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ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED SCS EMPLOYEES FRIENDS REMEMBERED We sadly miss the following members of the SCS family that have passed away. Our sympathy and prayers are with their families and friends. |
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Turn your audio on and listen to
"How Great Thou Art" by the Hand Bell Choir of Bethel United Methodist Churchfrom Woodbridge, VA as recorded on 3/28/07.
This page contains ONLY RECENT notices.
To see ALL remembrances collected to date:
in chronological order click here! in alphabetical order by last name click here!
Drucie Scaling passed away July 15, 2008. Drucie was the wife of Wilson Scaling former Chief of NRCS. She was very active with the Earth Team while Wilson was Chief. Wilson can be reached at PO Box 476, Henrietta, TX 76365. His phone number is 940/476-2404.
Senior Conservationist Kenneth J. Good (92) died on July 1, 2008. Ken retired as an area Soil Scientist in Nebraska in May 1974 after 31 years with SCS. Memorials may go to the American Heart Association.
Harvey W. Neemann (75) passed away on July 1, 2008. Harvey was an Engineer Technician with SCS in Nebraska at the time of his retirement. He is survived by a son, Karl; and 2 grandchildren. His wife, Doris, his wife, Doris, preceded his death.
James A. Shank (83) passed away June 29, 2008. Jim retired as an Engineering Technician with the Ohio Watershed Planning Unit in Nov. 1984 after 28 years. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane; sons Jim, and David; and 4 grand children. Memorials may go to the Community UMC Building Fund, 120 N Pickaway St., Circleville, OH 43113.
John Peterson recalls "Jim worked on my staff when I was the planning engineer in Ohio. He was a superb person and wonderful technician."
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist John T. " Jack" Phelan (95) passed away on June 26, 2008. Jack retired from SCS in April 1974 as the Director of Engineering. Earlier he had served as the Team Leader for the India project and as the Irrigation Engineer in the Lincoln, Engineering and Watershed Planning Unit. He retired as a Commander from the Navy Reserve. His wife, Lucille, passed away several years ago. Surviving are his son, Jim; daughter Marie Powell; 4 grand children and 2 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Suite 225, 875 N. Randolph St., Arlington, VA 22203-1757 or to Saint Charles Catholic Church, 3304 N Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. The family can be reached at Marie Powell, 501 Manchester, Arlington, VA 22203.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Clark H. Elliott (98) passed away recently. Clark retired in April 1974 as the Assistant State Administrative Officer for Colorado.
Don Wayne Stevens passed away May 9, 2008 in an accident while mowing. Don retired from NRCS in Texas. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, 4 daughters, and numerous grandchildren.
Harry B. Obrist (83) passed away June 23, 2008. Harry spent 42 years with SCS in Nebraska. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty; daughter, Diane; sons Kevin and Kent; and 2 granddaughters.
Joe Kunzel passed away May 21, 2008. Joe was a Conservation Technician in Wahoo, NE at the time of his retirement.
Margaret Myers passed away in May 2008. Margaret was the wife of Keith Myers. Keith passed away several years ago. At the time of his retirement Keith was the Director of the Midwest NTC.
Doris Schledorn (83) passed away June 3, 2008. Doris was the wife of Senior Conservationist Frank Schledorn. They were married for nearly 65 years. Frank retired from SCS as an Engineer in Montana. Memorials may be made to the Pilgrim Church for the Memorial Garden and Founders Circle project or to the Bozeman Deaconness Hospice Program.
David Lee Racey (61) passed away June 16, 2008. David spent his career with SCS/NRCS as a Soil Scientist. He is survived by his wife, Diana; daughter, Kimberley Brake; Son, Kevin; stepdaughter, Wendy Vann; stepson, Aaron Vann; and three grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Nature Conservancy, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 6014, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9984.
James W. Dye III (87) passed away June 4, 2008. Jim was a Soil Scientist in Kentucky when he retired in 1976. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children-Pat, Bob, and Nancy Alford; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the choice of the donor.
Levi Beckwith (88) passed away May 26, 2008. Levi was an Administrative Clerk in the State Office in North Carolina when he retired in 1981. He is survived by his wife, Hattie; daughter, Gwendolyn Talley; son, Gregory; 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Dennis L. Berkstresser (65) passed away June 2, 2008. Dennis retired in 1996 as the State Administrative Officer for North Carolina. He started his career with SCS/NRCS in Harrisburg, PA. He is survived by his wife, Jean, and three daughters-Kelly Bolz, Tracy Shultz, and Julie Janeczko.
Willis "Will" E. Hanna (69) passed away June 15, 2008. Will retired in April 1994 as the State Soil Scientist for SCS. He is survived by his wife, Gerry, and their children-Mark, and Bridget and 3 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Morrisville Lions Club, % Peggy Kendall, Pres., PO Box 348, Morrisville, NY 13408.
Donald H. Folkerts (82) passed away May 19, 2008. Don spent 25 years with SCS in Kansas retiring in July 1990. In WWII, Don served in the U. S. Navy as Boatswain's Mate, Second Class aboard the USS Agawam. He witnessed the surrender of Japan and was awarded the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and the Phillippine Liberation Campaign Ribbon. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen, and three daughters and 2 sons.
Senior Conservationist Harold Turell (86) passed away December 9, 2005. Harold retired as a Technician in Northwest Missouri in July 1982. Harold was noted for his surveying and map-making capabilities. He worked out of the Bethany, MO Area Office and had worked in that part of the state since 1948.
Miranda Grynkewicz (77) passed away April 25, 2008. Miranda retired from NRCS in 2003 as a computer specialist. She is survived by sons-Franklin and Robert; daughter, Jane; and 3 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the American Lung Association or to the World Wildlife Fund.
Senior Conservationist Walter C. Menear (84) passed away January 5, 2008. Walter was one of the very last Auto Mechanics that serviced SCS vehicles. He served several states and is especially remember for his work in West Virginia. His wife, Geraldine, survives. Also surviving are daughters, Judy Sutton, and Pamela Whittaker.
Norman Zimmerman (79) passed away April 13, 2008. "Norm" worked as a Conservation Technician at Mott and Dickenson, ND. He retired in 1986. He is survived by his sons, Lon, and Curt; and 2 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the United Church of Christ, Bismarck, ND.
B. Jean Saltness (81) passed away February 24, 2008. Jean was the wife of Gerald "Salty" Saltness. "Salty" served as a Technician at Fessenden, ND and as a Construction Inspector at Grafton, ND. He retired in 1980. Jean is survived by sons, Gerald, Jim, and Clark; and 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Nadine Evans passed away April 17, 2008. She was the wife of Charlie Evans. Charlie retired as a State Conservationist in SCS and passed away in 2001. She is survived by a son, Dick Powell and a daughter, Deanna Powell, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the First Methodist Church, 400 W Seventh, Stillwater, OK 74076 or Judith Karmen Hospice, PO Box 818, Stillwater, OK 74076.
Ann Owen (88) passed away January 13, 2008. Ann was with SCS for many years in the Chase City, VA office. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, J Jack Owen, daughter Jackie Jefferson and 2 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Wylliesburg Presbyterian Church, PO Box 48, Wylliesburg, VA 23976.
Raleigh L. Redman (61) passed away April 4, 2008. Raleigh retired from NRCS in Missouri as an Area Resource Conservationist in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and 2 daughters-Lindsey Redman and Lisa Redman. Memorials may go to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Assn, Seattle, Washington.
James E. Martin (93) passed away April 12, 2008. Jim worked as an Engineering Technician on the Potomac Basin Project in Harrisonburg, VA and then on the Watershed Planning Staff in Richmond, VA until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Avis; son, Douglas; daughters Violet Roberts and Glinda Powell. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren. Memorials may go to Concord Rescue Squad, PO Box 48, Concord, VA 24538.
Ted Coats (90) passed away February 29, 2008. Ted retired from SCS as a Construction Inspector at the Grenada, MS office. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey; son, Filo; and 2 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Gideon's International, PO Box 36, Grenada, MS 38901 or to the Friendship Baptist Church, 475 Pearidge Rd, Grenada, MS 38901.
Harold W. “Hal” Biggerstaff (89) passed away March 1, 2008. He worked as a soil scientist in Oregon, Nebraska, Idaho, and Hawaii and later with the Agency for International Development serving in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Egypt retiring in 1980 to Hayden Lake, Idaho. In 1938 & 1939 he served with the Civilian Conservation Corps in Alaska. Hal and Helen moved to Spokane, WA in 1996. He also served in the Air Force in World War II. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Sandy, Anita and Nola, and by son Larry.
David Brill (91) passed away on March 26, 2008. David retired from the Soil Conservation Service in Ohio. He is survived by his son, Dean, 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Worthington Christian Village, 165 Highbluffs, Columbus, OH 43235.
Frances Barnes passed away March 28, 2008. Frances was the wife of R. C. Barnes who retired from the National Office as Agricultural Engineer in the Engineering Division. He came to the National Office from Virginia where he was the State Conservation Engineer. R. C. passed away a number of years ago. Frances is survived by their son, Bruce. The family has asked that memorials be sent to; Central Texas Senior Ministries-Meals on Wheels, PO Box 85, Waco. TX 76703.
Lanell Walker passed away recently (Apr 08). Lanell and her husband, John, were both SCS employees and started their careers in Ft. Worth, TX.
Loetta F. Korenski (81) passed away April 10, 2008. Loetta was a Contract Specialist with NRCS at the time of her retirement. She is survived by a son, David; daughter, Donna; 4 grand children; and 5 great grandchildren.
Michael Paul White (66) passed away March 20,2008. Mike was a civil engineer (design and construction) on the state staff in Orono for several years before accepting the position of district conservationist for the Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District before retiring. He worked closely with numerous farmers throughout Aroostook County, receiving numerous local, state and federal awards for his work. Mike's positive influence was extended even further with involvement in activities such as "The Potato Pickers Special," Boys Brigade at the local church and Castle Hill Planning Board. Mike was always an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the peace and solitude that nature provided. He enjoyed fishing and working at the family's tree farm.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Julius J. Post (95) passed away March 2, 2008. Julius retired from SCS in July 1970 as the Staff Economist on the Watershed Planning and River Basin Staff. Most of his career was spent in Texas and Louisiana. Julius started his career in the CCC’s in 1935. His wife of nearly 56 years preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Lynn(Retired from NRCS in 2001), daughters Ann Pustejovsky, and Kathy Riordan, and by 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Pose Endowment Fund, Crestview United Methodist Church, 1300 Morrow, Austin, TX 78757.
Senior Conservationist Norman Berg (90) passed away on March 18, 2008 following complications of a heart attack. Norm had reached 90 just 4 days prior to his death. He retired as Chief of the Soil Conservation Service in 1982. He also served as Associate Administrator and in Idaho and South Dakota. During his long career with SCS he provided guidance and leadership to many employees as they progressed through their careers. Following his retirement he became the senior advisor to American Farmland Trust a position he held at the time of his death. He also worked closely with the Soil and Water Conservation Society after his retirement. In 1997 the Secretary of Agriculture named him Chief Emeritus for NRCS. His wife of 58 years, Ruth, preceded him in death. He is survived by 4 daughters, Susan Morgan, Jane Paulsen, Pamela Lieb, and Rebecca Crofton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Farmland Trust, 1200 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to the Norm and Ruth Berg Conservation Fellowship Program, SWCS, 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023.
Aubrey L. Fly passed away February 24, 2008. Aubrey was on the Watershed Planning Staff in TN until he resigned and established his own engineering firm in Nashville. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jane; children-Christopher, Susan, and Jonathan; and 3 grandchildren. The family suggests memorials go to charity as chosen by donor.
Myrtle Lawhon (92) passed away February 11, 2008. Myrtle spent her career with SCS in Texas. She is survived by her daughter, Pat Echols and family.
Robert A. Corthell (87) passed away March 8, 2008. Bob retired as a Biologist for SCS in the Portland, OR NTC. He is survived his companion, Lorraine Johnson, children-David, Alisa Geary, and Katie Corthell, and by 5 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Coos Bay Chapel, Coos Bay, OR.
Fines F. Sturgeon (88) passed away March 2, 2008. Fines worked for SCS as a construction inspector for thirty years. He is survived by his wife, Goldie; 3 daughters; seven grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
Senior Conservationist Damon "Ozzie" Keairns (95) passed away February 20, 2008. Ozzie started his career in the Soil Erosion Service in 1934. He started his career as an Engineer in Ohio. He later was an Assistant State Conservationist in both Illinois and Oklahoma. He retired in 1968 and continued to live in Stillwater until the death of his bride of 66 years, Thelma. Ozzie then moved to the Pittsburg, PA area to be near his son, Dale. Dale and a grandson, Carter survives.
Neil Bogner remembers Ozzie as "the person that interviewed me when I first contacted SCS about employment. He set up my first summer as a summer trainee. Any time I got to OK he had to spend some quality time with me. He was an unusually warm person and really enjoyed his work, being with fellow employees, and life in general."
Noble D. Allen (80) passed away March 1, 2008. Noble retired after 25 years with SCS as a Core Drill Operator. His wife, Sidney, preceded him in death. He is survived by sons, Tommie and Tim; daughter, Bonnie Fowler; and 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to Pennroyal Hospice, 101 W 18th St., Hopkinsville, KY or the American Cancer Society, Attn: Dee Eggers, 203 Choctaw Dr., Cadiz, KY 42211.
Kilby C. Lanier (72) passed away February 29, 2008. Kilby retired in August 1993 as Assistant State Conservationist in Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter Lisa; son, John; step-daughters, Carol, Stephanie, and Stacey; step-sons, David, and Shawn; 14 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to Destiny Community Church, 4101 Tates Creek Center, PMB 334, Lexington, KY 40517 or the American Heart Association.
Lionel L “Leon” Smith (94) passed away February 28, 2008. Leon left SCS after serving as the District Conservationist in Mason County, WV and joined the US Corps of Engineers as a Realty Specialist. He was preceded in death by his wife. Surviving is daughter, Marlyn; son, William; and 9 grandchildren.
Marcus Bray (84) passed away after a single-car accident near Brookville, IN on Nov. 23, 2007. Marcus retired from the U.S. Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer after 23 years of service before joining the SCS.
Milt Spence (86) passed away November 11, 2007. Milt fell and fractured a disc in his back in May and never recovered. He graduated from Southern Illinois University and served in the Navy during World War II. He was a DC in Evansville, IN for several years. In the late 1960’s he briefly served overseas as agricultural advisor to the South Vietnamese government. He retired from the Indianapolis Watershed Planning Staff.
Tom Finnerty passed away Feb. 22, 2009. Tom was the RC&D Coordinator at Wheatland, WY at the time of his retirement in 1988. His wife, Anita, survives. Also surviving are-Daughters, Karol, Beth, Patty, and Colleen; sons, Jim, Tim, Marty, and Tommy; 20 grandchildren; and 2 great grand children. Anita can be reached at 1354 Sunset Dr., Wheatland, WY 82201. Memorials may go to Hospice.
Clentis Pool passed away February 22, 2008. Clentis retired as the District Conservationist at Summerville, GA. His wife, Betty, survives. She can be contacted at 68 Tyler St., Summerville, GA 30747-2131.
Lynn “Buzz” Bereuter (89) passed away January 20, 2008 at St. Alexis Medical Center. He worked in Washington, DC, and as Watershed Planning Party Leader in Fargo and Bismarck, ND. He loved his career, but his favorite job was retirement. He was a former ARSCSE State Representative for ND. He is survived by his wife Bette of nearly 64 years, one daughter, Linda; one son, Larry(Janna) and one grand-daughter, Erika Lynn.
Ernie Dierks (94) passed away February 23, 2008, at a St. Paul, MN, hospital. Ernie worked at the Washburn, ND office from 1948 until he retired as District Conservationist in 1971. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maythel; three daughters, Judith (John) Marshall, Janel (John) Heroff, and JoAnn Nick, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Hartzell C. Dean (99) passed away February 4, 2008. He retired in June 1973 as the State Soil Scientist in Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette. He is survived by his son Donald, daughter, Janet Upchurch, 10 grandchildren and 31 great grand children. Hartzell’s twin brother, Harold, also an Honorary Member passed away in 2004.
Paul G. DuMont (70) passed away January 25, 2008. Paul retired in 1991 from SCS as an Editor in the National Office. Paul was an avid bird watcher with a list of 829 US birds seen. Paul is survived by his sisters, Annie Weinreich, Caroline Jones and Joan Bowman.
Senior Conservationist Henry O. Blunier (93) passed away February 16, 2008. Henry retired in June 1974 after spending his career in Peoria and Woodford Counties, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Wilma and six daughters-Nancy Kepp, Evelyn Mogler, Doris Blunier, Edith Stoller, Marjorie Parmenter, and Karen Blunier. Memorials may go to the Apostolic Christian Home for the Handicapped, 2125 Veterans Rd., Morton, IL 61550.
Leo E. Downing passed away January 8, 2008. Leo retired in 1985 as the District Conservationist in Bryan Co., OK. Leo was very active in his community and served as an officer in numerous organizations. He is survived by his wife, Juanita; sons-John, Jerry, Roy, Charles, and Jim; daughter Sherell Mattingly; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
Kenneth L. Doe (81) passed away January 21, 2008. He worked for many years as a geologist and retired as state Geologist for Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine, 4 daughters, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grand child. Memorials may go to the Warren United Methodist Church Foundation, 1205 N 45th St., Lincoln, NE 68506. Geraldine lives at 925 El Alvado Ave, Lincoln, NE 68504.
Geneva Anderson Vanover (86) passed away January 30, 2008. Geneva’s husband, Sam, retired as the District Conservationist at Lancaster, KY.
George E. Haymond (89) passed away January 27, 2008. George retired in 1980 as the State Administrative Officer in Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, children- Dwight, Reginald, Sharon, and John; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Memorials may go to Shriners Hospital or Aldersgate United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Senior Conservationist John F. Nigro (90) passed away January 26, 2008. John retired, after 35 years, in January 1982 as a District Conservationist at Troy, NY. He is survived by four sons; John, Richard, Joseph, and Thomas; and 2 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the St. Jude the Apostle Church, Brookside Ave., Wynantskill, NY 12198.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Thomas B Evans (94) passed away December 25, 2007. His wife, Frances Melina, passed away in August 2007, after 73 years of marriage. Tom retired from SCS in June 1974. He enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished career with the Soil Conservation Service in Utah, Maryland, West Virginia, Indiana and Oregon. He graduated from the University of Maine, and a served as a naval officer in both World War II and the Korean War. He is survived by his son Thomas L., and daughters Linda and Virginia; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Eugene R. Fellows (76) passed away January 22, 2008. Gene was with SCS/NRCS for 31 years. He retired as the Dist. Conservationist at Morrisville, VT. He is survived by his wife, LilaLee, children and grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Memorials may go to the Green Mountain Conservation Camp Endowment Fund, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Dept., 103 S. Main St., 10 South, Waterbury, VT 05671.
Senior Conservationist Ned A. Hood (97) passed away January 19, 2008. Ned started his career with the CCC’s in Davidson County, NC. He started with SCS in 1935. He retired as the District Conservationist in Yadkinville, NC in May 1971. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Logene; a son, William; 2 grandsons. Memorials may go to Yadkin Christian Ministries, PO Box 204, Yadkinville, NC 27055.
Senior Conservationist Donnell “Don” Sylvester (84) passed away January 1, 2008. Don spent 38 years with SCS. He retired as State Range Conservationist in New Mexico in May 1984. Earlier he had served in Nebraska and Wyoming. Don served as the ARSCSE Representative for NM for many years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dora; their children, Nancy, John, Mary; 6 grand children and 4 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Christian Veterinary Mission, 19303 Fremont Ave., N Seattle, WA 98133 or to the Heights First Church of the Nazarene, Choir Ministry, 8401 Paseo Del Norte, Albuquerque, NM.
Senior Conservationist Stanley A. Zauha (90) passed away November 12, 2007. Stanley retired as Administrative Officer for SCS in Nebraska on Dec. 24, 1975. He is survived by sons, Thomas, and Kevin; and daughters, Joan and Janelle. Memorials may go to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 26th and State, Boise, ID.
Robert Michael Welsh passed away December 20, 2007. Michael was the son of Jerry and Alice Welsh. Jerry retired from SCS in 1990 as the Research Coordinator in the National Office. Mike is survived by his parents and brother, Marc. Memorials may go to Gideon’s International, PO Box 1448, Little River, SC 29566 or to Camp Days, 1622 Ashley Hall Rd., Charleston, SC 29407.
Stephen G Claughton (69) passed away October 17, 2007. Steve was Design Engineer in the Amherst, MA office and retired in 1995. He is survived by Carol, his wife of 40 years, daughters Sarah and Dana and son Stephen. Steve was a man who held dear many things in this life, his faith, family, and friends.
Raymond P Curran, Jr. (62) passed away December 5, 2007. Ray was Field Engineer in the Hadley, MA NRCS office at the time of his retirement in 2005. Ray also served as an Engineer in the Navy Sea Bees. He is survived by Mary,his wife of 33 years, a son Dr. Raymond P Curran III, daughter Debra Lizon and son Tim Curran.
Clemmon Windfield Bridgers Sr. (73) passed away May 25, 2007. Clemmon was a native of Northampton County, North Carolina, where he was a member of Jackson Baptist Church. He was married to Barbara Barrow in 1955. Mr. Bridgers retired in 1990 as a soil technician in Halifax County where he served for 38 years. He was a Master Mason, a member of Seaboard Lodge #378, AF&AM, and a member of the Scottish Rite as well as a Shriner. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; one son, Clemmon Windfield Bridgers, Jr. and his wife, Heidi, of Ahoskie; and one grandson, Lewis Clemmon Bridgers.
Gladys Sykes Sutherland (87) passed away June 8, 2007. Mrs. Southerland was a native of Mebane, NC. She was secretary to the State Conservationist in Raleigh when she retired June 1, 1984, with 30 years of Service. She lived 41 years in Raleigh before moving to Greensboro to be near her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oswell P. “Duke” Southerland. She is survived by her son, Tom Southerland and wife, Joy, of Greensboro; two grandsons and three great Grandchildren.
Jasper R. Cave (74) passed away November 11, 1007. Jasper retired as Soil Conservation Technician in Allegheny County, North Carolina. He was a quiet Christian gentleman who always had a big smile. He was a native of Surry County. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 46 years and one daughter and two sons and their families. Also surviving are three sisters and two brothers.
John E. “Jack” Webb, Sr. (81) passed away December 3, 2007. Jack retired as the Economist for the Watershed/River Basin Planning Party in the state office, Raleigh, NC. He served in the armed forces during WWII. He loved the game of tennis and enjoyed researching family genealogy. Jack is survived by his wife of 55 years, Amy, of Cary, NC, four children, 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Marcus Bostian (92) passed away November 29, 2007. Marcus retired as a Soil Scientist in the Statesville Area Office, North Carolina. He was born in Alexander County and served in the US Air Force during World War II. Marcus was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and Greensboro Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Helen Wilson Bostian and a son, Marcus “Mark” Wilson Bostian of Claremont.
Benjamin J. Puza (81) passed away December 16, 2007. He retired in 1980 after 26 years with Soil Conservation Service in Wyoming and Sullivan Counties in PA. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elsie; three sons-David, Dennis, and Donald; three granddaughters; 6 grandsons and 8 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Riverside Park Commission or the Tunkhannock Tree Association.
Dean R. Isaacs (92) retired Range Conservationist passed away December 15, 2007 in Kerrville, Texas. He was a native of Scranton, Kansas and a graduate of Fort Hays Kansas State College. He served in World War II and was a decorated veteran serving in Germany. He was a Range Specialists with the SCS and worked in several locations, mainly in South Texas. He was a member of the Range Management Society, Medina Rotary Club and served as a volunteer in many community projects. He was a long standing member of the Medina United Methodist Church. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Florence. He is survived by two step sons, David Goss and George Goss. Dean was a highly respected employee.
Talmadge T. Weddle (84) passed away November 17, 2007. “Tap” retired after 45 years with SCS in Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Edna, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Stanley G. Vistica (76) passed away December 3, 2007. Stanley retired from SCS in 1976. He was working in Marion Co., Oregon at the time of his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons-Rodney, George, and Timothy; daughter, Vicki; and 6 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the American Heart Association or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Hazel B. LeBlanc (78) passed away November 26, 2007. She retired from SCS as a Secretary in 1990. She is survived by her husband, Robert; sons Larry and Greg; daughters Linda and Gloria. Memorials may be made to the Central Oregon Home Health and Hospice, 2698 NE Courtney Dr., Suite 101, Bend, OR 97701.
Jack C. Williams, retired Soil Scientist passed away suddenly on November 19, 2007 in Temple, Texas. He was 79 years of age. Jack was a native of Paris, Texas and grew up in the small East Texas town of Blossom. He was a graduate of Texas A & M in the class of 1950 with a degree in Agronomy. He retired in Temple after serving some 10 years on the State Staff as a Field Specialist for Soil Survey. Jack was highly respected as a soil scientist and as an employee of the SCS. He was married to Nita Spear and is survived by his wife, a daughter and son as well as 5 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Leslie H. Monke (89) passed away November 26, 2007. Les retired as the District Conservationist in Champaign Co., IL. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, LaVonne, three sons-David, Daryl, and Roger. Also surviving are 2 grandsons and 6 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the St. John Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis Ave., Champaign, IL.
Vernon E. Johnson (90) passed away within the past year (reported Nov 07). Vernon retired as the Resource Conservationist in MA in 1976. For the last several years he served as the ARSCSE Representative in MA.
Daniel "Dan" E. Boone (79) retired District Conservationist at Carthage, Texas passed away September 11, 2007. He was a graduate of Texas A & M University and served in the military during the Berlin crises. He was the commander of the National Guard in Carthage for a number of years. He retired from the SCS with 33 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Elanore, four children and seven grandchildren.
Wesley “Wes” Sanders (76) passed away November 10, 2007. Wes retired in 1986 as the District Conservationist in St. Croix County, WI. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; 2 daughters, Elaine Gonering, and Kathy Pankratz; 2 sons, David and James; and 8 grandchildren.
Fred F. Wetter (89) passed away September 19, 2007. Fred started his career in Washington and served in several locations in that State. After retirement he had a tree farm in Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Addie, son Monte, and daughter Maribeth.
Walter J. Messer passed away November 8, 2007. Walter retired in April 1978 as a District Conservationist in Ohio. His wife, Virginia, survives. She may be contacted at 1813 Hillstone Dr., Finley, OH 45840.
Basil “Buster” Lucado (94) passed away July 25, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorene, three children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Marion Carstens (90) passed away September 4, 2007. Marion retired in March 1976 from the Idaho Snow Survey Section following 20 years with that Section. During her time with Snow Survey the groundwork was laid for the technological changes that moved data collection from manual measurements to the automated SNOTEL system.
Margie Wolfe passed away November 3, 2007. Margie’s husband, Paxton, retired as the State Forester in PA. Paxton’s address is 119 Lancaster Blvd., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Isreal Jones passed way November 15, 2006. He was a Technician in Cheneyville, LA at the time of his retirement in Jan. 1993.
Floyd W. Lopez (87) passed way May 29, 2007. Floyd was in the Many, LA Field Office at the time of his retirement.
Charles “Charlie” Nix (80) passed away September 7, 2007. Charlie retired in Feb. 1985 as a Hydrologist on the River Basin and Watershed Planning staff in the LA State Office.
Doris J. McMullen (83) passed way September 11, 2007. Doris was in the Administrative and Financial Sections of the LA State Office. At the time of her retirement, April 1983, she was Secretary to the State Conservationist.
Charles E. Martin passed way July 30, 2007. “Bo” was a Soil Scientist for much of his career. He retired in Oct. 1992 as the District Conservationist in West Monroe, LA.
William C. Fecke (71) passed away October 31, 2007. Bill retired from the Water Resource Division in the National Office. Prior to joining the National Office he worked in Pennsylvania. Bill is survived by his wife, Sue, and children-William, Paul, Tyrone, Stephanie, Shannan, Emma and 18 grandchildren. Memorials may go to the American Heart Association in Bill’s name.
Clarence Maesner (73) passed away November 2, 2007. Clarence retired from NRCS as the Head, Ecological Sciences Staff in the Portland NTC. Prior to that he was the Recreation Specialist. He is survived by his wife, Rosalinda.
Harvey H. King (88) passed away August 19, 2007. Harvey retired from the SCS Engineering Office in Temple, TX. He was with Freese and Nichols after his retirement. His wife, Dorothy, passed away in June 2007. He is survived by his daughter, Janis Knight. Janis can be reached at 201 Elder Oak Dr., DeSoto, TX 75115. Memorials may go to Mission Arlington, 210 W South St., Arlington, TX 76011.
John Micheel and his wife Shirley, passed away August 18, 2007. They were on their way home from a family get-together in Ettrick, WI when their car was swept away by a gush of water on County Road 23, just north of Stockton, MN. He worked on flood control measures for Garvin Brook as a Soil and Water Conservationist. The very stream he knew so well snuck up and killed him and his wife. He worked for 37 years for SCS/NRCS and was named Conservationist of the Year in 2006 by the Minnesota Conservation Federation.
Charles Baird (66) passed away October 18, 2007. Charlie worked as an Engineer for SCS/NRCS in Texas and retired Jan. 1, 2000. He is survived by his wife, Gail, sons Rob and Reese. Memorials may go to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 305 N 30th, Waco, TX 76710.
Noah W. Hudson (86) passed away October 7, 2007. Noah spent his career with SCS in Vermont. He served at Poultney, Manchester Center, Bennington, and Montpelier. He retired in 1985. His wife, Barbara, survives. Memorials may go to the Lyndonville First Congregational Church, PO Box 193, Lyndonville, VT 05851.
Marge Ralston passed away recently in Colorado. Her husband, Bill, retired as the Legislative Assistant in the National Office.
Robert “ Bob” Burris (60) died suddenly October 4, 2007. Bob retired as Assistant State Conservationist in Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, sons-Eric and Brooks and 4 grandchildren. The family suggests that memorials go to the Burris Memorial Academic Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens Bank of Logan, 188 W Main St., Logan, OH 43138.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist James S. White (93) passed away October 6, 2006. James retired in July 1970 as a District Conservationist in Georgia.
Allan Draper passed away September 22, 2007. Allan retired as a Conservation Technician at Hillsboro, IL.
Helen M. Stoneciper (86) passed away August 14, 2007. Helen retired from SCS in August 1984 as the Area Clerk at Carbondale, IL. Earlier she worked in the State Offices in Missouri and Illinois. Prior to working for SCS she, and her late husband, were publishers of newspapers in Washington, MO and Arcola, IL. Memorials may go to the Stonecipher Scholarship Fund (for journalism scholarships) at SIU Foundation, Mail Code 6805, Carbondale, IL 62901.
Senior Conservationist Ivan D. Smith (85) passed away August 31, 2007. Ivan retired from SCS in Dec. 1982 as the District Conservationist at Coldwater, KS. His wife, Marjorie, survives as well as 2 daughters, Ivalee Vanderhoff and Juanita Hanhardt, 4 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Reno County, in care of the Elliott Mortuary, 1219 Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Gilbert Kagy passed away April 11, 2007. He was with SCS in Ohio. His wife, Martha, survives. Her address is 54 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Harold Grogger (95) passed away August 16, 2007. Harold was born May 15, 1912, in Solomon, KS, and earned a Union Pacific scholarship to attend Kansas State University, where he graduated in 1935 with a degree in economics. Harold retired in Oct. 1969 as the State Soil Scientist in Missouri. His early career as a soil scientist took him to Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. He settled in Columbia Missouri in 1944 and remained there until his death. In retirement he worked for the State of Missouri, University of Missouri, Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Conservation Commission until finally fully retiring in 1984. Irene, his wife of 69 years, passed away last year. Harold was active and vigorous until the end. He enjoyed tracking his various investments on the computer, and became an adept user of his VCR, cable TV remote controls and other modern gizmos that he always indicated he could not possibly have dreamed would ever exist when he was a boy growing up in rural Kansas. He was a voracious reader of local newspapers and an avid follower of Mizzou athletics, the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, and any other sporting event which happened to grace the television in front of his recliner. He is survived by his daughter, Connie and son, Robert, 2 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He has asked that rather than anyone thinking of a memorial use it for their own family.
Ruthie Darling (72) passed away August 24, 2007. Ruthie was retired from NRCS at Janesville, WI.
James C. Brown (J. C.) retired Assistant State Conservationist for Texas passed away August 13, 2007. J. C. was a graduate of Texas A & M University and worked for some 29 years at several locations in Texas, retiring in 1994. J. C. also served 29 years in the U.S. Army reserves, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, and one son, two daughters and seven grandchildren. J. C. will be remembered for his dedication, gentle spirit and his concern for finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
Lillian Warner (87) passed away June 12, 2007. Lillian was the Area Clerk at Macomb, IL at the time of her retirement. She was with SCS for 32 years. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Bonnett, a grandson, a granddaughter, and a great grandson. Memorial may go to the First Christian Church or the Everly House, Macomb, IL.
Senior Conservationist Wilbur Shisler passed away July 21, 2007. Wilbur spent the bulk of his career as a District Conservationist in Ohio. He also was on the Watershed Planning Staff. He is survived by his wife, Marie; by his daughters Margaret, and Marilyn; by 3 grandchildren and by 4 great grandchildren. Her address is 551 Beechwood Dr, Wooster, OH 44691. Memorials may go to the Mennonite Central Committee Connections, Box 19, Kidron, OH 44636 or to Habitat for Humanity, Wayne County, 1451 Spruce St. Ext., Wooster, OH 44691.
Grace Celotto passed away February 2, 2007. Grace was on the staff at the NENTC for many years.
Karl Hellerick (79) passed away June 26, 2007. Karl was a District Conservationist for 33 years at several locations in Pennsylvania. His death was the result of injuries from a tractor accident. He had a reputation as having the “best tasting strawberries in Bucks County.”
Daniel “Dan” Yanta passed away March 10, 2007. Dan resided in Port Lavaca and was a retired District Conservationists in Texas. He was a graduate of Texas A & M University. He retired with 32 years of service and was working as a project manager for a contracting company. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and two daughters and several grandchildren.
Willard E. Richter (84) passed away in Fredericksburg, Texas on March 27, 2007. He was a native of Boerne, Texas and a graduate of Texas A & M University with a degree in wildlife science in 1966. He had a career in the military, serving in U.S. Army Air Corps and flew P-47 Thurderbolts and served in the 371st Fighter Group in France, Belgium and Holland. He retired from the Air Force in 1963 to enter college. He worked as a Biologist in Texas in several locations including Navasota, Nacogdoches, Fredericksburg, Lubbock and San Angelo. He was highly respected in his field. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter and two grandchildren.
Tommy Slaughter (89) passed away June 28, 2006 in Marshall, Texas. Tommy served some 38 years as a technician with the Soil Conservation Service in the East Texas area. Tommy served in the Army during World War II and earned many medals and awards. He also received several awards from the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He was faithful in attending the annual SCS/NRCS Reunion. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille in 1992.
Daryl Ray Eckert (43) passed away suddenly on July 19, 2007 in Boerne, Texas. Daryl was serving as the District Conservationist for Kendall County. He is survived by his wife Rhonda and two sons.
Robert E. Hovel (84) passed away in Temple, Texas on July 18, 2007. Bob served some 32 years with the SCS working in Laredo, Edinburg, Harlingen and retiring in Temple after several years as Assistant State Conservationist for Operations. Bob was a veteran of World War II and served with the 42nd Rainbow Division. He was a native of San Antonio and a 1945 graduate of Texas A & M University. Bob was a very dedicated person during his career. He held only the highest standards for himself and those that he worked with. He is survived by his wife Ruth and three sons. Two sons preceded him in death.
Milton H. Keller (78) passed away June 12, 2007. Milton was a draftsman with SCS in the Portland NTC. He is survived by his wife Anna; sons-Michael, Mark, and Matthew; daughter, Michelle; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to Kaiser Hospice.
Lucy Paulson passed away May 16, 2007. Lucy retired after 28 years with the Cartographic Unit, Lincoln, NE. Her husband, Robert, was also an SCS employee. She is survived by Robert, daughter Eileen, 3 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Thomas L. Abshure (83) passed away July 3, 2004 in Elmore City, OK. “Ab” retired as State Administrative Officer in December of 1975. He is survived by his wife, Melba, four daughters, a son, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
T. K. Lybeck (86) passed away May 28, 2004 in Devils Lake, ND. He is survived by 3 sons, a daughter, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Jesse Clemons death was recently reported (June 2004). Jesse was a Soil Conservation Technician at Cathage, TN.
Dale Ferguson’s death was recently reported (June 2004). Dale was a District Conservationist at Selmer, TN.
James B. McAdams death was recently reported (June 2004). James was a District Conservationist at Brownsville, TN.
John and Mary Anne Hooker both passed away sometime in 2003. John was District Conservationist at Medina, OH at the time of his retirement.
Martha Lee passed away June 23, 2004. Martha was the wife of Tillman Lee. Tillman retired as an Area Conservationist at Columbia, TN.
Senior Conservationist Clarence B. Breinig (91) passed away some time before May of 2004. Clarence retired in April 1973 as the State Soil Scientist for Tennessee.
Senior Conservationist Addie S. Harvey (87) passed away some time before May of 2004. Addie retired in March 1971 as a District Conservationist in Tennessee.
Harold V. Stephens (84) passed away June 2, 2007. At the time of his retirement in 1982 Harold was the Acting State Resource Conservationist in Maryland. He started his career as a Soil Scientist and District Conservationist in Texas. He has been living with his daughter, Nan, in Tenn.
Andrew “Andy” Schroedl (97) passed away March 1, 2007. Andy was a Conservation Technician in the Bismarck, ND field office at the time of his retirement. His wife, Leone, died in July 2001. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne; three sons, Paul, Michael, and Stephen and by 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Greg Hoffmeister from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
Gene Hassler from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
Raymond Manchester from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
Ken Burns from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
Paul Hall from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
Wilbur “Babe” Kron. from Indiana passed away in the last year (June 2007).
William F. Neel (84) passed away in February 2007. Mr. Neel served 35 years on the Tazewell Soil and Water Conservation District Committee, 29 years as Chairman. He was very well known to the conservation community in Virginia. Mr. Neel’s sister Betsy, is married to Fred Sisk, an SCS retiree from the Indiana State Office.
Charles Ward (87) passed away March 10, 2007. Mr. Ward was a Soil Conservation Technician in Berryville when he retired in 1985.
Neal McKinstry (87) passed away recently (June 2007). Neal served as the District Conservationist at Craig, CO.
Frank Dugan (90) passed away April 2007. Frank retired from the Resource Staff in the Virginia State Office in December 1977. He was the State Biologist there for many years.
Donald W. Nanson (78) passed away June 13, 2007 at his home in Spokane, Washington. Don worked in Colville, Pomeroy, Selah, Spokane, Okanogan and Yakima SCS offices and five years in Olympia, on loan to the WA State Conservation Commission 208 program (water quality). He is survived by his wife Kay, 3 daughters, Laurie, Mary and Chris, and six grandchildren.
Senior Conservationist John K. Maddy (90) passed away June 16, 2007. John retired in Jan. 1978 as the State Conservation Agronomist for Iowa. He earlier served as a District Conservationist at LeMars, IA. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, their children-John, Marilyn and Marshall and by 2 grandchildren.
Honorary Senior Conservationist Frank C. Piper (92) passed away June 1, 2007. Frank retired Dec. 1974 as the District Conservationist at Baker City, OR. His wife, Virginia, passed away in 2001. In his retirement Frank was very active with volunteer work and travel. He is survived by daughter, Penny; daughter, Patti; and by 5 grandchildren.
Senior Conservationist Pauline Sawyer (90) passed away May 11, 2007 in North Carolina. Pauline retired in January 1975 as an Executive Assistant with SCS in the National Office. She is survived by her son, William Sawyer and 4 grand children.
Harold T. Brown (82) passed away June 29, 2006. Harold retired as an Assistant State Conservationist. His early career service was as an Engineer. He is survived by his wife, Charlene.
David DeTullio (58) passed away in Reno, NV on June 2, 2007. His death followed a brief illness. David served as Water Resource Policy Coordinator in the West Regional Office. He had also served as Assistant State Conservationist in Idaho. He is survived by his wife, Terry and son, Mike.
Clemmon W. Bridges (73) passed away May 25, 2007. Clemmon retired as a Soil Conservation Technician after 38 years in Halifax County, NC. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, one son, Clemmon and one grandson.
Jerry Gockowski (81) passed away May 14, 2007. Jerry retired from the National Office as Director of Cartographic and Remote Sensing in Nov. 1980. Jerry started his career as an engineer in Minnesota. He later was in the Lincoln NTC with the Cartographic Unit. In his retirement he was active in his community and in his church. He and Marie were frequent attendees at ARSCSE Capitol Section luncheons. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie, six children-Carol Ann, James, Mary Lee, Thomas, Nancy, and Jean, and 12 grand children. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church Building Fund, 22 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325 or to Hospice of The Good Shepard, 1075 Old Harrisburg Rd., Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Lucy Pearson passed away May 16, 2007. Lucy retired after 28 years with the Cartographic Unit, Lincoln, NE. Her husband, Robert, was also an SCS employee. She is survived by Robert, daughter Eileen, 3 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Charles Peterson of Winterset, Iowa passed away January 16, 2007. He retired as a soil conservation technician at Winterset in 2002.
Donald Betts (89) passed away February 8, 2007. He was living at Coon Rapids. He had worked as a technician at the Atlantic and Audubon field offices. He is survived by his wife, Esther, and two children.
Leroy Smith passed away March 6, 2007. Leroy moved to Yates Center, KS several years ago. His wife, Kathryn, survives.
Steve Evanoika, NRCS retiree, passed away April 17, 2007. He worked for NRCS- in Simla, Castle Rock, and Kiowa. He was serving on the Elbert/Douglas COC, and was very involved in the conservation community. Steve will be sadly missed by all of us.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Dr. Cornelius Van Doren (101) passed away March 16, 2007 at his home. He spent nearly his entire career as a research conservationist for USDA. Early in his career he worked at the Univ. of Illinois and with SCS. He retired from ARS 1974. His brother, Clifford is a Senior Conservationist. He is survived by his wife, Jean; sons Carlton, Dennis Gates, James Gates, 5 grand children and one great-granddaughter. Memorials may go to the Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 W County Rd C-2, Roseville, MN.
Steve Richard “Dick” Base passed away April 30, 2007. Dick retired in 1994 from the National Soil Survey Center as the correlator for the western United States. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, sons Daniel, Stephen, and Michael, step children Debra, Dana, Davis, Darin 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Florence Ray died following an accident on March 22, 2007. Her husband, Merrill, was also in the accident. Their entire family some 65 in all attended the funeral with only 3 great grandchildren did not attend. Merrill retired as the Resource Conservationist in Missouri in June 1984.
Dorothy Smith died in late March 2007. Dorothy was the wife of Ray Smith. Ray retired as the State Conservation Engineer in Montana.
Irma Lewis (95) passed away Feb. 4, 2007. Irma was the Head of Personnel at the SCS Technical Center in Ft. Worth prior to her retirement.
Charlotte Metz passed away Feb. 15, 2007 in Colby, KS. Her husband, Harvey retired as an Engineer in 1994 at Ft. Collins, CO.
Robert Hopps passed away in March 2007. Bob worked in the Cartographic Print Shop, SCS Tech Center, Ft. Worth prior to his retirement. He is survived by his wife Lou, a daughter, and several grandchildren.
Marion Shreve passed away March 28, 2007. Marion’s husband, Dixie retired as the State Resource Conservationist in West Virginia. She is survived by her husband, 2 daughters, and twelve grandchildren.
Joe Perry passed away in April 2007. Joe retired as the Project Engineer at Grenada, MS. His wife, Virginia survives.
Senior Conservationist Walt Hankins passed away in April 2007. He was just named a Senior Conservationist this year. He resided in Boise, ID until recently when he moved to California to be near family. He retired in July 1980 as a Branch Chief in the Adm. Services Division.
“Jake” Tootell passed away in early April 2007 at a nursing home in Missoula, MT. She was the wife of Don Tootell. Don Tootell retired as the Deputy State Conservationist in Washington. He had earlier served in Idaho and in the National Office. Don passed away a number of years ago.
Senior Conservationist Norris P. Swanson (90) passed away on Feb. 15, 2007. Norris was with SCS in the early days and then was transferred to ARS with the SCS research activity. Norris maintained a Membership in ARSCSE for many years. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, son, Joel, and two daughters, Jane Armstrong and Beth Weiskircher, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Memorials may go to Bethesda Lutheran Church, Clarinda, IA, 51632 or First Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE 68506.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Steve Kortan (97) passed away March 16, 2007 at his home in Buda,TX. Steve retired as a Field Representative in the Portland NTC in March 1972. He started his career with SCS as an Engineer. Surviving are: his daughter, Karen Riker, son, James, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Memorials may go to donor’s favorite charity.
Vera Long (96) passed away March 5, 2007. Her husband, Hampton Long, retired as the Area Conservationist in Macomb, IL. Hamp passed away many years ago. Vera moved to Golden, CO to be near their daughter, Juv. Juv’s address is: Juv Ann Fleming, 2039 Crestvue Cir., Golden, CO 80401-1769.
George Brown (92) passed away April 1, 2006. George was the District Conservationist in Allegany County, NY at the time of his retirement in 1974.
Joseph Bornstein (82) passed away December 20, 2003. Joe started his career with SCS and ended it in with ARS. He was an Agricultural Engineer and was active in ASAE.
William Riegel (79) passed away Octber 2, 2005. Bill retired from the SCS New York design office. He is survived by his wife Laura, a daughter and a granddaughter.
Senior Conservationist Hugh A. Divine (84) passed away November 22, 2006. Hugh retired in 1987 as a Conservation Technician in New York. He is survived by 2 sons, 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
John Mott (63) passed away in Arizona in March 2003. John was an Engineering Technician and Inspector in NY. He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie, 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
William J. Sauerwein (84) passed away March 5, 2007. Bill was a Forester for SCS for 36 years and retired from the Portland NTC. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons Mark and Brian, 6 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Margaret’s address is 5255 SW Dover Ct, Portland, OR 97225.
Harry Means passed away March 4, 2007. Harry retired in December 1998 as the State Conservation Engineer in Illinois. He earlier had served in that same position in Hawaii. He is survived by his son, Will and a daughter, Laine.
Ronald “Pat” Partenheimer (82) passed away March 2, 2007. Pat retired in Nov. 1980. He is remembered as the District Conservationist for Centre County, PA the home of Penn State University. He is survived by his wife, Ann, daughter, Susan and son, Raymond.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Albert Francis Bahr (92) passed away February 12, 2007. Albert worked as a Soil Scientist in North Dakota for 35 years and retired in 1973. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Louie Jean, 5 sons-Howard, Don, Lee, Stephen, and Lyman, daughter Linda, 63 grandchildren and 102 great grandchildren.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Richard C. Henderson (94) passed away recently (Feb 2007). Richard started his career with SCS in 1937. He worked in New Mexico and Colorado as Soil Conservationist and as a Soil Scientist. He retired in Apr. 1968. He is survived by his wife, Floy, and son Dave.
Robert E. Nelson (80) passed away February 9, 2007. Bob started his career with SCS in Nebraska. He later served as the Regional Soils Engineer in Broomall, PA, Portland, OR and at Lincoln, NE. He is survived by his wife, Joy, and their children-Barbara Sylvester, Kristine Davis, Bradley, Brenda Rendon, and Jeffrey. Also 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Joy's address is: Joy Nelson 901 E Klug Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701
Herman L. Mowls (88) died at his home on February 2, 2007. Herman retired from SCS in 1979 as a District Conservationist in Ohio. He is survived by 2 daughters-Linda Robertson and Sally Furey, and by 2 sons-Robert and Roy. Memorials may go, in Herman’s name, to Continue the Call Campaign, First Christian Church, 6900 Market Ave N, Canton, OH 44721.
David G. Sawyer, State Conservationist for Kentucky passed away on January 17, 2007. David had been fighting cancer for the past year. David started his career as a Soil Scientist in Tennessee. He also served in the National Office, and in Pennsylvania. He is survived by 2 sons, Joseph and John. Memorials may go to the National Kidney Foundation, 250 E Liberty St., Suite 710, Louisville, KY 40202.
Richard Coombe said "In the time that I knew David, I found him to be fiercely loyal to NRCS. He made this Agency his life and his dedication to conservation was admirable. He was a fine State Conservationist who did an outstanding job and was much appreciated by his staff. For many months David has been buoyed by the friendship, cards and prayers given to him by his NRCS family."
Allen V. Sheppard (90), retired District Conservationist in Texas passed away on January 13, 2007 in Temple. Allen was a native of Wise County, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M in 1939. After 34 years he retired from the SCS and worked some 10 years for the State Soil and Water Conservation Board. Allen was a dedicated Soil Conservation Service employee.
Clyda Cott (88) passed away January 11, 2007. She had been in bad health for some time. Her husband, Hubbard “Hub” Cott retired from SCS in 1980 after a career that took him to Kansas, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Iowa, 3 years in India and then back to Kansas. Hub died in 1984. Clyda is survived by 2 sons, Kenneth and Paul, a daughter, Su Piccioni, and seven grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Memorials may go to the Stanton Co. Library, PO Box 480, Johnson, KS 67855.
John B. Tubb (92) passed away December 12, 2006. John was an engineer in the State Office in Louisiana at the time of his retirement in 1978. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth.
Donald F. Gusman (86) passed away December 6, 2006. Donald retired in 1985 as a Soil Conservation Technician at Caldwell, ID. He is survived by his wife, Twila, daughters, Deanna and Patricia, his son, Jim, 10 grandchildren and 19 great grand children.
Honorary Member and Senior Conservationist Wallace Gillogly (96) passed away November 28, 2006. Wallace retired in Dec. 1980 as a Soil Conservationist in Darke County, Ohio. He earlier had spent 14 years as District Conservationist in Hocking County, Ohio. He is survived by a son, John, and daughters, Odessa Wilkey, Martha Lisznyei, Mary Lou Brimner and Ruth Ann Roach, 19 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Memorials may go to the Brethren Home, Greenville, OH.
William (Bill) E. Autry Jr. (77) passed away November 25, 2006 in Ephrata, Washington. Bill had worked as an engineer in Washington and Texas and retired at Paris, Texas in 1985, then moved back to Ephrata for retirement. His wife, Juanita, son Bill, and daughters Vicki and Diane survive him.
Senior Conservationist Bernice E. Gehrt (87) passed away November 8, 2006. Bernice retired in April 1994 as the Secretary for the State Conservationist in Kansas. This ended a federal career of over 50 years. In addition to SCS she worked in OPA starting in 1942. Her SCS career started in 1947 as the Area Clerk in Ottawa, KS. She transferred to the State Office in 1995. She was recognized as having served the most years of any female in SCS.
Senior Conservationist Melvin M. Thompson (88) passed away November 6, 2006. Melvin retired as the Area Conservationist at Springfield, MO in May 1980. He earlier had served as Area Conservationist at Fulton, MO. He had a role in the establishment of several Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Lena, 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Virginia D. Nelson passed away November 1, 2006. Virginia was the wife of Vern R. Nelson. They had been married 63 years. Vern retired in Dec. 1980 as an Area Conservationist in Washington.
Martha Proctor passed away October 30, 2006. She was a secretary on the engineering staff at the tech center in Fort Worth before her retirement. Everyone who knew her will remember her supreme talent at the piano and organ. She is survived by her husband and 3 children.
Joe Blevins (70) retired District Conservationist passed away in Lubbock, Texas on October 27, 2006. He was a native of Vernon, Texas, graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio and received his degree from Texas A & I University in 1957. He retired in 1999. He is survived by his wife Shirley, a brother and a step son and daughter and five grandchildren.
Richard Rhea (76) passed away October 22, 2006. Before retiring, Richard served as District Conservationist in Abingdon, Virginia.
Gerlene ‘Gerri’ Inman passed away October 10, 2006 in Fort Washington, MD. She retired from the NNTC.
Donald Bannister (86) passed away June 29, 2006. His career spanned 30 years and he served in several locations in ND. His final position was as the State Soil Scientist. He retired in 1976. His wife Thelma died in 1986.
John Howard Goin, Sr., (86) passed away August 28, 2006. Before his retirement, John was a technician at the Appomattox Field Office.
Gene Shaw (89) passed away December 24, 2005 in Olympia, Washington. Gene was the State Agronomist in Spokane in the middle 1970’s. Gene had worked in the southern part of India at the same time that Robbie Roberts, Guy Nutt, Murray Cox, and Gene Pope were on assignment in India. Gene is survived by his wife, Laverne.
Peggy Crowley (70) passed away April 21, 2005. She was the wife of Richard "Dick" Crowley who was District Conservationist for Mercer County, Pa. for many years.
Walt Baxley passed away from complications after colon surgery in TX (reported 4/05). His wife, Bernelle, a son and 2 grandchildren survive. Bernelle’s address is 5608 Waltham, Ft. Worth, TX 76133
Senior Conservationist Howard Stout (92) passed away recently (reported 4/05). He retired as a Soil Scientist in ND in June 1968.
Senior Conservationist Ordean Berg (89) passed away recently (reported 4/05). He retired in June 1980 as the Area Conservationist in Fargo, ND.
Willis Demke former State Conservation Engineer in ND passed away recently (reported 4/05).
Dennis Roscoe passed away recently (reported 4/05). Dennis was the District Conservationist in Towner, ND at the time of his retirement.
Tinsley Mack (80) passed away March 26, 2005. Tinsley retired as the Geologist for Virginia.
Samuel Brugger passed away March 22, 2005. Sam was an Economist on the watershed planning party in Harrisburg and the NTC in Chester, Pa.
Lucy Tharpe (80) passed away March 20, 2005. Lucy was the wife of Will L. Tharpe who retired in Dec. 1990 as a member of the State Resource Conservationist staff in Georgia. Her husband, 4 grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren survive Lucy. Will’s address is 230 Auburn Pkwy, Athens, GA 30606.
Mary Martha Stoner (82) passed away March 8, 2005. Mary Martha was the wife of William "Bill" Stoner former Conservation Technician in Juniata County, Pa. Bill resides in Mifflintown, Pa. In addition to Bill, she is survived by 5 children, 14 granchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Benno Michels passed away in Jan. 2005. Benno was serving as Budget Analyst in the MN State Office at the time of his retirement in 1976. His wife, Helen, a daughter, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren survive.
Francis Dylla passed away in Nov. 2004. Francis was the District Conservationist in Stearns County, MN at the time of his retirement.
Gail Sickeler passed away in Nov. 2004. Gail retired in 1977 as the Area Consevationist at Fergus Falls, MN. Earlier in his career he served as a Soil Scientist and Soil Conservationist.
Crawford Jones from Jackson, Ohio passed away (reported 7/04).
Raymond Rader from Baltimore, Ohio passed away (reported 7/04).
Charles Reinhart from Bellfontaine, Ohio passed away (reported 7/04).
Last updated Nov 15, 2007 by Owen P. Lee