care of Hospice. A native of Tonawanda, he was the grandson of the late Emerson F. Wendel, Richard A. and Margaret Wolfe. Rick was a 1986 graduate of Tonawanda High School and was a US Marine Corps Veteran serving in Iraq during Desert Storm. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion and was also an avid ham amateur radio operator. He is survived by his parents, James A. Wendel of Tonawanda and Patricia A. (nee Wolfe) Wendel of Mesa, AZ; his brother, Michael A. (Tammy) Wendel of Wilson, NY; and his sister, Shari A. (Stephen) Sprague of Mesa, AZ. Also survived by six nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at John O. Roth Funeral Home, Inc., 25 William St. (between Morgan and Broad Sts.) in Tonawanda, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 AM Thursday by the Rev. Jeffrey Durham. Burial will be in Acacia Park Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to VA Medical Center, Hospice Unit. Visit tonawanda-news http://www.niagara-gazette/Obituaries.

Michael Anthony Markley, 38, of Rivesville, died Wednesday (Oct. 14, 2009) in the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after a courageous battle with cancer.He was born Jan. 1, 1971, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Sharon Marlene Beatty Maier of Rivesville. He is also survived by his stepfather Warren C. Maier of Rivesville. Michael is survived by his wife, Patricia Lynn Morgan Markley of Rivesville; a brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Pam Markley of Rivesville; two sisters and two brothers-in-law, including Trina and Randy Tennant of Fairview, and Tracy and Bill Runyan Jr. of Rivesville; many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews; a stepbrother and his wife, Doug and Joanne Maier of Pittsburgh; a stepsister and her husband, Lorraine and Jim Groves of Aliquippa, Pa.; his father-in-law, George (Stoney) Morgan Jr. of Rivesville; his grandmother-in-law, Ethlene Wolfe of Rivesville; and close friends Bruce Marlowe of Rivesville and Joe Hardesty of Rivesville. Michael was a disabled veteran and served in the United States Army in Desert Storm, Iraq. He was Methodist by faith. He was a 1990 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School. Michael enjoyed fishing and riding his four-wheeler ATV. He also loved to travel with his wife and friends.The family will receive friends at the Ford Funeral Home, DeGarmo Chapel, Second Street, Rivesville, from noon to 4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today and from 10-11 a.m. Saturday. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home Saturday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Stanley Merrifield officiating. Private committal services will be held at a later time.Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s memory to Patricia Markley, Rt. 2, Box 127-A, Rivesville, WV 26588.Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.  http://www.timeswv/Obituaries.

Louis Albert Bassie Jr.
Byhalia – Louis Albert ‘Butch’ Bassie, Jr., 52, passed on to Heaven on October 2, 2009. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Polly Virginia Woods Bassie, an unborn son, and his daughter, Lauren Paige Bassie. Butch was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. He served ten years in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Germany. While serving in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Butch received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He was honorably discharged in 1995 and stayed in Europe where he worked for Lockheed Martin. After returning to the United States in 2003, he returned to his lifelong trade as a welder. Butch loved working on his tractors and anything else a friend needed fixed. Like his father, Butch passed away doing what he loved more than anything – flying. In October of 2008 Butch made a journey when he went on a spiritual retreat: Walk to Emmaus #52. He was able to reconnect with God in a special way. Butch is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Albert Bassie, Sr. formerly of Gunnison, MS. He is also survived by seven sisters: Vicki Fioranelli of Cleveland, MS/Memphis; Darlene Warren of Gulf Port, MS; Toni Canon of Tunica, MS; Susan Bassie of Normal, IL; Dorothy Russell of Milton, TN; Mary Frances Griffin of Franklin, TN; and Dixie Hart of Murfreesboro, TN. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty Lou Schlesser. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Although taken from us way too early in life, Butch lived every day to the fullest with humor and an unending energy for life. He will be missed more than words can say and will be remembered every minute of every day. Services were held Monday, October 5, at Byhalia United Methodist Church with internment at Byhalia Cemetery in Byhalia, Mississippi.http:/commercialappeal/obituary.

Robert W. Beck "Bear"  
Bear, 77, of Lake Quivira, Kan., "flew west" on October 15, 2009. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, October 19, 2009, at Country Club Christian Church (61st Street and Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Mo.) at 4 p.m. Bear was born November 10 (Marine Corps Birthday), 1931, in Hebron, Neb. He attended Hebron High School, where he was an All Conference Linebacker and captain of the basketball team in 1950. He attended and played basketball at Doane College and enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet program during the Korean War. Bear got his wings as a Marine Aviator and spent 1-1/2 years in Korea with VMA 251, a close support squadron. After four years in the Marines, he joined Trans World Airlines and flew for them for the next 37 years, with his last 10 years flying international to Europe on the 747. He was a charter member on the famed "Ohio Valley Flying Zoo", earning his nickname the "Dancing Bear". Six months before retiring in 1991, he volunteered to fly U.S. Troops in the Gulf War’s Operation Desert Storm, and later was awarded an Air Medal for his service. His great loves were Family, Nebraska Football, Kansas Basketball, the Chiefs, golfing with the Sandbaggers and his annual golf tournament the Bearly Open. Bear is survived by his true love of 38 years, his wife Sandi; two sons, Bill and wife Debbie of Leawood, Kan., and Kevin and wife Jennie of Lenexa, Kan.; two daughters, Ann and husband Bob Behner of Leawood, Kan., and Carrie and husband Mike Jones of Kansas City, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Courtney and Parker Beck,  Margaret, Ella, and Beck Behner, Katie and Rylee Jones and Alayna and Lilly Beck, and his sister JoAnn Varsa Doehring of Superior, Neb. Donations may be made in Bear’s memory to the KU Cancer Center c/o KU Endowment, 3901 Rainbow, Kansas City, KS 66160. Semper Fi (Arr.: D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS, 66210, at 913-451-1860, or www.johnsoncountychapel. com.)

Anthony Ray Blackledge, 38, of Sandersville, died Sunday, October 11, 2009.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, at the Chapel of Memory Chapel. Revs. David Parker and Joe Watson will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Grove Cemetery.He had worked 17 years with Laurel Lumber Co. and served in the Mississippi National Guard. He was called to active duty during Desert Storm. He was a member of Faith Ministries. He was a graduate of Northeast Jones.He was preceded in the death by his grandfather, Paul Byrd; grandparents, Fossee and Arciney Livingston; and nieces, Harley Blackledge and Hailey Saul.Survivors include his wife, Alice Ulmer Blackledge of Sandersville; son, Austin Ray Blackledge of Sandersville; parents, Bobby and Wilma Blackledge of Laurel; grandmother, Rosie Lee Byrd of Laurel; brother, Bobby Wayne Blackledge of Laurel; sister, Patricia Ann Watson of Laurel; nieces and nephews, Sarah Watson, Tiffany and Wesley Thomas, Reid and Jessica McAndrews, Kaitlyn McAndrews, Chris Evans and Chloe Saul; and mother and father-in-law, Robert and Janice Ulmer of Sandersville. Pallbearers will be Mike Waltman, Jeff Ishee, Ben Johnson III, Wesley Thomas, Reid McAndrews and Glen Sharp.To view or sign the family guestbook, visit www.leadercall.com.Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.  http://www.leadercall/Obituaries.

 
Robert Alan Cogan   
Robert Alan Cogan, 63, U.S. Marine Corps, gunnery sergeant, retired, beloved husband of Eileen (Riordan) Cogan of South Windsor, died Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at Hartford Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born in Hartford on April 11, 1946, son of the late Edward and Louise (Cudworth) Cogan, he had lived in South Windsor for the last 20 years. He served in Operation Desert Storm and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 25 years. At the time of his death he was working for the Wackenhut Corp. in Hartford. He played in the Greater Hartford Baseball League for the Capitols, was an avid fan of the Boston Red Soxs, the Boston Patriots, and the New York Giants. He enjoyed watching the UConn men and women’s basketball teams and watched NASCAR, favoring the driver of No. 24, Jeff Gordon.

In addition to his wife, he leaves two children, Jeffrey and April Perrrault, both of South Windsor; two brothers, Edward Cogan, and his wife, Francine, in Maine, and Gary Cogan of Manchester; a sister, Janice Cogan of Manchester; two nieces and nephews, Michelle Farrin, and her husband, Gary, in Maine, Chantal Clark, and her husband, Jason, in Maine, and Jason and Clifford Cogan of Manchester. Also, his grandnephew, Zachary Farrin, and grandniece, Noa Clark, in Maine; several nieces and nephews on his wife’s side, who he loved and they will truly miss him. He also leaves his best friend, Peter Brynes, who had known Robert since childhood.

Family and friends may gather Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, East Hartford.

His family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Memorial Department, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004, or to the Toy for Tots, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, 1 Linsley Drive, Plainville, CT 06061, in memory of Gunnery Sgt. Robert Alan Cogan.  For online expressions of sympathy, wwwcarmonfuneralhome.com http://www.JournalInquirer/Obituaries.

John E. Gonzalez Sr.
GONZALEZ – John E., Sr., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the age of 55. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 19, 1954 to Fermin "Bert" & Myrna (Acevedo) Gonzalez. John served in the United States Navy, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Eduardo Gonzalez, who served in the Chilean Navy. In December 2004, John retired with over 24 years of honorable service. During his military career, he served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and, most recently, Operation Noble Eagle in response to September 11. John was a loving and caring son, father, grandpa, brother & uncle! He was a loyal NY Jets fan. John had passion for rope work and wood crafting. He was an avid lover of the ocean & enjoyed spending time at the beach. He is survived by children John Gonzalez & wife Nella and Jason Gonzalez & fiancee Katie Battle, all of Stamford, CT. He also leaves behind two grandchildren: Alexandra and Matthew of Stamford, CT. John is alo survived by his Mother, Myrna Gonzalez & Michael Vega of Farmingdale; brother, Robert Gonzalez & partner Michael Kramberg of College Point and sister, Patricia Gonzalez of Corona. He also leaves behind in-laws Diane & Larry Mannix of Amityville and Lori & Carl Tiedemann of Chambersburg, PA and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Victoria Kirch Gonzalez and father, Fermin "Bert" Gonzalez. Friends may call from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, 2860 Long Beach Rd, Oceanside, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Monday, October 19, 2009 at St. Ignatius Church, 721 W. Broadway, Long Beach NY. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Blvd., Calverton, NY.
http://www.newsday/obituary.

Glenn Alan Mills

DOVER – Glenn Alan Mills, of Dover, died suddenly Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, in Kent General Hospital. Mr. Mills was born Aug. 24, 1962, in Middletown, N.Y., to Richard A. Mills, Sr. and the late Carolyn Tillson Mills. He graduated from Middletown High School, Middletown, N.Y., in 1980. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilmington University in 1994. Glenn was a flight engineer for the 326th Reserve Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. He was activated during Desert Storm from August 1990 until July 1991. He was again activated for Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 until October 2005. He retired as a Master Sgt. in December of 2007. Mr. Mills currently worked for ECOLAB’s Vehicle Care Division as a territory manager. He coached little league for many years spending the last 5 years on the board of directors at Dover Little League. He was an avid race fan including NASCAR and especially dirt track racing. He loved camping and spent many hours around the campfire. Glenn is survived by his father, Richard A. Mills, Sr. of Tega Cay, S.C.; his wife, Robin McClain Mills of Dover; three sons, Daniel, Brian, and Michael Mills, all of Dover; his brothers, Richard A. Mills, Jr. and his wife Beth of Glastonbury, Conn., and Scott R. Mills and his wife Lisa of Bloomingburg, N.Y.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Louise and Rodney McClain of Dover; his sister-in-law, Kelly Kaiser and her husband Rusty of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10) Dover. Friends may call Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Delaware, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 209, Wilmington, DE 19801. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.
NewsZapDE/Obituaries

Chuck Price
 PRICE Chuck Price, 51, of Hilliard, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at his residence. He was born November 17, 1957, in Columbus. Chuck served in the Marines during Desert Storm retiring as a Staff Sergeant, his education includes, Marine Corps Integrated maintenance management system clerk course, improved hawk firing section maintenance course, staff non commissioned officer non resident program, staff non commissioned officer career course, improved hawk fire control repair course, staff non commissioned non resident program. His decorations include, Navy and Marine Corps commendation medal, Navy and Marine Corps achievement award, good conduct medal with 5 stars, joint meritorious unit award, meritorious unit citation with star, Navy unit commendation, sea service deployment ribbon, national defense service medal, southwest Asia service medal with 2 stars, Kuwait liberation medal, Kuwait liberation medal (K). Chuck was also a member of the Buckeye Classic Cruisers Car Club. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Jeannie Belcher Price; son, Clint Price; daughter, Nikki Price; brother, Keith Pennell; grandchild, Saige Thornton; sister-in-law, Patty Zwick; parents-in-law, Dottie and Bill Gugel. He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Pat (Bob) Wilson, father-in-law Harvie Belcher. Visitation will be Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 3-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME SW CHAPEL, 3393 Broadway, Grove City. Memorial service will be Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at Williams Rd. Freewill Baptist Church, 1100 Willliams Rd., Columbus, Oh. 43207. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jim (Dormee’) McGruder and Scott Wilson. To leave a special message for the family visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com Everyone that will be attending visitation at the funeral home is ENCOURAGED to drive their classic cars RESERVED parking will be in front of the funeral home.

Published in The Columbus Dispatch on October 15, 2009  
 

Michael James Cote, 52, of Lynchburg, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the loving husband of Valerie Cote and a wonderful father to James and Lauren Cote.  Michael was born in Anchorage, Alaska, the son of Pauline Cote of Woonsocket, R.I., and the late James Edward Cote.

He was a retired U. S. Navy veteran, serving in Desert Storm on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Warehouse Manager for Teva/Barr and attended Peakland United Methodist Church.  In addition to his wife, children, and mother, he is survived by a sister, Denise Cote, of Shelton, Conn.; uncles and aunts, Albert and Kathleen Laferte, of Niskayuna, N.Y., Paul and Debbie Laferte; and best friend, Ken Milette, all of Woonsocket, R.I.; his mother-in-law, Helen Hollis, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada; brother-in-law, Wayne Hollis (Janet), of Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada, sister-in-law, Mary Lynn Drul (Jerry) of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada; brother-in-law, Randy Hollis (Margot), of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009, at Peakland United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Timothy Gerde officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and a reception to follow the service.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Kidney Cancer Foundation, 1742 E. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228-2202, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or the charity of choice.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharp
NewsAdvance/Obituaries.

James Odell Burns Sr., 68, of Lynchburg, went to be with the Lord Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was married to the love of his life, Jean Bass Burns, for 49 years.

He was born in Lynchburg on Sept. 18, 1941, to the late Boyd Evan Burns and Carrie Lloyd Burns. In addition to his parents, Odell was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Bowen; three brothers, Samuel, Allen, Sidney Burns; and a grandson, Jamie Lee Burns.  Odell became a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church in recent years, but had been an active member of several Baptist churches in the Lynchburg area, the longest time spent at Leawood Baptist Church, where he and Jean were charter members. He retired from Southern Air Inc. in 2008, after 38 years of service in the plumbing department. He was also retired from the United States Naval Reserve after proudly serving a total of 26 years, which included active duty service at age 49, during Desert Storm in 1991.

In addition to his wife, he leaves behind three children and their spouses, James Burns Jr. and Elena, Kent Burns and Karen, all of Lynchburg, Lisa Burns Clark and Barry, of Forest; four surviving grandchildren, Kate, Brooke, and Anna Burns and Danelle Clark, were all affectionately referred to by Odell as his four "Taters." He is also survived by four siblings, Preston Burns, of Bedford, Eric Burns, of Burkeville, Lizzie Dickerson of Blountville, Tenn., and Vivian Hockett, of Lynchburg. He also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, all of whom he loved dearly.
A service to celebrate Odell’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Services and Crematory by the Rev. Jonathan Falwell, the Rev. David Heerspink and the Rev. David Horsley with interment in Virginia Memorial Park with military honors provided by American Legion Post 16.  The family will receive friends and family from 7 to 9 p.m. today, Oct. 4, 2009, at Heritage Funeral Service, 427 Graves Mill Road, and at other times at the residence.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Odell can be made to the Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society, or Thomas Road Baptist Church.  Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.  Published in the Lynchburg News & Advance on 10/4/2009
 
Gregory Scott McNamer Resident of Martinez Gregg, 47, passed away at his home early Monday morning. He was born February 12, 1962 in Martinez. Gregg graduated from Alhambra High School in 1980. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Safety Studies from Sacramento State University in 1984 and a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of San Francisco in 2001. Gregg entered the Marine Corp. in 1984 and served for 8 years as an aviator. Known as "Flare", he flew the OV-10 Bronco in the Desert Storm Gulf War. Gregg had a deep passion for food, cooking, and jazz. He was dedicated to tae kwon do as a student, as well as an instructor and earned a third degree black belt. Gregg was also very proud of his children’s musical talents. He was currently employed at Precision Remotes as Director of Sales for 7 years. He is survived by his beloved wife D’anna of 16 years; dear children Olivia "Chase" and Valente; loving mother Louise Wygal; father Frank McNamer; sisters Karen Laws and Aimee Pompei; and brother-in-laws Mike Laws and Elwyn Pompei. A viewing will be held from 3-5pm Sunday at Connolly and Taylor Funeral Home in Martinez. Mass will be held at 10:30am on Monday, October 5 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill, followed by a burial at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, and reception at Christ the King Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sequoia Middle School and/or College Park High School music departments.  Published in Contra Costa Times on October 3, 2009  

Thomas Robert Reuter "Tom"

OXFORD — Funeral services for Thomas "Tom" Robert Reuter, 44, will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory. The Rev. Vance McCullam will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Hill Crest Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Reuter died on Saturday at his residence.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Hooper Reuter; son, Robert Aaron "Bobby" Reuter; daughter, Meghan Elyse Reuter, son, Matthew Thomas Reuter, daughter, Meagan Todd Helsel and her husband, Charles, son, Jonathan Adam Todd and his wife, Heather; brothers, Mark Reuter, Terry Reuter, Tim Reuter, Michael Reuter, John Paul Reuter, Kevin Reuter; sisters, Colleen Reuter Schaffer, Ellen Reuter; grandson, Colten Scott Helsel.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Reuter, Tim Reuter, Dave Shaffer, Phillip Hooper, Jim Reuter and Pat Holsomback. Mr. Reuter was a native of Indianapolis, Indiana and was a resident of Oxford. He was employed by BAE Systems. Mr. Reuter served in the U.S. Army from 1988 until 1993 during Desert Storm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Reuter and Betty Reuter Matlock.
Published in The Anniston Star on October 6, 2009

Yolanda May King   
KING– Yolanda May, 43, Oklahoma City, Okla., went to be with our Lord Oct. 8, 2009. Born May 17, 1966, in Johns- town, daughter of Havert "Tojo" and Mary (Smith) King. Survived by parents, Havert "Tojo," and wife, Sherry King, and Mary, and husband, Rodney Smith Sr.; brothers and sisters, Nancy, and husband, Leonard Williams; Valery, Havert Jr., Robert, Dorothy, Thomas and Darrel King; and Aaron Lewis; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Yolanda was a 1984 graduate of Greater Johnstown High School. An Air Force veteran serving in the Gulf Wars and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. Family and friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Moskal Funeral Home, West End, where homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Theodore Tisinger officiating. Committal, Benshoff Hill Cemetery.  
Published in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat from 10/10/2009 – 10/12/2009

Richard M. Durrance  
FAYETTEVILLE – Richard Myron Durrance, 67, of Fayetteville, died Friday, Oct. 9, 2009. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. Services: Memorial, 1 p.m. Friday in Weaver Auditorium, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg. Survived by: Wife, Danajean; daughters, Lisa Weber, Susan Markham, Patricia Hullings; siblings, Paula Stewart and Larry; and five grandchildren. Memorial Funeral Directory & Crematory Center, Princeton, W.Va.  Published in Fayetteville Observer on October 15, 2009

Glenn E. Stoss, 43, of Pittston passed away early Sunday morning, Oct. 18, 2009, at home.

Born Sept. 8, 1966 in Dallas, he was the son of the late Frank and Genevieve Yale Stoss. He was a graduate of the Wyoming Area High School and was a member of St. Rocco’s Church in Pittston and the Exeter Lithuanian Club.

He was employed by General Dynamics as a mechanic. Glenn also was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Gulf War.

Brothers, Michael and John, preceded him in death.  He is survived by his children, Anna and Joshua; brothers, Frank, Harding; Lowell, Avoca; Richard, Pittston; Mick, Pittston; Thomas, Luzerne; Steve, Exeter; Jim, Exeter; George, Pittston; and Art; sisters, Florence Coolbaugh, McAdoo; Gloria, McAdoo; Eleanor Krutulis, Duryea; Brenda Stoss; and Linda Redmond; niece, Jean Marie Stoss, Exeter; nephew, John Stoss, West Pittston; and several other nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral home 509 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston.  
Published in Citizens’ Voice on October 19, 2009

Major Tad T. Hervas  
Hervas, Major Tad T. January 16, 1961 to October 6, 2009, Coon Rapids, MN. Beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend died too soon as a casualty of war. Major Hervas began his military career at the University of Minnesota-Duluth when he joined the Air Force ROTC. After college he became a lieutenant in the Air Force as a navigation officer and served in the First Gulf War. When his commission ended he returned to civilian life, working at Fireside Hearth & Home. After the 9/11 attacks Tad felt compelled to join the Minnesota National Guard out of love of country. He was deployed in 2004 to Iraq as Commander of the 216th Air Defense Artillery Echo Battery. In 2009 he was redeployed as a member of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division as a military intelligence officer. A well decorated officer, Maj. Hervas received the Bronze Star medal in 2005, as well as the Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserved Medal with M Device, and Iraq Campaign Medal. Known for his smile, sense of humor, and the ability to make anyone laugh – Tad would offer the shirt off his back and expect nothing in return. He was well respected as an officer by his troops for his ability to put his rank aside and relate to all soldiers at all levels. It was his honor to serve in the military to protect his country and secure our freedoms. Tad’s passions were family, friends, cooking, making others happy, sports, his dogs and standing in a river fly fishing. He always said it’s never a bad day when you’re on the river. Preceded in death by grandfathers, Melvin Melby, Leonard Hervas, and beloved dog, Rocky. Survived by grandmothers, Bertha Melby and Clara Hervas; loving parents, Ned and Barb Hervas; brothers, Todd (Lynn), Kurt, Cory, and Kevin and sister, Julie (Brian) Steege; nieces and nephews, Tanya (Joe) Del Vecchio, Tara, Tyler, Nick, Caleb, Brock and CJ and beloved dog, Peanut. Also survived by his fly fishing team, which included his brother, Kurt, Roger Funk, Bob Kiner and Todd Guelle. Best friends, Paul Guelle and Dan Sjoquist and his fraternal brothers (and Shelly Martin) of the UMD Dirty Dozen. Visitation Friday, Oct. 16, 4-8 pm at Washburn-McReavy (Coon Rapids Chapel, 763-767-1000), 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd. Celebration of life service Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10:00 am, with visitation prior to service from 9-10 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Ave S., Anoka. Following a luncheon, interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MN Military Family Foundation; Trout Unlimited; or Petfinder.com Foundation. Salute Major Hervas Salute.  www.startribune

Special Recogniton

Esther R. Whitenett (1927-2009)
Esther R. Whitenett 1927-2009 CHICOPEE – Esther R. Whitenett, 82, a resident of Chicopee for the past 40 years, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2009 in the Williman-sett Nursing Center. Born in Holyoke on August 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Harry C. and Grace A. (Bourbeau) Whitenett, she was a 22 year employee of the former First National Supermarkets in the Meat Department and later was employed by StanHome Products until her retirement in 1978. Esther was an active volunteer with the USO and the Red Cross, serving in the office and was also a Desert Storm greeter for the returning troops. She leaves behind her friend and caregiver, Mary L. Villemaire of Chicopee, 2 sisters, Jean Smith and her husband Ed of South Hadley and Rita Thormyer of Portland, ME and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 3 sisters, Doris Mann, Olive "Babe" Burns and Lillian "Tilly" Smith and a brother, Goerge "Jack" Whitenett. The funeral mass for Esther will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009 in St. Patrick’s Church at 10. Burial will be in West Street Cemetery in Granby. There are no calling hours and the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield St., Chicopee is in charge of arrangements.www.masslive.com

Neal Christianson   
MORTON – Neal Christianson, 64, of Taylor Ridge, Ill., brother of a Morton resident, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.  Services are at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Edgington Presbyterian Church in Edgington, Ill. Interment will be in Edgington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. Fourth Ave., Milan, Ill. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Neal was born Dec. 17, 1944, in Moline, Ill., a son of Stone Christianson and Margaret Johnson Christianson.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Neal worked for 20 years at International Harvester. Following his time at I.H., he worked for the Rock Island Arsenal for the past 20-plus years. During his tenure at the arsenal, he served as a civilian during Operation Desert Shield, providing training for our troops.

He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association and the National Wildlife Federation.  He loved playing softball on the Senior Softball League. With his team, he competed and won several state and national titles. Some of Neal’s other interests included hunting, fishing, playing cards, pool and darts. He very much enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Survivors include his life companion, Cindy Murray of Davenport; sister, Cheryl Christianson of Morrison, Ill.; brother, Ross Christianson, and his wife, Becky, of Morton, Ill.; nephews, Travis Christianson, and his wife, Amy, of Pekin, Ill., and Brock and Adam Christianson, both of Morton; great-nieces and great-nephew, Hanna, Grace and David Christianson, all of Pekin; and close friends, Mark and Candy Johnson of Bettendorf, Iowa.