Spend a few moments with our shipmates who are
ON
ETERNAL PATROL
Click here for photos of Services for Harold Cook
Harold W. Cook
|
Harold William Cook, 81, Inverness, died Saturday, Sept.
29, 2007, at the Hernando-Pasco Hospice Citrus Care Center in Inverness. Mr. Cook was born Feb. 8, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo. He resided in St. Petersburg from 1951 to 1962 before moving to Pinellas Park, where he resided for 26 years. He and his wife Betty were weekend residents of this area since 1979, coming from Pinellas Park, and they moved here permanently in 1988. Mr. Cook retired from Florida Power in St. Petersburg as a switchboard operator with 37 years of service. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1943-45 and in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1945-49, serving in the Atlantic and Pacific war zones on the USS Sea Poacher SS406 and USS Torsk SS 423. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Torpedoman Third Class. He was a member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Nautilus Base in Ocala, where he served as chaplain from 2000-01. He enjoyed volunteer work, especially with the Family Resource Center of Citrus County, Hospice of Citrus County, RSVP, The Housing Foundation for the Elderly, Windermere Social Club and the Salvation Army band. Other enjoyments in his life were fishing, cooking, reading, woodworking and traveling. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Inverness, where he served in many capacities such as trustee, on the finance committee, lawn maintenance crew, men’s prayer breakfast, usher, soup & sacrifice, video ministry, visitation ministry and other areas. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty Cook; two daughters, Kristy Cook of Spring Hill and Sandi Bossard of Inverness; three sisters, Bonnie Mayfield and husband Monroe of St. Louis, Mo., Eleanor Polizzi of Troy, Ill., and Marie Perry of Union, Mo.; two grandchildren, Jennifer Smith and husband David of Temple Terrace and Melissa Bossard of Tampa; and one great-grandson, Josiah Smith of Temple Terrace. A Memorial Servicewas held on 4 October in Inverness followed by a Committal Service at Bushnell National Cemetery with full military honors. Sailor Rest your oars. |
Terry G. Harter
|
Mr. Terry G. Harter, 66, passed away January 1, 2007
at Munroe Regional Medical Center. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and
moved to Ocala in 1999 from there. He was a member of the Countryside Presbyterian Church and the Men's Association. He was a U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran, for 22 years. Chief Harter was a distinguished member of Admiral Hyman Rickover's staff, an excellent teacher and a greatly respected member of the naval reserve. He was personally lauded on several occasions by the Chief of Naval Operations for services above and beyond his assignments. He worked as a Nuclear Engineer. He also started and operated his own Thermography Company, called Institute for Maintenance Technology and Research. He was an avid reader, animal lover, enjoyed mathematics and gardening. He was a member of the U.S. Submarines Nautilus Base Organization, a member of MENSA and the Sinker and Java Club. He is survived by his cherished wife Joy L. Harter of Ocala, stepson David Hertzig of Chicago, Il and stepdaughters Bethany and Laura Hertzig both of Cincinnati, Ohio. A memorial service was held at on Friday, January 5, 2007 at the Countryside Presbyterian Church. Military interment services were held at Florida National Cemetery on 26 Jan. 2007. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, the Parkinson's Association or the SPCA. Sailor rest your oar. |
Francis R. Drake
| Francis R. Drake, 70, died Sunday,
Aug. 27, 2006. Mr. Drake was born in St. Paul, Minn., and moved to Summerfield from Woodbridge, Calif., in 2004. He retired from the U.S. Navy, as an ENCS(SS) after 21 years of service, mostly on submarines, and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, joining the Navy in Sept. 1953. He first qualified on the USS Tilefish, SS307 in 1955, leaving it in 1957. Frank later served on the USS Shark SSN591 from 1960 to 1962 before moving to the missile boats on the USS Thomas A. Edison, SSBN610 from 1963 to 1966. He served onboard the USS Dogfish in 1966 and 1967 before heading to a series of shore duty stations. Retiring in 1974 after 21 years of service, Frank settled in California. He was a member of Nautilus Base, US Submarine Veterans and member of the Holland Club, denoting qualified status for 50 years. He was also a computer enthusiast, woodworker and home remodeler. Survivors include his wife, Betty; son, Lyle, Sao Paulo, Brazil; daughter, Debra Kelley, Lodi, Calif.; and brother, Lloyd, Kingman, Ariz. Sailor, rest your oar. |
James R. Weitlauf, Sr.
|
Born 24 December, 1932, Jim joined the Navy during the Korean War. He
qualified on submarines aboard the USS Besugo SS321 in 1953. He also
served aboard the USS Volador SS490 as a TMT2(SS) before his discharge
in 1956. Jim passed away on 12 July 2006. He is survived by his wife Kathryn. Funeral services were held on 17 July in Belleview at Heir-Baxley Funeral home. Nautilus Base Submarine veterans participated in his service. Contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation of Florida, 1040 Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando FL 32803. Sailor Rest Your Oar. |
Martin W. Huska
| Martin Wayne Huska, 62, of
Leesburg died Friday, April 29, 2006 at his residence. Mr. Huska was born on November 13, 1943 in Chicago, Ill and moved to Leesburg in 2003. He was retired from the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class after 28 years of service. He taught electronics at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Ill, was the recipient of the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal., the RVN Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expedition Medal (Korea.) He was a member of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Nautilus Base; the Great Lakes Yacht Club; the Loyal Order of Moose in Leesburg and Zion Benton, Ill.; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #701 of DuPage County, Ill. He enjoyed boating and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Patricia A. Huska of Leesburg; step daughters: Jeannie Zimmerman of Waukegau, Ill., Diane Narloch of Fort Myers, Kim Angerman of Montgomery, Ill.; step son, Stephen Angerman of Algonquin, Ill.; sister, Marlene Rentzschl of Villa Park, Ill.; brother, Robert Huska of Rockford, Ill. A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell with the U.S. Subvets Inc Nautilus Base officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society. Sailor, rest your oar. |
James F. Mueller
| James "Mick" Mueller, 87, a
retired electrical
administrator for Ohio Power Co., died Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, at
Sylvia's Hospice House. A native of Landeck, Ohio, he moved here from Fostoria, Ohio, in 1983. Mr. Mueller was a member of Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church; a Charter Member of Nautilus Base, USSVI, Ocala; Submarine Veterans of World War II; Elks; Fraternal Order of the Eagles; Knights of Columbus and Rolling Greens Bowling League. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II onboard the USS Nautilus SS168, making eight war patrols. Jim was also a drummer for Village Idiot Band. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eileen J. Mueller, Ocala. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church Building Fund. A Committal Service for our shipmate will be held at a future date. Sailor, rest your oar. |
|
James J. Brown passed away Aug. 5, 2005 at his home in the Villages,
Fla. Mr. Brown was born June 11, 1922 in Philadelphia. He was
predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Isobel (Erickson) who died Jan. 4,
1991. She was his mentor during their years especially when he rose
from enlisted man to Lt. Cmdr. in the Navy. He joined the Navy after leaving Northeast High in Philadelphia and served for 26 years. He won the 1941 Navy welter weight boxing title while serving in the submarine force where he received many medals including the Purple Heart during WWII. During his early Navy career, he was a deep-sea diver. His daughter Bonita Brown of Uncasville, her son Carl, his wife Tina and their children Nicco and Trinity and a sister, Jean Kane of Waterford survive him. His long time late-life companion Selma Tolzman will also miss him. His son James J. Brown, Jr. died December 31, 2003 leaving a wife Pauline and daughters, Nadine and Nicole. An athlete, Jim enjoyed baseball, fishing, stock car racing, golf, bowling, boxing and football. He also coached Babe Ruth and Little League. After leaving the Navy he was employed at Electric Boat for 10 years before retiring in 1976. He was a member of the Elks, VFW, American Legion, EBAC and WWII Sub Vets. He was Life Member and Holland Club member of the USSVI, Nautilus Base, Ocala, FL. He qualified in submarines onboard the USS O-7, SS-68 in August 1940. He subsequently served in USS Runner SS-476; USS Toro SS-422; USS Tirante SS-420; USS Bumper SS-333 and was a Plank Owner in USS Holland AS-32. Sailor, rest your oar. |
Julian R. Powell
| Julian “Mutt” Powell,
born 14 Nov 1924 in Norfolk VA, retired from the Navy as a CSC(SS) in
1964 after 22 years service. Chief Powell saw service in WWII aboard the battleship USS North Carolina BB-55. He joined the Submarine Service in 1954, qualifying in USS Chivo SS-341 and subsequently served in USS Sealion APSS-315; USS Cavalla SS-244 and was a plankowner in USS Sam Houston SSBN-609. Mutt was a Life Member of USSVI and a member of the Holland Club. He was a charter member of USSVI Nautilus Base in Ocala FL and served as its first elected Base Commander. Julian is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy and a son Kenneth, a daughter Carol and three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Julian Powell died peacefully in his home at Lady Lake FL on 4 Feb 2005. Sailor, rest your oar. |
Paul G. (Swish) Saunders
|
Paul Golden Saunders, born January 12, 1918
in Richmond, Virginia. Died August 8, 2003, Dunnellon, Florida. Paul "Swish" Saunders enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and served for 26 years before retiring as GMGC(SS). Prior to submarines Paul served on the USS Raleigh CL7 and on destroyers USS McCook DD-252 and USS Sampson DD-394. Paul qualified in submarines aboard USS R-4 (SS-81) in 1940 and subsequently served in USS Barb (SS-220), USS Cusk (SS-348), USS Carbonero (SS-337), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600.) Swish Saunders distinguished himself during WWII while serving in USS Barb (SS-220). Paul was highly regarded as one of the most decorated enlisted men in the Submarine Service. Paul made all twelve of Barb’s war patrols, five in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific and was Chief-of-the-Boat for patrols #9-12. He was also COB for the Cusk, Carbonero and Theodore Roosevelt. Chief Saunders was awarded two Silver Star Medals, one Bronze Star Medal, and a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon in recognition of his heroic actions in combat during WWII. He also received the Submarine Combat pin, Victory Medal, American Theater medal, Phillipine Liberation medal. He was further famed in the book "Thunder Below" by his USS Barb skipper, Admiral Eugene B. Fluckey. Post WWII found Paul working in the development of the launching systems for Loon, Regulus, and Polaris missiles. Paul Saunders was a member of Submarine Veterans of WWII and also a member of USSVI Nautilus Base. He is survived by a step-son, Bill Hemmingway of Panama, a former step-daughter-in-law, Emma Hemmingway, and three step grandchildren. He is further survived by a long time dear friend, Beatrice Mattews. Chief Saunders received his final set of orders 09 Aug 2003 and departed on Eternal Patrol from his home in Dunnellon, Florida following a lengthy illness. Sailor, rest your oar. |
A PRAYER
I
have
one consolation that lives with me today.
That
God is near to them, in his own special way.
So
God
in all Your mercy, keep near Thyself the soul,
Of
every
Submariner, still on his final patrol.
Allan R. Keeler
| Shipmate
Allan R. Keeler of Belleview, FL went on Eternal Patrol 8 June 2003
following
a long illness. Allan Keeler enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and made war patrols in WWII while serving in USS Trigger SS-237 and USS Hackleback SS-295. He was discharged in 1945 as an EM2. Allan earned his dolphins in 1942 qualifying in USS Trigger SS-237. Following his Naval service Allan pursued a career in aviation and retired from Pan American Airways as a flight engineer. Allan belonged to several organizations including the National Retired Pilots Association, Pan Am Retired Pilots Association and VFW Post 8083. He was a member of USSVI and a charter member of Nautilus Base. He is survived by his wife Marci F. Keeler and a brother. Sailor, rest your oar. |
|
Ronald
J. Walling went on his final patrol 26 April 2003. RM3(SS) Walling served in the Navy from 1951-1955 and saw service during the Korean War. Qualifying in USS Stickleback SS-415 in 1954, he also served in USS Cabezon SS-334. Following his Naval service Ron enjoyed a distinguished career in education as a teacher, principal, and an administrator. He is survived by his wife Rita M Walling, one son, two daughters, and two stepsons. Ron was a member of Nautilus Base and a USSVI Life Member. Nautilus Base provided the Honor Guard at the graveside service that was conducted at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida where Shipmate Walling was laid to rest with full military honors on 29 April 2003. Sailor, rest your oar. |
To
those
Submariners
who have
gone
on
Eternal
Patrol -
There is
a
port of no return, where ships
May
ride at
anchor for a little space
And
then,
some starless night the cable slips,
Leaving
an
eddy at the mooring place...
Gulls,
veer
no longer. Sailor, rest your oar.
No
tangled
wreckage will be washed ashore.
Leslie
Nelson Jennings
“Lost Harbor”
Isaac Barton Sexton
|
Shipmate Isaac
“Ike” Barton Sexton, 76, received his final orders on 3 April 2003 and
is now on Eternal Patrol. Ike Sexton served in the Navy for 28 years
and
retired as FTCS(SS). Ike received his dolphins in 1959 when he qualified on USS Carp SS-338. He also served on USS Tunny SSG-282; USS Halibut SSGN-587; USS Tecumseh SSBN-628 and USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN-624. A native of O’Neal, Ark., he moved here from Honolulu eight years ago. Mr. Sexton was a member of Spruce Creek South Horse Shoe League and past president of the Spruce Creek South Retired Military Club Ike is survived by his wife Margaret, three sons, five daughters, and a sister. Ike was a member of USSVI and a charter member of Nautilus Base. Ike was an active member of Nautilus Base, faithfully attending and participating in meetings and events. Ike was serving as Nautilus Base Chaplain at the time of his passing. A memorial service was conducted at Ike and Margaret’s Open Door Church in Summerfield. Ike was laid to rest with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on 14 April 2003. Sailor, rest your oar. |
Lord, this departed shipmate with dolphins on his chest
is part of an outfit known as the best.
Make him welcome and take him by the hand.
You'll find without a doubt he was the best in all the land.
So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll
of our departed shipmates still on patrol.
Let them know that we who survive
Will always keep their memories alive.
William R. Hughes
|
William
R. Hughes of Ocala FL received his final orders from the Supreme
Commander
22 Dec 2002. William was a member of Nautilus Base United States Submarine Veterans. He qualified in USS Raton SS-270 and served in USS Perch SS-313, USS Nathan Hale SSBN-623 and USS George Washington SSBN-598. He is survived by his wife Theresa. Sailor rest your oar. |
Edwin W. Sharp
|
Edwin Woodrow Sharp Jr of Lady Lake FL made
his last port of call
29 Jul 2002. He is survived by his wife Marguerite. Edwin was a member of USSVI and Nautilus Base. He qualified in USS Spikefish SS-404 and served in USS Chopper SS-342 and USS Amberjack SS-522. Sailor rest your oar. |
George W. Allen
| Shipmate George W Allen of Inverness FL went on
Eternal Patrol 27 Jan
2002.
George qualified in USS Segundo SS-398. He also served in USS Manta
SS-299;
USS Wahoo SS-565; USS Sterlet SS-392 and USS Archerfish SS-311.
He is survived by his wife Pauline. Sailor rest your oar. |
A SUBMARINERS PRAYER
( VERSE #7 OF THE NAVY HYMN)
Lord God, our power
ever
more,
Whose arm doth reach the ocean floor,
Divine with our men beneath
the
sea; traverse the depths protectively.
O hear us when we pray, and
keep
them safe from peril in the deep.
*
* *
*
*
Lord, guard and guide the
men
who man the submarines that guard our land.
Be with them always night
and
day, in quiet depths or roaring spray.
O hear us when we cry to
Thee,
for those in peril on the sea.
*
* *
*
*
Bless who serve beneath the
deep,
through lonely hours their vigil keep.
May peace their mission
ever
be! Protect each one, we ask of Thee,
Bless those at home who
wait
and pray for their return by night and day.
*
* * * *
John E. Baker
|
Shipmate John E Baker (age 66) Life Member #2050 Ocala FL received his
final orders from the Supreme Commander on May 13, 1999 after a long
illness. John is survived by his wife Lee R Baker and daughters Wende Nelson, Loxahatchee FL and Rande Bennet, Groton CT; sons Craig Baker, Niantic CT and Graham Baker, Groton CT; one nephew and three grandchildren. He was a retired safety technician for Pfizer Chemical; a member of New London Elks #6944, Moose Lodge #2356 and Ralph G Green American Legion Post. John was a founding member of USSVI Nautilus Base and had served as Treasurer. John was a Navy veteran of the Korean War serving as a torpedoman. Sailor rest your oar. |