VanKleeck, Lionel B.

February 17, 1925 – August 10, 2017

Lionel Basil VanKleeck, always known as “Red”, age 92 years, 5 months and 24 days, passed into eternity on August 10, 2017 at home. Bereaved, his last years were lonely, yet spent in patient waiting for the Master’s call. He is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife Marie of 62 years, who passed away before him on February 27, 2009. Our beloved parents are together again. Together they had a son, Robert Lionel; and 2 daughters, Christine Marie and Karen Jean.

Lionel was born on the family farm, Brookside, in Dry Brook, Arkville, NY, February 17, 1925, the son of Basil Beal and Edith George VanKleeck. On July 21, 1946, he married the former Marie Berg at Lake Delaware, Delhi, NY.

As a young boy he packed brussel sprouts and cauliflower for his neighbor Nate Haynes. Red was a lifelong area resident. He attended Margaretville Central School and with the encouragement of his family earned his GED in 1973.

He proudly served his country from 1943-1945 in the US Navy during WW II. He was aboard the USS Franklin, CV13 (“The Ship That Wouldn’t Die”) as a gunner mate in the Pacific, receiving the Purple Heart and The Victory Medal. Following discharge from the Navy, he became a reservist in the Navy Reserve, US Air Force Reserve and then the Army National Guard from which he retired as Staff Sergeant. He loved this country and was honored to have served it.

Red was employed first at Crawford Brothers, following his discharge from the service. Red was a man of few words who let his hard work, high morals and strong values speak for themselves. He was an accomplished stone mason in his early years constructing many stone steps and fireplaces in the Walton and surrounding area. He also was a part-time patrolman for the Village of Walton. Red retired from New York State Water Supply as supervisor after 30 years of service. He was a longtime member for 70 years of the First United Methodist Church of Walton, serving as trustee, financial secretary, and head usher. He was a long time member of the Walton Fire Department Co. #3, serving as secretary and later as an honorary member. Red was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 270, serving as Commander and the Truman C. Toby Post 32 American Legion serving as Commander and Secretary. He was also a member of the Delhi Bird Club.

During his life, he was an avid hunter. Red was Cub Master for Boy Scout Troop #45. He loved to square dance with Marie and belonged to the Walton Swing Along and Putnam Prancers in Brewster. Red loved skiing with his family and playing cards and games with the grandchildren. After his retirement, he became involved in caning chairs for many people in the area.

Lionel will be remembered with love by his three children and their families, his daughter and constant companion since 2009, Christine VanKleeck of Walton, Robert (Karen) VanKleeck, of Chenango Bridge; and Karen (Erick) Van Wert, of Bethesda, MD; his grandchildren, Monica (Vincente) Martinez of Bethesda, MD, Michael VanKleeck (Staci Myers) of Binghamton, and Jennifer VanKleeck of Chenango Bridge; as well as his twin great-grandsons, Maximilian Basil and Erik Bartholomew Martinez, great-grandsons, Liam and Chase VanKleeck and great-granddaughter, Juliana Wayman. Also surviving is a special niece Carolyn Hayes and special nephew Mark Liddle and many other special nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Adele Berg, Oneonta.

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marie, of 62 years; two sisters, Vida Robbins and Jean VanKleeck, brother, George VanKleeck, grandson, Justin VanWert, sisters in-law and husband Aasta and Floyd Liddle, Borghild and Joe Huska, brothers in-law and wife Sverre Berg and Helen, Paul Berg, Edwin Berg, Kaare Berg and John and Anne Berg.

“The Great Commander called him home to sail the crystal sea, Where he will steer with steady hand throughout eternity, No longer will the high sea roll, The skies will be clear and every day will be a day of happiness and cheer, No storm shall cross his valiant prow and calm will be the sea, In that bright place where all is well and kindly is the breeze, He is at peace with his shipmates who have gone before”

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, August 14, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the First Methodist Church, 101 North Street, Walton, NY. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with the Pastor Kent Terchunian. Lionel will be laid to rest in the Walton Cemetery near the Fountain of Memories which he helped construct with his friend Bill Cranston with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.

Memorial contributions in Lionel’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Stained Glass Window Fund, 101 North Street, Walton, NY 13856, Walton Cemetery Fountain Plaque Fund, 55 Fancher Ave, P.O. Box 122 or the Walton Fire Department, 59 West Street.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting http://www.courtneyfh.com
Published in Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on Aug. 13, 2017

Clapp, Jr., Rollin Lee
Aug 14, 2017
GIBSONVILLE Rollin Lee Clapp, Jr. was a self- taught man of many talents with a wonderful sense of humor and a spontaneous personality. He loved life and kept it interesting and fun. He was 92 when he died on August 11, 2017, at the North Carolina State Veterans’ Home in Salisbury. A graveside service with military honors will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 16 at Lakeview Memorial Park with Reverend Jack Glen Flintom officiating. Rollin was one of nine children born in Guilford County to the late Rollin Lee and Lily Mae Ward Clapp Sr. He served in the US Navy during WWII aboard USS LST-10 and USS Franklin CV-13 stationed primarily in Naples and Sicily. He married Jewel Owen Clapp who preceded him in death in 1984. Rollin possessed a grand sense of adventure and didn’t hesitate to explore something new. Being the self reliant man that he was he became quite competent in many fields. He taught himself to fly an airplane, build a house, play guitar and piano, paint, and farm. The latter was his favorite and first, he started raising pigs and then moved on to cows and always had a crop growing. He also loved to hunt and fish. Rollin and Jewel loved to dance and he could hardly listen to music without wanting to dance. He had a strong faith in God and was raised in Buffalo Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his sister and her husband, Nancy and Garland Coble of Greensboro; nieces, Jill Bittle, Suzanne Hicks, Melaney Jack, Reena Strickland, and Tammy Coble; nephew, Rev. Jack Glenn Flintom; cousins, Tom Isley, John, David, and Marvin Clapp; and special friend, Ardree Parrish. His siblings Harold, Rachel, Rebecca, Henrietta, Ada Marie and two infant siblings preceded Rollin in death. Rollin’s family is especially grateful to CNAs Linda Bumgarner and Karen Quinonez for their loving care, friend Dr. Kenneth Karb and his two bird dogs for their visits that always cheered Rollin up, neighbor and friends L.Q. and Carolyn Tickle and Reena’s husband, Tommy Oakley who were a constant source of strength for Rollin and Nancy through his illness. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Peacehaven Farm, 1458 NC-61, Whitsett, NC 27377 or Habitat for Humanity, 603-B N. Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27401. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the family.

Thomas James “Tommy” Despain

Corpus Christi, TX

Thomas James “Tommy” Despain, 90, of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away un-expectantly at his residence Wednesday, April 26th. He was born May 23rd. 1926 in Roxton, Texas.

Tommy graduated Salutatorian from Roxton High School, whereupon he immediately joined the U.S. Navy. He served in World War II aboard the Carrier USS Franklin, and was honorably discharged in November of 1945.

Thomas worked as a lineman and electrician prior to joining the Corpus Christi Police Department in 1950. Over his 35-year career at CCPD, Tommy progressed through the ranks from Patrolman to Commander, the rank at which he retired in 1985. He served in numerous positions including Chief of Detectives, and Commander of Special Services. He attended several law enforcement training programs hosted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas A&M University, and the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

When the Corpus Christi Police Department established the rank of Commander in 1968, Tommy was in the first class of officers who reached that level, and he was the last surviving member.

Thomas was a member of the Corpus Christi Police Officer’s Association. Upon his retirement from CCPD, Tommy joined the Nueces County Sheriff’s Department where he served as Deputy.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joann Eaton Despain.

He leaves behind two sons, Roger (Mary Kay) of Tike Island, Texas and Reagan (Lisa) of Olive Branch, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Sean (Leah) De Spain, John De Spain, James De Spain, Alex DeSpain and Alina DeSpain; and a great granddaughter, Charlie DeSpain.

Visitation will be from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. Monday May 1st, and services will be conducted at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 2nd, both at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services and burial will follow at 11A.M. at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to St. Michaels Police Officers Memorial Fund.

Funeral services entrusted to Sawyer-George Funeral Home, Inc., 12497 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410. (361) 242-3205. Please visit our web site at http://www.sawyergeorgefuneralhome.com.
Published in Corpus-Christi Caller-Times on Apr. 30, 2017

WEST LIBERTY – Philip Richard Black, 89, of West Liberty passed away at 7:55 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Green Hills Care Center in West Liberty, Ohio. He was born in West Mansfield, Ohio on June 18, 1927 to the late Hobson and Esther (Fry) Black. He was also preceded in death by an infant son; a sister, Marge Pickett; and two brothers, Robert and Herbert.
On March 12, 1949 Phil married his wife of 68 years, Betty Jo Rotroff, and she survives, along with their two daughters, Rebecca Jo (Ken) Curtis and Melinda Jo (Lon) Peters, three grandsons, Matthew (Julie) Curtis, Ryan (Natalie) Peters, and Adam (Rebecca) Peters, five great-grandchildren, Andrew Curtis, Audrey Peters, Vienna Peters, Aiden Peters, and Lilly Peters, and two sisters, Mary Eirich and Rachel Cool.
A U.S. Navy WWII veteran, Phil served on the U.S.S. Franklin. He was the owner of Black’s Garage and Philip R. Black Real Estate and Insurance Agency in West Liberty. He was a former West Liberty mayor, a member of the American Legion, Mad River Lodge #161 F&AM, West Liberty Business Men’s Association, Logan County Board of Realtors, and the United Church of Christ where he served as a deacon emeritus. Phil also served on the committee that developed and built Green Hills. He enjoyed woodworking, furniture making, and antiques.
The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 101 Zanesfield Road, West Liberty. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26, at the United Church of Christ, 212 Newell Street, West Liberty with Pastor Rose Michael officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio with military rites performed by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contribution may be made, in Phil’s memory, to Macochee Joint Ambulance District, 113 E. Newell Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357, United Church of Christ, 212 Newell Street, P.O. Box 427, West Liberty, Ohio 43357, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of the EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME in West Liberty and online condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.edsfh.com

Published in The Oklahoman on Nov. 23, 2016– See more at: http://legacy.newsok.com/obituaries/oklahoman/obituary.aspx?n=JOHN-McKINNEY&pid=182690980#sthash.VbsX0sre.dpuf

John S. Hall

San Angelo

John Samuel Hall was born in Huntsville, Alabama on January 4, 1927. He passed away in his home surrounded by his family on March 4, 2017. He fought a hard battle with Alzheimers for 10 years. His wife Mary Lou was by his side, caring for him with dignity and compassion. Most Friday nights they would eat dinner at Henry’s Restaurant sitting at their special table. He was drafted out of high school and he chose the US Marine Corp where he served aboard the USS Franklin during WWII. After returning to high school and graduating he entered the US Air Force where he served 22 years. During that time he served in the Korean War. He was a humble man and a proud American serving his country.

He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Hall. John and Mary Lou have 6 children. Sam Hall of Richardson, Texas, Susan Neighbors of San Angelo, Texas, John and Paula Hall of San Angelo, Texas, Ron and Wanda Hall of Opelika, Alabama, Wayne and Beverly Hall of Odessa, Texas and Kathy and John Wyatt of San Angelo, Texas. Grandchildren are Jeff Neighbors, Janet & Bryan Abernathy, Aaron Hall, Katie & Seth Summerlin, Daniel & Kim Hall, Tammy Hall, Christina & Lamar Lynn, Chad & Amanda Hall, Chase & Anna Hall, Clint & Noelle Hall, Jake Wyatt, Clay & Jill Wyatt, Wes & Stephanie Wyatt, and Boone & Juanita Wyatt. Great-grandchildren are Kaden Abernathy, Mary-Kate Abernathy, Everly Abernathy, Pippa Abernathy, Jackson Summerlin, Ryan Summerlin, Adelaide Summerlin, Olive Summerlin, Lily Lynn, Madison Hall, Reece Hall, Harper Hall, Grace Hall, Adalyn Hall, Taylor Wyatt, Peyton Wyatt, Jersey Wyatt and Kenadie Wyatt.

John was preceded in death by his son-in-law Phil Neighbors.

Visitation will be Friday, March 10, 2017, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Graveside service is in Lawnhaven Cemetery Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. officiated by Taylor Sandlin.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of San Angelo.

Family and friends can sign the online register book at harper-funeralhome.com
Published in GoSanAngelo from Mar. 6 to Mar. 9, 2017
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Richard Wayne Hendrix

SPARTANBURG, SC– Richard Wayne Hendrix, 92, of Spartanburg, SC, died Sunday, March 5, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Dick (known affectionately to family members as ‘Daggie’) was born on April 28, 1924 in Spartanburg to parents Edna Vandora Barnett and William Earle Hendrix, Sr.
He attended high school in Spartanburg and obtained his GED in Corpus Christi, TX. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy on June 2, 1941, in Charleston, SC, six months before Pearl Harbor. As an Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class, he served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Franklin and USS Bennington. While on the USS Bennington, he survived a kamikaze attack off the coast of Okinawa. He participated in operations in Saipan, Tinian, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and ‘The Tokyo Invasion’ when Japan surrendered. He earned The American Defense Service Medal, The American Theater Campaign Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with five Bronze Service Stars), The World War II Victory Medal, and The Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on November 20, 1945. Thereafter, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of South Carolina where he obtained his degree in Business Administration.
Dick was a retired businessman and investor. He was extremely inquisitive, always with a keen intellect, was a voracious reader, and was a lifelong student of history with a particular interest in the Civil War. He was a lifelong Gamecock fan and completely devoted to his family and country. He was especially known for his generosity to all the members of his family, whom he deeply loved. ‘Daggie’ was a strong man with a very big heart. In greeting family members, he was often heard to say, ‘Who loves you? Daggie does!’
Dick was married and devoted to his equally devoted and loving wife, Barbara Lynnwood Kennett Hendrix for 68 years. They had three children. He is survived by his two sons, Richard Wayne Hendrix II (Carol Anne) of Atlanta, GA and Mark Norwood Hendrix (Judy) of Cincinnati, OH; his five grandchildren, Richard Wayne Hendrix III, Elizabeth Hendrix, Katherine Hendrix, Ashley Lindsay Smith, and John Charles Lindsay II; five great-grandchildren, Crosland Lamb, Barrett Lamb, Grant Hendrix Smith, Haley Lindsay, and Jackson Lindsay; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins scattered throughout the United States. He was predeceased by a daughter, Beverly Hendrix Lindsay; two brothers, Charles Norwood Hendrix (Spartanburg) and William Earle Hendrix II (Omaha); and sister, Margaret Elaine Wedding (Indian Hills, MD).
The family will receive friends 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday, March 11, 2017, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. A service honoring his memory will follow at 12:00 noon at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Dale Rawlings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to veterans or hospice organizations.
An online guest register is available at http://www.floydmortuary.com
Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel
Published in Spartanburg Herald-Journal from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2017
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Published in The Record on Mar. 13, 2017– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?n=john-t-costa&pid=184481302&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.TmnI8Odr.dpuf