Philip john ahneman

Vietnam Veterans of America – Rochester Chapter #20. He served in Vietnam until 1967. Thurston is survived by his only child, Ryanne (Chester) Gordon; his grandchildren, Donzell, Alexander, Giselle, Saniya, London, Dejah, Imoni; his brother, James Chisholm; his niece, Amara Kaplan, and; his significant other and best friend of 32 years, Barbara Teasley.

DAVID LEE COLE - Died Thursday, July 20, 2017 in Kerrville, Texas at the age of 70. The cause of death was leukemia – AML. He was born in Laramie, Wyoming on August 2, 1946. He served in the United States Army from January 25, 1966 to January 8, 1968 with a tour of duty in Vietnam from January 8, 1967 to January 7, 1968 and attained the rank of Specialist 4. He was awarded 23 Air Medals, 3 Purple Hearts, ARCOM Award among many other medals. He was Huey Door Gunner and sprayed Agent Orange in Vietnam. He was a 100% Service Connected Veteran. He was interred in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on August 14, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Sharon. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Kerrville Chapter #863.

JOHN WINSTON “Rip” COLLINS (USMC, Sgt.Maj.-Ret.) - Died Thursday, August 10, 2017 due to a battle with cancer. He was 85 years of age and a resident of Morehead City, North Carolina. He was born in Champaign, Illinois on October 1, 1931 to the late John and Julia Collins. Rip served 30 years in the United States Marine Corps, serving at 8^th and 1^st Marines in Washington, DC. He served in Korea in 1950 and served 2 tours in Vietnam. Rip received several awards for his service to our country. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Morehead City Chapter #749. He is survived by his wife Freddie, of the home; his sons, Harvey Ellis and wife Sara, of Cape Carteret and Rodney Ellis and wife Shirley, of Morehead City, and; two grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his son, Timothy Collins Ellis. The burial was at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The family of John W. Collins would like to thank everyone involved for their assistance and support. Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements were made by the Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC. 

KENNETH LEE COOK – Died Wednesday, October 26, 2016 in Pacifica, California at the age of 70. The cause of death is unknown. He was born on December 25, 1945. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – San Jose Chapter #201. Arrangements were made under the direction of Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, San Jose, CA.

RONALD A. COPPERSMITH - Died Saturday July 8, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin at the age of 68. The cause of death was heart disease. He was born on December 24, 1948. He served in the United States Army with a tour in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Milwaukee Chapter #324. He was a retiree of the U.S. Postal Service. Survivors include his wife, Mary; his sons, Andrew (Crystal), Steven (Erin) and Kyle (Lindsay); his grandchildren, Dillon, Ian, Hayden, Cullen, Leila and Lucas; his sisters, Barbara (Rex) Rhodebush, Mary Jo (Douglas) Kirkish, Susan (Bob) Criss, Anne (Bruce) Santistevan, Karen (John) Dequardo, and; his brother, Jeff Coppersmith. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven. Visitation was on Friday, July 14^th at Saint Mary Catholic Church, N89 W16297 Cleveland Avenue, Menomonee Falls from 1:00 PM until time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 PM.

ANNIE RICHARD CRANE - Died Saturday, September 16, 2017 in Pleasant Grove, Alabama at the age of 74. The cause of death is unknown.  She was born on June 2, 1943 to the late Richard C. Gunn and Mary Ellen (née Millwood) Gunn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Crane.  She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl E. Martin and husband, Jay H. Martin; her grandson, Kevin M. Ingram and wife, Nicole and her granddaughter, Christin S. Elders; her brothers, J. C. Gunn and wife, Linda, George Gunn and wife Jean, Theron Gunn and wife, Barbara, and; eight loving beautiful great-grandchildren.  She was a Life Member of Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America – Gardendale Chapter #416. The funeral service was held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20^th at the Bell-Forestdale Chapel with burial in the Red Hill Church of God Cemetery.  Visitation hours were on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM.

JAMES LEONARD “Jim” CRAWFORD, JR. – Died Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at home in Jackson, Michigan at the age of 68, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was born in Jackson on January 8, 1949 to the late James Leonard Crawford, Sr. and Eleanore (née Sauer) Crawford. Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years Roxana; his daughters, Tammy (Casey) Buhler and Mindy (Jim) Rice, and; nine grandchildren. Jim was devoted to his family, faith, and country. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1968-1970 and was an active member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Jackson Chapter #109. He worked for Blackman Township Public Safety for 31 years where he served as a firefighter and deputy director. Jim attended Trinity Wesleyan Church for 28 years and loved his men's group. He enjoyed camping and boating with his family. Jim was a diehard Lions fan. Jim will always be remembered for his trust in God and his sense of humor. Visitation hours were held at Wetherby Funeral Home on Monday, September 18, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 PM. The funeral services were held at the Trinity Wesleyan Church on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Andrew Walker officiating. The interment was held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Napoleon, Michigan. Visitation was also held at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VVA Chapter #109 or the Jackson Christian School.

TERRANCE M. “Terry” CROWE – Died Tuesday, February 18, 2017 in Franklin Park, Illinois at the age of 66. The cause of death is unknown. He was born in 1948 to the late Leo and Betty Crowe. He was the beloved brother of Thomas Crowe. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968.  He was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Des Plaines Chapter #311. Visitation hours were on Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home, 10300 West Grand Avenue (one block east of Mannheim Road) Franklin Park, IL. A prayer service was on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 8:45 AM at the Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home and then to Saint Gertrude Catholic Church, Franklin Park for the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM. He was interred in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

EDWARD R. “Eddie” CRUZ – Died Wednesday, May 31, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with cancer in North Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 68. Eddie was born on March 25, 1949 at the Navajo Army Depot just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona to the late George F. Cruz and Leonor Z. Cruz. He lived in Flagstaff until graduating in 1968. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and completed two tours in Vietnam. In 1971 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E-5. Eddie retired from the Clark County School District as a Maintenance Supervisor where he made and kept several friendships. He was active in several community organizations including Saint Christopher Parish, Knights of Columbus Council #5693, VFW Post #10043, American Legion Post #51, and Mesquite Elks Lodge #2811. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Las Vegas Chapter #17. Eddie was an avid fisherman and loved spending time outdoors. He was always a generous man who put others before himself. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Cathy of 46 years; his sons, Michael (Antonette) and Christopher (Kerri); two brothers, George and Gerald. Eddie truly enjoyed spending time playing and laughing with his grandchildren, Vanessa, Brandon, Anthony, Sara, Logan, Dyllon, Britain, (Taylor), and great-grandson Weston. He loved them and was proud of them all. Viewing at Palm Downtown Mortuary was on Monday, June 12^th at 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Recitation of the Rosary was from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial was at Saint Christopher Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 13^th at 10:00 AM. The burial was at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada at 12:00 Noon. There was a reception after the funeral at the VFW Post #10047 at 2:00 PM. Our family would like to thank everyone involved with his care from Southwest Medical Family Home Hospice.

WILLIAM C. “Bill” CUNNINGHAM - Died Thursday, June 22, 2017 from pancreatic cancer at the Lebanon VA Hospital. He was 69 years of age and a resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bill was born in Lancaster on April 19, 1948 to the late Joseph V. Cunningham and Margaret A. (née Hoffmeier) Cunningham and was the husband of 30 years to the late Gloria J. Cunningham. Bill was a factory worker nearly 30 years at Armstrong World Industries and retiree of Johnson and Johnson. He was an Eagle Scout of Troop #16, graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, class of 1966 where he rode as the Crusader mascot. He served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970, where he did tours in both Vietnam and Japan. Bill was member of Knights of Columbus Council #867 and was awarded Knight of the Year '03. He was also a 4^th Degree Sir Knight with the Santa Maria Assembly #915. He was a lifetime member of AMVETS Post #19 and American Legion Post #34. Bill was a member of the Pequea Sportsmans Club, 8^th Ward Club, and Millersville VFW Post #7294. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Lancaster Chapter #1008. He was a board member of GBU and past Officer of District #84, and founding member of Saint Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Bill was a loving and generous man who will be missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed singing, dancing, traveling, suffering with the Philadelphia sports teams and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his three children: Joseph (fiancé Hermina), John, and Angela (husband Brian); two siblings Gerald Cunningham and Margaret White (husband Bob) and sister-in-law Rosemary, and many loving friends and extended family members. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Carlene and brother, Roger. The Holy Rosary was recited at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 30, 2017 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home and Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. A viewing will follow from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Saint Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603, with Reverend Father Lawrence W. Sherdel, as Celebrant. Family and friends were received at the church from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM. Interment was in the Saint Joseph New Catholic Cemetery in Bausman. In lieu of flowers, please have Masses said for the repose of his soul, or donations can be made to The William and Gloria Cunningham Scholarship at Lancaster Catholic High, 650 Juliette Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601.

ALAN B. DALTON – Died recently in 2017 in Santa Rosa, California at the age of 76. The cause of death is unknown. He was born on October 22, 1940. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Santa Rosa Chapter #223.

BERNARD ROY EARL “Barney” DAWSON - Died Thursday July 20, 2017 at the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 74. He was a resident of Hardyston, New Jersey. The cause of death was Agent Orange-related multiple myeloma. He was born on November 12, 1942 in Dumont, New Jersey to the late George and Isabelle (née O’Donnal) Dawson. He has resided in the Stockholm section of Hardyston Township for most of his life. Mr. Dawson was a master electrician and worked for Merck Pharmaceutical. He was a United States Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War having served on the USS Zelima and was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Vernon Township Chapter #1002. Mr. Dawson was a Parishioner of Saint Jude the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Hamburg, New Jersey and also attended Stockholm United Methodist Church with his wife, Liz. Mr. Dawson was predeceased by his first wife Pauline Dawson and his sons, Christopher and Matthew Dawson. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (née Hailstones) Dawson; his brother, John Dawson and his wife, Claire of Rhode Island and his aunt, Ann Dunsten, of Sussex. Friends and relatives paid their respects to the family on Friday July 28, 2017 from 9:00-11:00 AM at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main Street, Franklin. A memorial service took place at 11:00 AM followed by the burial of ashes at the Northern NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sparta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1002 P.O. Box 463 Vernon, NJ 07462. For more information please see www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.

MICHAEL CHARLES DAWSON (USA, SFC-Ret.) - Died Saturday, September 30, 2017 in Harker Heights, Texas at the age of 71. The cause of death is lung cancer. He was born on July 06, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Arthur and Jean Dawson. Retired Sergeant First Class Dawson served proudly in the United States Army. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam. He is a Purple Heart, Silver Service Star, and Vietnam Service Medal recipient. Michael helped to start and was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Harker Heights Chapter #1000. He was a volunteer food coordinator for the Harker Heights Food Center for 17 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson David Richey; and grandson Bryson Higginbotham. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Dawson; daughter, Linda Hall; brother, Brett Dawson; stepdaughters, Vanisse Higginbotham and Clarice King; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name be made to the Harker Heights Food Center, P.O. Box 2238, Harker Heights, Texas. 76548. A visitation service was held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at the Heritage Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 PM. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Harker Heights at 10:00 AM. Interment was in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

LEE P. DeGANNETT - Died peacefully on Monday, October 3, 2011, at his home in Carolina, Rhode Island. He was 77 years of age. The cause of death is unknown. He was born in Richmond, Rhode Island on September 13, 1934 to the late Paul O. and M. Pauline (née Cochran) DeGannett. He was the beloved husband of the late Aliese W. (née Schafer) DeGannett. Lee retired from the United States Air Force. He was a Korean War and Vietnam War Veteran. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Wakefield Chapter #325. He will be sadly missed by his two sons, Joseph E. DeGannett of Norman, Okla., and Paul O. DeGannett and his wife Mary Ann, of North Kingstown, RI. He also leaves his sisters, June Kipp and her husband Tom of Hopkinton, RI, Joyce Silvia and her husband John of Carolina, RI, and Gail Gardiner of Smyrna Mills, Maine and a brother in-law Lew Andrews of Carolina, RI. He was the loving grandfather of Bobby Lee and Christina and great-grandfather of JJ Walsh and Daniel Walsh. He also leaves three special people in his life, Angela O'Donnell, Elizabeth Gardiner and Lynn Thurston and his special friends at the Coffee Shop. He was predeceased by his son, Lee A. DeGannett, and his sisters, Paula Andrews and Jane DeGannett. Calling hours were held on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, corner of Main and Bank Streets, Hope Valley, RI. The funeral service was held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors was held in the Wood River Cemetery, Richmond, RI. Arrangements were made by the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, Main Street, Hope Valley, RI.

JAMES EARL “Jimmy” De La GARZA - Died Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the age of 70, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was a resident of Victoria, Texas. He was born on November 28, 1944 in Houston, Texas to the late Alfred De Leon and Mary Lucy De La Garza Adams. Jimmy spent his youth in Victoria, where he was raised by his grandparents, Raphael and Janie De La Garza. Jimmy was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served for eight years as an airplane mechanic in the United States Air Force. He worked many years as a Senior Piping Designer/Draftsman before retiring. Jimmy gave generously of his time to benefit others, was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post #1269, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4146 and the Club Sembradores de Amistad. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Victoria Chapter #898. He honored other veterans who died by participating in military funerals. He helped many friends and family members in times of need. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brothers, Benny Gonzalez, Adie Adams and Alfred De Leon, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Tweedie De La Garza; his children, Denise Hoepfner, of Bozeman, MT, Jean De La Garza, of Lafayette, GA, Maricia Miller, of Katy, Annaliza De La Garza, of Houston, David Gonzalez, of San Antonio and Blaise Palacios. of Victoria; fifteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his siblings, David De La Garza, Carmen Sellers, Deamas Adams, Larry Adams, Jerry Adams, Robert De Leon, Richard De Leon, Anthony De Leon, Sandra Keller and Rachel De Leon, and; numerous other relatives and his faithful four-legged companion, Lena. Visitation hours were held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the Colonial Funeral Home followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM. Viewing was held at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM. Burial was with Full Military Honors at the Resurrection Cemetery. Pallbearers were his brothers, Deamas Adams, Larry Adams, Jerry Adams, Robert De Leon, Richard De Leon and Anthony De Leon. The honorary pallbearers were members of the CWV Post #1269 and the Club Sembradores de Amistad. Memorial donations may be made to the scholarship fund of Club Sembradores de Amistad to benefit Victoria College students or to the Alzheimer's Association. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.

JONATHAN T. “Toby” DILL - Died Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Davisburg, Michigan at the age of 69. The cause of death was Agent Orange-related pancreatic cancer. He was born on June 29, 1947 to Barbara Dill and the late George Dill. He was the beloved husband of Susan; proud father of Danielle (Al) Dill – Palomar; caring brother of Judi Tolliver, Janet (Hank) VanSant, Darlene (Randy) Stoops, and; many nieces, nephews and his special friend "Moon" the best hunting dog ever, gone but not forgotten. Toby Dill was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran and as a Specialist 4 served with the 1^st Air Cavalry, 8^th Engineer. As a combat engineer in Vietnam, Toby operated a backhoe to construct bunkers, command posts and landing zones, often under fire. Many times he depended on his battle buddies to watch his back. He was awarded an air medal for the many times he flew to a new destination. His affiliations included the following: was a member of VFW Post #1008, Waterford; Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America - Pontiac Chapter #133; American Legion Post #63, Clarkston; proud member of the Michigan Independent Riders Group since 2005; Member of Ducks Unlimited, Clarkston; Well Drillers Association. A Celebration of Life took part on his birthday, June 29^th by escorting him to the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Memorial donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 0133, 74 East New York Avenue Pontiac, MI 48340 or Michigan Independent Riders Group (located on Facebook under MIRG), Ed Rogers Scholarship Fund, c/o Melissa and Boyd Burger, 3549 Lakeview Drive, Highland, Michigan 48356.

TERRENCE DACEY “Terry” DRAG - Died peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso, Indiana at the age of 67. He was a resident of Chesterton, Indiana. The cause of death is unknown. He was born in Gary, Indiana on September 20, 1943 to the late George and Harriet "Hatsie" (née Dacey) Drag. On October 30, 1971 in Saint Stanislaus Church, East Chicago, Terry married Mary Ann (née Socha) Drag who survives in Chesterton. He is also survived by his children, George (wife, Lynn Maloley) Drag, of Chicago and Audrey (David C. Zane) Drag, of Westville; his sisters, Kathleen (Steven) Polomchak, of Texas and Susan (Roy) Jackson, of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased his sister, Nancy Klaser. Terry was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church where he was an usher and a member of the choir. He was a 3^rd Degree Knights of Columbus Msgr. Ryder Council. Terry graduated from Wirt High School in 1962. He was a Coil Wrapper at Midwest Steel for 31 years. Terry retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service. He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America – Portage Chapter #905, the Blue Jackets Naval Choir, and a life member of the VFW Post #2511 where he served as Junior Vice-Commander. He served on the Board and as President of the 5^th Street Club, Wheeler and Board of PRA. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 638 North Calumet, Chesterton at 11:00 AM with Reverend Father James Meade officiating. The family received friends from 9:00 AM until time of service on Saturday at the church. The White-Love Funeral Home in Chesterton was in charge of the arrangements.