23 DEC 2009
Charlotte Gibbons
Longtime Alaskan C. Elizabeth Gibbons, 72, died Dec. 23, 2009, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. A visitation was held Saturday and and a service Sunday at Garr Funeral Home in Sellersburg, IN. A quiet gathering of family and friends will be arranged in mid-January in Anchorage, AK. Elizabeth was born Jan. 6, 1937, in Sellersburg, IN, to Paul and Emma Dickson. She graduated from Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg. In 1959 she married William "Bill" James Gibbons from Marysville, IN, and together they had five children: Mike, Deanna, Randy, Jody and Tony. Their travels with USAF took them to Columbia and around the United States before they moved to Alaska in June 1974. Elizabeth pursued her love of art and in 1974 she graduated magna cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree from Anchorage Community College. A true Alaskan at heart, Elizabeth loved the snow, especially at Christmastime. Always creative, she enjoyed painting and cross stitch. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and shared her interest in art with them. In recent years she became fascinated by family history and devoted much of her time to genealogy. Elizabeth is survived by her brother, Larry Dickson; sister, Sharon Lankford; daughter and son-in-law, Deanna Gibbons and Rob Price; her sons, Randy, Jody, and Tony; and three grandchildren, Katharine, Joseph and Michele Price. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Gibbons, USAF Retired; her oldest son, Mike Gibbons; her sister, Christine Guernsey; and her parents, Paul and Emma Dickson. Elizabeth was a treasure to all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Submitted By Dale Kingsbury 5 SEP 2009 Alton E. Chamberlin Alton E. Chamberlin, 85, passed away Sept. 5, 2009. He was preceded in death, last December, by his loving wife, LaVona, with whom he shared a wonderful life for 63 years. Al was interred, alongside LaVona, on Sept. 15, 2009, at Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific in Honolulu. Internment followed a dedicating service with full military honors. Al is survived by four children, Gary Chamberlin, and his wife, My, of Honolulu, Roxane Cook, and her husband, Don, of Villa Rica, Ga., Guy Chamberlin, and his wife, Kandy, of Roswell, and Nora Brainerd, and her husband, Tim, of Roswell. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bart Chamberlin, and his wife, Terah, Janet Chamberlin, Jason Cook, Jeremy Cook, Alex Chamberlin and Eryn Chamberlin. Further survivors include sisters-in-law, Mildred Stroade, of San Angelo, Texas, and Tomellen “Tommie” Burnett, of Roswell; nieces, Sherry Dean, Abbie Burnett and Carolyn Stroade; nephew, Mike Burnett; and numerous cousins whom he loved dearly. He was also preceded in death by his parents, E. M. and Jessie E. Chamberlin; stepmother, Ethel Chamberlin; brother, Robert C. “Bob” Chamberlin; brothers-in-law, Clyde Burnett, Fred Stroade and Walter Dean; and sister-in-law, Arbie Dean. Al was born in Florence, Colo., on Aug. 14, 1924, to E.M. and Jessie Chamberlin. He grew up in Borger, Texas, and Madison, Wis., before joining the Army Air Corps in 1943, which became the Air Force in 1947. He had a distinguished 33-year military career, achieving the rank of colonel before retiring in 1976. The military took Al to Walker Air Field in Roswell in 1945, where he met the love of his life, LaVona. Al first trained as a bombardier and, later, a photo mapping specialist with a master navigator rating, having flown thousands of hours in RB-29s, RB-50s and RC-135 aircraft. His missions had him photographing virtually every square mile of this Earth. Travels were extensive and there were many days spent away from home, but that did not deter him from being a devoted and loving husband and father. He made the most of his time with family by sharing his wealth of knowledge, teaching us mechanics, home repair and life skills, “if” we would listen. His love for travel spilled over into family and we would hit the road with an RV whenever we could, traversing the United States like he did the world. After spending nearly three years in Hawaii, Al retired and moved to Roswell, where he and LaVona finished raising their children and continued traveling with various RV associations and groups such as a California Cortez group, and Cactus Sam and Smokey Bear clubs of Roswell. They never missed an opportunity to talk about the many wonderful friends met during these travels. They also loved spending winters in Surprise, Ariz., and on the beach in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. In August 2008, Al and LaVona returned to Hawaii where they resided, enjoying their passion of palm trees, warm tropical breezes and sandy beaches. Al’s life adventure concluded in Hawaii and he now joins his wife once again as they embark on their next journey together, traveling the heavens and watching over us all. Aloha, Dad. 14 JUN 2009 Brigadier General Ralph Steakley, USAF(ret.), Melbourne, FL
Ralph Douglas (Doug) Steakley, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret) died on Sunday, June 14, 2009. Doug was born June 13, 1919 in Columbus, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Maryville College in 1941. Upon graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet, Class 42A. Commissioned a 2nd Lt. in January 1942, he trained on B-17s, but was selected as the Aircraft Commander of a B-29 adapted for photo reconnaissance. Assigned to Saipon on November 1, 1944, he flew the first airplane, "Tokyo Rose", over Tokyo, since the Doolittle raids in 1942, photographing potential targets for bombing by the B-29s. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for this mission. Other missions over Japan included recon flights over Hiroshima and Nagasaki before and after the nuclear bombings. From 1945 to 1947, he was a pilot for Pan American Airlines. Recalled to active duty in 1947 by the newly formed U.S. Air Force, he became the reconnaissance expert in the Air Force, which led to a succession of assignments and promotions. As Deputy Director for Reconnaissance, J-3 of the Joint Staff, he was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Pueblo Incident, and the attack on the Liberty. Some medals received were the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Joint Chief of Staff Service Badge. Retiring from the Air Force in 1970, he joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation as Assistant to the General Manager of the Oceanic Division and Manager, Special Programs Division until 1985. In 1990, he moved with Mary, his wife of 44 years, to the Indian River Colony Club, Melbourne, FL, where he gave his considerable talents to bingo, bass fishing, and helping his neighbors. He was a Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America, as well as a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers, the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, and the Order of the Daedalians. Survivors include his wife, Mary Wilson Huggins of Melbourne, FL; sons, Douglas Steakley, Jr. (wife, Jackie; daughter, Nicole) of Carmel Valley, CA, James Steakley of Madison, WI, and Bruce Steakley (wife, Caryn and daughter, Emily) of McLean, VA; brother, Wiley Steakley of Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery on September 30, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the IRCC Foundation, 1936 Freedom Drive, Melbourne, FL 32940; Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice, PO Box 565002, Melbourne, FL 32940; or the Brevard Alzheimers Foundation, Inc., 4676 N. Wickham Rd., Melbourne, FL 32935. Published in FLORIDA TODAY on June 21, 2009 4 MAY 2009 Lewis Courson He passed away May 4 at the age of 88. Thank you for keeping in touch with him. He really enjoyed his association with the Photomappers. Blessings Submitted By Pam Courson 28APR2009 Vilott, Warren Vincent, MSGT, USAF, Retired
Warren V. Vilott passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at his home north of Alamogordo surrounded by his family. He was born Dec. 18, 1919. Submitted By his daughter, Vickie Rought 14APR2009 Colonel Charles F. Knierim, USAF, Ret.
Charles Frederick Knierim, 94, of Macon, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009.
Col. Knierim was born July 5, 1914 in Bryceland, La., to Thomas Albert and Myrtle Henson Knierim. He grew up in Natchitoches, La., and attended Louisiana Normal College.
Col. Knierim joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at 19 years of age as a Private and retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force. He served in both North Africa and Europe during World War II and was responsible for the aerial reconnaissance that remapped Europe following the war.
During the Korean conflict he commanded a reconnaissance squadron. During his 35-year career Col. Knierim served in numerous command and staff positions to include commanding several reconnaissance squadrons and being a member of the faculty of the National War College. He retired as Commander of Charleston (S.C.) Air Force Base. He was a lifetime member of the Order of the Daedalions. His military decorations include Master Pilot Wings and the Legion of Merit w/OLC. He was also a Life Member of The Air Force Photo Mapping Association
Col. Knierim was a member of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and the Solomon Fellowship Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Macon Golden Kiwanis Club.
Col. Knierim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Mary Ragsdale Knierim, his brothers Thomas Albert, Jr. and William Robert, and his sister Cornelia Knierim.
Col. Knierim is survived by his daughters Jane Knierim McDaniel, and her husband David, of Social Circle, Ga., and Alice Knierim of Macon; three grandchildren, Katherine McDaniel Hiu, and her husband Eric, Maj., U.S. Army, of Portsmouth, Va., Matthew Frederick Knierim McDaniel, and his wife, Dorothy, of Columbus, Ga., and Thomas Roberts McDaniel, and his wife Suzanne, of Statham, Ga.; and three great granddaughters, Jesse Nicole Filyaw-Hiu, Alexa Grace Malia Hiu, and Ana Claire Leilani Hiu of Portsmouth, Va.
A memorial service will be held at 2P.M., Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Social Circle United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Rollins officiating.
Macon,GA Telegraph
17MAR2009
Earl Strong
From: Margaret Strong
Subject: AFPMA TAPS
To: Dennis Davis
Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 10:18 PM
Just received the newsletter today and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
However, I must advise you of the death of my sweetheart:
Earl Strong, Major/USAF (Ret.) departed this life March 17, 2009, in Mineral Wells, TX
His heart has always been with the USAF and his years with the 1370th Photomapping. I have always been so very proud of him and miss him like crazy! Hope you will keep sending me your newsletters and keeping me up to date with all that's going on.
Sincerely .... Margaret V. Strong
2105 SE 10th Street
Mineral Wells, TX 76067
9MAR2009
Russell "Russ" Mass
Russell "Russ" Mass of Durango, CO, passed away on 9 March 2009
Submitted by Dale Kingsbury
4MAR2009
Contos, Veronica (Flease)
Veronica Contos, age 88, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. She was born in Weyauwega, Wisconsin August 16, 1920 and raised on the family farm as the oldest of six siblings. She served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where she meet and married Roman Contos. The Contos family were stationed in Colorado, Florida, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, Kansas, Georgia, and in Ohio at Wright Patterson in 1963 which they made their home. Ronnie was very devoted and active member of St. Helens Catholic Church. She leaves behind to honor her life, her beloved husband Roman, her loving daughters Ann Dolphin of Bellbrook, Susan Contos of Denver, Colorado, and Margaret (Peggy) Gates of Chesterfield, Virginia, and her loving son Roman Contos Jr. of Dayton; Grandchildren: Todd, Shannon, Roman III, Nicholas, Rachel, and Andy; Great Grandson Hayden. Also survived are her three brothers Clair, Pete and Bob Flease; sisters Naomi Johnson and Virginia Heenan. A memorial service will be held for her on Monday, March 9, 11:00 AM, at St. Helens, Catholic Church. The family requests that in place of flowers, donations be made to St. Helens Church.
Published in the Dayton Daily News on 3/7/2009
Submitted by Dale Kingsbury
27FEB2009
Donald F. Coyner
Colonel Donald F. Coyner (USAF retired), 85 of Bradenton, FL. slipped the surely bonds of earth, put out his hand and touched the face of God on Feb. 27, 2009.
Col. Coyner was born in Winchester, IN, on Nov. 16, 1923. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Ruth; brother and sister-in-law William and Polly Coyner and sister Marie Brock and their families; sons Donald Coyner II, Robert Coyner and Sam Coyner; daughters Ann Carmichael and Mary Mix; son-in-law Craig Mix, and daughters-in-law Rosalie Coyner, Susan Coyner, and Emily Coyner; his nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A former athlete, combat and rescue pilot, and a WWII and Vietnam veteran, Don retired to Bradenton and was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Bradenton Country Club as well as a dedicated community volunteer. His love of family, country and God was exemplary. Throughout his life, Col. Coyner touched many people and positively influenced their lives. He was a highly respected citizen of Manatee County for the past thirty years. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6311 3rd Ave. West, Bradenton, FL on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 10:30 am. A military internment service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Submitted by Bob Storr
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