ORVILLE
PRITCHARD
photo by Bob Fitzgerald
from Fall Social
15-Nov-2009
Memorial service will be Tuesday, 11-May-2010 at 10:00 am in the Chapel at
Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 >>-> MAP <-<<
Sacramento Bee Obituary 9-May-2010. Guest book also available.
":FYI: I was informed this morning by a mutual friend & neighbor of Orv's that he passed away yesterday, Saturday, April 24th. Chief Moses says that Orv was on duty Thursday as a volunteer at the Retiree Activities Office at McClellan and seemed fine then. He appeared in good health Friday evening, but Saturday he suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital by a Sacramento Fire Dept Emergency Response Team. He was revived and talking for about twenty minutes when he had another arrest and could not be revived."
27-Apr Update fm Dale:
"I was informed today while at the McClellan RAO that arrangements for Orv Pritchard are on hold pending the arrival of his son, Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Pritchard, USCG. SCPO Pritchard's anticipated arrival in Sacramento is on Monday, 3 May."
Orv was very active in our West Coast Chapter (WCC) organization, also during AFTAC Worldwide Reunion planning sessions here in Sacramento. Orv was the WCC "Director At Large" from Oct 2001 to Dec 2005, and then became the WCC "Assistant Chairman Of The Board of Directors" in Dec 2005, a post he held until his death. His passing will leave a hole that will be hard to fill and we all will miss him. … Bob Fitzgerald
RICHARD
DAVIS Jr.
photo from the obituary
Per information sent to us by Richard's wife, Marlene, via email on 1-May:
":My beloved Husband, Richard D Davis Jr, passed away on April 21, 2010. address is P O Box 318 , Jaffrey, NH 03452"
Please see the Obituary for Richard Davis Jr.
published by Cournoyer Funeral Home, Jaffery, NH where you can also sign a guest card.
Quoting from portions of the published obituary:
… "Dick was a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association; a lifetime member and Past Commander of VFW Post #5613 in Jaffrey, Past Commander and member of Post #11 American Legion of Jaffrey, lifetime member of Post #38 American Legion of Fitzwilliam; he was a Past District Commander of the American Legion District 1 in NH and a member of the ‘40 & 8’, the organization for leaders of the American Legion." …
JOHN ABBOTT
7/5/1937-3/3/2010
photo from obit pub
in The Oregonian
":John Abbott was among the finest NCO's I encountered in 28 years of service, and 333 was where we first met. If you can get a notice in the Alumni News I'd be appreciative." … Bob Miller
Please click on this link to " The Oregonian" for John Abbott's obituary & guest book published 6-Mar-2010.
GERALD E.
PRESSLEY
Photo not available
"Gerald E. Pressley 80 of Smartsville passed away February 8, 2010. Private Services. Arrangements are under the direction of Holycross Memorial Services."
In an email message on 13 Feb 2010 from John Lanigan, John says: "I talked to Gerry's daughter, Ruth Pressley Thayer who told me there would be a cremation and without any formal services. Gerry was a long time member of 1009th SWS, 1035th USAF FAG and AFTAC. I do not know his service history but I believe his final assignment in AFTAC was in the 'Q' system."
ALLEN J. "AJ"
JOHNSON
Photo not available
"We regret to inform you that Allen J. “AJ” Johnson died on Monday, 11 January 2010 of natural causes. He was 62, a licensed pilot, Expert class HAM radio operator, a professional photographer and a senior programmer. Specially selected and trained in nuclear physics, AJ served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 through 1971 during Viet Nam. An Honors Graduate of Centennial High School, Pueblo , Colorado , AJ worked with IBM for 22 years, JPMorgan Chase Bank for 10 and, most recently, was employed as a Middleware Specialist by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas . His family is holding a memorial with military honors in Pueblo on 23 January. He is survived by his wife, Morgan Harper Johnson, his son, Allen J. Johnson II, his brother, Ed Wheeler, and his sisters, Van Pace, Noelle Faricy, Evera Wheeler and Deidre Mihelich, together with their families. His loss is mourned by friends and colleagues and his step-daughters, Laura Edwards and Heather Hancock."
Franz "Herb"
Dettmer
from photo in the
Sacramento Bee obit
Herb had a fall and broke his leg in May 2009 from which he never fully recovered. In addition to Lannie Hayes, (Herb's daughter), Esther Rogoyawa, a full time care giver, took care of Herb for the last 5 years. Lannie said that Herb also had two hospice care workers at home for the last week before his death.
Herb is survived by his sister, Marion Stenberg of Bellevue, Washington; - three loving daughters and sons-in-law: Lannie and Jim Hayes of Folsom, Cathy and Wayne Zahm of Arvada, Colorado, and Connie and Martin Dourte of Albuquerque, NM; as well as four grandchildren: Stephanie Moss of Folsom, Michelle Hanson of Arvada, Colorado, Krista Dourte of Austin, Texas, and Katie Dourte of Nashville, Tenn.; and three great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Austin Hanson and James Moss. Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife Jane, his daughter and son-in-law, Krista and William Martin and grandchild Sara Jane Martin.
10am, Tuesday, 24 November 2009 at Christ The King Lutheran Church,
5811 Walnut, Orangevale, CA 95662.
Seen attending the services from the WCC were: Col & Mrs Al Pavik, John Miner,
Peggy Rheault, Bob & Darlene Fitzgerald, Charlie Penn and Joe Johnson.
I met Col Dettmer when as a SSgt I was first assigned in Apr 1964 to the 1155th TOS / MCL. I reported to TSgt John Miner in the Counting Room who reported to Col Dettmer. I had so much admiration and respect for Col Dettmer that I volunteered in Apr 1967 for a 2.5 yr assignment to Det 202 in Alaska where Col Dettmer was then the Detachment Commander. All of us thought the world of him and would have followed him anywhere. … Bob Fitzgerald
I am saddened by the news of Colonel Dettmer's passing. I served under him at Det 202 along with Bob Fitzgerald from Nov67 to Mar69. Even after all these years I remember what a kind gentle person he was. To Bob and all who knew him, I extend an upraised hand to toast Col Dettmer and those magic years. … Sincerely, Gary Hamm, Westminster, CO.
Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones, passed away 02Aug2009 from a 2nd heart attack while in the hospital recovering from a 1st one. Orville had thought that Bobby Jones, along with Bo Ferris & Jim Davis were the 1st three SEO's, however, Jim "Red" Davis says in an email dtd 9Aug2009:
"Bo Ferris, Bobby Jones and I WERE NOT the ORIGINAL SEO'S...we may have been among the first, however I remember names like M/Sgt Thomas Hollingsworth, Ted Simms, Richard Brown, Dick MacCulsky, John Lanigan, Charlie Heckman Van Winkler, Cook, Chandler, Moles, Moran and a few others that I simply can't remember their names were there before we got there in 1953."
Sharer-Nightingale Funeral Chapel in Sacramento. Orville Pritchard gave the eulogy.
Note: To sign a guest comment card &/or read Bobby's obituary
as published 11Aug09 in the Sacramento Bee <<-<< click there
The prayers of all our AFTAC Alumni are with Helen.
Clifford "Bo" Ferris
from Nov 2007 Fall Social
Clifford "Bo" Ferris
as a TSgt - Rcvd from
Daniel Meyer, Step Son
Clifford "Bo" Ferris, USAF Retired, passed away at 2pm, 18 June 2009.
Per telecon from Bob Dean 22Jun:
Funeral Services were to be held at the VA Cemetery near Igo, CA, Map to Igo, CA.
on Monday, 29 June 2009 at 12:45pm.
UPDATE received 25Jun:
Thanks to Bo's Step Son, Daniel Meyer, Sr Chief Petty Officer, USCG Ret., we have both the obituary and the memorial available here in Adobe.pdf format:
You may also view the obituary & sign the guest book
as published in the Record Searchlight Newspaper in Redding, CA.
The prayers of all our AFTAC Alumni are with Deannie.
RICHARD
E. BURRY
Photo not available
Our thanks to John & Chris Horsch, our Florida Chapter "Post Monitor" Editors, whom were able to find his obituary through their local "Florida Today" newspaper research ability.
Richard E. Burry
Richard Burry, 77, of Lee's Summit (Missouri) passed away March 17, 2009 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Private graveside services were at Lee's Summit Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lee's Summit meals on wheels or American Cancer Society . (Arr. Langsford Funeral Home, Lee's Summit)
LEONARD DENNEY
IN UNIFORM
Our thanks to Bud Denney, brdenney@centurytel.net, Leonard's son, who first alerted us, then provided your webmaster with the photos, a link to the obit, and a copy of the eulogy he gave for his dad (excerpts of which are included here).
Excerpts of the EULOGY by Bud Denney: (To read all of it, please click here: EULOGY.)
Leonard Alvin Denney was born in Ola, Arkansas in Yell County. For all the fans who remember him at sporting events, Yell County makes a lot of sense. Ola, Arkansas had a population of 1,227 in the 2000 census; his affinity for small towns now makes sense as well. .......
....... In 1962 SMSgt (Senior Master Sergeant), Leonard A. Denney was nominated for "Outstanding Airman of the Year." Because of this, we have the following Biographical Report used in the submission for this award. "SMSgt Leonard A. Denney was born in Ola Arkansas, December 24, 1926. He .......
....... In June 1959 Sgt Denney was assigned to Det 205, 1155 TOS. At this time his family returned to their home town, Neah Bay, Washington. After completing this overseas tour he was assigned to 1155 tech Ops, Sq, McClellan AFB, Calif. His family accompanied him to this station. His fourth child, a girl was born there in May of 1961. He received his promotion to Senior Master Sergeant 1 Mar 1962.
JACK ALLISON
From 2008-2009
Officers Group photo
by Bob Fitzgerald
Jack retired, with just under 26 years active service, on 01Jun1974 at McClellan AFB, CA.
Here are excerpts from an article published by Dale Klug in the April 2009 issue of the "Depot Fallout":
(For all the details, please read Dale's well written NL article available from our 'Fallout' page.)
ALLISON, Jack G, LtCol, USAF, Retired, AFTAC Alumni West Coast Chapter President. Born in Coburg, Oregon, on November 21, 1924 and passed away on 24 Jan 2009, at age 84.
... His first tour of duty was on Tinian Island in the Pacific flying missions over Japan. While there he became aware of a special top secret project on the opposite side of the island which turned out to be the airfield from which the Enola Gay launched to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. As the war wound down, Jack's group dropped food supplies to US prisoners of war held in Japan which helped extend the lives of many of our soldiers.
... assignment was to 1035th Field Activities Group Headquarters in Washington DC in the early 60s; then on to Detachment 057, Lowry AFB Colorado. While there, Major Allison made frequent trips to Lackland AFB TX to interview and select basic trainees for Lowry's Special Electronic Equipment Technician School. Jack's next assignment was to Vietnam for a year. There he was exposed to Agent Orange, an exposure that would be ultimately fatal. After Vietnam, Jack was assigned to the 1155th Technical Operations Squadron, McClellan AFB California, where he served as Personnel Officer until he retired on 1 Jun 1974.
... article sparked his interest and lead him to Moller International to help work on a personal size "flying car". The Moller Skycar is a prototype personal VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, called a "volantor" by its inventor Dr Paul Moller ...
In addition to being the 2007-2009 WCC President, Jack was chairman of our Board of Directors, 1999-2001, and a vital part of our past AFTAC worldwide reunions. He was a co-chairman for the very first AFTAC reunion held in Sacramento in Jun 1983 as well as the last one held here in May 2005.
Jack was interred in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on March 20. Along with many family members, friends and co-workers, about 20 AFTAC alumni attended the memorial service with an Air Force color guard providing full military honors. A reception and tour of Moller International in Davis CA followed the memorial service.
Editor's Note: Clark Wilberg, Dennis Ramey, Ralph Simonton & Dale Klug were among those interviewed by Jack in the 60s.
WILLARD ARMINTROUT
Sacramento Bee
Obituary Notice
death notice that was published in the Sacramento Bee in Oct 2008:
LtCol WILLARD C. ARMINTROUT, USAF Retired.
Born in Piketon, Ohio on June 12, 1931 and passed away peacefully at home October 1, 2008. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. He is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Peggy; 2 sons, Will Jr. (Betty) of Folsom, CA, Jeff of Florida & daughter Kristi (Steve) of Valley Springs, CA; 6 grand children & 5 great grand children; sister Janie & 3 nieces of Ohio. Friends are welcome for visitation on Mon., October 6th from 4-7pm, and funeral services on Tues., October 7th at 11am at LIND BROTHERS MORTUARY, and burial will be at the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Call Home Care & Hospice 6929 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 180, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, or a charity of your choice.
JIM LUCAS
From May 2007
WCC Picnic Album
by Dave Price
MSgt JAMES S. "JIM" LUCAS, USAF Retired.
Born 7Nov1926, passed away on 24Jan2009 at age 82 in Minerva, OH.
Jim had been having heart problems for some time and in late September 2008 suffered a stroke and fell while walking. His daughter, Sabra Lucas, arrived on 01Oct2008 and Jim decided to sell his home in North Highlands and move to Ohio to be with her. The home sold very quickly and on 09Nov2008 they drove back to Ohio. On 24Jan2009, Jim had a massive coronary and passed away.
Jim worked for many years at the 1155th Tech Ops Squadron, McClellan Central Laboratory (MCL) before his retirement in August 1978. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie. He was interred 02Feb2009 at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, Fair Oaks, CA. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Sabra Lucas, 501 N. Market St., Minerva, OH 44657.
Dale also says that the family did not have an obituary published and that he obtained most of the above information during a phone call with Jim's daughter.
Add'l comment by Bob Fitzgerald, WCC Webmaster:
Jim was our reunion Treasurer and a vital part of most of our reunion planning committees for past AFTAC World-Wide Reunions held here in Sacramento. Since I was the Reunion Registrar for most of those, Jim and I worked very closely together on them. Until he left the area in November 2008, Jim was also a member of the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association, for which he, Nick Pketza, who is a fellow 1155th TOS Alumni, and I enjoyed the monthly District #5 Jam Sessions at the Orangevale Grange Hall.
BILL MULLINAX
Photo not available
at this time
SMSgt BILLY R. MULLINAX, USAF Retired.
Born 27Jun1931. Passed away 27Jan2009.
A U.S. Air Force veteran who proudly served his country for 29 years. Bill was born on June 27, 1931 in Gadsden, AL and left us on Tuesday January 27, 2009 in Sacramento, CA at age 77. Bill loved football and coached at many levels, from Pop Warner to semi-professional. Bill was also an avid golfer who enjoyed playing a round or two with his friends when his health allowed. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jane Mullinax, and his three sons, David, Richard, and William. Bill is also survived by his three beautiful grandchildren who always made him smile, Kayla, Alex, and Tracy. The family will be holding a private service.
Note: This info was repeated from his death notice published in the Sacramento Bee
VINCENT BAUMAN
Photo not available
at this time
The following was received from John Bauman (Vincent's son):
LtCol VINCENT A BAUMAN, USAF Retired.
Passed away 28Dec2008 at the age of 91.
(This is) an obituary letter to the Alumni Assn for my father, Lt Col (Ret) Vincent A. Bauman. My father was very proud of his membership in AFTAC and the Association, and I know that he would want his friends and associates to know of his passing. Thanks very much, Sincerely, John V. Bauman, Colonel USAF (Retired).
................................
It is with sad regret that I announce the passing of my father, Lt Col (Ret) Vincent A. Bauman, on 28 December 2008, at the age of 91. Dad was a very proud member of AFTAC and the Alumni Association, and spoke often of his membership and contributions to the mission of AFTAC. Vincent was drafted in early 1941 and served as an infantry office in the Army, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart for his action in Europe in WWII. After the war, he was discharged, but joined the Air National Guard in St. Louis. His unit was recalled for the Korean conflict, and he decided to stay on active duty for a full career. He proudly wore his Combat Infantry Badge on his Air Force uniform even before it was authorized for wear. If my memory is correct, he served in AFTAC from about 1956 through 1962, and those were some of his proudest moments of service in the Air Force. He took great pride in saying that one of the projects upon which he worked remains classified even today. He retired from the Air Force in 1967 after 22 years of active duty. He was buried in his uniform with full military honors. On behalf of Dad, thanks to everyone who knew him and who contributed to this critical role of AFTAC in the defense of our great Nation.