This page will contain new members who have joined and members who have passed away. It will be updated weekly if necessary or monthly
NEW MEMBERS DECEASED MEMBERS
Richard J. Unger 1960-1962 AT2 Sherrill Wade 10/26/11 ADR2 1955-1957
Stanley E. Skupien 1956-1960 AEAN Billy Joe Mars 02/2011 AE3 1962-1965
Michael J. Kane 1964-1968 AK3 Thomas Rice 05/2011 AK3 1950-1953
Phillip R. Frank 1966-1969 ATR2 Rayford Carter 08/2010 AK3 1957-1958
Henry Young 1965-1967 AO3 Hugh Longino 08/2010 CDR XO/CO 1964-1967
Richard D Boyer 1961-1963 LTJG Valarius (Larry) Kugler 08/2010 CDR 1964-1966
Fred Malick 1964-1967 AT3 David Wilson 08/2010 AEC 1956-1959
Jack Mason 1961-1963 ATN3 Ted Hergenrader 12/2007 LTJG 1963-1965
Joseph Harman 1964-1967 LT Gene Haun 1/2012 AD2 1952-1955
Richard Magnuson 1961-1963 AT2 John DeSantis 2/19/2012 AN 1965-1967
Harmon Neatfeld 1965-1968 AME2 John Malcik 6/26, 2011 AN 1956-1957
Howard Stephens 1947-1949 AL3 Calvin Kammeyer 8/2010 LT 1967-1970
Roland Edmunds 1953-1957 AD2 Bob Hook 2011 ABU3 1957-1961
Robert Harvey 1956-1959 PH3 Robert G. Vance ???? AD1 1962-1967
Harvey Simmons 1962-1965 AT1 Robert H. Alves 9/4/2012 AETM1 1950-1951
John Masterson 1958-1961 AMS2 Audie R. Perkins 9/3/2012 ATCM 1963-1964
Mike Buckels 1963-1964 ATR3 Eugene Wisenbaker 11/16/2012 LCDR 1962-1964
Joseph Mavilia 1959-1961 AN Glenn Errington 2/12/2013 AEAN 1951-1953
Paul Renoud 1966-1967 AX3 Frank Beamon 5/11/2013 AM2 1955-1958
Gary W. Armstrong 1966-1967 AX3 William VanLandingham 5/18/2013 AT1 1955-1958
Richard Carrel 1965-1967 AX3 Ralph Buesking 8/19/2013 AM2 1953-1957
Arlen Shire 1961-1962 AK3 Gerald (Jerry) Holmes 8/25/2013 AD3 1956-1959
Kenneth Colson 1965-1967 ATN2 James Carrigan 6/2011 PN3 1965-1968
Carl Brooks 1966-1967 ATR3 William Martin 6/11/2013 AMAN 1950-1954
David Molnar 1960-1961 ATS3 Terry Durst 5/2013 AMS3 1964-1967
Tom Jessen 1962-1965 AO2 Leon Peachie 9/23/2013 AO1 1952-1954
Robert Blechle 1953-1955 AMS3 Marvin Register 12/13/2013 LT 1956-1959
Kirby Hamm 1962-1965 AO2 Archie Bigwood 9/2013 ?? ??
Joe Favreau 1965-1967 AX2 John King 12/27/2013 AO3 1965-1968
Jim Feflie 1964-1966 AKAN Richard Romano 11/2013 ATN2 1962-1963
Edward Williams 1961-1964 AM1 Ralph VanderNaillen 2/14/2014 LTJG 1953-1955
Richard Strimel 1961-1963 AT1 George O'Bryan 8/24/2013 CDR 1957-1958
Harry Bound 1961-1963 AT2 Walter Smith 3/14/2014 AD3 1957-1959
John Honaker 1965-1966 ADR2 Dan Hoff 4/24/2014 AT1 1965-1967
Bryce Billings 1964-1967 LT Richard Roggansack 11/9/2012 1st Ordinance 1950's
Don Yancey 1963-1966 AE3 F.L. (Joe) Bartlett 8/10/2013 HM3 1951-1952
Ronnie Bozeman 1965-1967 AX3 John Fetros 5/19/2014 YN3 1956-1957
David Seltzer 1962-1964 ADR3 Mike Crownover 10/2014 LCDR 1962-1964
Thomas McLees 1953-1954 AT3 James Stevens 7/04/2014 ATCS 1965-1969
Jim Fleming 1964-1966 AE4 David Dearolph 7/2015 LTJG 1951-1953
Jerry Bowman 1965-1966 AX3 Bill Hammatt 7/15/2013 AX3 1965-1967
Thomas Lewis 1964-67 and 1968-1972 AX2 -AW1 Jim Gard 2/2015 AT2 1959-1960
Phillip F. Smith 1966-1967 AX2 David H. Partridge 3/21/2016 ATR2 1961-1963
Dick Pennington 1964-1966 AMS3 Gorman Ponds 11/11/2013 E3 1964-1967
Dale Wietzke 1971-1974 AT2 Richard Magnuson 2015 AT2 1961-1963
Dick Wilcox 1958-1961 AE2 Ed Feeney 1/31/2016 LTJG 1959-1960
Tom McClelland 1961-1964 AX2 Harvey Simmons 6/27/2014 AT1 1962-1965
Raymond Wegrzyn 1961-1963 AE1 James Barr 8/27/2016 AO2 1952-1054
Robert Maley 1951-1951 AL3 Jack Laney 5/12/2016 CDR 1961-1962
Paul Dorman 1967-1970 RM3 Harry Hindon 2/25/2016 CDR 1964-1966
Robert Buie 1966-1969 LT Anthony Lazzaretti 9/29/2016 LT 1963-1966
Joe Leatherwood 1966-70 ATR2 John Honaker 9/27/2016 ADR2 1965-1966
David Mathes 1967-1968 ATR3 Fred Turbeville 12/20/2016 LTJG 1964-1966
Richard Kilmer 1968-1969 ADJ2 Richard Freeman 2/11/2017 LT 1959-1962
William Frye 1956-1960 AD2 Bill (Wilbur) Bettis 3/1/2017 LTJG 1956-1969
Neal Freeman 1957-1958 PSNS Joseph Daugherty Jr 5/3/2018 AE2 1959-1962
Donald Glaub 5/15/2018 AT1 1956-1959
Russell Fredrick 6/19/2018 LTJG 1956-1958
Dan Ridenour 7/7/2014 LT 1963-1965
Mike Kane 9/5/2018 AK3 1964-1968
Arlen Shire 12/6/2018 AK3 1961-1962
1 David Fulcher 1/13/2019 AX2 1962-1965 2 Ed Hyman 2/15/2019 AD2 1951-1955
3 Ronald Meehan 5/9/2019 AT3 1955-1957 4 James Barr 6/8/2019 LT 1964-1967 Clarence JAKE Dieter 7/9/2019 LT 1964-1967
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I was in VP-40 from Oct 1962 to Aug. 1965 and a member of Crew 4. (AE3) I retired out of the Air Force Reserve in Nov. 2002 and had the privilege of getting a last flight with VP-40 in Oct. of 2002 out of Whidby Island. What a privilege and experience to be treated like a VIP by being from the P5 era.
I have been informed that our friend Clarence "JAKE" Dieter passed away on 7/9/2019. Jake was a LT while in VP40 from 1964-1967.
He had been battling the big "C" for years and it finally won. I am afraid that this is becoming far to frequent
for me. When I get more info I will post it here
FEEL FREE to make comments if you remember Jake
Guy
I am very sad to announce that we lost another shipmate and a good friend of mine.
JAMES BARR passed away on Saturday June 8, 2019. Jim was a LT while in VP40 from 1964-1967.
He was a TACCO and a fresh off the boat Ensign while we were in Crew 7 together. He had attended the last few reunions
and we got acquainted again. He had a career as a Federal Judge.
If I can obtain an OBIT, I will post it here.
RIP my friend
I was informed today by Mary Meehan that Ron passes away
below is his OBIT
Obituary for Ronald Drew Meehan
Ronald Drew Meehan, 83, passed peacefully in his sleep May 8, 2019, while lying next to his wife of 60 years, Mary Jane Meehan.
Ronald was born February 25, 1936, to Grace Jane Hurlburt and John Joseph Meehan in Kansas City, Missouri, as their only child.
Ronald grew up during the turbulent times of WWII. His parents worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camps and Ronald stayed at many different houses with several different family members.
Ronald attended Catholic schools and served in all capacities as a youth, including Alter Boy. Ronald enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. At the age of 17, Ronald left his High School and joined the United States Navy. Ronald served in the Naval Air during the Korean War.
After his discharge from the Navy Ronald went to college in San Rafael, California. While on summer break from college Ronald met the love of his life, Mary Jane Lawson, an 18 year old girl who had just graduated High School. Ronald first met Mary Jane as she set twirling on a barstool at his father’s bar. Five months later Ronald married Mary Jane in Los Angeles, California, on October 25, 1958.
In 1960 Ronald became a Police Officer and joined the La Habra Police Department. Ronald worked for the La Habra Police Department for the next 30 years rising through the ranks until he became Chief of Police; a position he held for over 15 years. During this time Ronald was invited to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Ronald returned a second time to the FBI Academy for Executive Planning and Leadership.
Ronald was the President of the La Habra Police Association. He was President of the California Police Chiefs Association, Commander of the La Habra American Legion Post 267, headed up the worship committee at Temple Baptist Church, taught Sunday school and was the beneficiary of a Paul Harris Fellow Award from the La Habra Rotary.
When Ronald retired as Chief of Police he went to Law School where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. Ronald then went to work at the Courts in Orange County. Ronald worked another 16 years at the Courts before retiring from Santa Ana Superior Court to battle his Cancer.
Ronald became the Camp Chaplin for Puente Hills Gideon’s where Ronald helped share the Lord’s word at schools, Fairs and to at risk youth in Juvenile Hall.
Ronald was a long time member of Inland Hills Church where he attended weekly Church services with several other family members.
Ronald valiantly fought Cancer in multiple parts of his body for his last 11 years.
Ronald is survived by his wife Mary Jane Meehan, his 5 children Kerry Lynnette Gerber, Rhonda Shay Bausch, Shannon Kathleen Halstrum, John David Meehan, Michael Sean Meehan and his 17 Grand Children and 16 Great-Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grandson.
As you can notice if you scroll this page, our VP40 group is shrinking recently.
We have lost 8 people since 5/2018 while we have not added 1 person to our group. This is not the way to
keep this group going…………………
A while ago I had joked that if we do not increase our membership we will have our reunions in the back seat of a Chevy…
It is not that bad yet, but headed in that direction. I encourage each of you to clean out the cobwebs in your brain, OR better yet.
look at the Cruise books on this web site and try and contact at least ONE person you see on them. We also are including ALL VP40 people former and active in our group now.
This VP40 group was started for the purpose of having a Reunion ever so often and have commardship between fellow VP40 people to meet, shoot the shit, drink a little and remember the Good Old Days. We still do that today, but we DO NOT drink like we used to (maybe a blessing)
but each reunion there are fewer and fewer people that attend. Our next reunion will be in Sept. 2020 in Jacksonville, FL.
We will get to tour the newest anti-sub aircraft, the P8A and perhaps take a spin in the flight simulator.
Get the word out NOW, I will post more info as the time draws nearer. Be there or be square….
Guy Fisk
I was informed by his daughter Kathi M. Sandweissthat Ed Hyman passed away on 2/15/2019.
Ed was in VP40 from 1951-1955. He was an AD2 while in the squadron. Here is the info I have funeral is Monday Feb 18 at 3pm at Mt Sinai mortuary , 5950 forest lawn dr. I do not have any more info.
I am very sorry to tell you all that David Fulcher passed away on 1/13/2019.
Dave had surgery on his tongue and he had been having a hell of an ordeal since then.
I do not think he had anything to eat or drink in his mouth for a year. It finally was to much for him.
He passed away from heart attack/respiratory failure. He was a great and personal friend of mine and many others in our group. He will be missed………….
Dave was an AX2 while in VP40. After he did his 1st hitch, he got out, finished college and came back in the Navy as an officer. He retired as a LCDR as a Navigator on P3V aircraft. He then went to work with DOD and retired about 3 years ago as the Security Officer at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. I have been in contact with his wife Iris, trying to help her with all the paperwork needed. As a result I have realized that I am not prepared for my affairs. That is something WE all should attend to if it has not been already done.
Iris gave me his Flag shadow box and it has been included with the VP40 memorabilia. I will bring it to the reunions so we can remember Dave. RIP my friend.
I was informed today that Arlen Shire passed away on 12/6/2018
Arlen was an AK3 while in VP40 from 1961-1962. He lived in San Diego, CA.
This is what I have received from his family .
Hello friends and family.
Our dad, Arlen Shire, passed away on December 6 at the age of 80. He was a friendly, loving, and religious man who led a long and simple life dedicated to raising and nurturing his 3 children. He spent his career working for the US Navy and later became active in the community and local issues. He always went out of his way to be helpful to others, be they family or friends and neighbors or simply people he met. We will miss him profoundly. Viewing, services, and burial will take place December 18, 19, and 20. The details are available here: ARLEN LEE SHIRE Obituary – San Diego, CA . We would be honored if you could add a memory on this site.
We are sending this announcement to his contact list in the hopes of spreading the word to his friends.
— Michael Shire, Miriam Shire, Aaron Shire
Here is his Obit
OBITUARY
ARLEN LEE SHIRE
MAY 6, 1938 – DECEMBER 6, 2018
Obituary of ARLEN LEE SHIRE
Arlen Lee Shire (Arlen the Darlin’), born May 6, 1938, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2018. He is survived by his three children, Michael Lee, Miriam Adele, and Aaron Joseph; three grandchildren, Marcus, Lucas, and Jacob; and by his siblings Arlene, Noel, Carolyn, Kent, Colleen, Neil, Michael, Kevin, Ray, and Eli.
Arlen was always a patriot, joining the United States Navy as a teenager and serving for twenty years, retiring as a Petty Officer, First Class. After his retirement he continued working in civil service for Naval Public Works. Even after his second retirement he continued to serve his community and others, receiving a Congressional Citizens award for his fight for affordable housing and efforts against rampant condominium conversions in the San Diego area.
He also served on a more personal level, as the ultimate family man. He provided a loving home to his three children, always giving love; and providing support, advice, and counsel when needed. He also was a loving father-in-law, treating his daughters-in-law and son-in law as his own children.
Finally, Arlen was a man of God. A man who saw in the Bible not just words on a page, or the means to get into heaven, but as a guide for life; and always strove to be the best man he could be, and to lead others through advice and example.
In his free time he enjoyed playing boogie woogie piano, giving tours aboard the USS Midway, while staying involved with local political issues. He also enjoyed helping anyone that needed assistance, whether it was fellow veterans, those who are homeless, the disabled, or simply people down on their luck.
Viewing will be held at the Chula Vista Bible Church on December 18 and 19 from 5:30p.m to 9:30p.m. A special service for Arlen will be held there as well on December 19 at 7:30p.m. Arlen will then be laid to rest at the Miramar National Cemetery on December 20 at 2:00p.m. A special thank you to all the healthcare professionals who cared for Arlen through his final days, the congregation at the Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church, and close friends and family for all of their assistance and love through a difficult period.
Arlen was at our last reunion in San Diego, He will be missed by us.
As you can see by the list above, our group is getting smaller, for years we maintained a balance but it is shifting
to a downward trend. Let us ALL make an effort to talk to ALL VP sailors about our group, and get some new members.
We are not getting any younger and we are not attracting any P3 people to our group. Before the year is over lets get the membership
balance back to even or better yet in the plus side.
thanks
Guy Fisk
another member bites the dust.
While at our 2018 VP40 Reunion, we learned that MIKE KANE passed away.
Mike had a heart attack while he was in the Philippines and did not recover from it,
Mike had a pace maker installed a few years ago, and was suffering from problems with it.
He died on 9/5/2018. He was an AK3 while in VP40 from 1964-1968.
Mike was a good friend and a joy to be around. He will be missed by us all. He will be buried at Clark Air Force Base.
I doubt there will be an Obit but if there is I will publish it here. RIP Mike
I just found out from his wife that DAN RIDENOUR passed away 0n 7/7/2014.
I do not know if anyone was aware of it, but I found out by calling about the reunion.
If anyone has more info please comment on it here or let me know
Guy
Does anybody know the whereabouts of Ltjg Bobbie Gene Smith??
If so, please email me: cliffordbudd@yahoo.com
Hello my name is Fennely Jones worked beach crew Dangly point discharged 1966 I was with vp40 1962 thru 1966 a ban email mapsaxx@yahoo.com
Fennely
You are welcome to join our group
email me
ggfisk@vp40.com
Guy Fisk
Anybody know what happened to Ltjg Bobby Gene Smith. From Ltjg Cliff Budd email: cliffordbudd@yahoo.com or 936-328-7641
I am pleased to announce a new member to our group.
NEAL FREEMAN Neal was a PNSN while in VP40 from 12/1957 to 9/1958.
He had left a comment on our wite before, here it is
I served in VP-40 from Dec 1957 to August 1958. I was assigned as PNSA on the tour of Duty to Sangley Naval Air Station, Cavite, P.I. We were over staffed in Administration on our return and I was low man on the Totem pole. I was transferred to the Electronics Office, U.S.FLTASW School, San Diego. I was Honorably Discharged in 1961.
WELCOME ABOARD Neal.
Please sent a “HOWDY” out to Neal
I am sorry to announce that another member of our group has passed away.
I received this email from Bill Newburg
Received a phone call this morning (6/20/2018) from Russ Fredrick’s daughter (Pat Turba) who reported that Russ died during the night.
He’s been struggling to recover from recent illnesses.
Rus was a LTJG while in VP40 from 1956-1958. He had a lot of VP40 friends and will be missed. If I can obtain a Obit I will post it here
RESPONSES
So sad to hear. We were looking forward to seeing him in Nashville in September. Thanks for your message.
Cecil and Cecile
Cecil Cowling
I was in class 30-54 with Russ. Did he live in NJ? If so, I would want to pay my respects. Can someone advise?
Bill Neuberg
To all, Here is a message I received from Patty Turba (Russ’s daughter). Johann and I can’t make the funeral, but Patty has given me her phone number for any who would like to call. (608) 778 1599. If I’ve forgotten anyone, please forward.
Mark Keaney
Dad’s funeral is on Saturday, June 30th. The visitation is at 9 a.m. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Internment is immediately following. Lunch is at the church after that. Please don’t feel obligated to come. We know that you have just been up here and we know that you are always with us in spirit. Love and hugs to you and Johann. Keep in touch. I really miss Dad but I know he is in a much better place. Love, Patty Jane
Pat Turba
pat@turba.biz
One of the original members has passed away.
Donald Gaulb passed on 5/15/2018. He passed away from a heart attack on while in the hospital undergoing tests. Don was one of the group of squadron members that met at the Mexican Village in Coronado to initialize a VP-40 reunion. That might have been in 1959 or soon thereafter. Some of the others at that meeting were Chief Humphries, Bill Bettis, Hal Peper, Mike Swall, Frank Bottoms, and Joe Chandler. He was an AT1 while in VP40 from 1956-1959
I am sorry to report that Joseph Bernard Daugherty Jr (Bernie) passed away on May 3, 2018.
I have posted his OBIT under Plan of the Day on 5/9/18. Bernie will be missed at our reunions as he was a GREAT story teller
with a smile and wit that not many men have, considering what he went through with the plane crash in 1962.
Please welcome our newest member to our group
William (Bill) Frye served in VP40 from 9/1956 to 2/1960.
Bill was a Maint Crew Leader as a AD2.
He has listed some shipmates he served with. Perhaps someone knows how to contact any of them, or can provide some info on them.
Charlie Mayfield AD3 Cincinnati, OH
Huff An He maried a Filipina
Chief Taylor
Chief Markel
Walter Ray Smith AD3 Macon Ga
Hicks (sheepdearder) Utah
Johnson AD3 Ohio
Eugene Hornet AD2 Colorado
if anyone remembers these people please post a comment here for all to read.
WELCOME ABOARD Bill Hope to see you in Nashville for the 2018 reunion.
Welcome our latest addition to our group please.
Richard Kilmer (Rick) and his wife Cindy.
Rick was in VP40 from 1968 to 1969. He was an aircrewman as a ADJ2/2nd mech.
Welcome Aboard Richard.
Another former VP40 person passed away
Richard Freeman was in VP40 from 1959-1962. He was a LT while there.
Here is an email I received from his son Steve Freeman. Followed by his Obit.
Subject: Richard C. Freeman lll
Guy, here is the notice of Dad’s Memorial Service/Funeral/Celebration of Life, and Obituary of Dad.
Dad was for My Best Friend!!
Please share with any and all Friends of Dad’s. Please, if anyone would like to reach out to me, and share stories, ask questions, please feel free to.
Not only a Great Man, Incredible Husband of over 52 yrs to my Mom, Anne K. Freeman, and the Greatest Father anyone could ever have!
I talked to Dad several times a day Every day of my Life! I miss Dad so much, but I am thankful for the 49yrs I had him with me here on earth.
I know Dad will always be with me and watching over me, and we will All be together in Heaven!
I am truly sorry to be the bearer of such sad news.
Sincerely
Stephen Freeman (middle Son)
404-808-3603. Or email me @
Skater28.skf@gmail.com
In Memory of
Richard Columbus Freeman III
January 21, 1936 – February 11, 2017
Obituary
Richard “Dick” Columbus Freeman, III, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at Piedmont Hospital. He was 81.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, February 24th, at 10:30am in the sanctuary of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, located at: 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305. His viewing will precede the service that morning, and will also be conducted in the sanctuary, beginning at 9. His burial will follow the funeral, and will be conducted that afternoon at 1:30, at the Georgia National Military Cemetery located at: 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114.
Born in Washington, DC on January 21, 1936, to Mr. James Newton Buck Freeman, ESQ. and Mrs. Lillian Perry at the Columbia Hospital for Women, he was raised in Mount Airy, NC, where he was a Boy Scout. He graduated from Mount Airy High School with the class of 1954, completing his high school course work early to enlist in the United States Navy in 1953. He then received an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy (class of 1958), from United States Congressman Ralph Scott of the Fifth Congressional District for North Carolina.
Upon graduation from USNA with a Bachelor of Science, he entered flight school in Pensacola, where he trained in multiple aircraft, including the T-34 and T28. Upon becoming a Naval Aviator on March 04, 1960, he served in Patrol Squadron 40 (VP-40, Crew 5), at Naval Station Sangley Point in the Philippines, where he was a pilot and ordnance officer on a Martin P5M Marlin float plane, conducting air patrols during the Vietnam War. He was later a Patrol Plane Commander. He also attended Military Justice training, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Cold War Service Medal, among other awards. It was during his time in the Navy, that he met his beloved wife, of 52 years, Martha Anne Kemp on St. Simons Island, GA in 1963, and married on January 29th, 1965, at Northside United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
Upon his medical retirement from the Navy, Mr. Freeman attended law school at the University of North Carolina, during which time his first two sons were born in Chapel Hill. Upon graduation on June 2nd, 1969, he became licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Georgia, electing to move to Atlanta to join Haas, Holland, Levison & Gilbert. He then started a successful sole proprietorship, Richard C. Freeman III, PC, where he pracitced law for over 40 years, specializing in complex business litigation. During this time, he became well known in the area for his keen wit, compelling storytelling abilities, courtroom tenacity and dedication to his clients, with cases throughout local, state and federal courts, including: Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, United States Court of Appeals (Fifth, Eighth and Eleventh Circuits) and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. He was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
When not practicing law, he was a devoted husband and father, spending as much time as he could with his family, including his kids’ sporting events and activities, and numerous family trips, as well as an annual family vacation to Sanibel Island, FL. He also enjoyed watching Navy football, Tar Heel basketball, and Braves baseball, and reading the Sunday Comics.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Anne Kemp Freeman, brother, James Newton Freeman, Jr., his sons, Richard Columbus Freeman, IV., Stephen Kemp Freeman and Duncan Perry Freeman, his daughters-in-law, Karen Marie Freeman, Cynthia Sanders Freeman and Rachel LaRue Freeman, and four grandchildren: Stella Ann Freeman, Calista Marie Freeman, Duncan Perry Freeman, II., and Parker LaRue Freeman, as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He will be sorely missed.
I talked with his son Steve and the family wishes to remain with the group and he plans on attending our next reunion in Nashville Tn in 2018. He had attended the 2000 reunion in Pensacola with Dick and enjoyed it.
Just noticed a name from my past. Paul E. Dorman. lived on the beach with him Quebec Court, Sunnyvale, CA while stationed Moffett Field
I have some more sad news to report.
Fred Turbeville passed away on 12/20/2016
Fred was a LTJG while in VP40 from 1964-1966.
I will miss his emails and I am sure Tom Bigley will also.
I received his Obit from his daughter Deanie and here it is.
Fred Morton Turbeville, Jr. (Buster to his family and friends), 76, of Pensacola, Florida, took his last flight, a heavenly mission that is hard to reject, a permanent deployment, to re-unite with family and friends on December 20th, 2016. Fred’s wonderful new residence is in a fabulous location where he will be socializing, dancing, playing piano and being the life of the party to his heart’s delight.
A military service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 4th at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida at the Barrancas National Cemetery followed by a celebration of his amazing life filled with music and stories back at his home in Pensacola, Florida.
Fred Morton Turbeville, Jr. was the son of Dr. & Mrs. Fred Morton Turbeville, Sr. Fred’s brother is Dr. David Franklin Turbeville of Fort Worth, Texas (sister-in-law Priscilla, and nephews Mark and Jason). Fred was born July 14th, 1940 in Birmingham, Alabama (November 14th if you ask his brother David). He grew-up in Greenville, Texas and attended Greenville High School (home of the Greenville Lions, where Fred is considered a “Lion for Life”), and graduated in 1957. He attended Texas A&M, and later graduated from East Texas State University in 1961.
Fred became an Ensign in the United States Navy in October of 1961, and completed his United States Navy Aviation Officer Training in November of the same year. In February of 1962, Fred did, alone and unassisted, take off and return to U.S. Naval Air Station Saufley Field, Pensacola, Florida, thereby completing his first solo flight. On the 27th day of May,1963, Fred was designated as a Naval Aviator with his father doing the honor of pinning on his Gold Naval Aviator Wings. Fred completed the U.S. Naval Justice School in August of 1963…and then came the big event in his life…he got married!
On August 30th, 1963, he married the former Deane Bennett Sullivan at the Church of Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following a honeymoon in Las Vegas, Nevada, the newly married couple started on a life-long journey of love, affection, dancing (just ask his wife Deane about the “Disco” years), entertaining and just a few disagreements (here and there) and then building a family. Besides raising a family, and moving around from places like Houston, Texas (where Fred was an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at Rice University) to Honolulu, Hawaii, Raleigh, North Carolina and even Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Over Fred’s 23 years as an aviator, he flew the Navy’s T—28 Trojan, T-2 Buckeye, Martin P5M Marlin, the Lockheed P-3 Orion and the Convair C-131 Samaratin amounting over 19,000 flight hours. Upon retirement from the Navy in 1984, Fred spent the remaining years as one of the best-darned salesmen you would ever meet (a trait that he passed on to his children).
Fred has three children: Fred Morton Turbeville III (known as Trey to everyone), Christopher Wentworth Turbeville (just Chris) and Deane Turbeville Sexton (you can call her Deanie). Fred also has five beautiful grandchildren, two from Chris (and his wife, Bonnie), Sarah (17) & Jack (15), as well as three from Deanie and (her husband Jeff Sexton), Lily (13), Colleen (9) and Natalie (7).
Fred is preceded in the final journey of his life by his parents, grandparents and nephews John and Justin.
Because Fred was such a lifelong animal lover- in lieu of flowers, please make checks or donations to Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter or via PayPal to ecasfriends@gmail.com Payment may be sent to P.O. Box 11553, Pensacola, FL 32524. There is also a “Donate Now” button on the official facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ecasfriends/
John J. W. Honaker
1942 – 2016 Obituary Condolences
John J. W. Honaker Obituary
Honaker, John J. W.
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. A D.A.V. Auxiliary Unit 3 Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 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 http://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
Here is Tony Lazzaretti’s OBIT:
Lazzaretti, Anthony F. Apr 26, 1939 – Sep 29, 2016 Survived by wife, Sharon; sons, Anthony and Victor Lazzaretti; daughter, Laurene (David) Richards; 5 Grandchildren, Anthony and Kaelyn Richards, Fiona, Eliza and Victor Lazzaretti; sister, Pauline (Bob) Kouba; many nieces and nephews. FUNERAL Monday 6pm, Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Chapel. VISITATION Monday 4-6pm at Funeral Home. KORISKO LARKIN STASKIEWICZ FUNERAL HOME 5108 “F” St. 402-731-1234 http://www.klsfuneralhome.com
I am sad to announce that Anthony (Tony) Lazzaretti passed away on 9/29/2016.
Tony was a LT while in VP40 from 1963-1966. He had been battling Melanoma for a long time
and it finally won the battle.
I will post his OBIT when I receive it. For members who knew him please reach out to his wife Sharon and his family.
HE WAS ONE OF THE GOOD ONES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a gentle reminder that according to my records,
we have LOST 14 VP40 members from death since our last reunion in 2014.
We also have added 16 New members to our group.
I have empirically derived (how do you like that statement ??)
that at that rate, our group will start rapidly reducing, unless 1 of 2 things take place.(or both)
1. Someone invents a MAGIC PILL that will let us live longer and better.
2. WE ALL need to beat the bushes and increase our membership.
WE changed our bylaws to now include ALL VP40 personnel, past and present.
Lets get the word out there folks.
WE have to much fun at our reunions to have them go away.
See you all at the reunion and lets discuss ways to make this happen.
Guy Fisk
Laging Handa
I want to welcome aboard our newest member
DAVID MATHES
Dave was in VP40 from 1967-1968
He was an ATR3 while in crew 4.
Dave and his wife Jenon will be attending our reunion this year.
His info is posted in our members only section of our web site.
I called CDR Harry Hindon and was notified by his wife that CDR Hindon
passed away on 2/25/2016. He died peacefully at home.
I talked to Harry just before our last reunion and he was bedridden at that time.
He wished us a great reunion.
CDR Hindon was in VP40 from 1964-1966 and was our skipper during part of that time period
I was notified by his caregiver that Jack Laney passed away on May 12,2016 from a stroke.
Jack retired from the Navy as a captain. Jack was 95 and his wife Alma is still living at the ripe old age of 96.
They have lived in San Diego for years.
His caregiver might attend our reunion and her former husband served on the UI.S.S. Currituck when it was decommissioned., he
might attend as well.
I was notified by his wife that James Barr passed away on 8/27/2016.
Jim was an AO2 while in VP40 from 1952-1954.
If I obtain more information I will post it here
We have another new member in our group
JOE LEATHERWOOD
Joe was in VP40 from 1966-1970. He was an ATR2 while in VP40.. He flew as crew member
in both the P5M and the P3V.
Welcome him aboard.
He will attend the reunion in San Diego, you can catch up on old times with him there.
(providing YOU ARE FORTUNATE TO BE THERE ALSO)
Please welcome another member to our group.
Robert Buie was in VP40 from 3/1966 to 8/1969.
He was a LT and flew as a Tacco in the great P5M2’s
Bob and his wife Pamela reside in CA. I am hoping they can attend our reunion this Oct. in san Diego
WELCOME ABOARD Robert
Harvey Simmons
AT1 Harvey was in VP40 from 1962-1965.
After getting my August 2016 newsletter email sent back to me, I called
and talked to Harvey Simmons wife. I found out he passed away June 27,2014 from
colon cancer. I remember Harvey as he was my family sponsor when I first arrived at Sangley Point in Jan 1963.
I ran into him at what is now called Reagan Airport in VA around 1974, I was in town for FAA business and he was working at the NAval
Armory in town for business also. He called my name out from across the room, I did not recognize him however. We chatted for a few minutes.
It is good to see old friends now and then.
that is a very good reason to attend our reunions as you never when we will see each other again in this life.
I am pleased to welcome our newest member into our group.
PAUL DORMAN
Paul was in VP40 from 1967-1970
He was an RM3, communications/relief radioman.
WELCOME ABOARD PAUL
We are finally having some newer ???? VP40 people join our group. That is what we need to stay
a group, so please welcome him.
Paul and his wife live in Indianapolis, IN.
his email is pdor48@gmail.com
I hope they can attend our reunion.
I want to join the groupVP-40 5/57-7/60===12/65-8/66
ATN3 === AX3
tompaden@pacbell.net
I was informed today by Adam Komisarcik that Ed Feeney passed away in 1/31/2016.
Ed was a LTJG while in VP40 from 1959-1960.
here is his OBIT
Edward Joseph Feeney
1933 – 2016
Edward Joseph Feeney was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 31, 1933. He was the youngest son of Michael J. Feeney and Bridget Devaney Feeney. Eddie, as he was known to his friends and family, attended St John’s University in Brooklyn, New York and St. Joseph’s College in New Jersey. He began his career as a Naval Aviator in 1952 and married Naval Nurse Eleanor Theresa Hanley at Sangley Point in the Philippines on February 27, 1960. His last duty assignment and major command was with the Antarctica Development Squadron. During the course of his U.S. Naval career, Lt. Commander Edward Feeney was awarded the Air Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Antarctica Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, National Defense service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Notably, a six nautical mile long, mainly ice free crest in the Wilson Hills of Antarctica is named Feeney Ridge to honor and commemorate Lt. Commander Edward Feeney’s remarkable career. He retired from the Navy in 1975.
Eleanor and Eddie moved to Pensacola in 1970 and have resided there ever since. Eddie has been an active and devoted member of the Catholic Church, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and an avid golfer.
Edward Feeney was a devoted husband and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor Hanley Feeney as well as by his nieces and nephews including Fran Hanley, John Hanley, Mary Ann Feeney Spinner, Barbara Hanley Kramer, Loretta Feeney Garvey, Thomas Gall and Kelley Gall D’Olivo as well as their spouses and children.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2016 from 5 to 7 pm with the Rosary at 5 pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Pensacola. Entombment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park. –
9/11/2016
I received this email today from Dick’s wife
Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner to give you some info about Dick that can be forwarded to his navy friends. I know Dick enjoyed his stint in the navy and told me of some of his escapades while serving in the Philippines.
Dick passed away on April 13, 2015 of a glio blastoma. He was a healthy man all his life until the diagnosis, of which he had had no symptoms. He was diagnosed in November of 20l4, just a week after we arrived in Florida for the winter months. He had brain surgery in which they took out 80% of his tumor. He came through the surgery beautifully and then underwent chemo, radiation and then double chemo. The tumor grew despite all the treatment. All together, he lived 5 months after his initial diagnosis.
Dick was a wonderful person, kind, caring and he had a quick wit. He was liked/loved by so many people. He earned his doctorate and became superintendent of schools, a job he was vey proud of and worked hard at.
Before retirement we had a lake home where we spent a great deal of time. Dick enjoyed boating, photography, reading and traveling. After retirement we lived in Minnesota 5 months of the year and Florida 7 months of the year
I could not have had a more wonderful husband. He always said we were soulmates, and indeed we were. We have a son who is married and lives in San Francisco, and a daughter who is married and has our only grandchild, Ingrid – 9 years old, living in London, England. We would have been married 50 years in June of 20l5, not nearly long enough. Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of someone you love more than life itself.
Enjoy life, never take for granted each day you are given.
Judi Magnuson
8/7/2016
“Please take Dick’s name off your list as he passed away last year from a glib blastoma.
He was looking forward to finally being able to attend a reunion.
Judi Magnuson
Richard Magnuson joined our group in 2/2012. He was an AT2 while in VP40 from 1961-1963
I will post more info here if I receive any.
Guy
An update from Bob Marley.
Dates with VP40: 16 June 1951 to 12 Oct. 1951 Rate: AL3; Crew No. 4 under Lt.Cdr. Leon Freeman; AL3 Highest rate;
Comments: I was a WW2 veteran recalled to duty in Oct. 1950, assigned to FASRON 110 when VP 40 was being assembled and trained for overseas duty in the Korean War the following June. Our planes were salvaged from WW2, one of which had been with Adm. Byrd on his post WW2 polar expedition. That plane had 3 bladed props. The rest of the VP40’s planes had 4 bladed props. (CA3 was the side no., if my memory serves me right. Our plane was CA4 (Charlie-Able Four) and our squadron radio call sign was “Queen Bee”, hence the Queen Bee in our squadron insignia for which I received $15 for designing.
At the end of our tour in Japan, Lt. Cdr. Leon Freeman and I were assigned to be instructors on a flight with a crew from the squadron relieving VP40. Weather conditions at 5:AM being what they are at that time of year in the Inland Sea of Japan hampering visibility, our plane had just fired its first JATO and was running on the step ready to fire the second when it hit a channel buoy and caught fire and sank in the seaway. There were no casualties fortunately, although we had a full load of fuel and depth charges in the bomb bays. Upon VP40’s return to San Diego, I was discharged to civilian life once more. For that tour of duty I was awarded the Air Medal.
Robert L. Maley.
WE have a new member.
Robert (Bob) Maley has joined our group
Bob was in VP40 from 6/16/1951 to 10/12/1951
He was an AL3 while in the squadron. He lives in La. with his wife Ann.
He is 91 years young.
I have posted some pictures that his son sent me.
WELCOME ABOARD Robert.
members give him a shout out.
His info is posted on our members only section, but here is his email address
papamaley@cox.net
I believe that we lost a member of our group.
GORMAN PONDS. He was in VP40 from 1964-1967. as an E3.
I have not been able to reach him and his mail comes back to me as undeliverable “deceased”
If anyone has any info on him please forward it to me and I will publish it here.
UPDATE:
Jim Feflie sent me the link to Gorman’s OBIT, thank you Jim
PONDS GORMAN LEON
Passed, Monday, November, 11, 2013, Jacksonville, FL. Father of Simone “BB” Gorman-Shawn and Antwaun “PJ” (Amakeda) of Florida; sisters, Shirley, Maudlin, and Ruby; and a loving extended family. Predeceased by parents, Elizabeth and Charles; grandson, Shakkeem; brother and sister, Charles and Jeanette; six grandchildren; three great- grandchildren. A Pittsburgh memorial will be Saturday, November 30, 2013, at 3 p.m. South Avenue U.M. Church, 733 South Ave.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Nov. 18, 2013
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?pid=168081201#sthash.npWPOVza.dpuf
We have a new member to our group
Raymond Wegrzyn. Ray was in VP40 from July 1961 to July 1963.
He was an AE1 in the Electric Shop and was sailor of the month in April 1963.
WELCOME ABOARD Ray.
Ray and his wife Carol will be attending our reunion this Oct. Please welcome them to our group.
His info is posted on our members only pages
I am very pleased to announce the addition of our newest member
Tom A. McClelland (MAC) Mac was in VP40 from 1961 to 1964. He was an AX2 in crews 7 and crew 1, while I was in them also.
He got out of the Navy after VP40 and joined the US Army and retired from the Army. He lives in Texas and he is planning
on attending our reunion in San Diego this Oct. His contact info is listed in our MEMBERS ONLY section. Give him a shout if you remember him or just want to say Howdy.
WELCOME ABOARD TOM