James Coleman

Captain James (Tex) Coleman (USN retired) of San Angelo, Texas passed from this earth on Monday, June 15, 2009 of natural causes at the age of 79. He was born on November 3, 1929 to Doris and Johnnie Coleman in Artesia, California and married the former June Overby of Kenedy, Texas on September 1, 1956. He is survived by his wife of 52 years June Coleman; sister Charlene Elkins Browne and her husband Morris Browne of Houston, Texas; son King Coleman of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter Kim Meyer and her husband Mike Meyer of San Angelo, Texas; and son Kyle Coleman of Houston, Texas. He also has 5 grandchildren: Lauren Meyer, Steven Meyer, Jason Meyer, Patrick Coleman, and Jeffrey Coleman. Tex was a decorated aviator in the United States Navy where he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Among the squadrons he served in were VP-1 NAS Whidbey Island, WA and VP-4 NAF Naha, Okinawa 1960-62. Upon his retirement after 30 years in the Navy, he taught high school math in the Beeville, Runge, and Schertz-Cibolo Independent School Districts. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. He was truly an officer and a gentleman. His family would like to express their appreciation to the following for their care and support: Dr. James Melott M.D., Dr. Michael Cornell M.D., Dr. Brad McIver M.D.; the 5th floor and ICU nursing staffs of Shannon Medical Center, Hospice of San Angelo, the staff of Myrtlewood Estates, Reverend Dr. Stephen Sweet, Reverend Ken Dahlberg, and the members of Sierra Vista United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Tex Coleman will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo on Thursday, June 18 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice of San Angelo or your favorite charity. Family and friends may sign an online memorial at www.MeM.com 

Barry Hambrook Robinson

ROBINSON, BARRY HAMBROOK, - born March 28, 1930 in Croydon, United Kingdom and resident of West Knoxville since 1969, passed away, Saturday, March 14, 2009 at his home. He was an Elder and Treasurer of Erin Presbyterian Church. Barry retired as Vice-President and General Manager of Stevens Aviation after 20 years of service and as Commander in the US Naval Reserve after 28 years of service. He also served as President of the South Knoxville Rotary Club, Commodore of the Fort Loudon Yacht Club, volunteer for the 2nd Harvest Food Bank as well as many other civic activities and organizations. Barry received his BSME degree from Cornell University College of Engineering and became a U.S. citizen in 1953 prior to entering the US Navy. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Louise Robinson of Knoxville and sisters, June Hutton and Monna Tarry of the United Kingdom. Barry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cornelia (Keeny) Hall Robinson; sons and daughters-in-law, Barry Hambrook Robinson, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Charles Hall and Bambi Lindell Robinson of Fort Worth, Texas and John Lewis and Helen Judi Robinson of Mt. Airy, Maryland; grandchildren, Sean William Robinson, Erica Nicole Robinson, Catherine Amanda Robinson and Joshua Andrew Robinson; sister, Diane (Susie) Virrel of Hastings of Hudson, New York. A memorial service will be 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Rev. John Stuart officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Erin Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. The family will receive friends Wednesday following the service at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com

 

Peter S. Guzzo

GUZZO Peter S., 49, of Spring Hill, FL died on Thursday July 24, 2008. Mr. Guzzo was born in Passaic, NJ, lived in Lyndhurst for 20 years then California for 10 years and he was a Current resident of Spring Hill, FL for the past 19 years. He was a Navy Veteran who served in The Gulf War (1982-92). During his US Navy career he served as an AT2/AC in Crew 11 with USN Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4). He worked as a Computer Consultant, a private pilot, and was an avid coin collector. Peter was the beloved son of Salvatore M. Guzzo of Lakewood and the late Florence N. (nee Walz) Guzzo (1997), loving brother of Anthony Guzzo and his wife, Michele of Lyndhurst and Carol Ann Guzzo and her husband, Craig Flug of Oakland, and dear uncle of Anthony, Lauren, Rachel, Mia Guzzo and Christopher Flug.Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral from Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 8:30 AM then to Our Lady Mount Carmel Church, Lyndhurst where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. Visiting hours Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to: V.A. Outpatient Clinic, 9912 Little Road, New Port Richy, FL 34654, Attn. Jeanne R. Botz

Hugh Eugene Hanna

HUGH EUGENE HANNA Born 1-8-1935, passed away at home at the age of 73 in Riverside, CA on 8-26-2008. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Ramona, son Jimmie and daughter Denise, grandson's Joshua & Dillon. He spent 20 yrs. in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1972 as an Aviation Ordinance Chief. He was based in Alameda, CA but served in Vietnam on the USS Coral Sea; Also served aboard the USS Boxer & USS Yorktown with Attack Squadron VA-65 in the Korean War and on the USS Kearsarge and with Patrol Squadron VP-4 from 1959-62. His affectionate nickname while in the Navy was "Horrible Hughie". He continued to support the Navy throughout his life. After his military service, he went to work for Stanford Research Center and later to FMC before retiring. He spent his life giving to anyone and everyone he could. He was a good man and will be truly missed. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544 510-538-3131

Harvey Gene Poston

Oliver W. Holmes

Please be advised that AXC Oliver W. Holmes, died on March 10th,
of this year, please remove his name from your e-mail list. Thank
you, his son, William T. Holmes

Roma Rogers, wife of George Rogers

Roma Rogers, wife of George Rogers (CDR-Ret) VP-4 1961-1964 (Airframes
Division, Schedules, Assistant Admin and Move Officer), died on
November 28, 2008 following a battle with lung cancer.

Roma Ileene (Bjorklund) Rogers
1936-2008


Roma Ileene (Bjorklund) Rogers 72 lost a seven-month battle with lung cancer and passed away on November 28, 2008.
Roma owned and operated Pine Forest Floral and Gift Shop, in Pensacola for twenty years, closing her shop in November 2005. She always remembered her clients and business associates as special friends.
Roma was born on April 20, 1936 in Minden Nebraska. She was the second daughter of Ray and Gladys Bjorklund. Roma graduated from Minden High School and completed nurses training at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was the valedictorian of both her high school
and her nursing class. After graduation she served as a surgical nurse at Bryan Memorial. She was a Registered Nurse (RN) in Nebraska and
Virginia.
She married George A. Rogers, Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska, on November 27, 1957. Roma was a great Navy wife raising three sons while supporting George through a twenty-seven year Navy career, that included seven family relocations. She continued to support him in post Navy careers as City of Pensacola Building Official and University of Florida Program Extension Agent. Pensacola has been their home since February 1978.
Roma is survived by her 98-year-old mother, Gladys Starr (of Minden), George, her husband of 51 years, and sons Michael (Lynn), Steven (Wendy) and Douglas (Ann), grandchildren Matthew, Kristyn, Christopher, Preston, Lindsey, Nicole and Kyle, two sisters Wanda Johnson and Sylvia Hein, and a special sister-in-law Sylvia Bjorklund. Her father, Ray, and her brother, Warren, preceded her in death. Her cat, Petunia will also miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Monday, December 1st at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the Marcus Pointe Golf Club located at 2500 Oak Pointe Drive.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to the American Cancer Society by visiting Roma's personal website at http://www.main.acsevents.org/goto/Roma.Rogers or you can make donations to The Rowe's Orphanage for Cats and Kittens. 2191 Bush St., Pensacola, FL 32534. (850) 293-7620.

James Alan Reese

James Alan Reese, 63, of Gold Hill, OR died Sept. 29, 2007, at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at his home. Conger-Morris Funeral Directors in Medford handled arrangements.

He was born Sept. 9, 1944, in Elmhurst, Ill., to Catherine and Vernon Reese. When he was a young child, his family moved to Azusa, Calif., where he lived until graduating from high school. At age 18, he joined the Navy and served as a flight engineer on P-3s. He served during the Vietnam War and, even after his plane was shot down, he volunteered for two additional tours of duty.

After 20 years of military service, he retired and moved to the Rogue Valley with his wife. He went to work for the Josephine County Sheriff's Office as a road deputy and later moved to the corrections department. He retired eight years ago.

He enjoyed riding and training horses. He also adopted and gentled several wild mustangs. Along with his wife, he planted a Christmas tree farm. When the trees matured, he gave horse-drawn wagon rides and played Santa.

In addition to his wife, Victoria Reese, survivors include seven
children, Sandy and Brian Reese and Linda Salas, all of California, and David and Darrell Reese, Eileen M. Butchko and Aimee Simpson, all of Oregon; two brothers, John and Jeff Reese, both of California; a sister, Marianne Jones of Canada; and several grandchildren.

William E. Heyl

I am writing to let you know that my Dad, William E. Heyl passed away on January 31, 2008, from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was diagnosed with this horrible disease in January 2007.

I believe he belonged to your association and wonder if you put rememberances in your newsletter. He would have lost contact with many of his associates over this past year particularly. He shared many fond memories with my sister and me about VP4 and his career in the Navy.

Robyn Buechel
25 Linda Vista Drive
Monterey, California 93940
robnpete@sbcglobal.net

Albert L. Morris VP-4 1949-52

Passed away August 19, 2007.

Joshua "Red" Derosett
1924-2008


It saddens me greatly to report that Joshua "Red" Derosett AOCM USN Ret., a truly "Great American" passed on Feb. 29, 2008 in Lemoore, CA. A 30 year veteran of the US Navy, Red was one of my most "Unforgettable Shipmates". His distinguished career included tours of duty in VP-14, VH-4, VF-193, CVW-21, VA-125, VP-4 and VF-152.
Among his awards are the Navy Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Stars, the Navy Air Medal with 24 Stars, the Navy Good Conduct Medal with 8 Stars. I encourage all to view his tribute and his "Service Memories" on The Navy Log section of the United States Navy Memorial web site http://www.lonesailor.org/index.php

Respectfully submitted by Steve "Andy" Andruszkewicz VP4Reunion2005@aol.com
 

John Edward Mishan, 91, retired Captain, U.S. Navy, born October 1, 1915, passed away in Honolulu on November 5, 2006.

John Mishan (CO VP4 1955-1957)

He is survived by two daughters, Jody Mishan of Honolulu, and Marlena Greene  of New York City.

He graduated from Syracuse University, and received his Navy wings in 1941.

He held the following awards and decorations: Distinguised Flying Cross,  Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, American Defense Service Medal,  American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal,  World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service  Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation.

While at the Pentagon in 1972, he earned a Masters in Administration in International Commerce from the George Washington University School of  Government and Business Administration.

In his 8-year journey with Alzheimer's Disease, he remained a hero and a gentleman throughout -- strong, good-natured, and courageous.

Services will be held at Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, at 10:30am, Friday, November 17.

For additional information contact: Jody Mishan
Phone: (808) 988-3295
jmishan@hawaii.rr.com
 

James P. Hopkins IV  Naval Flight Officer

VP-4 1975-1978; VP-17 1985-1987

James P. Hopkins IV, 55, a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander who worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, died at Inova Fairfax Hospital Nov. 28, 2006 after a car accident at Old Keene Mill Road and Tiverton Drive in Springfield, VA.

He was born at Camp Lejeune, N.C Oct. 23, 1951. and grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Edison High School, where he was on the track and cross-country teams. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973 and for the next 20 years lived all around the world, with stints in Hawaii, Guam, Venezuela, Virginia and Okinawa, Japan, working as a navigator, tactical coordinator and defense intelligence analyst.

After his military retirement in 1993, he taught Naval Junior ROTC at Springbrook High

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Kay Henning Hopkins of Springfield; three children, Joanne Hopkins of Arlington, Jeff Hopkins of Savannah, Ga., and Frank Hopkins of Springfield; his mother, Mary Lee Hopkins of Williamsburg; and a sister, Janet Davis of Herndon.

Interment at Arlington National Cemetery was a touching ceremony and most fitting for Jim, who unselfishly served his country for so many years. With full military honors, his caisson was drawn to the grave site by 6 beautiful black horses led by a marching band accompanied by a rifle platoon. On location, the rifle squad fired the traditional three volleys followed by a bugler playing taps that rivaled Pvt. Robert E. Lee 'Prew' Prewitt’s performance in “From Here to Eternity.”  The flag folding demonstrated by the pall bearers was indicative of today’s military precision.

His grave site is on the highest point in the location with a panoramic view of many historical monuments. The view was augmented by a deciduous tree that displayed its unique limb configuration against a clear brilliant sky. The temperature was a bit cool when we arrived at the center; however, by the time we were at the grave site the sun was warming everyone with its bright rays, which is how I remember Jim. There was a large crowd representing, neighbors, church members, swim team acquaintances, and of course the VP-4 contingent:Frank & Kathy Leoffler, Randy Goode, Paul Jackson, Gary & Judy Stack, Claude Timmerman, Larry & Ronda Jahnke, Ben Francisco, John Kennedy, Bill Short, and Ted & Wanda Rogers. 

In his honor, the FAA named the Final Approach Fix for VOR/DME RWY 4R going into former NAS Barbers Point HPKNS.

There is a condolence book at www.Washingtonpost.com. Kay is looking for stories and remembrances about Jim from his Navy days. The Post will make her a  memorial book containing all the stories posted.  Please include your remembrances in the condolence book.

Marquette, Michigan

Captain Arthur King Bennett Jr., United States Navy Retired, died at Marquette General Hospital on 8th December from complications resulting from a fall at his home. He was 83. Marquette born and raised, Art Bennett's rich and varied career as a naval officer, took him to every continent of the world and every state of the Union. After his retirement from the Navy in 1975, Art returned to Marquette County where he built his home on Conway Lake in Powell Township and resumed his life as an active member of the Marquette and Big Bay communities.

Please visit here for full information

Dee Combs:

Dee was 64 years old and he passed away working at his business, as the manager of a trailer court.  It appears that he had a massive heart attack. 

E-Mail: deecombs@bellsouth.net

Hello,

 My name is Donna Young and my ex-husband was assigned to VP4 1980-1986. His name was Stephen J. Facsko, Jr. and he was a Chief. Steve passed away last Sunday, September 22. I would like to let people know of his passing. A funeral service is being planned in the future at Arlington Cemetery (date unknown at this time). 

My home e-mail is: you479@aol.com
Home phone: 540-659-5023

Donna Young

I just wandered onto your site. I would like to report the death of my former husband, John Stephen Ladd. He served in VP-4 from 1961-1964 in Naha and Hawaii. He passed away due to heart complications on Feb. 4, 2004.

I would appreciate having this information added to your site.

Thank you,

Linda Ladd

I was reading the last issue of the Airline Pilot magazine. It listed all the pilots who passed away this year. I found that Capt Quentin "Butch" Underkofler,VP-4 from 1971-1974, died in Feb 2001.

So I did some checking and received the following info from Hawaiian Airlines pilot union.

Captain QUENTIN "Butch" UNDERKOFLER, 56, of Aiea, HI, formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, died Feb. 8, 2001. He is survived by wife, Melinda; daughters, Amy and Abby; mother, Jan; brother, Mark; sisters, Mari Taake and Susan.

Memorial services were held at Aiea United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart Church, Honolulu. Donations may be made to "Quentin Underkofler Scholarship Fund."

A Personal Note...

Butch was my PPC in 73/74 when I was Crew 2 Tacco. He had previously served a tour in Vietnam flying combat missions in HAL-4. He was an exceptional "stick", a quiet but effective leader, a great PPC/Mission Commander, and a close friend. It was unique that Butch and I had served tours in Vietnam, we had been stationed at and visited several of the same locations.

Melinda (Mel), his wife, told me that Butch's ashes were scattered at his two favorite places on Oahu and that a plaque commerating his Naval service is in place at Punchbowl National Cemetary. She plans to teach and stay on Oahu for one more year and then move back to the "mainland" to be closer to her daughters, Amy and Abby. Her address is:

Melinda Underkofler 99-965 Hoio St Aiea HI 96701 808-488-4901

With a saddened heart, I wish my buddy Butch goodby... Our memories together will forever brighten my day....

Bob Zafran

Steve,

I just learned that Charles (Chuck) Gilpin passed away 22 November last and was buried in Arlington. His wife Betty said that he died from colon cancer that had metastized in his lungs and liver. He was, however, active to the last and died in his sleep. Chuck was a highly regarded second tour plane commander serving in VP-4 from 1959-61. I joined the squadron only a month or so after Chuck departed but I felt as though I knew him from all the positive stories related to me.

Please pass this information along to all our shipmates. If anyone would like to write Betty, her address is P. O. Box 1432, Orange Park, FL 32067.

Regards,

Chuck Doughdrill

From Jim Vannice:

Sorry to inform you that Jim Clampet left this earthly abode at 1830 4, August, 2001. At present his daughters Dawn and Tina are at the family home closing things out. They can be reached by e-mail at harvgo@whidbey.net.

From Robert Zafran

Mike Turkington, VP-4, 63-65, sent me this sad news about his son, Scott, which some of you that were in the squadron then knew as "Scooter"

He was Mike's only son, born in Bethesda. Became a Ventura County Sheriff for eight years, a competitive surfer. Married another Deputy, they moved to Utah to be near her mother. Since he couldn't surf began mountain bicycle racer, fell during a race and broke is back. After many operations on his back he ended up with metal straps, nuts bolts and screws. He was told that he would never be out of pain. They sent all his records and other Dr. reports to the Mayo clinic, but they couldn't help him either. About three weeks ago the operated on his shoulder, was supposed to be a quick orthoscopic procedure that ended up being a full intrusion. Found out that he was going to have to have another back operation that would leave him in a wheel chair. Pain was the real problem, the doctors used every available pain medication, and nothing worked any more. He took his own life. Leaving behind a wife two daughters (from a previous marriage) and one son as well as four sisters. The only thing I can say is he is finally out of pain. There was a police honor guard from the City of Provo where he worked as a policeman. A very moving ceremony. Scott was 41 years old.

Mike and Gerry can be reached at <turkpaso@aol.com> 1320 Crown Way Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 227-4510

...A personal note.... Mike has been acting as the VP-4 Association chaplain for some 8 months. The men and women veterans of VP-4 send our most heartfelt sympathies for Mike and Gerry's loss.

Bob Zafran

Capt. Howard Beesley, 1961-1963, passed away peacefully, in his sleep this morning after his long struggle with a heart problem.

The funeral service is set for Friday,9 January. Service at 1130, NAS Pensacola All Faith Chapel and internment at Barrackas 1230. More info to follow.

Shirley Beesley's address is:

11735 Chanticleer Dr Pensacola, FL 32507-9171 850-492-1861

A sad loss for us all.. Bob Zafran

it saddens me to report that Edward F Salter ATC USN (Ret) VP-4 1959-1962
passed away due to congestive heart failure on July 2, 2001.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Doris E Salter
520 Wright St
Inverness, FL 34452-5973
(352) 341-5825

Bud was in VP4 from 57 to 60.

Lew Skavlan

Wishing the best to you and yours, 

Judith Whitt
Bakersfield, CA"

Posted 24 Sep 2007

Leonard Six Flight Engineer

VP-4 Flight Engineer 1975-76

Leonard Charles "Charlie" "Navy Charlie" Six, 63, died Nov. 20, 2005, at his home in Quakertown, Pa. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Cora (Hawthorne) Six.
He retired in 1988 after 29 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy, which included three tours of duty in Vietnam. Upon retiring, he was employed at Carson Helicopter Inc. in Perkasie, Pa., for 10 years.

An avid Harley–Davidson rider, Charlie participated several times in the annual Lacona, N.H., run. He rode from Souderton, Pa., to San Diego, Calif., and back in 2002. On that trip, he rode 1,000 miles in one day across Texas. That was Charlie's second cross–country trip by
motorcycle. He was buried in with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

Jerry F. Hentz

VP4 56-58

Jerry F. Hentz died at home on August 14th, 2007. He enjoyed his email correspondence with his buddies and was looking forward to the reunion in San Diego. 
Sincerely, Janet A. Hentz"