Eural Dean Armstrong Jr., of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 4th, 2023. Dean was born on March 11th, 1943 to Eural Dean Armstrong Sr. And Virginia Voncille Armstrong in Kensett, Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Merced, California in the San Joaquin Valley. He moved back to Arkansas at age 16, when he bought his first Model-A. On April 25th, 1968 he married Rose Williams Armstrong, the love of his life. They were married for 54 happy years. They were blessed with three children, David, Kelley, and Steven. Dean worked as a boilermaker and blacksmith for the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years. He was also proud of his jobs at Kennedy Space Center and on pipelines, missile bases and high-rise construction. He served his country in the army as a Specialist 5 during the Vietnam war. Dean had numerous hobbies that he loved to share with others, including gardening, crappie fishing, woodworking, welding, cooking delicious meals for his family, working on his Model-A and other antique cars, camping, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving. He loved caring for animals and provided a loving home for dogs, cats, rabbits, bees, geese, owls, raccoons, and horses. He was loved by everyone who knew him and never met a stranger. He entertained his family with colorful stories of his many adventures.
In Memory: Larry E Appleby
Larry Appleby of Oxford Junction, passed away peacefully Monday, July 25, 2016, at Jones Regional Medical Hospital in Anamosa surrounded by his family. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Legionnaire in Oxford Junction. His visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lahey Funeral Home in Oxford Junction. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello.
Larry Eugene Appleby was born Feb. 26, 1949, in Iowa City, to Freddie and Luella (Boots) Appleby. He married the love of his life, Mary Kay Fedderson, on Aug. 8, 1969, in Anamosa. He served in the U.S. Army for eight years, enlisting in 1966.
Larry worked for Iowa Steel in Cedar Rapids, Wilson Food and IAC in Iowa City. He was a member of Harley Hogs. He enjoyed to fish, hunt, camp and travel. Larry also enjoyed gambling. He loved spending time with his family and friends. The neighborhood kids often enjoyed his company and knew him as Grandpa or Uncle Larry. He enjoyed time with his dogs, they were his boys.
In Memory: Robert G. Ferrari
Retired Army Col Robert G. Ferrari passed away Aug 8, 2021 at age 84 after a long battle with a variety of health issues, which he battled ferociously to the very end. He was proud of his family, his friends, his notable life accomplishments, and his military commitment to serving his country throughout the world over a 30-year span.
Bob’s military career consisted of numerous challenging deployments in Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Utah, Heidelberg, Germany, the Panama Canal Zone, and two year-long tours in Vietnam. He excelled in leadership positions throughout his career.
In the military, Bob was awarded two Bronze Medals, an Air Medal for Combat service, two Legion of Merit medals, two Meritorious Service medals, and a peacetime Humanitarian Service medal.
Bob distinguished himself his entire life as a star athlete at Bishop Manogue High School (he’s in the Manogue Hall of Fame) and later earned eight varsity letters in three sports at the University of Nevada. After retirement from the military in 1988, Bob was asked by Gov. Richard Bryan to serve the State of Nevada and clean up the backlog of buildings overseen by the Public Works Boards. In four years, Bob supervised the completion of the new Carson City Supreme Court and State Library, the Ely and Lovelock prisons, DRI faculty in Las Vegas, UNLV Health Science Building, Community College facilities in Las Vegas, Henderson, Elko, Carson City and Reno. He then served Washoe County as an educator for seven years teaching Technology at Sparks Middle School and coaching girl’s basketball. After his second retirement he became a successful developer of family properties.
Over the years, Bob and his family were quiet philanthropists, donating generously to schools and numerous local non-profits. Some of his notable ongoing contributions were to the University of Nevada Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Truckee Meadows and North Lake Tahoe, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, The Catholic Services Appeal, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and Bishop Manogue High School.
His academic achievements were noteworthy. Bob was Valedictorian at Manogue before graduating from the University of Nevada with a degree in Civil Engineering and a teaching certificate. While serving in the army, Bob received a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Utah, and completed the Army War College.
Bob met wife Audrey Bernard at the university, and they married in 1959. They were married for 61 years before her passing in 2020. She was an excellent army wife and they raised four children that were adaptable army brats stationed all over the US and abroad. Many of Bob’s deployments to war and natural disasters left Audrey and the children at home, where they were very active in sports and activities. Bob always found time to coach and participate when he was not deployed. In later years, he loved to watch his grandchildren play ball and dance, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Wolf Pack. The older grandchildren affectionately called him Nonno, until his oldest granddaughter coined the name Bobbo and it stuck.
In Memory: Jack A “Doc” Manick
Jack “Doc” Arnold Manick, 74, of Vero Beach, FL passed away, September 17th, 2022.
Born December 9, 1947 at Rahway, New Jersey, Jack was a son of the late Elmer & Mary Yanso Manick.
Jack was a United States Army Veteran who proudly served his country as a medic during the Vietnam War.
After returning home & receiving an honorable discharge, Jack continued his education and graduated from Stockton State College in 1973. He then worked as a Medical Technologist at the VA Hospital in East Orange, NJ.
While he may have been employed as a Data Base Administrator in finance for several fortune 500 companies over the years, Jack’s true passion was depicting images through words. He was an accomplished author having penned & published several books from his accounts as a war medic to art specialty pieces, for which he received several awards.
When he wasn’t writing or working in data processing, Jack could be found tending to his vegetable garden and working around the house.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Dailey Manick; two brothers, Elmer Manick & Jeff Manick; and many other loving family & friends.
In Memory: Frederick D Adams
Frederick David Adams was born April 20th, 1947 in Findlay, Ohio to Frederick O. Adams, and Sarah E. (Allen) Adams. Fred died of complications due to Congestive Heart Failure at Blanchard Valley Hospital early Monday morning, February 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Adams; mother, Sarah Adams; ex-wife, Rita Adams; and granddaughter, Johnae Jones. He is survived by his sister, Vici Adams-Hill; daughter, Tisha M. Adams (Joe Thames); sons: Frederick D. Adams Jr, (Wendy Adams), Scott P. Adams (Teasha Adams), and Barry Adams; lifelong companion, Jan Ickes; 14 Grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Fred graduated in the second class of the new Findlay High School in 1965, at the age of 18.
He worked for the Ohio State Department of Highways for one year before enlisting in the Army. He completed basic training at Ft. Benning and was assigned to the heavy equipment school at Ft. Belvoir, VA. In 1967, Fred was sent to Ft. Knox and assigned to the US Army Armor and Engineer Board, where the Army tested prototype weapons and equipment before being used on the front line. Fred worked with the Sheridan M551 tank, the Raider, and the new 715 Jeep/truck. He would stay there until October of 1967, when orders were cut for him to go to Vietnam. Fred arrived in Pleiku in December of 1967 with the 62nd Maintenance Battalion, providing direct support to various units stationed at Engineer Hill, Pleiku, Vietnam. (In his little free time, Fred used a Fujica and then a Pennee camera to capture amazing pictures of daily military life in Vietnam.) Upon his return to civilian life, the military life was still in his blood, however, and Fred enlisted in the Ohio National Guard, where he served with the 837th Engineers from 1973 to 1983. He transferred to the Army Reserves in Toledo and served until 1990. He left the Army with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Fred stayed active in his community, working closely with the Junior Achievement program at Marathon and being a Cubmaster for Pack 322 for more than ten years. He has spoken for years at local schools about his Vietnam war experiences. He was a member of the Amvets, DAV, and the VFW. He was head steward, trustee, and lifelong member of Mason Chapel AME church, and was instrumental in getting the church recognized as an Ohio historical edifice. Fred has achieved many awards and accolades, including Hancock County Veteran of the Year.
In Memory: James Ellis Hays
James Ellis Hays, one of eleven children of James Oliver and Eleanor Mary Spratley Hays of Columbus Ohio, died on September 7, 2022.
He served five years in the Army before entering the US Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1954. Upon graduation, he entered the Army Corp of Engineers and served 35 years in an Army uniform. Highlights from his career included participation in the Berlin Airlift after WWII and served in various overseas locations: Germany, South Korea, Vietnam, and Israel. He ended his career at the rank of Full Colonel. After retiring from the Army, he was employed by Smith Hinchmen and Grylls, Detroit Michigan as VP of their Civil Engineering Division. He also held distinguished positions in several military and civilian engineering societies and organizations.
He was married to Pauline Mary Filiberti of Newburgh, NY on June 10, 1954, two days after his West Point graduation, and for 68 years was her loving husband.
His accomplishments included:
- Bachelors of Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
- Masters of Science, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL
- Licensed Professional Engineer, Michigan
- 1980-2022: Consultant and Member, Board of Directors, Ohio Steel Industries, Columbus, OH
- 1983-1984: President, West Point Society of Michigan
- 1963-1986: Member, Vice President and President, Bloomfield Village Assoc, Birminghan, MI
- 1984-1986: Member, Board of Directors, Detroit Council, Boy Scouts of America
- 1968-2022: Fellow, Societ of American Military Engineers
- President, Detroit Post, 1974-75
- Founder and President, Illinois Post 1977-1978
- Board of Directors, Detroit Post 1981-1995
- American Societ of Civil Engineers, Life Member
- National Society of Professional Engineers, Life Member
- Fellow, Michigan Society of Professional Engineers
- Honorary Member of Chi Epsilon
In Memory: Ray W Monger [C Co …1965-66]
Ray William Wayne Monger, 71 of Elkton, passed away on October 13, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. Mr. Monger was born September 15, 1941, near Elkton, and was the son of the late Floyd Weaver and Virginia Alger Monger. Ray grew up in Elkton, was a member of Bethel United Church of Christ, and attended the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church for more than fifty years. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and retired from Merck & Company, where he worked for twenty-nine years. He was a member of the McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Company. On June 10, 1964, he married, Vivian Magalis Monger, who survives. Also surviving are Sons, Neil Monger & wife, Carla, Elkton, Mark Monger & wife, Pam, McGaheysville; a daughter, Rhonda Long & husband, Chip, Penn Laird; brothers, Gerald Monger & wife, Jerry, Phillip Monger & wife, Mary Jane, all of Elkton, Larry Monger & wife, Judy, Harrisonburg; sisters, Loyce Hensley, Janet Secrist & Eddie, all of Elkton, Linda Monger, McGaheysville, Wanda (Susie) Knicely & husband, Charlie, Dayton, Debbie Correa & husband, Joe, Weyers Cave, Vivian Michael & husband, Donnie, Madison; Grandchildren, Cori Monger, Laura Waldron & husband, Zach, Kyle Monger, Cole Monger, Grayson Long, Gannon Long; Step-grandchildren, Pvt. Jordan Lilly, U.S. Army,& wife, Jillian, Jordan Long, Logan Long; and one great-grandson, Henry Waldron; mother-in-law, Arliss Magalis.
In Memory: LtCol Edward L. Winton
Lieutenant Colonel Edward L. Winton, Combat Engineer, United States Army, passed this life on July 25, 2020, at the age of 83.
He was born in Coffee County to the late Yancey and Ada Winton. He will be interred on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 10 a.m. in the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama, with full military honors.
Ed lived his life with love and a focus on others. He was well known for his generosity and selfless investments in the well-being of those around him. Ed was quick to tell a joke, lift a spirit, provide counsel to so many, and/or intercede with prayer. Ed was also beloved by every child he met. Ed’s life will leave a lasting impact on his family and friends.
He graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1956 and Auburn University in 1962 at which time he received his commission. He held a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and was a graduate of The Command and General staff College and the Logistic portion of the National War College. Most of his service was in Europe and Southeast Asia (two assignments in Vietnam). He received many awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal for service as a Combat Engineer Company Commander in Vietnam. He served as an Associate Professor of Military Science on staff as Adjutant at North Georgia Military College. His last assignment was senior on-site professor for Command and General Staff College students enrolled in the United States Army Reserve School, Birmingham, Alabama. Lt. Col. Winton, as a civilian, served ten years as the Chief of Information Management for the Mobile District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and was a member of the local Chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers.
Lt. Col. Winton was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Tullahoma and Azalea Hills Christian Church in Mobile, Ala. At the time of his death, was a member of The Woodlands Christian Church in The Woodlands, Texas. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of American which contributed to his sons becoming Eagle Scouts.
Next Reunion Scheduled for April 2023
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Date and Location for our 2023 Reunion has been set: Location: Branson, MO, Radisson Hotel Dates: Monday Evening, April 17 – Thursday morning, April 20, 2023 ───────────────────── |
| Roger and I spent quite a while searching for a different venue to hold another “reunion” next year. We attempted to find something in the Indiana and Ohio area for next October … but couldn’t find anything that worked or that wasn’t already booked. So, since we needed to be in Branson anyway in April, we decided to take another look at holding our next reunion there, and the Radisson can accommodate us during the 3rd week, which is perfect for us as it’s smack in the middle between two events for which we need to be back east anyway.
For anyone looking to travel via RV to the area, Musicland Campground (over behind the Titanic) is a short walk to the Radisson and we’ve already made our reservations to park our diesel coach there while we’re hosting the Reunion at the Radisson and for the week thereafter for another event. We’ll be arriving there on the 16th, the day before the 70th Engineer Reunion begins. Here’s what we’ve got set up thus far: Room Rates: Room rates will be $119.00 plus tax which works out to ~$135.00. Those rates are good for 3 days prior as well as 3 days after our event, just in case you want to spend some extra time in the area. We went conservative in setting up an initial room block for just 25 rooms each night. If need be, it looks like we shouldn’t have problems expanding that block at this point. Room reservations should be made directly with the Radisson-Branson and let them know you’re registering to attend the 70th Engineer Reunion when making your reservations. You need to make your reservations with the hotel directly, no later than March 17, 2023. MEALS: Included with your room reservation will be, tickets for Hot Breakfasts each morning. We’re looking to “plan” only one meal this time, a banquet on Wednesday evening to keep registration costs down. As at past reunions, we’re planning a “buffet” style banquet meal that will include:
That should keep registration fees on the order of $65/person (as we’ll need to pay for the meal and the banquet room set up). We haven’t planned any formal activity for Tuesday evening, opting instead to leave that open for folks to check out a show or just enjoy what’s available about town, individually or as groups. As we get closer to the Reunion, we’ll contact the Chamber of Commerce to see what shows might be playing that week and let you know once we have that info. This will be the 4th reunion we’ve held in Branson … which always has our largest attendance numbers. We’re hoping those attendance numbers will hold true as we’ve missed seeing you guys and we’re looking forward to sharing some good times with you again. We’ll be sending out the registration form in early January 2023 and will need to receive those back by March 15th to be able to confirm the number of “meals” with the Radisson ─────────────── |
May They Rest in Peace
Each time it’s been a while since sending out an email announcement to folks for whom we have email addresses, I dread looking through the “bounces” (emails that weren’t deliverable). Sometimes it just means inboxes are full or that someone has changed their internet provider (or dumped the internet altogether). But, other times, it means someone is no longer with us. This time, we had 35 bounces and as I did a search for obituaries for each of those 35 names, I sadly found 10 who are no longer with us:
.. Joseph Bollig … HQ Co 1969 … 02/26/21 .. Delbert J Brown … A Co 1969 … 08/30/21 .. George Burnley … Austria … 08/27/19 .. Leroy Edward Clayton … B Co … 04/08/16 .. Leonard Culliver … B Co … 03/02/14 .. William E Dwelly … HQ Co … 04/22/21 .. Jay Henry Greener … HQ Co 68-69 … 01/20/20 .. Gerry Lee ‘Jerry” Hajduk … A Co 1969 … 04/23/20 .. Daniel Parnell … A Co 1969 … 05/12/21 .. William Lee Sutherland … D Co 68-69 … 03/17/21If you’ve changed your email address in the past few years or would like to receive email announcements related to our upcoming reunion. Please enter your name and email address in the “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” fields in the right-hand column and click “submit.”