William T. Plummer, Sr., 86, of Woolmarket, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2011.

He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. He also
retired as painter after his military service. He was a member of the VFW and
American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport.

Mr. Plummer was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Nellie Marie Plummer; his siblings, C.M. Plummer, Virginia Fayard, Evelyn Cunsolo, and Herbert Plummer.

He is survived by his sons, William T. Plummer, Jr., Ted Neil Plummer, Daniel H. Plummer, and Gregory W. Plummer; siblings, Stella Paige, Dixie Schankin, Jimmy Plummer, and Norris Plummer; grandchildren, Blake Plummer, William T. Plummer, III, Jessica L. Gilbert, Charlie Neal, and Melissa Glass; great grandchildren, Antoni and Dylan Gilbert, Christian Glass, and Issac Neal; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 10:00 am, with visitation from 9:00 am until service time, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport.

Burial followed at the Woolmarket Cemetery.

Billie Joe Goodwin, 72, of Saucier, died Friday, February 25, 2011 in Gulfport. Arrangements are incomplete at BRADFORD-O'KEEFE, FUNERAL HOME, O'Neal Rd. Gulfport (228 831-2322).

Samuel Lee Holmes, Sr., 87, of Gulfport died Monday, March 7, 2011 in Gulfport, MS.
Mr. Holmes was a veteran of the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Van Holmes, his sister and one grandson.

He leaves to cherish his memories four sons, Joseph Holmes, Samuel Holmes, Jr., Gregory Holmes, Sr. and Glenn Holmes; one daughter, Myra H. Clark; eighteen grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2011 at St. James Baptist Church, Gulfport with funeral service to begin at noon. Burial will be at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Service entrusted to Hartwell's Christian Mortuary, Gulfport.

Rosie Cordray, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, passed away March 26th 2010.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Cordray, her children Rosemary Cormier, Billy Grand and James Ray Armstrong, 2 sisters, Susan Stubue and Lula May Wilson.

She is loved by all of her grandchildren who will remember the love she gave to each of them.

Her soul of unconditional love was laid to rest, March 30th, 2010.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport MS.

A Graveside Service was held at 11am, on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Major Ralph Pietrangelo (Army Air Corps) of Gulfport, formerly of Long Beach, died Monday, September 27, 2010 in Biloxi.

He was born January 25, 1917 in Rhodesdale, Ohio.

Major Pietrangelo was drafted December 17, 1940 at the age of 23 and commissioned in 1942.

Immediately upon commissioning he was sent to Davis Monthon Field, Arizona and assigned to the 389th B24 Bomb Group as a navigator.

The Group went to England to join the 8th Air Force and flew 28 Bombing Missions out of England and North Africa.

On August 1, 1943 he participated in the low level bombing of the oil fields at Ploist, Romania.

Upon returning to the United States he commanded the Air Force Recruiting Station at Cleveland, Ohio.

He separated from the service in December of 1946.

Thomas R. Atwood, age 81 and a resident of Biloxi, died on Thursday, April 1st, 2010 in Biloxi.

Mr. Atwood retired from the U. S. Army as a Sergeant Major in 1978, and had been a resident of Biloxi for the past 22 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilson & Annie Belle Wooten Atwood; his infant son, William Rodney Atwood, and his sister, Doris Ann Barnes.

Mr. Atwood is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Earline Cox Atwood of Biloxi; his children, Thomas Ray (Sherry) Atwood, Jr., of Dawsonville, GA, Lynne (James) Stoner of Biloxi, and David (Shirley) Atwood of Pueblo West, CO; his brother, Charles Atwood of Thomasville, NC; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the Rieman Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, where friends visited one hour prior to the service. Burial followed at Floral Hills Cemetery.

Rosie Cordray, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, passed away March 26th 2010.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Cordray, her children Rosemary Cormier, Billy Grand and James Ray Armstrong, 2 sisters, Susan Stubue and Lula May Wilson.

She is loved by all of her grandchildren who will remember the love she gave to each of them.

Her soul of unconditional love was laid to rest, March 30th, 2010.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport MS.

A Graveside Service was held at 11am, on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Rosie Cordray, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, passed away March 26th 2010.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Cordray, her children Rosemary Cormier, Billy Grand and James Ray Armstrong, 2 sisters, Susan Stubue and Lula May Wilson.

She is loved by all of her grandchildren who will remember the love she gave to each of them.

Her soul of unconditional love was laid to rest, March 30th, 2010.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport MS.

A Graveside Service was held at 11am, on Tuesday, March 30th 2010, at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Mrs. Clara May Johnson Streiff Collins, age 91, former resident of Gulfport, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Franklinton, LA.

Mrs. Collins was born in Tylertown to Clarence and Alma Alford Johnson. When she lived on the Coast, she was a member of the American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi Auxiliary and Cowan Road Baptist Church. She also volunteered her time at the Veterans Administration Center. She worked in food service at the Friendship House, the Log Cabin, and at the Blow Fly Inn. Her hobbies included gardening, which also turned into a second income.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bennie Pierce, second husband, Cuthbert Streiff, and third husband, John Collins; her parents; her brothers, Luther and Hilton Johnson, and Xcel Sawyer; and her twin sisters, Avis Wilson, and Eerie Johnson.

She is survived by a sister, Johnnie Lou Brumfield of Foxworth, MS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010, at Rieman Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, at 2 p.m. Friends may visit two hours prior to services. Burial will be at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Plainview Baptist Church, 55179 Highway 60, Bogalusa, LA 70427-0135.

Richard M. Ried Jr., 88 years old born in Vance, Alabama June 24, 1921, passed away January 19, 2010, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

He served in the Second Armored Division under General George S. Patton as his personal driver and later as a tank driver during World War II and participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and D-Day where he drove the first tank off onto Omaha Beach. He was awarded the Bronze Star along with many other decorations. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge 84 in Grants Pass, Oregon where he was a past master; member of Joe Graham American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He and his wife Effie also showed and raised horses in Oregon and won many trophies and awards for their paint horses and also worked with many children and youth organizations.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Effie. Mr. Ried was a longtime resident of Grants Pass, Oregon and was spending his winters as a snow bird in Bay St Louis, Mississippi with his son Don Ried and his daughter-in-law, Mary Smith Ried and he had many friends in both places.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Howard Edson of Reedsport, Oregon. Two granddaughters; Shawna Barber and her husband, James of Anchorage, Alaska; Kirsten Ried of Boise, Idaho, three great grandsons as well as his endeared, daughter, Linda Jessinghouse and her husband, Jim, and their two daughters Jessica, her two children and her sister Monica.

A celebration of life was held at the Elks Lodge 978 where he had been approved for membership. Location: 12010 Klein Road Gulfport Ms. at 2:00 p.m. on January 31, 2010. Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, MS was in charge.

Charles Edward Scabery, born 1 August 1918, in West Chester, Iowa, died at home in Gulfport, January 18th 2010. Mr. Scabery was the youngest of three sons born to Charles Grover and Ina Mona Scott Scabery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jessie Anderson Scabery, and brothers Glenn Maxon and Earl Hansel Scabery.

His survivors include his daughters, Priscilla Anne Scabery Anderson of Gulfport, MS; Ellen Dolloff of Portland, Maine; son-in-law Vernon LaCour; grandchildren Anne Marie Isaacs (Thomas) of Orlando, FL; Henry Dolloff, Sarah Dolloff Jones, and Christian Dolloff of Portland, Maine; great-grand children Michael Brandon Isaacs of Gulfport, MS; Lindsey Taylor Isaacs of Orlando, FL; Jackson Elwell, Lola and Charles Jones of Portland, ME; nephew Charles Scabery (Caroline) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and niece Edna Raley of Troy, AL.

A WWII veteran, Mr. Scabery received the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross for his meritorious actions in the Ruhr River Valley during the Battle of the Bulge.

A memorial service was held Friday, 22 January 2010, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 27 53rd Street, Gulfport, MS. Burial was Saturday 23 January, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, MS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mississippi Spay and Neuter at MS Span, 2104 Brandon Road, Pearl, MS 39208.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Ralph Russo, age 84, born Nov. 10, 1925 in Amsterdam, NY to James and Pauline Russo, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, in Plaino, TX.

Former husband of Dorothy Voelkel Russo and the late Barbara Perkins Russo; father of Barbara Russo Woods, and Paula Russo; father-in law of Mikeal S. Woods; grandfather of Gina Amerongen, Jennifer Kutash, Kristi Esser, and Mikeal Woods; great-grandfather of Chance Rutherford, Kirsten Amerongen, Kaitlyn Amerongen, Michael Woods, Klaire Esser and Ashley Quarles.

Mr. Russo served in the U.S. Coast Guard, during WWII. He was a Mason and member of Dante Lodge 174 in New Orleans, member of American Legion #119 in Gulfport, and Shriner of Joppa Temple in Biloxi.

Visitation was held at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME in Biloxi on Sunday Dec. 27, 2009 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Service will be held at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be on Monday, Dec. 28 at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the America Legion Post 119, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Contributions can be sent to: American Legion Post 119, c/o Post Commander Jim Tolar, 11220 Hughes Rd. Lot 90, Gulfport, MS.

Mary Louise LeBlanc, 88, of Ocean Springs, died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 in Ocean Springs.

Mrs. LeBlanc was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was the owner and operator of Flippers Harbor I and Flippers Harbor II Restaurants, Biloxi. She was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Gulfport.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Jesse LeBlanc; parents, Arthur K. Price and Victoria Rose Miller; grandson, Trooper Robert G. Smith of the Florida Highway Patrol; and son-in-law, Joseph Milazzo.

Survivors included daughters, Brenda Rose (David) Smith, Jessie Ann Milazzo and Fredna Jane (David) Bennett; sons, Leo Chester (Charlotte) LeBlanc, Allen Michael (Diane) LeBlanc and Nathan Thomas (Beth) LeBlanc; sisters, Delores Landry, Margaret Simmons and Katie Ahern; brothers, Milton H. Parker, Bing Parker and Ray Parker; 16 grandchildren, Daniel, Robyn, Amy, Darren, Faust, Anna, Joseph, Alicia, Jamie, Justin, Michael, Michele, Moulton, Candis, MaryJane and EmilyAnn.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, August 22nd, 2009, 11am at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral where friends visited from 10am until 11am Burial followed at Southern Memorial Park.

James W. Butler, 87, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Mr. Butler was a native of New Orleans, LA and had moved to Gulfport, MS in 1981.

He attended Gulf Coast Military Academy from 1935 to 1941 and graduated with the class of 1941. He was president of the G. C. M. A. Alumni Association.

During WW II he served in the Army from 1941 to 1946, attaining the rank of Captain. Mr. Butler was attached to the Fifth Marine Division and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Upon returning home from the Pacific, he attended Tulane University and later joined the family business, "OK Storage and Transfer Co., Inc." in New Orleans, LA, Louisville, KY, Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL and Jackson, MS.

In New Orleans, Mr. Butler was a member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport MS, Rotary Club, Pickwick Club and the New Orleans Country Club. He was also a member of Louisiana Lodge 102 in New Orleans, Polar Star Lodge 154, Gulfport, Scottish Rite Bodies and Commandery and Joppa Shrine Temple of Gulfport.

Mr. Butler was active in the transportation of burned and crippled children to Shriner Hospitals and supported the hospitals. He participated in the Eye Foundation of Knights Templer and the Scottish Rite Speech and Therapy Program. Mr. Butler was a member of several carnival organizations and Veteran Groups. He was a communicant of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Gulfport and served on the Vestry and was Sunday School Superintendant, a Lay Eucharistic Minister and a graduate of the Education for Ministry program.

Mr. Butler is preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Irene C. Butler of New Orleans, LA.

He is survived by his wife, Valeta (Susie) Butler; daughter, Erin C. Smith; sons, Kevin W. Butler, John M. Butler and Randall Sutton; eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation was on Thursday, August 20, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Pass Road, West Biloxi.

Funeral Services were held Friday, August, 21st, 2009 at 11:30am at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Gulfport. Friends visited from 10:30am until service time. Interment was in Biloxi National Cemetery.

George Langdon Wright, Jr., was called home on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 at the age of 66 years.

He was born at Kings Daughter's Hospital in Gulfport Mississippi in 1943.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Langdon Wright, Sr., and his mother, Dorothy Mae Wright.

He leaves behind his solemate, his wife and best friend, Paula Rae Wright of 41 years, his son Mark Langdon Wright and his wife Stephanie, daughter Michelle Elainne Watts and her husband Jay, along with nine Grandchildren: Mandi, Katherine, Sarynn, Nikkie, Chelsie, Jay-Jay, Jaecie, Kaylie, Kassie; and his brothers Sky Wright and his wife Lynn, Charles Wright and his wife JoAnn, and his nephews Joe and Michael
and niece Jena.

George served in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968, and was a Vietnam Veteran.

After returning to Gulfport, following his Military Service, he became one of the first UPS drivers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 1972, he became a Game Warden for the State of Mississippi with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks where he held the rank of Master Sergeant. He also held a Federal Commission, and was a Deputy Sheriff for the Harrison County Sheriff's Department. In his 28 year career of Law Enforcement, he was also assigned to the Lyman State Fish Hatchery, and later
transferred to the Marine Enforcement Division where he retired. During his service as a Conservation Officer with the State of Mississippi, he received the Mississippi State Conservation Officer of the Year Award.

George was a devoted Legionnaire of the American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi, for 39 years where he received the Life Time Achievement Award, an Elk of Lodge 978 of Gulfport, a member of Voiture 251 (40et8) of Gulfport, a 32nd Degree Mason (Scottish Rite) and Shriner.

He volunteered for many years as a Director and Weighmaster for the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, and the Long Beach Yacht Club's Youth Fishing Rodeo as Weighmaster, along with many other fishing competitions all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He also taught Hunter Safety classes throughout the Coast, to include Schools
and Veteran Organizations.

Visitation was on Friday, August 14th 2009 from noon until 2pm at the Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport, with an Elks Memorial Service and American Legion Service beginning at 1:40pm. Graveside Service and Interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30pm, with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, George has requested that Memorial Contributions be made to American Legion Post 119, 12010 Klein Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

By Al Jones, Sun Herald Newspaper, Sunday August 16th, 2009.

It was nearly 20 years ago that I met George Wright during the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, when the annual Fourth of July tournament was still held at the Rice Pavilion in the Gulfport Harbor.

When I introduced myself, George extended his hand and welcomed me to the Rodeo.
A strong friendship was formed with that handshake, and my life has been enriched for knowing George Wright.

Sadly, the longtime Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo weighmaster, passed away on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 at the age of 66 years, at his Gulfport home.

Some may say George lost his battle with cancer, but I prefer to say George is now pain-free on the Big Ocean where he's destined to offer the Good Lord, a fishing trip or two.

If you were fortunate enough to know George, you respected him, appreciated him, and loved him for the person he was. When he spoke, it was the truth!!! When you became a friend, you were in his circle, and he would do anything for you.

During my 19 years of covering the Rodeo, George and I joked yearly whether a Rodeo or State record would fall. George, being the competitor he was, predicted a record was going to fall every year. Remarkably, he was right the majority of the time, and he never hesitated to say he was right and I was wrong. The Rodeo, outside of his family and his Country, was a love and passion.

Although George was still alive during this year's event in Biloxi, he was unable to attend and was missed behind the scenes.

The week before the Rodeo, I went to see George, and found him weak but determined to make it through the Rodeo. His son Mark, said his father was determined to live for the start of the Rodeo, despite a Hospice Nurse telling the family he was day-to-day.

But the Nurse, nor any of his Doctors, knew George Wright. Instead, George fought the battle nearly six more weeks before the Good Lord called him home.

Think about that. During the final week of June, the family was told the end was near, but he never gave up.

George fought for everything he achieved in life, starting with his Country as a Member of the Military. And George was a second Father figure to me, just like the late Irvin Favre.

When my brother, Rick, lost his life a few years ago, George was there. At the Rodeo two months later after the accident, he told me that life is fair, even when we often think it's not. That puzzled me at first. He told me we must keep the good times we had with our loved ones close to our heart. George said it's only right to grieve, but we must push forward with our lives. Why??? When we feel sad for our loss, we are depressed, and our loved one would not want us to feel that way. It does take time to deal with the loss, but George said it's only fair we move on by remembering the good times. When we do that, laughter often follows, and that's the way our loved ones should be remembered.

George, you touched many hearts and will be missed. The Rodeo will not be the same next Summer, but it will move forward...just as George would want it.

Al Jones, Sun Herald Newspaper, Sunday August 16th, 2009.

Kenneth O. Kendrick, born May 9th, 1946, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away on August 1st, 2009 in Biloxi.

He was a member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi, and Bel-Aire Baptist Church, Gulfport. He retired from the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant after 22 years of service, and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. A former Pilot, he loved to fly, and was an avid Sailor. He was devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Bernice Garner Kendrick, of Wiggins, Mississippi; his grandmother, Elizabeth Garner, of Wiggins, his father, John Garner, of Wiggins; and his son, Kenneth O. Kendrick, Jr., of Biloxi, Mississippi.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mildred Faye Kendrick, of Gulfport, Mississippi; his daughter, Dianna Faye Kendrick Quinn, of Katy, Texas; his son, Kenny Michael Kendrick and his wife, Sherry, of Peyton, Colorado; five adoring grandchildren, Krystal, Brittany, and Aaron Quinn, and Nicole and Ashley Kendrick; his sisters, Betty L. Sellers and her husband, Nolan, of Wiggins, Barbara A. Cartese of Galt, California, and Karen B. Lee of Wiggins, Mississippi; his brothers, Keith Kendrick and his wife, Carla, of Picayune, Mississippi, David Kendrick and his wife, Lorie, of Gulfport, Mississippi, Dennis Kendrick of Wiggins, Mississippi, and Gary D. Kendrick of Gulfport, Mississippi.

The family wishes to thank the physicians at Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi and the St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital Transplant Team, Houston, Texas. A special thanks goes to Dr. Steven Kindsvater at the Keesler Medical Center, Biloxi, Mississippi.

A visitation was held on Monday, August 3rd, 2009 from 6pm until 9pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 49, Gulfport, Mississippi. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 at 9am at the funeral home chapel. Burial with Full Military Honors followed at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Juanita "Nita" M. Myers, age 89, of Gulfport, Mississippi died on Tuesday, July 14th 2009 in Saucier, Mississippi, at home with Chuck and Marie at her side.

Mrs. Myers was a native of Artesia, Mississippi. She retired as an instructor from Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississipi after 34 years as a civilian Air Force worker. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport. She was also a member of Joe Graham Post 119 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, a member of Post 2539 Ladies Auxiliary, a member of BPOE Lodge 978 Ladies Auxiliary, and a life member of Unit 5, Ladies Auxiliary of Chapter 5, Disabled American Veterans. Mrs. Myers was a Veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Naval Reserve in Pensacola. She was also a member of NARFE.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar G. and Idylette Watson McIlwain, and her husband, Charles David Myers,Sr. and her two sisters, Mamie Stockstill, and Margaret Boozer.

Survivors include her son, Charles "Chuck" D. Myers, Jr. and his wife, Marie of Saucier and two grandchildren, Jennifer Ann and David Myers.

Visitation was 2 hours prior to the funeral service on Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 1pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport, followed by interment at the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery in Biloxi

William (Bill) Herbert Jones, age 83, of Gulfport Mississippi died peacefully July 3rd, 2009 at a daughter's home in Houston TX.

Bill was a Member of the United States Navy during World War II, and the Korean War. Bill was also a Member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, Mississippi.

There was a visitation and service on Monday, July 6th, 2009, from 5pm to 8pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, Mississippi, with an Elks Memorial Service at 7pm. A Burial Service will be held at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island at 11am Saturday, July 11th, 2009.

Kenneth M. Johnson, 86, of Gulfport, Mississippi, died Wednesday, June 24th, 2009.

Visitation was at Saint James Catholic Church, Gulfport, Mississippi, on June 29th, 2009 at 10am.

There was a Funeral Mass on June 29th, 2009 at 11am, at Saint James Catholic Church, Gulfport, Mississippi.

Burial was on June 29th, 2009 at the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Shari Bezak, age 55, of Biloxi, Mississippi died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ida Jones; and two sisters, Patricia Gentry and Pegi Merola. She is survived by five sisters, Susan Lemieux (Richard) of Rhode Island, Barbara Britian of Tennessee, Beverly Law (Frank) of Rhode Island, Judi Bloom of Houston, Texas, and Nanse Furtado of Rhode Island; a brother, Lloyd Ordway (Myong) of Rhode Island, and her father, William "Bill" Jones of Gulfport, Mississippi.

There was a visitation on Thursday, June 25th, 2009, from 6pm until 8pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. A private funeral service will be held in Rhode Island at a later date.

The family preferred memorials to the Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501.

Richard Lowery Dana, 85, was born in Gulfport, MS and passed away Sunday, June 21st on Father's Day following a battle with leukemia and prostate cancer. Mr. Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Wilmer Dana and Mildred Lowery Dana. He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years Colleen Harper Dana; his three children, Richard H. Dana of Pelahatchie, MS, Debra Dana Athas of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Rebecca Dana Fetterolf of Lumberton, MS; their spouses, Sybil Dana, William Athas, and Anthony Fetterolf, respectively; seven grandchildren, Holly Dana Davis, Brian Dana, Joseph Sarros, Rachel Rau, Mark Rau, David Gilmore, and Candice Gilmore; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nephews Robert Dana, Tommy Dana, Caleb Dana, Charles Dana, and niece Alyce Dana.

Mr. Dana retired from the Veterans Administration and was an Army Infantry Veteran of WWII, serving in Patton's Third Army in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a lifelong sportsman. He played baseball as a young man for two professional farm clubs, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He maintained a love of the game all of his life. Mr. Dana was also an avid quail hunter and golfer, and hunted until last year, in recent times traveling to South Dakota, Kansas, and Lumberton, Mississippi.

Mr. Dana was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Biloxi following services at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 1:30pm. A short viewing was held prior to services from 12 Noon to 1:30 pm.

John Edward Wagner, passed away on June 11th, 2009 in the Woodlands, Texas.
He resided at both of his homes in Montgomery, Texas and Long Beach, Mississippi.

He was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 10, 1936, and lived most of his life in the Philadelphia Area, residing at his home, Skip-View Farm, in Collegeville, PA. He was a loving husband and father of five children.

Ed was both hard working with a passion for learning. As a young man, age 16, he served on the Ocean City, New Jersey Beach Patrol, which he loved and spoke of frequently. Later he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.

Ed attended Temple University in Philadelphia for business, and later worked for Cummins Diesel Engines of Philadelphia. He was also the proud inventor of a patent that primarily served the trucking industry.

John is survived by, Bruce (deceased) and wife Janice, Keith and wife Maria, Drew and fiancée Cindy, Gwen Sill and husband David, Andrea Custer and husband Todd...12 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held on June 13th 2009 at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, TX with Father Hubert Kealy officiating.

His remains were buried at Houston National Cemetery, with Full Military Honors.

Mrs. Joyce Faye Hill, 71, of Biloxi, died Friday, June 5th, 2009 in Gresham, Oregon.

Mrs. Hill was born on Oct. 21st, 1937 in Poplarville, Mississippi to Floyd William & Jewel Edna Lee. She was a Life Member of the DAV Chapter 5 of Gulfport, a Member of the VFW Post #2539, and a Member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post #119 of the American Legion in Gulfport.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Virgis Doyle Hill; her parents; her mother-in law; a sister and four brothers.

Survivors include her four daughters, Bridgette Ann Lamey of Tylertown Mississippi, Mamie Louise Bissonette of Biloxi Mississippi, Wanda Lois Lamey of Biloxi Mississippi, and Rose Mary Hudgins of Biloxi Mississippi; three sons, David William Lamey of Gulfport Mississippi, Rex Allen Lamey of Saucier Mississippi, and Ollie Lewis Lamey, III of Ocean Springs Mississippi; one sister, Lois Larie Lee of Jacksonville, Florida; twenty-six grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009 at the Howard Ave. Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi, Mississippi with interment following in Biloxi National Cemetery. Friends visited one hour prior to the services.

Mr. Joseph James Casano, age 91, resident of Gulfport, passed away on Thursday, June 11th, 2009.

Mr. Casano was born in New Orleans, LA and graduated from Gulfport High School. He joined the Army Air Corps at the beginning of WWII. He was a waist gunner on a B-17 and was shot down over Austria in 1943. He spent 15 months in a German prison camp as a POW, and received a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in the parachute jump. He was one of the original founders of the MS Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, in which he served as Chairman for many years. He served as a past commander of the Joe Graham American Legion Post in Gulfport. He was a proud member of the Magnolia Chapter of the POW Club. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport where he was confirmed. He was co-owner/operator of Pete the Top Man automotive shop, and a co-founder of the Bayou View Golf Course in the '60s. He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Etoy Boatner Casano; parents, Peter J. Casano, Sr. and Katherine Prinz Casano; brother, Peter J. Casano, Jr.; and sister, Alice Casano Murla.

Mr. Casano is survived by his sons, Joseph J. Casano, Jr. and his wife Kicki of Diamondhead, Jerald G. Casano and his wife Susan of Indianola, MS, and Ronald J. Casano and his wife Cathy of Gulfport; grandchildren, Cassia Casano Gabbert, Marcus Casano, Justin Casano, and Eric Casano; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 15, 2009, at Rieman Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, where friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral service began at 1:45 p.m. Burial with full military honors followed services at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Biloxi VA, Dementia Ward.

Sam O'Neal, Jr. was born on the 3rd of December 1930, in Charleston, MS, Tallahatchie County. He was 78 years old and a lifelong resident of Gulfport.

Mr. O'Neal served in the U.S. Army, where he was a member of the 31st Infantry Dixie Division, American Legion Post 119, and the First Baptist Church of Lyman. He worked for the Department of Defense, and retired from the 1839th Electrical Engineering Group at Keesler Air Force Base in 1983. He was Vice President of O'Neal Heating and Air, operating the business with his sons, Dale, Sammy, and Richard. He retired from the business in 1997, along with his wife Olevia, who passed away in August of 2000.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olevia Cuevas-O'Neal; parents, John Samuel and Maggie O'Neal; infant daughter, Patricia Ann O'Neal; two brothers, Gary and Orville Kenneth "O.K." O'Neal; and one sister, Gail O'Neal-Hardison.

Mr. O'Neal is survived by his children, Richard O'Neal, Sammy O'Neal and his wife Mardi, Dale O'Neal and his wife June, and Glenn O'Neal; sisters, Doris Swarnowicz and her husband John of Gulfport, Brenda Lott and her husband Bruce of Marietta, GA, Dianne MacIver and her husband Mike of Mobile, AL; sisters-in-law Sylvia O'Neal and Helen O'Neal; and brother-in-law, Garland Hardison; grandchildren, Shanna, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Joshua O'Neal; great grandchildren, Samuel Keith O'Neal, Olevia O'Neal-Bass, Bryce O'Neal McDaniel, Nathan O'Neal McDaniel, and Levi O'Neal Smith.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org

Visitation was held on Friday, June 12, 2009, at Rieman Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS, where friends visited with family from 6-9pm.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 13th 2009, at 10am in the funeral home chapel. A procession will follow to Necaise Crossing Cemetery, where Mr. O'Neal was laid to rest with his wife, and where the United States Army rendered military honors.

Newton "Mack" Parker, Jr., age 83, died Thursday, June 4th, 2009 in Biloxi. Mack was a long time resident of the MS Gulf Coast. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He retired from Harrison County as Road Manager. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 119, and he was a member of the St. Bernard Sportsman League. Mack was an avid hunter, fisherman and sailor. He was a 1st place winner in the National Team Pistol Shooting Competition. Mack was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Mack was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and wonderful friend. He will be sadly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Aileen Parker; his 1st wife, Marilyn Maxwell Parker; his daughter, Vera Lucille Parker Ramirez; and his brother, Dr. Marion P. Parker. Survivors include his 4 children, Thomas M. Parker (Maria), Marilyn "Beth" Parker McManus (Brian), Patricia Parker Rugg and Newton "Mack" Parker, III (Gaynell); his devoted friend, Michelle K. Kersch; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and three nieces.

The funeral procession left Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, at 9:30am Wednesday, January 5, 2005, and went to the National Cemetery in Biloxi for a graveside service with full military honors at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The 25th Avenue Chapel of Riemann Funeral Home, Biloxi was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions were made to the school fund at Fatima Catholic Church.

Bernard D. Lavigne died April 9th 2009.

Other than the following address and phone number, no funeral service or burial information is known.

11440 Whitmore Place, Gulfport Mississippi, 39503-8954, (228) 832-2959.

Hertis Ladner Moran, age 80, of Lizana, died Sunday April 5th 2009 in Gulfport.

Mrs. Moran was a native and lifelong resident of Lizana, and was a member of Saint Ann's Catholic Church where she sang in the choir, and was a member of the alter society. She worked for several years in the Lizana Elementary School cafeteria, and was a member of American Legion Post 119 Auxiliary, and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs Moran enjoyed playing cards with her friends, ceramics, going to Senior Citizens Center, Lyman, and spending time with her Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonzo and Ella Ladner, 2 brothers, Tilman Ladner and Talman Ladner, and 3 sisters, Myrtle Parker, Gertis Lizana, and Gertrude Ladnier.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Francis J. "White" Moran, Lizana, 5 children, Dot (Jerry) Necaise, Kiln; Jimmy (Diane) Parker, Saucier; Marlin Moran, Gulfport; Marlene Moran and Mary Francis Carter of Lizana; 1 brother, Hilman Ladner, Saucier; 1 sister Myrtis L. Martin, Lizana; and 8 grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Tuesday from 6 to 9pm at the Rieman Family Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 49 North, Gulfport.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 2pm Wednesday at Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Lizana, where friends visited 1 hour before the Mass. Interment was in the Wolf River Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by the Rieman Family Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 49 North, Gulfport.

Russell E. Yeager, age 70, of the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington DC, died on Wednesday, April 1st 2009 in Washington DC.

Arrangements were handled by the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport.

Burial with Full Military Honors followed at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Joan K. Fellows, age 77, of Gulfport, Mississippi , died Monday, March 2nd 2009 in Gulfport, Mrs. Fellows was born in Baltimore, Maryland and was a resident of the Gulf Coast for over 30 years.

She was a member or past member of the Krewe of Gemini, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi Auxiliary, La Femmes Cabane 251, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Retired Enlisted Association Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary P. and John A. Killian; son, Bruce E. Merrill; sister, Mary Adele Gore; grandson, Christopher A. Kennedy; and grandparents Mary L. and William B. Dorsey and William H. and Clara Killian.

Mrs. Fellows is survived by her husband, Al Fellows of Gulfport; three daughters, Holly C. Salois (Roger) of Gulfport, Marguerita M. Kennedy of Gulfport; and Debra A. Acosta of Kansas; two sons, H. Wayne Merrill of Kawasaki, Japan, and Paul E. Merrill (Liza) of Fountain Hills, Arizona; thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held Friday evening from 6pm until 8pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport.

The family prefered memorials to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 2178, Ridgeland, MS 39157.

Master Chief Petty Officer Carlos F. "Carl" Kucera, USN (Retired), age 91, of Biloxi, Mississippi died January 26th, 2009 in Biloxi.

Carl was born in New Orleans, Louisiana rand retired after 30 years of distinguished Naval service. During his Naval career he served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

After retiring in 1972, he and his wife settled in Biloxi. He was actively dedicated to the American Legion, being a life member (Paid Up For Life) of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was also an active member of the 40&8 (Voiture 251) of Post 119.

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Frank Kucera; mother, Lillian Kucera Moore; brothers, Frank Kucera and Warren Kucera; and infant daughter, Virginia Kucera.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Moto Koguichi Kucera; a son, Chief Master Sergeant Charles L. Kucera of New Orleans, Louisiana; daughter, Gertrude Jameson of Dallas Texas; five grandchildren: Dawn, Scott, and Chad Jameson of Dallas, Texas and Brian and Phillip Kucera of New Orleans, Louisiana; three great-grandchildren; Justin Jameson, Emily Jameson, and Andrew Jameson, all of Dallas, Texas Also, nieces and nephews in Japan and the United States.

Friends visited from 12 noon until the Funeral Service at 1:45pm on Monday, February 2nd 2009 at the Rieman Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. Burial with Full Military Honors followed at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi.

Paul A. Lee, Technical Sergeant United States Air Force Retired, age 76, of Gulfport, died Friday, January 23rd 2009 in Gulfport. He was born May 12th, 1932 in Chase, Louisiana and lived most of his life in Vicksburg. He retired from the United States Air Force after serving his country for 20 years, serving in the Korean War. He moved to the Gulf Coast after his retirement in 1972. He was a member of the American Legion Post 119 and a member of the Acacia Lodge #49 in Las Vegas. He was a 3rd degree Mason. Mr. Lee was of the Baptist faith and he was the associate director of the MS Gulf Coast Fishing Rodeo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nettie Lee; sisters, Roma Campbell, Lilly Mae Jones and Nellie Vee Reeves; and brothers, Johnny and R.T. Lee.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Lee of Gulfport; sons, Richard Andrew Lee (Kathy) of Asheville, NC, David Keith Lee (Betty), Michael Warren Lee and Jeffery Paul Lee, all of Gulfport; sisters, Eva Ramshur and Claudia Norris (Sam) and brother, Boyd Lee, all of Vicksburg. He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren and his 11 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Tuesday, January 27th 2009 from 11:30am until the service at 1:30pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. Burial with Full Military Honors followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Janie D. Phelps, age 63, of Gulfport, died Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 in Gulfport. Mrs. Phelps was born in Harrison County and was a longtime resident of the Gulf Coast. She was a member of Gulfport Elks Lodge #978, American Legion Auxiliary #119, VFW Auxiliary Post 2539, MOCAPT2, DAV Auxiliary #5, and Red Hat Society. She was loved dearly and will be truly missed by all her loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, John Earl Stiver.

Mrs. Phelps is survived by her husband, George "Ben" Phelps of Gulfport; a daughter, Angelia Cockrell (Mark); a son, John Earl Bourque, Jr. (Jennifer) all of Plattsmouth, NE; and three grandchildren, Dustin Cockrell, Ashlynn Cockrell, and John Earl Bourque, III.

The funeral service including an Elks Service was held Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 4pm, at the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport where friends visited from 3pm until the service.

Donald D. Caudill, age 91, of Gulfport, died Thursday, December 4th, 2008 in Gulfport.

Mr. Caudill was a beloved father and husband. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Gulfport where he served as an usher for many years. Describing his life and the impact he made on those who knew him cannot be done in these pages.

He was a life member of the NRA, and VFW Post 2539, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason/Shriner. Along with his sons, he was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Sam Davis Chapter 596, and a member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Born in the hills of eastern Kentucky, he always had a wanderlust to see what was over the next hill. That wanderlust led him to enlist in the Civilian Conservation Corps at age 16 and then into the Army, and finally to the Air Force. He served in World War II, earning the Bronze Star, and in the Korean Conflict. In l958, M/SGT Caudill was assigned to Keesler Air Force base.

Since his first visit to the MS Gulf Coast, Daddy had planned to retire in Gulfport. That is exactly what he did. At retirement he began a career in insurance and real estate becoming a successful realtor and broker and serving as President of the Harrison County Board of Realtors. He continued his hobby of raising bees and began cultivating roses. He was a past President of the Gulf Coast Rose Society. At one time, Daddy and Mother had 500 prize winning roses on their seven acres.

Retirement provided time for travel, and trying something new. Daddy began learning more about photography, and more actively indulged his love for guns and riflemanship, and at 80 learned to use word processing and the internet. A regular contributor to the Kentucky Explorer, he authored the book Moonshine, Mountains, and Memories. Thousands of people have been impacted by the stories of life described in this book. Life with our father was never dull even to the very end of his rich, full life.

He will be remembered as a man who enjoyed life, and was always generous with his time and resources. He never met a stranger and had a smile for everyone. He had high expectations for himself, and for his family. We will miss him more than we can even imagine at this time.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to Hospice and the health care workers who lovingly cared for Daddy during the last three years. He had great affection for them and the wonderful staff of nurses and therapists at Memorial Hospital who helped make the last three weeks of his life as comfortable as possible. He truly appreciated those who cared for him and we believe the feeling was mutual.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Polly Joseph Caudill; brothers and sisters: Albert Caudill, Archie Caudill, Oma Sizemore, Richmond Caudill, Rose Caudill, Henry Caudill, Rhoda Couch, Jeremiah Caudill, and Joshua Caudill; Daughter in Law, Emma Dell Caudill; Son in Law, Larry Dale Hamm.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Emily Caudill; his children, Donald D. (Kay) Caudill, Jr., Texas, Gerald (Kerry) Caudill, Gulfport, Virgiana Lea Hamm, Troy, AL, Archie (Janice) Caudill, Long Beach, Donald Nathan (Paula) Caudill, Pass Christian and Rebecca Lynn (Brad) Griffin, Gulfport; 17 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 6 great great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Donald D. Caudill III, Josh Caudill, Ryan Caudill, Chris Caudill, Matt Butler and Alex Kidd. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Caudill, Derf Caudill John Alliston, Mike Jordan, Scott Spears and Will Purvis.

Visitation was Monday, December 8th, 2008 from 11 to 12:15 p.m. at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. The funeral service began at 12:15 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Officiating the service are Rev. Don Blackwell and Rev. Rocky Everett.

Interment, with full military honors, was at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions were made to Shriners' Hospital or a charity of choice in memory of the deceased.

Colonel Pastor B. Ramos Sr. was born August 9, 1910, in Pangasinan, Philippines. He leaves behind 98 years of legacy. Coming from a rural area in the Philippines, his mind was already set in making himself the best that can be. Starting at a very young age, he proved to his parents that hard work and dreaming big allowed great achievements despite any obstacles. His determination in pursuing higher education was also unstoppable. As a child, Pastor would sell vegetables and fish at the local markets as a form of income. This supported his requirements for school materials. Once he finished his Secondary schooling, he left home for the University in Manila, Philippines where he worked as an office assistant and was provided an education, and would shine shoes to sustain him.

Upon earning his degree he received a commission in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they were preparing for World War II. Once he entered the services, he was transferred to the US Army Forces Far East where he served with the 31st Infantry. During this time he was captured. He became one of thousands of prisoners of war during the Bataan Death March which he was able to escape before being re-captured. After the war was over, he chose to continue serving his country as a Camp Commander at various camps throughout the Philippines among them as Service Group Commander Philippine Military Academy. He finished his career in 1965 at Camp Aguinaldo, although, retirement was not an option.

Purchasing several hundred acres of land, he began farming rice in Almaguer Nueve Visacaya, Philippines. In 1984, he decided to move his family from the Philippines to the United States. Finally, he settled in Gulfport, Mississippi where he chose to continue working. He spent many hours a week doing various tasks at the American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, Mississippi until 1996 when he finally decided to retire.

Col. Pastor B. Ramos always provided for his family and instilled wisdom in all. Living by the mottos, "trials, hardships, and obstacles are always a part of life," and "what does not kill you, will only make you stronger". Education was always a must for him. He was the ultimate provider that taught his children to pursue what is good. With a mighty sword he provided. With a golden heart, he loved. The smile on his face will live forever.

Col. Ramos is survived by his wife, Elenita; 9 children; 35 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one son, Eriberto Ramos and 3 grandchildren Patrick Ramos, Marissa Ramos Peralta, and Elena Ramos Robinson.

The Mass of Christian Burial was at 1pm, Saturday, November 29th, 2008, at Saint John Catholic Church, Gulfport...no visitation on Saturday. On Sunday, November 30th, 2008 family and friends were invited to come and share their memories with one another from 9am until Noon at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. Visitation resumed on Monday, December 1, 2008, from 1pm until 2pm in the funeral home chapel. The funeral procession left at 2:10 pm to go to Biloxi National Cemetery for the 2:30pm graveside service with Full Military Honors.

Dale E. Lawson, age 81, of Gulfport, Mississippi died Sunday, November 16, 2008 in Gulfport. Mr. Lawson was born in Benkelman, Nebraska and was a longtime resident of Gulfport. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II, and joined the United States Air Force in 1946, retiring after 24 years of service. He then worked for United States Naval Oceanographic Office at Stennis. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, the DAV and NRA. He was Methodist.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lawson of Gulfport; three daughters, Karen Thissen of Gulfport, Terry Putek of Benson, NC, and Lisa Lawson of Norfolk, Vieginia; a son, Scott Lawson of Chapel, North Carolina; and six grandchildren, Samantha Putek, Ryan Putek, Jennifer Thissen, Linsey Lawson, Derek Lawson and Kevin Lawson; and a great-grandson, Jeremy Walker.

Visitation was held Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 from 1 until 2pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. There was a graveside service with Full Military honors on Friday, November 21st, 2008 at 1:30pm at the Biloxi National Cemetery, in Biloxi, Mississippi

In lieu of flowers, the family preferred memorials to The Armed Forces Aid Campaign, P.O. Box 96303, Washington, DC 20090-6303

Sarah E. Thibodeau, 87, of Biloxi Mississippi went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 in Biloxi.

Sarah was a resident of the Gulf Coast for the past 50 years. She was a member of Beauvoir United Methodist Church in Biloxi. Sarah was a member of the Gulfport Elks Lodge # 978, Women's Auxiliary of Gulfport American Legion Post 119 and the V.F.W.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Thibodeau and two children, Phillip Thibodeau and Arthur Thompson.

Sarah lived life to the fullest and always put others first. She will be desperately missed by those she leaves behind: her companion, Webster Armstrong of Biloxi, Mississippi, daughters, Annette Thibodeau of Saucier, Mississippi, Carol (Jason) Burnside of Poplarville, Mississippi, sons, Robert (Lillie) Weathersby of Pensacola, Florida, and Paul Thibodeau of Biloxi, Mississippi. Survivors also include her 5 Grandchildren, 4 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.

The Service was at 3pm Saturday, October 11th, 2008, at Beauvoir United Methodist Church, 2113 Pass Road, Biloxi Mississippi 39531 Phone: (228) 388-1478 where friends visited from 1:30pm. until 3:00pm. Interment was in Coalville Cemetery, 12556 Lorraine Road, Biloxi, Mississippi.

John Elwood "Sandy" Sandusky, 86, of Gulfport died Tuesday morning, October 7th, 2008 in Gulfport after a prolonged illness.

John was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II. He worked at Keesler AFB Biloxi Mississippi, retiring in 1984. He coached youth athletic sports teams and refereed basketball for many years. John was an avid golfer and a member of the Gulf Coast Senior Golf Association.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael John; and his sister, Virginia Worrell.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Eva Gaston Sandusky; daughter, Michele Sandusky; daughter-in-law, Diane "Dani" Sandusky; granddaughters, Rosalie Sandusky Knowles and Mikayla Isabelle Sandusky; sister, Mary Hodges; and brother, William N. Sandusky,and Caroline Gaston Sandusky.

Visitation was at 9 to 10am, Friday October 10th 2008 at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport, with service at 10am. Interment was at 11am at Biloxi National Cemetery, with full Military Honors.

Mr. Richard Frederick Eastman, age 73, resident of Gulfport, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2008, in Gulfport.

Mr. Eastman was born in Chicago, Illinois, and reared in Lima, Ohio. He attended Bowling Green University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served 8 years Active Duty, and also served in the Air National Guard. Mr. Eastman retired from Civil Service at Keesler. He had his private pilot's license, and was a member of the American Legion, Post 119, member of the DAV, and was a Shriner.

Mr. Eastman was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Margaret Eastman.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gladys Patricia Netterville Eastman of Gulfport; daughter, Lea Eastman Montjoy and her husband, Paul of Diamondhead; son, Steve Eastman and his wife, Martha of Louisville, KY; grandchildren, Eastman, Jackson, William, Michael, and Lauren.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, October 7th 2008, at 10am at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Memorials were made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692.

Atha M. Foster, 80, of Biloxi, Mississippi, died on Friday, September 26th, 2008, to be with his loving wife of 55 years. He suffered a massive stroke.

Mr. Foster was preceded in death on May 31st, 2008, by his wife, Elizabeth Foster, his parents, Atha and Lou Ella Foster, brothers, Granville Foster, James "Chops" Foster and Larry Foster and great-grandchildren.

Atha was born April 10th, 1928, in Maben, Mississippi. After serving with the United States Navy he returned to Mississippi and began his studies at his beloved Mississippi State University. While attending State he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Jo Foster. They were married on June 25th, 1953.

He received his Masters Degree in Education, and started his teaching career with the Biloxi Public School System. He taught United States History and Government many years before retiring from the Biloxi Public School System. "Pop", as we called him, could often be found offering his many words of wisdom to his family. He volunteered countless hours helping the Disabled American Veterans organization and holding numerous offices at the state and local levels. "Pop" attended Popp's Ferry Baptist Church in Biloxi.

He is survived by his children, Michael D. (Barbara) Foster, Rodney L. Foster, Anita (Rick) Denham, and James "Barney" (Naomi) Foster; a sister, Winnie (Joe) McCaskill of Oxford, MS; his brothers, Paul Foster of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Don Foster of Westpoint, MS; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held 12:30pm Monday, September 29th 2008, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi where friends visited from 11am until service time. Interment followed in Biloxi National Cemetery.

SMSGT Carl Eugene Homan USAF Retired, 79, of Gulfport passed away Thursday, September 18th 2008, in Mobile Alabama, surrounded by loving family.

Not only did Mr. Homan dedicate 26 years of his life serving his country around the world, but he was also a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of AARP, RSVP, a volunteer firefighter for the Handsboro community, and a Member of the Civil Defense team which was activated during and after Hurricane Camille. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he became a Licensed Amateur radio operator in hopes of assisting his Community in the time of need.

Carl Homan was born May 11, 1929, in Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Air Force, married and settled with his family in Gulfport. He retired while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base and attended Mississippi Gulfcoast Junior College.

Carl was preceded in death by his father, Roy Jacob Homan; his mother Mary Winkelbecht Homan Long; wife, Louise Morgan Homan, brothers, Robert Homan, Leonard Homan and Donald Homan.

Survivors include his loving wife Barbara Jean Homan of Gulfport; daughter, Susan Ann Kiker (Randy) of Silver City, MS; son, Michael Eugene Homan (Susan) of Memphis, TN; stepchildren, Michael Thomas Rendell (Shelly) of Clay Center, KS; Kenneth Linn Rendell of Natchez, MS; Elizabeth Renae Rendell Lloyd (Robert) of Ocean Springs, MS; grandchildren, Randall David Morgan Kiker; Ashley Kendall Kiker, Olivia Louise Homan; Michael Jesse Homan; Selina Nadine Diab; Brandon Matthew Lloyd; Nicholas Michael Lloyd; and Sierra Jordan Lynn Rendell; Siblings: Alice Wance, Trenton, NJ; Shirley Ponse, Woodbridge, VA; Nancy Thompson, San Francisco, CA; Bruce Homan, Cecil, WI; Larry Homan, Runny Springs, CA; Dean Homan, Mahopac, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Thursday, September 25, 2008, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. and services from 1:30pm to 2:30pm at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. Burial was at 2:30pm at the Biloxi National Cemetery. Reception followed at the Donal Snyder Center 2520 Pass Road, Biloxi Mississippi.

Jack W. Riley "Mr. Jack", age 81 and a resident of Long Beach, died Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008, in Long Beach at the Chapman Oaks Nursing Home with his family by his side.

Mr. Jack was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. His father, Thomas M. Riley, a race horseman, and brother were jockeys. The family traveled all over Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas to race horses. Mr. Jack also traveled with the carnival and circus at the early age. When WWII broke out Mr. Jack was 13 and went to work with his brother, Henry, at a shipyard. Jack joined the Navy at the age of 16 and served in WWII in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Puttnum, where he fought in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. After a brief period, Mr. Jack went into the Army as a first lieutenant in the Korean War for two tours and was awarded the Bronze Star while serving on the front line. Before the Korean War, Mr. Jack was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas where he met Violet. After courting and romancing her, even after he send to Puerto Rico. They were married August 12th, 1953, in Fort Riley, Kansas.

In 1967 Jack and Violet moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where he continued his entrepreneur pursuit. Along with his brother-in-law, Milo Marsh, opened Milo's Pizza. Soon after, they opened Mr. Jack's Pizza in Long Beach, Orange Grove, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport. He also had the Chicken Dipper in Long Beach on Klondyke Road. In 1968 Mr. Jack and two partners opened the Animal Kingdom on Beatline Road and Railroad Street in Long Beach.

In 1977, Mr. Jack retired from the restaurant business. He obtained a degree from JDJC (MCCCC) in A/C & refrigeration repair and went to work at Memorial Hospital for his enjoyment. In 1983 Mr. Jack and his two sons, Mark and Kevin Riley, opened Mr. Jack's Pawn on Broad Ave. Six months later they purchased Long Beach Pawn. In 1989 Mr. Jack and his sons cut the ribbon for DAD'S SUPER PAWN on Hwy 49 in Gulfport. In 1991, Mr. Jack and Violet retired once again and began traveling the United States in their motor home.

Mr. Jack was a member of the Army Reserve at the rank of Captain, Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Grand Duke of the Long Beach Carnival Association, a member of the B.P.O.E. #978, American Legion Post 119, and the VFW.

Mr. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mattie Riley, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

Jack W. Riley is survived by his wife of 55 years, Violet B. Riley, daughter, Michaelia Dee Riley and son-in-law Larry Green, of St. Louis, Missouri, son John Markwin Riley and daughter-in-law Christine Riley, son J Kevin Riley and Kim Riley both of Long Beach, Mississippi; nephew Alan Riley of Jackson; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild, and many other loving relatives, employees and friends.

A Memorial service was held Monday, July 28th, 2008 from 9am until 11am at the Rieman Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road in Long Beach, Mississippi. Burial was at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family preferred memorials be made to Saint Thomas Catholic Church, P. O. Box 1529, Long Beach, Mississippi 39560.

Technical Sergeant Charles Leon Nilges, Sr., United states Air Force, retired, age 74, of Gulfport, passed away on June 19th 2008 in Woolmarket, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antoine John (Tony) Nilges, Velma Nilges, and a step daughter, Danielle Wright.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen Nilges; his children, Charles Nilges, Jr. and his wife, Sharon, of Woolmarket, Mississippi, Brenda Spence and her husband, Ron, of Frostproof, Florida, Joseph Nilges of Gulfport Mississippi, Teresa Hopper and her husband, Scott, of Cordova, Tennessee, Robert Nilges and his wife, Gloria, of Lucedale Mississippi, and Betty Nilges, Mary Foster and her husband, Mike, and David Nilges, all of Gulfport Mississippi; his grandchildren, Michael and Jessica Spence, Megan, Justin, and Whitney Hopper, Ann and Amy Messer, Cody Foster, Christopher and Corey Nilges, and Jeffery; and his sisters, Joan Goddard of Garnett Kansas and Jeanne Brewer of Yuma Arizona.

A native of Garnett Kansas, Charles retired from the United States Air Force after twenty years of service. He was a life member of VFW Post 2434 and the American Legion Post 119 and a member of the Krewe of Gemini. He spent countless hours volunteering his time.

A special thanks to Doctor Davidson and his staff and the third floor Oncology wing at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport Mississippi.

Memorials may be given to: 40/8 Voiture Nurses Training Fund, c/o Alfred W. Fellows, 11626 Stanton Cr., Gulfport, MS 39503.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 at 4pm, where friends may visit from 3pm until service time at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road Gulfport, Mississippi. Burial followed at the Coalville Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi.

Master Sargeant Robert V. Dory, United states Air Force retired, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mr. Dory had been a resident of the Gulf Coast since 1971. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant, having served 3 years with the Navy during the Korean War, and over 20 years in the Air Force, including service in Vietnam.

He was a member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also retired from the Mississippi Department of Corrections, working as a Correctional Officer. He enjoyed camping, cooking and eating.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Nancy Jane Dory; his parents: William Robert and Minnie Hattie Winkler Dory; his sister: Rose Ann Yoder; and his brother: Harold Jackson Dory.

He is survived by his children: Susan Ella Cockerham and husband Henry James, Jr. of Denham Springs, Louisiana, and Breanna Dukes of Biloxi, a sister: Lynda Kaye Varney of Idaho; and 4 grandchildren: William Alexander, Kyla Ashlin, Nancy Jane, & Molly Ann.

Friends visited from 6pm to 8pm on Sunday, June 15th 2008 at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Biloxi.

The Graveside Service with Full Military Honors was held at 9am Monday, June 16th, 2008 at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Floyd Joseph Daniel, age 67, of Gulfport died Sunday April 20th 2008 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Floyd served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Funeral services were held at 11am on Friday, April 25th 2008 at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Gulfport, Mississippi with visitation one hour before the service.

Burial followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery, with Full Military Honors.

Robert Lee Fraiser, Sr., age 90, of Gulfport, Mississippi died Thursday, April 10th 2008 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

He was born in Clyde, Mississippi and was a longtime resident of the MississippiGulf Coast.

Robert served in the United States Army Air Force and retired as a Major. He also retired as an electrical contractor. He was Methodist.

He is survived by his wife, Mabel Fraiser, and his son, Robert Lee Fraiser, Jr., both of Gulfport, Mississippi and a brother, James A. Fraiser of Jackson, Mississippi

A graveside service was held Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 11:30am at Lakewood Memorial Park Cemetery in Jackson. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St., Gulfport was in charge of the arrangements.

Winnie Fred West McGhee Miller, age 91, died March 30th 2008 at Canon Hospice in Gulfport.

The Memorial Service was held Monday, March 31st 2008 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with visitation at 2pm, and Service at 3pm. Burial will be on Saturday, April 5th 2008 in Yazoo City Mississippi, with services through Stricklin King Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Charity of your choice.

Enious E. "Gene" Adams, United States Air Force retired, age 72 and a resident of Gulfport, passed away Monday, March 10th, 2008 in Gulfport.

Mr. Adams was a resident of the coast since 1984. He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church, the American Legion Joe Graham Post 119, the VFW, and the Moose Lodge in Gulfport. He was in the Marines for 3 years during Korea; and retired from the United States Air Force after serving Vietnam. After the Air Force, he was a technician at Cable One for 22 years. Enious was an avid golfer, and enjoyed fishing, playing darts, and cards. He attended Phillips College and earned his Bachelors Degree in Management/Business.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer T. and Alma Adams. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Anna E. "Alice" Adams of Gulfport, Mississippi; his sister, Shirley Russell of Spring Mills, Pennsylvania; and numerous other family members, friends, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 14th 2008 at 11:30am at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Rd. Gulfport, Mississippi with visitation starting one hour prior to services. Interment followed in the Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30pm.

Memorial contributions were made to Saint Vincent de Paul, 366 Cowan Rd. Gulfport, MS 39507.

Mr. Dominick Scibilia, Jr., age 62, resident of Gulfport, died on Tuesday, February 26th 2008, in Gulfport.

Mr. Scibilia's heritage was Sicilian, and he was born and raised in New Jersey.

Mr. Scibilia was preceded in death by his father, Dominick Scibilia, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kay Etta Scibilia of Gulfport, Mississippi; his mother, Rose Valente of Marlton, New Jersey; children, Chad Scibilia of Marathon, Florida, and Lisa Traylor; stepdaughter, Cheryl Hollis of Gulfport, Mississippi; sister, Rosalie Payne of Marlton, New Jersey; grandchildren, Tiffani Scibilia and Jessica Traylor.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Reiman Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefered memorials to the Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.

Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) John E. Dibbs, USAF, Retired, age 84, of Biloxi, passed away on February 11th 2008 in Biloxi.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret A. Dibbs; his parents, John and Ester Dibbs; two brothers, Howard Dibbs and George Dibbs; and two sisters, Ann Dibbs and June Tomlanovich.

Mr. Dibbs is survived by two daughters, Linda G. Bertran and her husband, Andre, and Karen L. Brashier and her husband, Robert (Bobby); five grandchildren, Michelle Cain, Alisha Bertran, Brandon Brashier, Bass Brashier, and Abbie Brashier; and two great-grandchildren, Timothy Cain and Chase Cain, all of Biloxi, Mississippi; one sister, Mary Arndt, of Eagle River, Wisconsin; three nieces; and five nephews.

A native of Eagle River, WI, he graduated from Eagle River High School in 1941 and was a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

A longtime resident of Biloxi Mississippi, Mr. Dibbs was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Biloxi, the VFW, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi, and the South MS Seniors Golf Association. He worked as a volunteer at the Biloxi Veterans Administration Medical Center.

He retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) after 23 years of service and served in World War II and the Korean War. In 1985, he retired from the United States Naval Home as an operating engineer.

He was a blessing to his family and will be greatly missed.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 14th, 2008, at 11:30 a.m. at the Reiman Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd., Biloxi, where friends called from 10am until service time. Burial followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

John Ray Mattina, 81, of Biloxi Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, January 12th 2008 in Biloxi.

Ray was a lifelong resident of Biloxi. He loved to hunt, fish and eat. He served in the United States Navy during WW-II, on a mine sweeper in the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and North Africa. He was a Past Commander of VFW Post 2434 and a member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi. He was a licensed Layreader at the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer where he was a Member of the Vestry and President of Saint Anthony's Society. Ray was retired from the United States Postal Service.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Felix N. Mattina and Anna Leona Bosarge Mattina; brothers, Felix N. Mattina, Jr., and Earl Mattina; sisters, Margarette E. Mattina and Verna Mae Mattina Galle, and daughter, Jane Beth Mattina.

Ray is survived by his wife, Norma; daughters, Cassandra Griswold (Fred), and Phyllis Gigl (David); grandchildren, Elizabeth Griswold Joachim, Fred Griswold, IV, Candice Gigl Marsalis and David Gigl, Jr., and ten great-grandchildren.

Ray's love, sense of humor and smile will be missed by family and friends.

Graveside services were held at 2pm Friday, January 18th 2008, at the Biloxi City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations were made to the American Lung Association of Mississippi, P. O. Box 2178, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158.

Donald E. Miller, age 73, of Gulfport, died on January 3, 2008 in Gulfport.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Murrell W. Miller and Laura M. Miller; two sisters, B. Thompson and Jerri Baumgardner; and a brother, John W. Miller.

Mr. Miller is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Rayman and Betty Lindman, and one brother, Melvin Miller, all of Baltimore, Maryland.

Mr. Miller was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Gulfport, served in the United States Marine Corps, and was a member of the Joe Graham American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, Mississippi, VFW Post 2535, and DAV Chapter 5.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held 11am Monday, January 7th 2008 at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church where friends called from 9am until service time.

Burial followed at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Dorothy Mae Wright, 85, of Gulfport died Friday, December 7th 2007 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mrs. Wright was a graduate of Gulfport High School. She was a Member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 119.

Dorothy Wright was preceded in death by her husband George Wright, Sr. and her parents Minnis and Aurilla Wedgeworth.

Dorothy is survived by three sons, George L. Wright, Jr., Sky L. Wright, and Charles M. Wright, and a sister Mary E. Seymour all of Gulfport; 7 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren.

The service was held Thursday, December 13th 2007 at 1pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport. Visitation was from 11:30am to 1pm. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.

Milton Durabb, Jr., died Tuesday, October 23rd 2007 in Slidell, Louisiana.

The death was reported by his wife, but no Obituary was available.

B. Jayne McCaleb, age 71, resident of Woolmarket, died Monday, October 15th 2007 in Woolmarket.

Mrs. McCaleb was a homemaker, a member of Church of Christ, and an Active Member of Post 119 Gulfport's Auxiliary Unit 119.

Mrs. McCaleb was preceded in death by her father, Norman C. Martin. She is survived by her husband, J. B. McCaleb of Woolmarket; mother, Maggie Martin of Gulfport; children, Marty McCaleb of Woolmarket, Kyle McCaleb and wife Kristen of Woolmarket; sister, Norma Martin of Gulfport; brother, Neil Martin of Long Island, New York; six grandchildren, Warren, Darren, Kahlyn, and Corey McCaleb, Matthew Keller and Aubrey McCaleb.

Visitation was on Tuesday, October 16th 2007, from 6 to 8pm at the Reiman Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. Services were on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 at 2pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Tullus R. Castor, age 88, of Gulfport, died Tuesday, October 2nd 2007 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

He was a native of Ohio and attended Ohio Northern University and entered Ohio 37th Division of National Guard in 1940.

After World War II, he went to work with his father in the contracting business. During the Korean Conflict he joined the Army and retired in 1966 as a Chief Warrant Officer. In retirement he excelled in woodworking. Mr. Castor was a member of BPOE for 67 years where he held many offices including State President and served on the national level as well. He was a member of the Board of the de l'Epee Deaf Center.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Castor of Gulfport Mississippi; two daughters, Victoria Stallard and husband, David of Poquoson, Virginia, Catherine Ross and husband, Randy of Gulfport Mississippi; four grandsons, David Stallard and wife, Susan of VA, Robert Stallard and wife, Krysten of Virginia, Thomas Arthur and fiancee Jackie Williams of Memphis, and Paul Arthur and wife Beth of Indiana; two great-grandchildren, John Patrick Stallard of Virginia, Lauren Arthur of Indiana, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Thursday, October 4th 2007 from 6pm until 8pm at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport. The funeral service was held 11am Friday, October 5th 2007 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Depew Road, Gulfport. Interment followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi.

The family preferred memorials to De L'Epee Deaf Center, 1450 North Street, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507.

Clyde "Buck" Jackson, age 78, of Saucier, Mississippi died Sunday, August 12th 2007 in Saucier. He was born in Jones County, Mississippi and had been a resident of the Gulf Coast for over forty years. Mr. Jackson proudly served in the United States Army as First Sergeant for over 22 years and served in Korean and Vietnam Wars. He always had a flag flying at his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bessie Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Landrum Jackson; six children, Clyde Jackson, Jr. and wife Jeri of Hawaii, Dr. Shelton Jackson and wife, Diane of Texas, Sandra Greeson and husband, Hugh of Georgia, Dennis Jackson and wife, Mary of MS, Barbara Jackson of Texas, and Ronald Jackson of Mississippi; eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Juanita Blackledge of Laurel and Helen Windom of Baton Rouge, LA; and three brothers, Robert Jackson of Denver, CO, Ray Jackson of Jacksonville, AR, and J.D. Jackson of Arlington, TX .

Visitation was held Tuesday evening, August 14th 2007 from 6pm until 8pm at the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport. The funeral service was Wednesday, August 15th 2007 at 9:30am in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Roy E. Stewart, age 79 of Long Beach, died on Saturday, July 21st 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Roy Stewart was born in Buffalo, New York and had been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1976. He was a 1947 graduate of Morehead High School in Morehead, Kentucky. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, served during the Korean Conflict and then retired after 20 years of Service.

After retirement, Roy returned to Kentucky and married his high school sweetheart, Mattie. They lived in Norfolk, Virginia, where he sold insurance and then went with the Naval Oceanography in Sutland, Maryland, as an accounting officer. He was with Naval Oceanography a total of 22 years, 12 of them in Mississippi at Stennis Space Center.

Roy Stewart had an active life and loved to travel. Over the years, he and his late wife, Mattie, traveled to every State in the United States, and up into Canada.

Roy became the Treasurer of the state National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) in 1992, where he set up the Statewide and now the National Convention for NARFE. Mr. Stewart was also Secretary-Treasurer of the Naval Reunion for the United States Ship Kankakee AO39.

Roy Stewart was a Member of First Baptist Church in Long Beach, Member of the VFW Post in Pass Christian, American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, and the Fleet Reserve Association in Long Beach. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #500 in Long Beach and in Morehead, Kentucky.

Roy Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse & Fannie Rogers Stewart; and his wife, Mattie Stinson Stewart.

Roy Stewart is survived by his loving daughters, Danita Wilson and Nikki (Leon) Byrd all of Long Beach; his brother, Carl Stewart of Steens, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Beverly (Tim) Raybourn of Gulfport and Joshua Wilson of Long Beach; and his great granddaughter, Natalie Raybourn of Gulfport.

Visitation was held on Thursday, July 26, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 49 North Chapel in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 27th 2007 at 1:15pm. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at the National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that Memorial Contributions be made to the NARFE, Gulf Breeze Chapter #1571, 4003 Glover Street.

George Pearce "Buddy" Hopkins, Jr., 81, of Gulfport died Friday, June 29th 2007, in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mr. Hopkins was born April 15th 1926 in Gulfport, to George Pearce Hopkins, Sr., and his wife Marjorie Selby Hopkins.

A lifelong resident of Gulfport, George Hopkins graduated in 1943 from Gulfport High School, where he was voted "Mr. Gulfport High School". Following graduation, George Hopkins served his Country during World War II as a Radioman in the United States Navy. In 1950, George Hopkins received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Mississippi, where he was a Member of Alpha Tau Omega Social Fraternity and Chi Epsilon National Honorary Civil Engineering Fraternity.

After college, George Hopkins joined his father at George P. Hopkins Contractors, Inc., where he worked over five decades, first as a Professional Engineer then as President and Owner. Mr. Hopkins' Company built an impressive list of structures, including Bank buildings, Education buildings, Manufacturing plants, the Walter Anderson Museum, the Gulfport Yacht Club, Saint Peters by The Sea Episcopal Church and numerous Government buildings for the Air National Guard, Keesler Air Force Base, Stennis Space Center and the United States Coast Guard.

George was a Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Mississippi Society of Professional Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Much respected in his field, George Hopkins served in numerous leadership capacities within the building community. He was a two-time president of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, a past president and director of the Associated General Contractors of Mississippi and a twelve-year chairman of the Gulfport City Planning Commission.

His leadership roles were not limited to the construction industry. George Hopkins was a director of the Gulf National Bank at the time it was sold to Peoples Bank of Biloxi. He was a longtime director of Magnolia Federal Bank and Magnolia BanCorp, Inc. He also was a former director of the New Orleans Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He served on the Board of Trustees of Gulf Park College and Westminster Academy, was President and Director of Misco Marine, Inc., a Director of the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and President of the Gulfport Rotary Club which honored him in 2006 with the prestigious William Harris Hardy Award in recognition of a lifetime of service to the City of Gulfport.

A well-respected Sailor, George Hopkins was known for his numerous contributions to the Sailing Community. He was actively involved in the Gulfport Yacht Club, serving as Commodore in 1955 at the age of 29, and as a Member of the Gulfport Yacht Club Governing Board. He was also Commodore of the Gulf Coast Cruising Association, a Past Board Member of the Olympic Sailing Association of New Orleans, and the 1987 President of the Gulf Yachting Association, directing the Gulf South's leadership body of 32 Yacht Clubs spanning Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Arkansas.

George Hopkins was survived by his wife of fifty years, Maryem Fowlkes Hopkins, his son George Pearce Hopkins III, his wife Becky Tilley Hopkins and their children, George Pearce Hopkins IV, Patricia and Blake Hopkins, all of Gulfport; his daughter, Mimi Hopkins Magee and her husband, Charlie and their children, Harrison, Rives, Emily and Meade, all of Jacksonville, Florida; his son Samuel Fowlkes Hopkins, Sr. and his wife, Danielle DeMetz Hopkins and their children, Sam, Jr., Alexander and Kate Hopkins, all of Gulfport; sister, Ann Gresham and her husband, Bill of Indianola, Mississippi, and sister, Marjorie Dee West of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Mr. Hopkins was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Marion Hopkins.

Visitation was held from 6pm until 8pm, Sunday, July 1st 2007, at the Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on O'Neal Road in Orange Grove. Funeral services were held at 1pm Monday, July 2nd, 2007, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Gulfport, where friends visited from 11:30am until Service time. Interment followed in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family preferred memorials to St. Peters-By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 1912 E. Beach Blvd., Gulfport, Mississippi 39501, or to the Charity of their choice.

Edward Lee Williams died peacefully on Friday, December 7th 2007. Ed was a member of Beauvoir United Methodist Church in Biloxi.

Ed is survived by his wife, Velma; son, Ronald King (Cynthia); grandchildren, Stephanie Melerine & Ronald King II; & 6 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was at the Rieman Family Funeral Home, Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, 12:45pm to 1:45pm. The funeral service was at 1:45pm in the funeral home chapel, followed by interment in Biloxi National Cemetery.

George Lee Ware, born July 29, 1920, in Gulfport, MS, died December 4, 2007 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Ware was a decorated disabled veteran of World War II, a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in England and Europe and participated in the invasion of Normandy and was injured during the blitz in London when a V-2 rocket landed near his Jeep. He was a lifetime member of the Joe Graham American Legion Post 119 with 53 years in good standing. Mr. Ware enjoyed bowling, darts, horseshoes and spending time at his property in Biloxi River Estates. He retired after over 30 years from the Civil Service with the Department of the Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base.

Mr. Ware was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Virginia M. Ware; his mother, Laura Smyly Ware; his father, Norman Biddix; his sisters, Lucille Hanson and Norma Castings; his brothers, Howard, Presley and Raymond.

He is survived by his daughter, Lauralee Easterling and her husband, Benny Roy; his grandson, David J. Easterling; his granddaughter, Julie R. Loftin and her husband, Taylor; his sisters, Emily Herrington and Lillian White; his great-grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley, Andrew, Joey, Benjamin and Madison; and numerous nephews and nieces.

There was a graveside service on Friday, December 7th, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery. Rieman Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, was in charge of arrangements.

William (Wink) Francis Eid Sr., 83, a World War II Navy Veteran, passed through the gates of heaven at 2:15am on Monday, March 12th 2007. The gates of heaven opened and a hero walked through

Wink was born on April 22nd 1923 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He joined the Navy at age 17, and served in the Seabees during World War II. Wink returned home to marry the girl of his dreams...Ruth Egner...and they were married for over 61 years. Wink retired from Locke Insulators in Baltimore after 34 years. Wink & Ruth retired to Gulfport, Mississippi, then moved to Ironton, Ohio in April of 2007.

Wink is survived by his wife Ruth V. Eid; his six children and their spouses, Elizabeth C. Nickelnee Eid & husband Tim, William F. Eid Jr. & wife Cathy, Charles D. Eid & wife Mary, Linda M. Braunnee Eid, & her husband Phil, George M. Eid & friend Jimmy Ely, Richard J. Eid Sr. & his wife Christina. Wink is also survived by 19 grandchildren & 13 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service by Reverend Jeffrey Wick to honor Wink was held Wednesday, March 14th at 3pm, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 721 12th Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia. Reger Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Janet V. Dryden, age 69, a resident of Gulfport, passed away January 29th 2007. She was born December 7th, 1938 and was the daughter of Eugene and Kathern Taylor of Baltimore, Maryland. On February 14th 1973 she married Donald Dryden.

A caring wife and mother of eleven children and step-children, Janet was preceded in death by her mother, father and one son. She is survived by her husband, sister, two brothers, ten children, nineteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Janet was a PTA Mom, Coach of Girl's Pee-Wee Softball, and a Cheer-mom for Grade School Football tTams. She participated in the Brownie and Cub Scout programs.

In her later years, she became a Member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Post 119 Gulfport, Mississippi involved in helping hospitalized Veterans, fund-raising for Medical Care for children, and assisted in food preparation at the Post Home. During her Membership, Janet held several positions in the Auxiliary.

Janet was an avid Bonco player, a cheerful person, and a wonderful friend of "Bonco Babes".

As a Member and supporter of the 40&8 and Cabane she was very well-liked and well-known.

Janet will be sadly missed by her friends and family. For her family, her sweet smile will forever remain in our minds, and her outstanding love...forever in our hearts.

Services were held at the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi. Burial was in the National Cemetery in Biloxi.

Cecil Louis Koger, Jr. died Sunday, January 7th 2007 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Cecil proudly served his Country in the United States Army's 101st Airborne. He was a Korean War veteran, . He was a hard-working man and was dedicated to his family and friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Koger, and his parents, Cecil and Ora Koger, Sr.

Cecil is survived by his wife of 20 years, Alice L. Koger; his son, David Koger and his wife Barbara of Lavergne, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Kimberly Bass of Tennessee, and Sheena Koger of Georgia; 4 stepgrandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren; and his dogs, Smokey Joe, Spike, Big Dee, and Drothos.

A Memorial Service was held Tuesday, January 9th 2007 at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Highway 49, Gulfport at 4pm, with Rev. Pat Thompson officiating.

Memorial contributions were made to the Humane Society, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501.

Irvin Cooperman, age 82, of Gulfport, died Saturday, November 17th, 2007 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was born in Caruthersville, Missouri, and was a longtime resident of Gulfport.

He graduated from high school in Caruthersville, Missouri and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was owner of Betir Blinds in Gulfport for over twenty years and was a member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi.

Irvin Cooperman was preceded in death by sons, Arthur Cooperman and Mark Cooperman.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Cooperman of Gulfport Mississippi; daughters, Fabian and husband, Charles West of Sante Fe, New Mexico, Marsea Amani of Saint Petersburg, Florida and Libba Cooperman of Pacifica, California; two stepdaughters, Mary Anne and husband, Tomas Medina of Orlando, Florida and Paige Jennings of Gulfport Mississippi; a son, P.J. and wife, Laura Cooperman of San Jose, California; two stepsons, Paul and wife Sue Jennings of Gulfport Mississippi, and Russ and wife Terri Jennings of Perkinston Mississippi; two sisters, Aileen and husband, Herman Frankel of Elyria, Ohio, and Selma Miller of Tallahassee, Florida; a brother, Jack and wife Eleanor Cooperman of Caruthersville, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

There was a graveside service Wednesday, November 21st 2007 at 1:30pm at Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Following the graveside there was a Memorial Celebration at 2:30pm at Calvary Gulf Coast Church at Vieux Marche in Biloxi Mississippi. The family preferred memorials to Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport was in charge of arrangements.

Keven Wallace Graham, 75, of Gulfport died Tuesday, July 25th, 2006, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Keven was a native of Spring Creek, Louisiana, a former resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and had been a resident of Gulfport since 1959. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1949 and was Captain of the 1949 State Champion Track Team. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was an Active Member of Joe Graham American Legion Post 119, Gulfport, Mississippi He retired as District Manager after 37 years of service from Commercial Credit. For several years, he coached Little League and Pony League baseball in Gulfport. He was a former member of the BRHS Alumni Association and Sunkist Country Club, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Keven attended Louisiana State University on a track scholarship and was a sprinter and record-holder on the 1951 SEC Track Championship Team.

Keven was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Sandra Ross Graham; parents, John A. and Orie Booty Graham; and two brothers, A. Kennon and Stanley S. Graham.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Lewis-Graham, Gulfport; 2 sons: Doctor Lyndon (Doctor Sandi Graham), Portland, Oregon and Dean Ross Graham, Tampa, Florida; his daughter, Sandi (Jerry) Favre, Long Beach, Mississippi; sister, Joyce Graham Judge, Liberty, Mississippi and a half-sister, Rita Ann Clark, Columbus, Ohio; 3 grandchildren: Jeffrey Graham, Houston, Texas, Gerald "Trace" Favre, III and Mason LaRosa Favre both of Long Beach, Mississippi.

Visitation was Friday, July 28, 2006, from Noon to 2pm at Gulf Coast Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road Chapel in Gulfport. The funeral service was at 2pm in the Funeral Home Chapel.

Interment was in the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

The family preferred donations to Saint Vincent de Paul School Building Fund...formerly Saint Thomas School...Post Office Box 1429, Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560. Mr. Graham's Grandchildren attended school at Saint Vincent De Paul and he enjoyed many school events and activities with them.

Donald K. Lundgren was a resident of Gulfport for the past 25 years. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and and Active Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport.

Donald was a Veteran of the United States Army, stationed at Red Stone Arsenal. He worked at Beauvoir and with the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and he retired from the United States Customs Services.

Donald will be remembered by his family and friends as an avid Green Bay Packers fan and for his love for riding his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

His is survived by his wife of more than 39 years, Dolores "Squeaky" Lundgren of Gulfport; three brothers, Jim Lundgren, Jack Lundgren and Tommy Lundgren; one sister, Marilyn Wickstrom, all of Superior Wisconsin; two sister-in-laws, Carol Stoutenburg and husband, Robert of Michigan, and Linda Asbill of Alabama; Brother-In-Law, Tommy Asbill of Alabama; nieces and nephews, Jeff, Lori, Bobby, Kelly, Mark, Mandy and Megan; the "Phews," Steven, Robert, Ronnie and Nelson; and by numerous other Nieces and Nephews in Wisconsin.

The "Celebration of Life Memorial Service" was held at 11am Tuesday April 11th 2006 at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Humane Society of South Mississippi", 2615 Highway 49, Gulfport Mississippi 39501.

     "Don" and his wife "Squeak" were long time friends of myself Bob and my wife Betty. Regarding the Green Bay Packers above... One day when my wife Betty was working behind the bar at American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, Don arranged a phone call from the Green Bay Packers Quarterback, Brett Farve, who's home was then in Kiln Mississippi but now in Hattiesburg Mississippi. Bob was informed previously of the call to be made and was present during the call. The phone behind the bar rang, and Don said it was probably for him and Betty handed him the phone. After a minute Don said to Betty, "No, it's not for me it's for you...it's from Bret Farve." My wife Betty was and still is a great fan of the Green Bay Packers, and especially of Bret Farve who had done so much for South Mississippi for many years. When Bret said, "Hello, this is Bret Farve", Betty replied "Your not Bret Farve!!! This is another joke being pulled on me by Don Lundgren!!!" After a few minutes Betty recognized Bret's voice and shouted outloud for everyone to hear, "It's really Bret Farve!!!!!" Her conversation with Bret lasted about five minutes and then Bret asked that the phone be returned to Don Lundgren. Don said, "Betty is still shouting I just got a call from Bret Farve!!!" Everyone at the bar, including myself ,were nearly in tears from laughing. When Don got off the phone with Bret, he handed the phone back to Betty to hang back up behind the bar. Then Betty gave Don a big hug and a kiss for arranging the phone call.
     Don fed the ducks every day at the Coast Guard Station in Gulfport. One day when Don was going to be gone for a about a month on a trip to Green Bay he brought a "Baby Duck" to our home to take care of while he was gone. He gave us a bucket of "Duck Food" and we bought rubber baby's wading pool for the duck. The baby duck, being a baby, was very friendly and not wary of human contact. After a month the duck had grown quite large and could no longer be considered a "Baby". When Don returned from hi trip, he picked up the duck and returned it to the water at the Coast Guard Station.
    One day, Don had to go to the hospital for Heart Surgery. When he was wheeled out of the Operating Room, "Squeak", Betty and I were in the hall when the gurney passed us by. Don was "Naked As A Jay Bird". Later we kidded Don that only a few persons had seen him that naked, his Mom, his wife, and Betty and me. A couple of months later, although he shouldn't have done so, helped carry a very large sofa through the front door into our home. That's the kind of person Don was. If someone need help with something he was always there to lend a hand.
    On our Post's Monthly Calendar Of Events where there was Car Racing, Baseball, or Football, there was and still is a small line of text with the name "Leroy". This was in reference to Don Lundgren, and he would always say, "Leroy this and Leroy that!!! When are you going to stop all that Leroy stuff???" Since Bob does the website for Post 119, he had no intention of "stopping" the Leroy stuff, and because of a long time friendship and respect for Don Lundgren "Leroy this and Leroy that!!! will remain on the Post's Monthly Calendar Of Events.
    There are many other comments we would like to make about Don Lundgren but we think this is enough to relate the type of "Fun Guy" Don Lundgren always was.

Donald Ross Atwood, age 70 and a resident of Saucier Mississippi, died Monday, March 27th 2006 in Saucier.

Donald was a native of North Dakota and was a Mississippi Gulf Coast resident for many years. He retired from the United States Navy, and was in Civil Service at the United States Coast Guard base in Kodiak Alaska. He was a Life Member of the VFW in Kodiak, a Member of the Fleet Reserve, and an Active Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport Mississippi.

Donald was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Atwood, his second wife, Janet B. Atwood, his parents, Irvin and Bonnie Ladd Atwood, and a brother, Eugene Atwood. Survivors include his wife, Belinda Gail Atwood; a son, Christopher Atwood, both of Saucier Mississippi; and a sister, Donna Mae Frisinger, of Williston North Dakota.

Visitation was held at at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home located at 11213 Highway 49 North in Gulfport on Thursday, March 30th 2006 from 6pm to 10pm. The service was held at 1:30 pm Friday March 31st, in the Riemann Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, followed by burial in the National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi.

Mattie Carolyn Craig Burke, 82, of Biloxi, died on March 14th 2006 in Biloxi Mississippi.

Mattie was a native of Mississippi City Mississippi and was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 47 years. She was a World War II bride whose husband, William J. Burke, Sr. of DeWitt Iowa, a Seabee in the U. S. Navy stationed at Gulfport, preceded her in death in 1959. Mattie retired from the Biloxi Veterans Adminiatration Hospital after 20 years as a Medical Secretary and was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi, and an Active Member of the Auxiliary Unit 119 of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport Mississippi.

Mattie was preceded in death by her parents, James C. Craig and Daisy Dulcich; two brothers, Boots Craig, and Francis Earl Dulcich; and a sister, Marie Ragan. Survivors include a son, Bill Burke and wife Linda of Baton Rouge Louisiana; their children, Tracy Ladner and wife, Christy, of Brandon Mississippi; Kevin Burke, of Slidell Louisiana; and Stephanie Stovall and husband, Tommy, of Smithville Texas; a daughter, Mary Burke Guthrie and husband, Alan, and their children, Allen Guthrie and wife, Sonja, Ryan Guthrie and wife Charlotte, all of Terrytown Louisiana; and Jennifer Guthrie, of Metairie Louisiana; a daughter Susan Burke Mabus and husband, Jimmy, of Phillip Mississippi, and their children, Jamie Rowland and husband, Ben, of Ocean Springs Mississippi; Matt Mabus, and Emily Mabus, both of Cleveland Mississippi; and a daughter, Barbara Burke and her son, Aaron Green, both of Houston Texas; and ten great-grandchildren, Delaney Stovall, Maya Stovall, Bailey Burke, Ian Ladner, Emma Ladner, Eli Ladner, Allen Guthrie, Jr., Ryan Burke Guthrie, Jr., Nicholas Guthrie, and Stiles Rowland.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and Staff at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi Mississippi for their compassionate care during Mrs. Burke's illness.

Visitation was at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Thursday March 16th 2006 from 1pm until the celebration of the memorial Mass at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made to The Priest Retirement Home Building Fund at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi Mississippi.

Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Highway 49 North in Gulfport, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Louis Barron, Jr., 82, of Gulfport Mississippi, died January 9th 2006 in Biloxi Mississippi .

Louis Barron was a native of Brownsville, Texas and had been a longtime resident of the coast. He was a retired Senior Master Sergeant with the U. S. Air Force after 32 years of service, of which time he served in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. He was a member of V.F.W. Post 2539 in Gulfport, Joe Graham Post 119 of the American Legion, member and treasurer of the Retired Enlisted Association in Washington, D.C., the National AARP, the MS Coast Organist Association, Mississippi Gulf Coast Jazz Society, a Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Inspector, and instructor in Safe Boating and a member of the Disabled American Veterans Post in Gulfport. Mr. Barron was a graduate of Jefferson Davis Jr. College with an Associates of Science Degree, attended the University of Southern Mississippi and graduated from William Carey College in Gulfport with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a member of the President's List and Honor Society at William Carey and a member of William Carey College Alumni.

Louis Barron was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Barron, Sr. and Angelita Lozano Barron and a brother, Richard Barron.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Vera Neaves Barron, of Gulfport; a daughter, Jacqueline Salsman, of Simi Valley, California; one son, David Barron, of Columbus, Mississippi; three sisters, Bertha Lopez Alice Perez and her husband, John, and Lucy Carmona and her husband, Susano, all of Brownsville, Texas; four brothers, Alfredo Barron, Dr. Ramiro Barron, Daniel Barron all of Brownsville, Texas, and Robert Barron of San Antonio, Texas, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2pm at the pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi Mississippi, where friends visited one hour before service time. Interment was in Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippiwith full military honors.

Alfonso C. Ramos, 79, of Oakland, California, died Thursday, February 24th 2005, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Colonel Ramos was born in Hawaii and served in the Philippine Air Force for 23 years before retiring as a Colonel. He was an Active Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi for many years. He was also an active member Of Saint Anthony's Parish in Oakland California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio and Virginia Ramos.

Colonel Alfonso C. Ramos is survived by his wife, Leonora Villacorta Ramos of Oakland California; his three sons, Joel Ramos, and wife Madel, of The Republic Of The Philippines, Elmer Ramos of Oakland California, and Ariel Ramos of San Diego California; his three daughters, Virginia Thompson, and husband Earle, of Pass Christian Mississippi, Eileen Santa Maria, and husband Esmeraldo of Vallejo California, and Evangeline Calara, and husband Caesar, of San Ramone California; and fourteen grandchildren.

The family requested three visitation services to be held at Riemann Funeral Home in Bay Saint Louis Mississippi. They were held as follows: (1) Saturday, February 26th 2005, 5pm to 9pm Riemann Funeral Home(2) With Father Tracy of Our Lady of the Gulf conducting a Service at 6pm Sunday February 27th 5pm to 9pm, Riemann Funeral Home (3) Monday, February 28th, 1pm to 5pm, Riemann Funeral Home

Alfonso C. "Pastor" Ramos' final resting place was in Oakland, California.

Oliver Oren "Red" Williams, Jr., 83 of Gulfport, died Monday, January 30th 2006 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

"Red" Williams was a native and lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He attended Gulfport High School where he played football and later joined the United States Army Air Corps serving during WW-II in India, Burma, and Ryukyus. While in the service, he was awarded the APTO Medal, the WW-II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1984, he retired from Civil Service working at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Oren was a Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport, and served as the Post's Commander during 1966, 1986, and 1987, and was also the Post Adjutant during 1964, and an Executive Board Member during 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2002.

Oren was also a member of the Gulfport DAV, the VFW, and the 40 & 8. He was a Director and Vice President of the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo in Gulfport, and a Founding Member and former Deacon at Bay Vista Baptist Church, in Biloxi, Missississippi, He was also very proud to be a contributor and Charter Member of the World War-II Memorial Society in Washington, D.C.

Oren was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Wiggins Kleinschmidt Williams; parents, Oliver Oren Williams, Sr. and Juanita Grantham Williams, and a sister, Katherine Chapman.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary W. Fuller, Boston, MA; son, Oliver Oren (JoAnn) Williams, III, Biloxi; step-daughter, Sue (Bruce) Cospelich, Gulfport; step-son, Bob (Bonnie) Kleinschmidt, Stevensville Maryland; sisters: Ramona (T.P.) Chapman, Gulfport and Jessie McKay of Pass Christian Mississippi; 4 grandchildren: Chelsea Williams, Chet W. Miller, III, Steve Davis, and Lisa Ruppel and 1 great-grandchild.

The funeral service was at 11am Friday, February 3rd 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport where friends visited from 9:30am until service time.

Interment was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, located east of Cowan Lorraine Road in Gulfport.

Memorials were sent to the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Mr. Carl Decidue Alfonso, last surviving child of Decidue and Laboria Alfonso, passed away June 10th 2005 at the age of 91. Carl was a lifelong resident of Gulfport.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Tommye Williamson Alfonso, and his sisters, Theresa Alfonso Gulotta, Spena Alfonso, and Josephine Alfonso, and his brothers, Nofie D. Alfonso, Gus D. Alfonso, Andy Alfonso, Sr., Nathan D. Alfonso, Salvador "Tut" Alfonso, Vincent Alfonso, and Joseph Alfonso.

Carl and his brothers began commercial fishing at the age of eight with their father. They had one boat to support the family...17 feet long 7 feet wide. No power or sails, just oars. Carl was educated in Gulfport City Schools and graduated from Gulfport High School Class of 1932. In 1957 Carl acquired the real estate firm of Cheney Realty and renamed it Alfonso Realty. The firm is now known as Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty and has grown to be one of the largest Real Estate Companies in Mississippi with offices in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Pass Christian, Orange Grove and Waveland.

Carl served in the United States Army during WW-II and went through South France at Marseille during the invasion of Germany, moving north through Dijon, Straburg, Bitche, and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He commanded Company L. of the 399th Infantry of the 100th Division in the 7th Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was an Army Captain when he left the service.

The end of the war did not end his efforts to promote and preserve the interests of the Veteran. Carl became a Member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans. He served as Commander of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport during 1949 and 1950. He was also a Member of the Retired Officer's Association. He was a Member of the First Baptist Church of Gulfport.

In 1949, American Legion Post 119 decided to have a Fishing Rodeo. Carl was Post Commander at the time, and he was asked to chair the Rodeo with the support of the Executive Committee. The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo began on July 1st 1949, in a large tent. Carl chaired the Rodeo for six years. The Rodeo now brings tens of thousands to the Mississippi Coast each July 4th Independence Day week.

Carl also served as chairman of Ship Island Fort, Inc. when it was owned by American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport. Carl advised the Members of the American Legion Post to return the island to the United States Government and the National Park Service...since the title to the property contained a reversionary clause that it could not be sold, but used only for recreation purposes. This was accomplished with the assistance of then Congressman Bill Colmer. As a result, Fort Massachusetts and Ship Island remain a public attraction for thousands of tourists each year.

Carl sailed. In 1933 the first Yacht Club was organized and all eight brothers were Charter Members of the Gulfport Yacht Club. Carl and four other of his brothers served as Commodores. Carl loved the water and for years spent most summer weekends going back and forth to Ship Island with "Captain Pete".

Carl also served as President of the West Gulf Coast Association of Realtors and President of the Gulfport Lion's Club. Carl was an avid reader and spent the greater part of the day over the past few years reading the entire Daily Herald, now the Sun Herald from the front page headline through to the last classified ad.

Thank you to Kathleen Gebbia for making this possible.

Carl is survived by his daughters, Carlene Alfonso, and her husband, Walter Ketchings, and Judge Margaret Alfonso and her husband, Cono Caranna, and one granddaughter, Margaret Amanda "Mandy" Krucks.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciated contributions to the Benchwork Program of the Arc (formerly the Gulf Coast Society for Retarded Citizens), 3109 Gulf Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501.

Serving as pallbearers were nephews, N. D. Alfonso, Augie Alfonso, Andy Alfonso, Jr., Chris Alfonso, Don Alfonso and Dr. Bill Williamson; nieces, Gayla Ann Williamson Martin and Pauline Mensi; Capt. Pete Skrmetta, and Sam Ford.

Carlene and Margaret would like to thank the dedicated staff, particularly Roger Price, who took care of Carl at the Biloxi Veterans Administration Hospital, Building 2.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, June 14th 2005 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, where friends visited from 11am until service time. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.

Lawrence Parker, 71, of Saucier, died Tuesday, May 17th 2005 in Saucier, Mississippi. He was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey and had been a Coast resident since 1976. He proudly served his country in the US Navy and was a Veteran of the Korean War. He was a retired electrician, and an Active Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Parker and his brother, Redding Parker.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Mary Jane "Jeanne" Parker of Saucier, Mississippi; his son, Wayne Parker of Perkinston, Mississippi; two daughters, Donna Parker of Saint Louis, Missouri, Lori Parker of Gulfport, Mississippi; a brother, James E. Parker II of Colts Neck, New Jersey; a sister, Sandra Parker of Milford, Pennsylvania; 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Highway 49N, Orange Grove, Mississippi was in charge of the arrangements.

John Theodore Wachs, age 89 and a resident of Gulfport, MS, died Tuesday, May 3rd 2005 in Gulfport.

John Wachs was born to Harry A. and Erna Uecke Wachs on October 9th 1915 in Winona, Minnesota. He attended public schools of Winona, MN; received his Bachelor's Degree from Winona State Teachers College, Winona, MN; his Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University, Greely, CO; and continued his education with advanced studies in Radar at Scott Army Air Field in Illinois.

John Wachs was a High School teacher and coach in Cannon Falls, MN; and in Eyota, MN. He served in Civil Service as an Electronics Instructor for the U. S. Army from 1942 until 1944. He served on active duty in the U. S. Army Air Corps in Boca Raton, FL, from 1944 until 1946, and again served in civil service as an Electronics Education Specialist at Keesler AFB, MS, from 1947 until 1975. John was selected for advanced studies on Radar Applications in the early stages of World War II when most concepts were still classified. He served as an Instructor for the Army Air Corps flight crews on radar and avionics training missions which included flights over the Gulf of Mexico in B-29 bombers which flew out of Gulfport Field, Mississippi. He received numerous Performance Awards, a Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1972, and a Civilian Commendation Award at retirement.

John Wachs was a member of Great Southern Country Club (Broadwater Country Club) since 1962 and served as president in 1969 and as recording secretary from 1970 until 2002. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Gulfport since 1948, and was on the Board of Trustees from 1963 until 1979.

John met his wife, Vesta Lou Olsen, in March 1945 while she was serving in the Women's Marine Corps in Washington, D. C., and they married on October 10, 1945, in Donnelly, MN. In addition to his wife, Mr. Wachs is survived by children, Karen Wachs McLeod and her husband, Cameron, of Mercer Island, WA; John Jay Wachs, and his wife, Kathleen Jenuwine, of Huntsville, AL; and Steven Dale Wachs and his wife, Barbara Busing, of Elkridge, MD; and grandchildren, Rory McLeod, Ian McLeod, Julia Gayle Wachs, John David Wachs, Jason Busing Wachs, Megan Anneke Wachs, and Laura Rose Wachs.

Visitation was at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, on Saturday, May 7th 2005, from 12:30pm until the service at 2pm.  Entombment was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Gulfport.

Charles "Charlie" H. Iversen, 77, of Biloxi Mississippi, passed away at his residence on Monday, April 11th, 2005. He was born in Gulfport, Mississippi on September 22nd 1927. Charles was the only son of Charles Ingle and Beaulah Catherine Iversen. They preceded him in death as did his first wife, Mildred "Midge" Iversen.

Charles proudly served his Country as a United States Marine in the Korean War. He endured the bitter conflict and elements at the Chosen Few Reservoir engagement.

After returning from his tour of duty in the service, "Charlie" attended the University of Houston where he received his Degree in Mechanical Engineering and from there he went on to pursue a lifelong career at sea. He retired from Global Marine, where he worked as a Master Engineer. He could work on engines of any size. He literally traveled all around the World. He passionately loved ships and anything remotely nautical.

Charlie had many friends and was known for his love of family, friends, dogs, fishing, cooking, "inventing and creating" and his beloved United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the VFW #6731, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, Moose Lodge #332, Elks #606, National and Mississippi Chapter of the Chosen Few, and the Mississippi Chapter of the United States First Marine Division.

"Charlie" is survived by his wife, Deborah; his sister, Beulah Johnson and her children of Shreveport, Louisiana; his step-children, Rocky G. Cruse and his wife Catrina and Jamie B. Bergeron; and his step-grandchildren, Dakota, Alexus, and Mattie.

Charlie will be deeply missed by his wife, his sister, his step-children, his step-grandchildren, his niece and God-child, Carolyn J. Hamric and her husband Jim, and his little buddies, J.R. and Rascal.

"The night is calm and cloudless, And still as it can be, And the stars come forth to listen, To the music of the sea. They gather and gather and gather, Until they crowd the sky, And listen in breathless silence, to the solemn litany."  Longfellow

There was a Memorial service for him at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi MS on Friday, April 15th 2005 at 2pm.

Oliver W. "Bud" Hopton, 84, of Longview Texas, formerly of Long Beach, Mississippi passed away Saturday, March 26th 2005.

Bud was a Purple Heart WW-II Veteran. He was an active member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport Mississippi, VFW Post #2434, and the DAV.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sarah "Sadie" Colip Hopton; first wife, Elizabeth Shelton; and sister, Dorothy Morton.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, Longview, Texas; 4 daughters, Peggi (Tony) Small, Mansfield, Texas; Amelia (Larry) Moore, Fayettville, Arkansas; Mary McFadden, Longview, Texas; Norma (Tommy) Johnson, Shreveport, Louisiana; 4 sons, Greg (Cheryl), Hanover, IL; Dale, Southaven, Mississippi; Stanley (Ruby) Lucas, Longview, Texas; Jon (Sonia) Lucas, Shreveport Louisiana; 17 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10am Saturday April 2nd 2005, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home, Marseilles, Illinois. Visitation was at the funeral home from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, April 1st 2005. Burial was in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Memorials were made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Lawrence Glenn Estep passed away on Saturday, March, 19, 2005, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a loving husband, dad and Pawpaw who will be greatly missed. He was a native of Missouri and a resident of the coast since 1959. He was born in Urich, Missouri and graduated from Urich High School and attended Syracuse University.

Larry was proud to be one of Americas Greatest Generation and honored to attend the dedication of the National WW-II Memorial. He retired from the United States Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base as a Master Sergeant with 25 years of service, having served in WW-II, Korea and Vietnam. He was decorated with the following medals: European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, United Nations Medal and Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal with Silver Loop. Larry and his wife Gretchen participated in many reunions with his WW-II Bomb Group, as well as the Mississippi 8th Air Force Historical Society.

Larry was a member of Woolmarket Baptist Church Adult V Sunday School Class and Young at Heart, a Life Member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, Mississippi Chapter of 8th AFHS, 447 Bomb Group, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), an active member of the American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport Mississippi, 40 and 8 Voiture 251 of Post 119, Friends International, and the Magnolia Ramblers RV Clubs. Larry was an avid RV'er and helped form the Good Sam Chapter of Mississippi and served as its first Assistant State Director. Larry and his wife traveled by RV to 46 States and Canada.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mae Estep, two sisters, Pauline Chandler and Glenna Estep all of Missouri.

Larry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gretchen Hawkins Estep of Biloxi, Mississippi, two sons: Retired Lieutenant Colonel Terry L. Estep of Tavernier, Florida, and Jerry A. Estep and his wife Barbara of Dania Beach, Florida, three grandchildren: Clayton N. Estep of Atlanta, Georgia, Parker Estep of Cartersville, Georgia, and Sarah Estep of Orlando, Florida. Two brothers: Norman Estep and his wife Marylan of Grain Valley, Missouri, and Roger Estep of Belton, Missouri, and a brother-in-law, Gene Chandler of Creighton, Missouri.

A visitation was held on Monday, March 21st 2005 from 6pm to 8pm at Riemann Funeral Home, Hwy 49 North in Gulfport. Services were held on Tuesday, March 22nd 2005 at the Woolmarket Baptist Church at 11:30am where friends visited 1 hour prior to the service. Burial followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi with Full Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers the family preferred memorials to the Young at Heart Bus Fund at Woolmarket Baptist Church, 12816 Lorraine Road, Biloxi, Mississippi, 39532.

Mr. James Brudoc Adcock, 82, of Gulfport, Mississippi died Saturday, March 12th 2005 in Gulfport Mississippi.

James Adcock was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi and had been a resident of Gulfport for 61 years. He was a member of Gulf Gardens Baptist Church. Mr. Adcock served in the U. S. Army during WW-II. He was a former Chief of the Gulfport Auxiliary Police Department and a former auxiliary deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Adcock retired 15 years ago from civil service at the Navy Seabee Base in Gulfport and since retirement has been employed with Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. James was also an active member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Thomas Adcock; his mother, Zula Gamblin Adcock; twin brother, Samuel Rudolph Adcock; his sister, Lois I. Hill and a daughter, Linda Susan Smith.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Steele Adcock; four daughters, Pamela J. Raybourn, Donna J. Russell, Carol Ann Adcock and Lori A. Guardia all of Gulfport, Mississippi; five grandsons, Kevin B. Smith, Randy R. Smith, Caleb Guardia, Faron O'Neil and Jacob Daquioag and two great grandchildren, Carlyle Steele Smith and Rhet Davidson Smith,

Visitation was Monday, March 14th 2005, from 1:30 till 2:30pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. A procession left the funeral home at 2:30pm and went to Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport for graveside services.

Clyde E. Cregar Jr., United States Marine Corps retired, age 78 and a resident of Long Beach, Mississippi died Thursday, March 10th 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Clyde attended Cowan Rd. Baptist Church, in Gulfport. Gunnery Sergeant Cregar entered the United States Marine Corps in 1943, where he served for 22 years, and was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Clyde was a Master Mason and a member of the Masonic Southern Star Lodge #550 F&Am. in Long Beach, and active member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, as well as a member of the VFW in Long Beach.

Clyde Cregar was preceded in death by his first wife, Robbie Rushing; his parents, Clyde E. Cregar Sr. and Dorothy Grace Weber; daughter, Pamela Nelson; sister, Dorothy Ann Bonds.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Cregar of Long Beach, Mississippi; sons, Clyde E. Cregar III of Sacramento, California, and Michael D. Cregar of Jackson, Alabama; daughters, Lynn A. Ellerman and her husband Don of Long Beach, Mississippi and Wendy J. Nassar of Long Beach, Mississippi; sister, Alicia C. Olsen and her husband William of Waldorf, Maryland; grandchildren, Thomas, Cory and David Cregar; Kendon and Brian Ellerman; Emile, Jennifer and Kenny Nassar.

The visitation was held Monday, March 14, 2005, at Cowan Road. Baptist Church, where friends visited from 11:30am to 12:45pm. The funeral service followed at 12:45 pm, with burial at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, MS, with Full Military Honors.

Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Ave., Gulfport, was in charge of arrangements.

James Wesley Riley, 84, of Gulfport, Mississippi died Saturday, February 26th 2005.

Jim was born in Marceline, Missouri June 16th 1920. He had been a resident of Gulfport for 42 years since retiring as a Major from the United States Air Force in 1963 after having served 24 years. He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jim also served as Past President of the Gulfport Evening Lions, was a Red Cross Volunteer at Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center for 11 years, and was the RSVP Coordinator at the Gulfport Courthouse for 6 years.

Recently, Jim was honored by the Modern Woodman as a "Hometown Hero" in recognition of his volunteer service.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, William H. and Kathryn Thomas Riley: 3 brothers, William Vance, Henry Eugene and John Maxwell Riley.

Survivors include his wife Mary Isabella Cooper Riley of Gulfport; one daughter, Kathy R. Malone and her husband Mark of Lawrenceville, Georgia; 3 grandchildren, Tammy Randazzo and her husband Wayne of Winder, Georgia, Timothy Malone and his wife Shanna of Gainesville, GA, Ryan Malone of Lawrenceville, Georgia; two great-grandchildren, Haleigh and Peyton Randazzo; and his two nieces, Elizabeth Cupp and Maxine Smith of Marceline, Missouri.

The Mass of Christian Burial was held at 3pm Tuesday, at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Gulfport, where friends visited from 1pm to 3pm before the Mass. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport Mississippi.

Riemann Funeral Home in Gulfport, Mississippi was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Adele Mary O'Neil, 75, of Gulfport died Thursday, February 24th 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mrs. O'Neil was born in New Orleans and was a long time resident of Gulfport. She was a member of Saint James Catholic Church. She was also an active Auxiliary Member of Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, Mississippi where she was Chairperson of the Abused Children Committee for many years. Adele had been an employee of of the Old America Store in Biloxi, Mississippi, and later an employee of K-Mart in Gulfport for many years.

Adele was preceded in death by her parents, Leona and Lucas Bearorvich, and her husband, Robert R. O'Neil.

A Memorial Service was held at 5pm on Monday, February 28th 2005 at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport, where visitation began at 4:30pm. Interment was at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Request memorials be sent to the Abused Children Committee, American Legion Post 119,  P.O. Box 6711  Gulfport, MS  39506.

Comments from a friend Bob Dougherty...Adel was actively engaged for many years with the Abused Children Center in Gulfport, where she was often awarded by her Supervisors for her work with the children. She would bring them clothes, ice cream and candy, wipe-away their tears, and rock them to sleep. Adel traveled the Gulf Coast and solicited gifts for the children from local businnesses, which, over the years, resulted in a literal "ton" of gifts and food for the children. Adel will be missed by all at Post 119, everyone at the Abused Children Center, and all who knew her.

Robert Arthur Hessell, 82, of Gulfport Mississippi died Saturday, February 19th 2005 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois and had been a resident of Gulfport since 1965.

Robert served in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. He was a retired Logistics Engineer at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Robert was a Member of the Lutheran faith, a member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport for 39 years, and was also a Mason and member of the Moose Lodge.

Robert was preceded in death by a son, Michael Hessell of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Virginia Hessell of Gulfport; a daughter, Barbara Hessell Falconer and her husband, Jack, of La Habra Heights, California; two sons, Robert Ellis Hessell and his wife, Ann of Del Mar, CA, William Ernest "Bill" Hessell and his wife, Ardeth of Gulfport; a daughter-in-law, Donna Hessell of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; 6 grandchildren, Michelle Solter, Julie Falconer, William Hessell, Matthew Hessell, Daniel Hessell, and Barbara Hessell; and 2 great-grandchildren, Seth and Heather Solter.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 23rd 2005 from 8:30am until 9:30am at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport. A procession left the funeral home at 9:30am going to the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi for a 10am graveside service with full Military Honors.

The family preferred memorials to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507.

William R. Hanks of Gulfport died Friday, February 18th 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi. William was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Bea Hanks. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Strategic Air Command at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. He retired from GTE in Tampa, Florida in 1985. He was a member of Gulfport Elks Lodge 978 and American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi. He enjoyed any and all volunteer work at area hospitals.

William was born April 13, 1931. He was survived by his only son, Stephen Hanks and wife, Gloria, of Seymour, Tennessee and a sister, Jean Petty of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Visitation was on Wednesday, February 23rd 2005 from 8am until 8:30am at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport, Mississippi. A graveside service followd at 9am at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi with full Military Honors.

Vincent D. Alfonso, age 92 and a resident of Gulfport, died Sunday, January 2nd 2005 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Vincent Alfonso, a native of Gulfport, attended Tulane University, and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport where he served as usher, a member of the American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, the VFW, and the DAV. He was a self-employed boat builder and was a member of Gulfport Yacht Club where he served as Race Committee Chairman in 1947, 1965, and 1969.

Vincent Alfonso was preceded in death by his parents, Deborah Verdi Alfonso and Decidue Alfonso; brothers, Nofie D. Alfonso, Gus D. Alfonso, Anthony D. Alfonso, Ignacious D. Alfonso, Joseph D. Alfonso, Salvadore D. Alfonso; and sisters, Theresa Gullotta, Josephine Alfonso, and Spena Alfonso. Survivors include a brother, Carl D. Alfonso, of Biloxi; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation was at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church Tuesday, January 4th from 9am until the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport. Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials were made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2414 17th St., Gulfport, MS 39501, or the Saint Vincent DePaul Society.

Mr. C.D. "Holley" Hollingsworth, age 74 and a resident of Gulfport, died on Saturday, January 1st 2005 in Gulfport Mississippi. Mr. Hollingsworth was a native of Cleveland, Mississippi and had been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 26 years. Mr. Hollingsworth retired after serving 20 years in the United States Army Army. He served during the Vietnam War, where he received numerous medals, including: the Bronze Star Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Stars, the the Meritorious Unit Citation. Mr. Hollingsworth was also a member of CIDAA and a member of the American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport. He was of the Nazarene faith.

Holley Hollingsworth was preceded in death by his parents, John Wiley & Birdie Jewel O'Bannon Hollingsworth; two brothers, Fred & John Hollingsworth; a "son at heart", John C. Daniels and a stepson Richard Daniel Dunklau. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Maureen "Mo" Daniels Hollingsworth of Gulfport; his sons, Charles "Chip" Hollingsworth of Gulfport, Terry Hollingsworth of Helena, Arkansas, Jerry Hollingsworth of Batesville, Arkansas; his stepson, William Michael Dunklau; his stepdaughter, Teresa Dee Dunklau, both of Bowling Green, Kentucky; two brothers, Shannon & Tony Hollingsworth both of Villa Ridge, Illinois; three stepbrothers, Harold Williams of Arkansas and Dewey & Durell Hollingsworth both of Moselle, Mississippi; his two sisters, Louise Garrett of Myrtle, Mississippi and Carolyn Long of Pocahontas, Arkansas; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The 25th Avenue Chapel of Riemann Funeral Home was charge of funeral arrangements. The funeral procession left Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, at 9:30am Wednesday, January 5th 2005, and went to the National Cemetery in Biloxi for a graveside service with Full Military Honors at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial contributions be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Helen Elaine Tolle Jones, age 83, of Gulfport died Saturday, December 4th 2004 in Biloxi Mississippi. Mrs. Jones was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and had been a resident of Gulfport for over 55 years. She graduated from Nursing School at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and served as a Nurse in the United States Army during World War II. She was a retired registered nurse at the Gulfport Veterans Administration Hospital. Mrs. Jones was an active member of Handsboro Presbyterian Church, the Handsboro Garden Club, the Gulfport Garden Club, the Orchid Society, and American Legion Unit 119 in Gulfport.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Lee Jones, Sr.; her parents, Frederick Lamonte and Betty Dreher Tolle; and five brothers, Wilbur, Albert, Fred, Hubert, and Richard Tolle.

Helen is survived by a daughter, Mollie Kathleen Jones of Greenwood, South Carolina; two sons, Stephen L. Jones, Jr. and his wife, Joan Cohen Jones, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Fred L. "Monte" Jones of Gulfport; a brother, Charles Irwin Tolle of Ethel, Louisiana; two granddaughters, Diana K. Morrow and Kimberly Anne Jones; and a great granddaughter, Mara Kathleen Lee.

The funeral service was held at 2:30pm Thursday, December 9th 2004 at Handsboro Presbyterian Church in Gulfport. Friends visited from 1:30pm until the service. Interment was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport was in charge of arrangements.

The family preferred memorials to Handsboro Presbyterian Church, 1304 E. Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Richard Stanhope Harrington of Gulfport passed away, after a long illness, on September 15th 2004 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Richard was born in Wellington Ohio on May 2nd, 1935 to Frank and Marie Harrington. With his older brother Andre, the family soon moved to Muskegon Michigan, where Richard grew into adulthood. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1953, where he lettered in Tennis. He was a member of Masonic Demolay. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and was sent to Korea. He worked as an Armed Forces Radio Correspondent. Richard improved his education while a member of the Marine Corps and earned a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin. Richard served 10 years active duty in the Marines, and 10 years Individual Ready Reserve. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with the rank of Captain.

Richard's career in Broadcasting led him from the Marine Corps base at Cherry Point North Carolina to Washington D.C, to WITN, and to WGN in Chicago. He worked in Television News Stations, as Manager and Reporter. In the 1960's, for a Reporter to have reached the heights of WGN, was a stepping stone to the National Networks. Richard changed direction, however, and worked for Time-Life in North Carolina and Grand Rapids Michigan.

In the latter part of the 1960's, Richard started a Public Relations business in Muskegon where his biggest client was the United Way. His fund-raising efforts were phenomenal, and he earned the accolades of the entire Community.

Richard moved to Columbus Ohio in 1972, where he was a partner in Datamart, a Housing Rehab Company. In 1976, Richard started his own Rehab Company, Tekton, Inc., having designed a computer program for cost estimating house repairs. Richard and his family relocated to Marietta Ohio in 1982, and resided there until the Company was sold in 1989. Richard then moved his family to Gulfport Mississippi, and retired.

Richard's avocation was playing Music. He had worked professionally for Radio in his youth, and in his retirement he enjoyed entertaining for parties and gatherings. He was affectionately known as "Happy Harry" as he entertained with his wit, sense of fun, and enormous collection of records and CDs.

Richard was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and served as Exalted Ruler in 1986; he was a member of B.P.O.E. #978 in Gulfport. His most recent office was Chaplain last year.

He joined the American Legion in 1984, and was an Active Member of Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport. He was also a member of Veterans Of Foreign Wars.

Richard was patient at the Veterans Administration Hospitals for the past 18 years. The family would like to thank those at the Biloxi Medical Center: Doctor Theron Evans, Doctor Linda Clark, the Respiratory Staff, and the Nurses for their care, kindness, professionalism and friendship.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Velma, whom he married in 1973. He leaves his children; daughter Pamela Boller and her husband Gary of Pataskala Ohio; son Daniel of Swansboro North Carolina; daughter Melissa and her fiance Jason Sturgeon of Gulfport Mississippi; and sister-in-law Kate Lee of North Muskegon Michigan. Richard had a legion of friends who will sorely miss him.

Richard made final arrangements to the University of Mississippi in Jackson to donate his body as an anatomical gift for teaching and research.

Contributions were made in Richard's name to the Elks National Foundation.
Contact any Elks Lodge.

A memorial to celebrate his life, was held at the Elks Lodge, #978 in Gulfport Mississippi on Thursday September 23rd 2004 at 7:30pm.

Mrs. Joan "Joey" Kirsch, 65, of Gulfport died Friday, August 13th, 2004 in Gulfport. Joan Kirsch was born in Staten Island, New York, and had been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for over 20 years. She was a Catholic.

Joan Kirsch was an active Member and Executive Committee Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Auxiliary Unit 119, and the former lounge manager at the Gulfport Mississippi Elks Lodge.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Dora and George Steiniger and a husband, Bill Engram.

Survivors include her husband Sam Kirsch of Gulfport, an active Member and many term 3rd Vice Commander and Executive Committee Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport; a daughter, Laura Cayton of Somerset, New Jersey; 2 sons, John L. Cayton of Staten Island, New York and George W. Cayton of New Bern, North Carolina; a sister, Carol Depaolo of New Jersey, 3 brothers, George Steiniger of Orlando, Florida, Fred Steiniger of Staten Island, New York and Kenny Steiniger of Las Vegas, Nevada and 7 grandchildren.

Visitation was Tuesday evening from 5pm until 7pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Downtown Chapel Gulfport. An Elks Memorial Service was held at 7pm Tuesday in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was private.

Angelo Frank Scalia, age 81 a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi died Wednesday, May 19th 2004, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Angie was a native of Monroe, Louisiana; and a resident of Gulfport for 47 years. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was an Active Member and four term (1988-1999-1993-1994) Past Post Commander of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport. He was also a Member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Knights of Columbus where he was a Past Grand Knight. He retired after 40 years as a car salesman.

Angelo Scalia was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucille Scalia; and a brother, William Patrick Scalia. Survivors include a loving companion, Juantia Minnich; a daughter, Cathy Cooke and her husband, John, all of Gulfport; a brother, Roy Scalia, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Eunice Banks, and Josephine Simmons, both of West Monroe, Louisiana; and two grandchildren, John Patrick Cooke and Caitlyn Elizabeth Cooke.

Graveside services were conducted at 3pm Friday, May 21st, at the Biloxi National Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, was in charge of the arrangements.

Barbara Lou Perkins Russo, 73, Resident of Gulfport died on February 12 in Gulfport.

Barbara Russo was a native of West Virginia and had lived in Gulfport, Mississippi most of her life. She was an Active Member of the Joe Graham American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119, Gulfport, and worked with her husband, Robert Russo, with the Children's Burn Center and the Shriners.

Barbara was a Past Mardi Gras' Queen for La Femmes' of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Past Queen for Gulfport American Legion. Mrs. Russo was also a Past President of the State of Mississippi American Legion Auxiliary, and of Girls State in Jackson.

Barbara was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Perkins who passed away in 1986.

Survivors include her husband Robert R. Russo, of New Orleans, Louisiana, one daughter, and son in law, Freddie and Michael Sanderson of Gulfport, two brothers, Coy Gainer of Bangor, Maine, Jim Gainer of High Point, North Carolina, two sisters, Norma Glidewell and Jean Proctor both of High Point, North Carolina, grandchildren, Michael Darrell Sanderson, Jr., and Catherine and Sanderson both of Gulfport, great grandchildren, Tristin Michael Sanderson of, Havlock, North Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation was Sunday, February 15th, 6pm to 8:30pm at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport. Services were Monday, February 16th 2004 at 2pm also at the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport.

Harold V. Toop, Sr., age 84 and a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, died Friday, February 6th 2004 in Gulfport.

Harold Toop, a native of Yonkers, New York, grew up in New York City and was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1954. He was a retired consultant on architectural hardware, and was a founding member of Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church in Long Beach. Mr. Toop served in the United States Army as a Captain and participated in the European Theater. He received the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and was a member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport.

Harold Toop was preceded in death by his son, Harold V. Toop, Jr.

Survivors included his wife, Doris Toop, of Gulfport; daughters, Joyce Johnson, of Wichita Falls, Texas; Dianne Ferguson, of Smithville, New Jersey; Denise Shilstone, of Long Beach, Mississippi; Joan Higginbotham, of Diamondhead, Mississippi; and Peggy Tanner, of Gautier, Mississippi; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Jean Toop, of League City, Texas; stepson, David Hughey, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada;stepdaughter, Brenda Baucom, of Hurley, Mississippi; brother, Russell Toop, of Pensacola, Florida; former wife, Eileen J. Toop, of Biloxi, Mississippi; 14 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was at Riemann Funeral Home in Long Beach, Sunday, February 8th 2004, from 6pm to 8pm. The funeral was held at 8:30am Monday, February 9th at Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church in Long Beach, followed by burial in the National Cemetery in Biloxi.

Edna W. Williams, age 84 and a resident of Gulfport, died Monday, January 12, 2004, in Gulfport.

Edna Williams was a native of the Big Level Community in Stone County, Mississippi and was retired as an operator with Bell South.

Edna. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Pittman Wiggins and Emily Craiger Wiggins; brothers, Floyd and Webb Wiggins; and sister, Grace Baxter. Survivors include her husband, Oren Williams, Jr., of Gulfport; son, Bob Kleinschmidt and his wife, Bonnie, of Stevensville, Maryland; daughter, Sue Cospelich and her husband, Bruce, of Gulfport; stepson, Oren Williams III and his wife, Joan, of Biloxi; stepdaughter, Mary Fuller, of Tauton, Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Lisa Kleinschmidt, Steve Davis, and Chelsea Williams; and a great-granddaughter, Taylor Davis.

Visitation was at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, Thursday, January 15th, from 1pm...until the funeral at 2:30pm. Burial was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport.

Mr. James "J.M." Teague, 77, of Gulfport, Passed away Thursday, January 8, 2004 at the VA Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Teague was born March 24, 1926 in Cullman County, Alabama and was a long time resident of Gulfport.

James Teague served with honor during the Korean War, served with the United States Army 75th Field Artillery Battalion and was a decorated disabled veteran.  J.M. was a veteran's veteran. Former Army Sgt. (T) James Teague was a lifetime member of and past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Gulfport Post 2539. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Honor Society, the Military Order of the Cooties, Past Seam Squirrel and Cootie of the Year. He was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veteran Chapter 5 and a member of the National Order of Trench Rats Dugout 436, an honor society of the DAV. J.M. was also a life member of Moose Lodge Breman, Georgia, and American Legion Joe Graham Post #119 in Gulfport.

James was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eve Teague; and two sisters, Willa Mae Brock and Jean Stewart.

James is survived by his brother Willaim Teague of Cullman, Alabama; a sister, Detrice Mahles of Breman, Georgia. He is also survived by his best friend and loving companion of many years, Stella Zielinski and her family who loved their "buddy".

From all friends and Comrades, "Rest in Peace, Sergeant Teague, you are properly relieved of you duty, we will stand the watch!" We all love you and will miss you.

Visitation was the evening of Tuesday January 13th from 5:30 until 8pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport. The funeral service was Wednesday January 14th at 10am in the funeral home chapel. Interment followed at the Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi.

Winona H. "Nootsie" Amos, age 83 and a resident of Gulfport, died Friday, December 26, 2003, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Mrs. Amos was a native of Handsboro, Mississippi and resided most of her life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was a homemaker, a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport, American Legion Unit 119 in Gulfport, and the Mississippi Democrat Party.

Winona Amos was preceded in death by her husband, Darwin R. Amos; parents, William Robert and Annie Kahler Henlee; one brother, and two sisters. Survivors include sons, Gray G. Amos, Dana D. Amos, both of Jackson, Mississippi; Daryl T. Amos, of Gulfport; a daughter, Nona G. Amos, of Gulfport; and three grandchildren.

Visitation was at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport on Monday, December 28, 2003, from 1:30pm until the funeral at 2:30pm. Burial was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport.

Robert Earl Hover of Gulfport, Mississippi died in his home in the presence of his family on December 1st 2003. He was 79 years old.

Robert Hover's death was the result of a 12 year struggle with Cancer. He was a source of constant astonishment to the Medical Community because of his tenacity to live. He fought the ravages of Prostate Cancer, Colon Cancer, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, multiple Cancer surgeries, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy.

One of George and Ruby Hover's seven children, Robert Hover was born on September 20th 1924 in McHenry, Mississippi. He married Marie Clara Filipich, who bore him two sons, Daryl and Ched. Daryl Hover died in infancy and Marie Hover died in April of 1988. Mr. Hover married Margaret Peterson on February 14, 1995.

Robert Hover served his country in World War II as a member of the Merchant Marines. After the war, he went to work for Greyhound Bus Lines as a driver. He retired with over thirty years of exemplary service.

Robert Hover was a Member of the McHenry Baptist Church in McHenry, Mississipi. He also was a Member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, the Fleur-de-Lis Society of Biloxi, Mississippi and an affiliate of the Slavonian Benevolent Society of Biloxi.

Survivors included his wife, Margaret of Gulfport; his son, Ched, of New Orleans, Louisiana; three stepchildren, Tim Peterson of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Cindy DeFrances of Gulfport, and Kevin Peterson of Long Beach, Mississippi; two grandchildren, Danica Hover of New Orleans, and Maggie DeFrances of Gulfport; two sisters, Doris McMurphy of Perkinston, Mississippi and Nora Mae Ryan of Lake Charles, Louisiana; one brother, James M. Hover, of Houston, Texas and their respective families.

The funeral service was at 1pm Wednesday, December 3rd 2003 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport where friends visited from 11am until 1pm. Interment was in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.

Sandra Ross Graham, 65, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, of Gulfport, died Thursday, September 25th 2003 in Gulfport.

Sandra was a native of Clio, Louisiana and has been a resident of Gulfport since 1959. She was a Methodist and a Member of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport. She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Maple Ross and Brooksie Freeman Ross. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Keven W. Graham, Gulfport; son and daughter-in-law, Lindy W. and Sandy Graham, Portland, Oregon; son, Dean Ross Graham, Gulfport; daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Jerry Favre, Jr. of Long Beach, Mississippi; three grandsons, Jeffrey Graham, Washington, D.C.; Trace Favre, and Mason Favre both of Long Beach; four siblings, Yvonne (Jerry) Mitchell, Biloxi, Mississippi; June (James) Owens, Elaine (Donald) Lee and Hank (Sheryl) Ross all of Clio, Louisiana.

The funeral service was held at 2pm Friday, September 26th 2003 at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Beauvoir Road, Biloxi with visitation from noon to 2pm.

Interment was in the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Memorials were sent to Saint Thomas Catholic School Library, 712 East Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, MS 39560 or the Arthritis Foundation.

Jerry Dale Winn, 67, of Long Beach died Tuesday, September 23rd, 2003 in Gulfport. Mr. Winn was retired from the United States Navy and received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Star); Vietnam Campaign Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Third Good Conduct Award. He was a Member of American Legion Post 119, Gulfport and VFW Post 3937 in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Winn and Lillie Winn; a brother, W. A. Winn, and two sisters, Bonnie Jean Winn and Peggy Winn.

Jerry Winn is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Winn Watkins, Abby Winn Exum and two sons, Terry Winn and Scott Winn, all of Dothan, Alabama; three sisters, Linda Crawley, Suzie Collins, Jackie Bailey; and three brothers, Neil Winn, Bill Winn, John Winn, all of Weleetka, Oaklahoma; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a godchild, Kim Mathews of Dothan, Alabama; and best friends, Bill Blisett and Robbie Robertson, both of Long Beach, Mississippi.

The visitation was held Friday from 9:30am until 10:30am at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport. A procession left the funeral home at 10:30 and proceeded to Biloxi National Cemetery for a graveside service at 11am with Full Military Honors.

Theodore J. "Jerry" Farrar, 75, of Gulfport, Mississippi died Sunday, September 7, 2003 in Gulfport. Mr. Farrar was born in Saint Louis, Missouri and had been a resident of Gulfport for 7 years, moving from Saint Louis. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II and was a retired printer with the Saint Louis Post Dispatch. He was Catholic, a Life Member of Knights of Columbus, a Member of Gulfport Elks Lodge #978 and an active Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post # 119 in Gulfport.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Ola Louise Grimes Farrar.

Jerry is survived by 2 daughters, Carol Stuckey and Linda Huntoon, both of Saint Louis, Missouri; 3 sons, Theodore Farrar of Saint Louis, Missouri, Chris Farrar of Gulfport, Scott Farrar of Saint Louis, Missouri; a brother, Bobby Farrar of Saint Charles, Missouri; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

There was an Elks Memorial service Tuesday at 5:30pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport where friends visited from 3pm until 5:30pm. There was a visitation Thursday from 3pm until 8pm at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons Funeral Home in Saint Louis, Missouri and a graveside service Friday at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Saint Louis.

The family preferred memorials to American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507 or the American Lung Association of Mississippi, P. O. Box 9865, Jackson, MS 39286.

Lou G. Cospelich, 70, and a resident of Gulfport, died Friday, August 8, 2003, in Gulfport.

Lou Cospelich was a native and life long resident of Gulfport Mississippi. He was educated in Gulfport, and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from Winn-Dixie after 25 years of service. He spent his retirement years doing what he loved...fishing. He was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport, and a member of the American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport.

Lou Cospelich was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Marie Cospelich and a brother, Richard Cospelich. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Embry Cospelich of Gulfport; 3 sons, Joel L. G. Cospelich of Saucier Mississippi, Stephen E. Cospelich of Kiln Mississippi; Scott R. Cospelich of Biloxi Mississippi; 2 daughters, Jane E. Magee and Julia C. Davis both of Gulfport; 2 brothers, Cecil Cospelich Archie Cospelich both of Long Beach Mississippi; 5 sisters, Eldrid Price and Faye Clark both of Gulfport; Eva Hagensee of Long Beach; Glynn Steele of Lyman Mississippi, Myra Brune of Ocean Springs Mississippi; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 11, 2003 at 3pm at Saint John Catholic Church in Gulfport, where friends visited one hour prior to service. Interment was at Evergreen Gardens in Gulfport.

Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Ave. in Gulfport was in charge of arrangements.

John T. "Red" Owens, Jr., age 84 and a resident of Gulfport, died Monday, July 14th, 2003 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

John Owens was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a long time resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Red was a graduate of Tulane University, served in the U.S. Navy during WW-II, and retired from civil service as a training specialist at Keesler Air Force Base. He was a Member, Past Adjutant, and Executive Board Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, a Member of VFW Post 4526 Gulfport, and attended Burton Memorial United Methodist Church.

John Owens was preceded in death by his father, John T. Owens, Sr., his mother, Myrtle M. Owens and a son, John T. Owens, III. He is survived by his wife, Betty M. Owens of Gulfport; a daughter, Jacalyn O. Lloyd of Lake Mary, Florida; and granddaughter, Lauren T. Lloyd of Panama City, Florida.

Funeral services were held at 3:30 pm Wednesday, July 16th, 2003 at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport where friends visited one hour prior to service time. Dr. Don Hagler, of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church delivered the Eulogy. Interment followed at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport. Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue Gulfport, was in charge of the arrangements.

Paul Bernard Trehern, 80, of Gulfport Mississippi died Saturday May 31st 2003 in Gulfport. He was born February 25th 1923 in Moss Point Mississippi.

Paul was a Member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gulfport. Mr. Trehern graduated from Gulfport High School, and served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a retired Personnel Management Specialist with the Veterans Administration, a Past Commander of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport from December 1977 through July 1978, and was a Mason. He also held a Real Estate License.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Trehern and Ruth Hudson Trehern; his sister Dorothy Ziminski; and Grandson Randall Speck.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Myrtis Johnson Trehern; his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Richard Speck of Gulfport; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Luanne Trehern of Philadelphia Pennsylvania; his brother, Floyd Trehern of Jackson Mississippi; and grandchildren, Allison Speck, Lauren Trehern, and Eric Trehern.

Services were held at 11am on Tuesday June 3rd at Riemann Funeral Home on 25th Avenue in Gulfport, with visitation two hours prior to the service. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport.

Mr. Harvey Anthony Pucheu, 78, of Gulfport Mississippi, died Sunday May 25th 2003 in Gulfport. Mr. Pucheu was born May 5th 1925 in Gulfport and was a lifelong resident. He was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Gulfport.

Harvey Pucheu entered the United States Navy upon graduation from Saint Francis de Salles High School in 1942. After Boot Camp, he served during World War II, where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Drayton DD 366 in the Pacific Theater...where he served three years as a Storekeeper 1st Class, General Quarters Station on 20 mm Guns. He earned the following Battle Ribbons: American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific (9 stars); Philippine Liberation (2 stars); Good Conduct; Victory; and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. He was one of the last men to leave the Ship when it was de-commissioned. He then attended, and graduated, from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

After College, he began a 43 year career in the Finance Business, ending with his retirement in 1993 as Owner and Operator of Allstate Discount and Credit Corporation. He was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Past Post Commander of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport where he served two terms...1978 and 1979, and also served as Past President of the Saint John Elementary School Board.

Harvey Pucheu was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Lydia Carvin Pucheu, a sister, Dorothy Pucheu, and a brother, James C. "Jake" Pucheu.

Harvey was survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria Porter Pucheu; a sister, Ethel Norris (Ernest); a brother, Leroy Pucheu (June); his children, Sherry Harney (Judd), Porter Pucheu (Connie), Renee' Ward (Michael), Judy O'Neal (David), JoAnne Daniels (Clay), Jon Pucheu (Mary); Randy Pucheu (Juli); 14 grandchildren,Casey Daniels, April Descher (Jeff), Jill Harney, Lauren and Genna Lewis, Christopher and Jacob O'Neal, Pam Ashleigh, Haleigh and Lacy Pucheu and Melissa, Matthew and Catherine Ward; and a great-granddaughter, Kelsey Descher.

Visitation was held at 2pm, Tuesday May 27th 2003 at Saint John Catholic Church, 25th Avenue in Gulfport, with the Mass at 3pm. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport was in charge of arrangements.

Charles "Charlie" Wines, Sr., a native of Warren County Virginia, died Tuesday, April 29th 2003 in Biloxi Mississippi. He was a Member of Moose Lodge #332, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, BPOE #606, VFW Post #6731, DAV Post #38, Southern Mississippi Senior Golf Association, Gulf Coast Senior Association, and the Gulf Coast Retired Military Golf Association.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine Triplett Wines and his parents, James R. and Anna Walton Wines.

He was survived by his 2 daughters, Deborah Harrison of Portsmouth Virginia and Ann McKee of Tifton Georgia. 1 son, Charles W. Wines, Jr., 2 sisters, Jean Elizabeth Foss of Hampton Virginia and Joan A. Hylton of Stephens City Virginia. 5 Grandchildren, Deborah Didawick, Michelle Worsham, Sarah Martin, Jennifer McKee, and Katie McKee. 1 Great-grandchild, Sarah Taylor Didawick.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8pm, Thursday, May 1st, 2003 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi.

Service were at 8:30am Friday May 2nd, 2003 at Howard Avenue Chapel, and interment was at the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Toyoko "Miyako" Ko Reilly, 67, a homemaker, died of cancer at Gulfport Memorial Hospital on March 29th 2003.

Miyako Reilly was born in Osaka, Japan. She lived in New Orleans Louisiana from 1956 to 1990 when she moved to Long Beach, Mississippi. She was a former employee of the Shogun Restaurant in Metairie, Louisiana, and an Officer of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was also a parishioner of Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach

Survivors include her husband, John P. Reilly; two sons, Michael and Timothy Reilly; four daughters; Brenda and Sharon Reilly, Cynthia Render Leach and Linda Reilly Mullins; and four grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, May 6th, at Saint Thomas Church Long Beach Mississippi. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans.

Boonville Mississippi - TSgt. (Ret.) Anthony R. "Tony" Coss, 66, died Thursday, February 13th 2003, at the Keesler Air Force Base Hospital in Biloxi Mississippi.

Technical Sergeant Coss retired from the United States Air Force and the United States Postal Service. He was a member of First Christian Church in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was a member of the VFW, American Legion Post 119 Gulfport, and 32nd degree Mason.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Catherine Coss; and step-mother, Ola Coss.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Betty Lambert Coss; a daughter, Lori Podlasiak and husband Greg of Powhatan Point, Ohio; two step-daughters, Janet Smith of Long Beach, Mississippi, and Teresa Joubert of Amherst, New Hampshire; a half-sister, Phyllis Conto of Ohio; three half-brothers, Wesley Coss of Fort Worth, Texas, Pecky Coss of West Virginia and Jimmy Coss of Martins Ferry, Ohio; two grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; a very special sister-in-law, Brenda Cartwright of Booneville, Mississippi; five special brothers-in-law, Billy Lambert of Somerville, Tennessee, and Tulon, Hoyle, Ricky and Randy Lambert, all of Booneville, Mississippi; and very special friends in Forth Worth, Texas.

Services were held on Sunday February 16th 2003 at McMillan Funeral Home Chapel, 702 West College Street, Booneville, Mississippi. Burial was in the Mount Olive Church of God Cemetery, 359 County Road 1371, Booneville, Mississippi.

Louis Beasley, Jr., 79, died Sunday, January 12th 2003, in Biloxi.

Louis Beasley was born in Covington County, Alabama and had been a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for about sixty years. He was a retired contractor and plumber and was also plumbing inspector for the City of Gulfport. He was a Member of the First Baptist Church in Long Beach. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War-II. Mr. Beasley was a Past Chairman of Mississippi Marine Conservation Commission, was a 32 degree Mason Lifetime Member of Escambia Lodge #15 of Pensacola, Florida, and a Member of the Gulfport Scottish Rite Bodies. He was a Life Member of VFW #2539, DAV Chapter #5, and American Legion Post 119, all in Gulfport.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Mae Hill Beasley.

Louis is survived by two daughters, Judy Beasley of Marietta, Georgia and Donna Beasley Allain of Gulfport; two sons, Louis Rusty Beasley of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Keith Beasley of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Marvis Simmons of Brewton, Alabama, Mazell Taylor of Tampa, Florida; a sister-in-law, Pat Hill of Gulfport; twin aunts, Ida Posey and Ira Gremillion, both of Brewton, Alabama; and seven grandchildren, John Louis Bobbitt, Stephanie Thomas, Lindsey Rosetti Gamble, David Beasley, Kristen Beasley, Lauren Beasley, and Seth Beasley; and four great grandchildren, Benjamin Lowe, Drew Dailey, Logan Thomas, Mason Thomas.

The funeral service was held at 11am Wednesday January 15th in the chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport where friends visited an hour before the service. Interment was at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens in Long Beach with Masonic Services.

James H. Petty, 77, died Wednesday January 8th 2003 in Biloxi.

James Petty was a native of Powder Springs, Georgia He served in the United States Navy and the United States Army and was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was Commander of the Magnolia Chapter of Mississippi American Ex-POWs and Past Commander of the Gulf Coast Chapter of Ex-POWs. He was an Active Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport, and did volunteer work in the Claims Department at the Biloxi Veterans Administration.

Survivors include his wife, Frankie E. Petty of Gulfport, two sons, Dwight D. Petty of Houston, Texas, and James R. Petty of Roswell, New Mexico; a brother, Watson Petty of Smyrna, Georgia; a sister, Annie Johnson of Marietta, Georgia, and two grandchildren.

Visitation was at at 11am Monday January 13th 2003 at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home on Beauvoir Road in Biloxi. Services were held at 1:15pm Monday January 13th 2003 at the funeral home. Interment, with Full Military Honors, was held at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi Mississippi.

The family preferred memorials to the National POW Museum in Andersonville, Georgia.

Doctor Ray H. Stewart, 79, a longtime Mississippi Gulf Coast physician, passed away in Gulfport on January 5th 2003. Born December 9th 1923, he was a native of Magee, Mississippi.

A decorated War Veteran, Ray was a Pilot with the Army Air Corps during WW-II. Ray served his Country as a 1st Lieutenant with the 326th Troop Carrier Squadron, and flew "The Hump" during the Pacific-Asian conflict.

After WW-II, he received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Mississippi, and in 1955 received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Stewart moved with his family to Gulfport in 1957 where he practiced medicine until his death. During his 46-year medical career, he served on the Staff of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, also as the Medical Director for the Dupont Delisle Plant, and served with the Mississippi State Department of Health as a physician with the Harrison County Health Department. He was a Mason, a Member of the American Medical Association, a Member of the Coast-Counties Medical Association, and a lifetime Member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport Mississippi. Ray also served on many committees, including the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Health Care Trust Fund, the Harrison County Courthouse Site Selection Committee, and as a volunteer with the Harrison County Civil Defense. Ray also received numerous Awards of Recognition from State and local government agencies and other organizations for his selfless contributions.

Doctor Ray Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester S. Stewart and Mary Craft Stewart, and a grandson, Stewart Michael Webb. He is survived by his wife, Garnett Stewart of Long Beach, Mississippi; a son and his wife, David Ray and Gayle Stewart of Gulfport, Mississippi; daughters and their husbands, Susan and Richard Pagano of Gulfport, Beverly and Russ King of Winchester Virginia, Debbie and Mike Webb of Hattiesburg Mississippi, and a special daughter, Becky Stewart of Long Beach Mississippi; two stepsons, Michael Cuevas of Long Beach, and David Cuevas of Gulfport; a special family member, Sara Harrison Burns of Monroe, North Carolina; 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Doctor Ray Stewart was a true humanitarian and a credit to his profession. He dedicated his life to helping others. He will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and patients.

Visitation was Thursday, January 9th 2003, from 6 to 9pm at the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport. Services were held at 11am Friday, January 10th 2003 in the Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe in Gulfport, with visitation one hour before. Following the services, a burial procession proceeded to the Long Beach City Cemetery where he was laid to rest.

Donald R. Van Ryzin, 72, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2003, in Biloxi.

Donald Ryzin served in the United States Navy and was an Engineer in the Emergency Equipment Industry.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Van Ryzin of Wiggins, Mississippi; two sons, Donald Van Ryzin and Jason Van Ryzin, both of Appleton, Wisconsin; two daughters, Carol Wise of Houston, Texas, and Becky Piette of Wisconsin; two stepdaughters; one stepson; and two sisters, Judy Bielenbaugh of Dueberry, Florida, and Rika Schultz of Rhielander, Wisconsin.

Curtis Ashton Fairley, 74, died Wednesday, January 1st 2003 in Biloxi Mississippi.

Curtis Fairley was born in D'Iberville, Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He graduated from D'Iberville High School and served in the United States Army during WW-II. Curtis was employed with A&P for 37 years, and the Harrison County Circuit Court System for the last 13 years. Curtis was very active in the community. He received a lifetime appointment by President Reagan to the United States Selective Service System. He served 13 years on the Southern Rapid Rail Transit System Board, twice as chairman, bringing passenger rail service back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was a founding board member of the D'Iberville Water and Sewer District. Curtis served on the Harrison County Democratic Executive Committee, was a Charter Member of the East Harrison County Lions Club, a Charter Member of the North Biloxi Moose Lodge, and a Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport. Curtis was active for many years in the United Way and a member of other organizations and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville.

Curtis Fairley was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances Hoefer Fairley; his father, Loren Ellis Fairley; mother, Ethel Quave Fairley; and two brothers, James Lyle Fairley and Lynn Inman Fairley.

Survivors include three sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren, David Loren Fairley, wife, DeAnn Redmond Fairley; and sons, Kristopher and Seth of Magnolia Houston, Texas, Wayne Lynn Joseph Fairley and wife, Mary Seymour Fairley of Saucier Mississippi, Jeffrey Randal Fairley of Saucier and April Mladinich Fairley of Biloxi Mississippi, and their children Jeffrey, Charlotte and Amy; and Elizabeth Ann "Lisa" Redmond, husband David Ray Redmond of Saucier; and sons, Justin and Nicholas.

Visitation was from 6 to 9pm for friends on Friday at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on LeMoyne Boulevard in D'Iberville at 11am on Saturday, with a visitation preceding from 10 to 11am. Interment followed at Southern Memorial Park Cemetery.

Simmie Paul Herring Sr., 68, died Monday, December 16th 2002 in Biloxi.

Mr. Herring was a native of Sumrall and had been a long-time resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was a retired Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Shriners and American Legion Post 119 Gulfport.

Simmie was preceded in death by his wife, Jan Herrin; his parents, Prentiss and Ida Coulter Herrin; and one brother, Curtis Herrin.

Survivors include three sons, Langham Norris of Gulfport, S. Paul Herrin Jr. of Slidell
Louisiana and Staff Sergeant Clifford B. Herrin stationed in Korea; one daughter, Michelle Herrin Schifano of Gulfport; two brothers, Earl Herrin of Petal Mississippi and Bobby Herrin of Lexington Kentucky; one sister, Betty Lou Hartzog of Sumrall Mississippi; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6 to 9pm Friday December 20th at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport. Services were at at 11:30am Saturday December 21st at the Funeral Home Capel, with interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport with full Military Honors provided by Keesler AFB Honor Guard, NCOIC TSgt Jon Wedel, SrA Ellis, SSgt Starke, SSgt Head, SSgt Hornsby, SSgt Duncan, SSgt Witaker, A1C Lozano, and A1C Chatman.

The family preferred memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

"Simmie" and I served together in the United States Air Force at Keesler AFB in Biloxi Mississippi during the 1950's. "Simmie" was assigned to the Base Hospital, and I was temporarily assigned as Squadron Commander of the 3385th Student Squadron. One day the Squadron was notified that all personnel in Squadron would have to go to the Base Hospital, on the other side of the Base, to have their "shots" updated. This would seem a simple thing to accomplish...but this particular Squadron, with 980+ personnel assigned, was the largest Squadron on the Base at that time. It consisted of 1/3 Pipeline Students, 1/3 re-training NCO's, and remaing 1/3 a United States Army Detachment...all students in the Control Tower Operators School. I had known "Simmie"for some time, and discussed with him the problems involved with having this many personnel pick up their records from the Squadron's Chief Clerk, miss school, go to the other side of the Base, and wait in line (sometimes an hour or more) to have their "shots" updated. A couple of days later "Simmie" called me on the phone and said he would have a Hospital bus at the Squadron, and all the Squadron had to do was provide the personnel records to sign-off. The Chief Clerk agreed to board the bus, with the personnel records, when it arrived. A couple of days later, 980+ personnel went in one end of the bus, got their "shots", had their records updated, and left the rear door of the bus, including the Squadron Permanent Party and Officers...all within a few hours instead of weeks or more. Shortly thereafter, this proceedure became Base policy.
    Another time, the Squadron was informed that there would be several hundred additional Students assigned. We had sufficient sheets and pillow cases in Squadron Supply, but we didn't have enough bunk beds, pillows and mattresses. Another chat with "Simmie", and an Air Force truck soon arrived with bunk beds, pillows and mattresses from the Base Hospital back-up supply. "Can-Do Simmie" did it again!!!
     "Simmie" was a kind and gentle, yet professional man, and I never heard him say an unkind word about anybody. His sense of humor will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him...including his dog "Dirty" which, on alternate days, was permitted to drive "Simmie" to American Legion Post 119.

Laz Joseph Lopez Jr., 67, died Saturday, September 21st 2002 in Biloxi.

Laz Lopez was a native of Biloxi and was of Catholic faith. He retired from the Navy with over 20 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He was a former Transport Officer with the Harrison County Sheriff's Department and was a Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport.

Laz was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Lopez; his father, Laz Joseph Lopez Sr.; and a sister, Marjorie Lopez Alexander.

Survivors include his wife, Charlene Wilson Lopez of Gulfport; five sons, Laz J. Lopez III of Biloxi, Jack Lopez of Joshua, Texas, Charles Barnes, Robert Barnes and Stephen Barnes, all of Gulfport; five daughters, Karen Thompson and June Wilson of Memphis, Tennessee, Dawn Moore of Lake Worth, Florida, Roberta Shelton and Jayne Clay, both of Gulfport; his mother, Marjorie Donovan Lopez of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; a sister, Kathryn Premeaux of Biloxi, Mississippi; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6 to 8pm Tuesday September 24th at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Gulfport. Services were held at 10:15am Wednesday September 25th in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

The family preferred memorials to the Harrison County Humane Society, 14756 Washington Ave., Gulfport, MS 39503; or American Legion Post 119, 111 Courthouse Road, Gulfport, MS 39507-1257.

Herman W. "Bud" Galloway, 64, died Monday, September 9th 2002, in Biloxi.

Herman Galloway was retired from USAF after 20 years, having served in Vietnam. He was retired from the Biloxi VA and was a Member of the Masonic Lodge of Minot, North Dakota. He was Past Commander of Joe Graham Post 119 of the American Legion in Gulfport, serving two consecutive years. He served as Post 119's King of Mardi Gras in 1997. He was also a member of the DAV of Gulfport, Mississippi and the VFW of D'Iberville, Mississippi.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Willie Galloway and Alma and Jack Galloway; and sisters, Olean May and Orean Cochran.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Galloway of D'Iberville, Mississippi; son, A.J. Galloway and his wife, Mary of Bossier City, Louisiana; two daughters, Judy Landry of Biloxi, Mississippi and Tracy Butirich and husband Marko, of Biloxi; two brothers, John Melvin Galloway of Amarillo, Texas and Alvin David Galloway of Shertz, Texas; and nine grandchildren, Chet Landry, Chris Landry, Holly Landry, Sarah Butirich, Marko Butirich III, Jake Butirich, Steven Galloway, Daniel Galloway and Patrick Galloway.

Visitation was held Thursday, September 12th 2002, from 6 to 8pm at Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. Services were at 9:30am Friday, September 13th in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Mary Hilda Love, 103, died Thursday, July 25th 2002 in Gulfport.

Mrs. Love was born on May 16th 1899 in Smith County Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident of Gulfport. She was a Navy Veteran of World War I, serving from 1918 to 1922. She was a Yeomanette and was stationed at the United States Naval Training Camp in Gulfport. She was a Member of the Eastern Star, Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 5 in Gulfport, the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, and American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, of which she had been a Member for over 80 years. She was also a Member of the First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Love; her parents, Duncia Eugenia and Hugh Yelverton; four sisters, Flossie Caraway, Adele Rape, Irma Weaver and Cora Poirier; and two brothers, Cullen Yelverton and Lamont Yelverton.

A graveside service was held Saturday at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes handled the arrangements.

The family preferred memorials to the American Legion Post 119, 111 Courthouse Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.

     Born on May 16th 1889, Mary Hilda Yelverton Love was only 18 when she joined the Navy in 1918. She had to travel to New Orleans to take her entrance exam, crossing the Mississippi River by boat to get there. No longer could circulars sent out by the Navy read "The Men of the Navy".

     She was stationed at the United States Naval Training Camp in Gulfport Mississippi, with Rear Admiral Alfred Reynolds as Commandant. The Veterans Affairs Hospital now occupies the site. Hilda was a Seaman 2nd Class. She, and 13 other young women were classified as "Yomenettes". Imagine serving on a base with 800 men and only 14 women!! Like the men, they wore white starched uniforms in the summer. But the women wore long flared skirts to mid-calf, much like the current fashion. An attractive straw hat topped -off the summer attire. The women wore Navy blue wool in the winter. The "Yomenettes" were disbanded after World War I, and during World War II women in the Navy served as "Waves".

     Yomenettes worked in offices and other areas to relieve the men to go to sea or to other more hazardous assignments. Hilda was a Librarian and Social Worker for Chaplain Leroy Taylor. Other Yomenettes worked in the Commandant’s Office, the Executive’s Office, the Supply Commissary, the Canteen, and even the Post Office. They stayed busy from morning to night, holding down whatever jobs they were assigned to do. Betty Myers, the only Chief in the 8th Naval District, also served at the base.

     During this period, the servicemen and women were faced with the constant threat of diseases. Twenty men died from Influenza, then called the "Spanish Flu". During the Flu epidemic, the Chaplain would visit the patients wearing a mask; neither he nor Hilda ever came down with the Flu. There was, of course, no known immunization against the Flu at that time. Also, mosquitoes were a big problem and represented a constant threat of Malaria.

     After serving in the Navy for two years, Hilda took off her uniform, and immediately went to work as a Civilian at the Navy Training Camp which eventually became the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Hilda, in fact, admitted the first three patients into the Hospital.

     One of Hilda’s treasured possessions was a much worn edition of "The Gadget"…a yearbook published during her years in the Navy. The Gadget, as it is called, was often referred to as she relived the days when she served her Country. She pointed out her photograph and her name listed on several pages.

     Mary Hilda Yelverton Love was truly one of a rare breed, and she was pleased that "A Grateful Nation Remembered".

William C. "Bill" Ripple, 79, died Tuesday, July 9, 2002, in Biloxi.

William Ripple was a native of Dime Box, Texas, and retired as a construction engineer after 31 years with Mississippi Power Company. He was an Army veteran of World War II and received nine medals, including the Silver Star.

William was Mississippi State chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Past 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Post 119, and was also a Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2539, DAV Chapter #5, and the National Trench Rats. He was also a former Harrison County Deputy Sheriff.

William was a Member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ripple; a brother, Larry Ripple; and a sister, Joyce Brinkman.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Ripple; two sons, Danny Ripple and David Ripple, all of Saucier, Mississippi; three sisters, Earline Keal of Columbus, Texas, Jean Valigura of Caldwell, Texas, and Loretta LaFare of Deanville, Texas.

Visitation was from 7 to 9am Thursday July 11th 2002 at the Riemann Funeral Home, Gulfport. Graveside services were at 10:30am Friday at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bernard H. “Bernie” Rau, USAF, Retired, age 69 resident of Gulfport, MS, was called home to be with his Father on Wednesday, May 29, 2002.

Bernie retired from the United States Air Force after 24 years of service. During his service career he graduated from basic Radar Technical School at Keesler AFB. He served as a radio operator in Oklahoma and New Mexico. Received his 1st Purple Heart during combat assignment in Korea. He re-enlisted following an honorable discharge after serving six years, and was assigned to Otis AFB on Cape Cod Massachusetts as Airborne Radar Operator on EC-121 aircraft. He was then assigned to overseas duty at Wassekuppe, Germany as radar operator for the Berlin Corridor. After returning stateside to Otis AFB, he went Temporary Active Duty (TAD) to Thailand as an airborne radar operator during Operation College Eye over Gulf of Tonkin, TAD to McCoy AFB as a radar operator during Cuban Missile Crisis, overseas operations, in the Florida Strait. He was then assigned to Marietta Georgia, and Homestead Florida, prior to being assigned to Clark AFB in the Philippines, where he was awarded his 2nd Purple Heart for wounds suffered while TAD to Vietnam.

In 1975 he completed instructor duty and retired from active service; having accumulated over 8,600 hours of flight time, earned the Air Medal, 2 Purple Hearts, 12 other personal awards.

In 1980, after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree from William Carey College, he resumed federal service with Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity as an Accounting Technician. He then became a Plank owner of the Naval Oceanography Command Facility from where he retired in 1994.

He also was a licensed Realtor of the State of Mississippi. He was a Member of the American Legion and past Post Commander of Joe Graham Post 119 Gulfport, Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of Gulfport Masonic Lodge #422, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Gulfport York Rite Bodies. Former president of Joppa Shrine. Former president of the Krewe of Gemini. He reigned as King of Gemini 1995-1996. He was a past member of Cowan Road Baptist where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and treasurer. He was a member of Cedar Lake United Methodist Church in Woolmarket, MS.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Irma Clark Rau and a daughter, Karen Rau Tillis.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Carrie Hopper Rau of Gulfport, MS; 2 sons, Mike Rau of Long Beach, MS, and Stephen P. Rau of San Francisco, CA; 2 daughters, Cathy Rau Whisenant of Long Beach, MS, and Susan Rau Lawson of New Orleans, LA; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Visitation was on Friday, May 31, 2002, at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport, from 6 to 9pm.

Funeral Services were on Saturday, June 1st, 2002 at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport, at 11am. Burial followed at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport, with full Military Honors provided by a Military Honor Guard and Firing Party from Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi; NCOIC SSgt Hornsby.

Russell F. Phillips, 58, died Friday, May 24th 2002, in Gulfport.

Russell Phillips was born in Hattiesburg and had been a resident of Gulfport for 11 years. He worked for National Grocery Stores for 10 years. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9673 Woolmarket, VFW 4526, and a Member of American Legion Post 119 Gulfport. He was also a Member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Woolmarket.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda A. Phillips of Gulfport; three daughters, Patricia Ann Starita of Atlanta, Sharon Spooner and Laura Starita, both of Gulfport; a son, Gary Starita of Denver, Colorado; a sister, Margaret Bonones of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; two brothers, Gerald W. Phillips of Semes, Alabama, and James W. Phillips of Marietta, Georgia; and eight grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6 to 8pm 27 May 2002 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport.

Services were Tuesday at 1:30pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial was in the Biloxi National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Clyde Wilkie Breeland, 76, died Thursday, May 16th 2002 in Biloxi.

Clyde Breeland was born in Tylertown, Walthall County Mississippi and was a resident of Gulfport. He was a veteran of WWII and Korea, serving in the Seabees in the South Pacific and in the Navy on a sea-going tug in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was employed as an insurance agent with Interstate Life and Accident Insurance Company of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was also employed with Gulf Life of Jacksonville, Florida, for 30 years, in management until his retirement.

He was a past Member of the Life Training Council and the Life Underwriters Association in Mississippi and Louisiana, the Star Twirlers Square Dance Club and the Mississippi Coast Square Festival Association. He was a 32 year Member of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119, Lodge # 422 F&AM, Scottish Rite Consistory, all in Gulfport, the Joppa Temple in Biloxi and a Member of the Ambassador's Unit. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Gulfport-Long Beach Cluster, and the Trinity Handy Helpers Committee.

Clyde was preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Cruthirds Breeland; his parents, Clyde Brumfield Breeland and Vera Jane Breeland; and his brother, Louis Breeland.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Walker Breeland; two sons, Brady Lynn Breeland of Long Beach and Glenn Wayne Breeland of Homestead, Florida; two stepdaughters, Charlotte Wayne Harvey of Arlington, Texas and Jackie Bancroft of Emory, Texas; a brother, Jabus Breeland of Plain Dealing, Louisiana; one sister, Ellen Bounds of Pearl, Mississippi; 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services were held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5107 Lawson Avenue, Gulfport on 18 May 2002 at 10am.

Burial, with Masonic Rites, was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum in Gulfport, directed by Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport.

The family preferred memorials to the Trinity United Methodist Church, or to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 3100 Samford Dr., Shreveport, LA 71103.

Robert Bertram Torjusen, 80, of Gulfport died Monday, April 29, 2002 in Gulfport.

Robert Torjusen was born in Gulfport and was a lifelong resident of Gulfport. He was a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport. He was a retired Plumber - Pipefitter, and a member of Local 568. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport. He was also a member of Gulfport Elks Lodge No. 978, a Mason, a Shriner and a member of Scottish Rites.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Alverdo Bertram and Leona Krebs Torjusen; a son, Larry M. Torjusen; and a brother, Harold M. Torjusen.

Robert is survived by his former wife, Anna L. Torjusen Comparetto of Gulfport; a daughter, Martha L. Moudy of Gulfport; two sons, James D. “Jimmy” Torjusen and Robert D. “Bobby” Torjusen, both of Gulfport; a sister, Margie Cuevas of Gulfport; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held Wednesday at 2pm at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport where friends called from 12 noon until service time. Burial was in the Coalville Cemetery in Harrison County, MS.

The family preferred memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Carl Bloom, 73, died Monday December 31st 2001 in Gulfport Mississippi. Mr. Bloom was a lifelong resident of Gulfport and was a Methodist. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars, retired as a Technical Sergeant, and was a Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Juanita and Lloyd Eugene Bloom Sr.; and a brother, Bill Bloom.

Survivors include his wife, Rosa Bloom; a daughter, Rose Ann Bloom-Davignon; a son, Lloyd Eugene Bloom Jr., all of Gulfport Mississippi; a sister, Betty Bloom Tatum O'Brian of Natchez Mississippi; and five grandchildren.

Services were held at 10:30am Thursday January 3rd, at the Bradford-O'Keefe Chapel, Pass Road, Biloxi, where friends called one hour before service time.

Following the service, full Military Honors were conducted at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, with a Color Guard and Firing Party from Keesler AFB, Biloxi; OIC: 2nd Lt. John Schaible.

Robert M. Blue, 70, died Sunday, November 18th 2001 in Gulfport. Mr. Blue was a native of Kingsford, Michigan and a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. He was retired as a Civil Service electronics technician at Keesler Air Force Base, and from the Gulfport School District. He was a Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport and the First Baptist Church in Gulfport. He was a Training Officer and Captain for the Harrison County Sheriff's Department Auxiliary.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Blue; and two brothers, Carl Blue and Floyd Blue.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Blue; a son, Robert E. Blue, both of Long Beach; a daughter, Linda D. Lawrence of Huntsville, Alabama; a brother, William D. Blue and a sister, Jessie A. Weber, both of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and two grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6 to 8pm Friday November 23rd at Riemann Funeral Home in Long Beach and services were held at 11am Saturday at the funeral home.

The family preferred memorials to American Lung Association, P.O. Box 9865, Jackson, MS 39286.

Mrs. Irshell D. Duggan, 79, a resident of Gulfport, died Sunday November 18th 2001 in Gulfport Mississippi.

Mrs. Duggan, was a native of Dungannon, Virginia, and was a longtime Gulf Coast resident and was a member of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport. She was a Past President of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 119 Gulfport; was Chairman of VA Volunteer Services for the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary; and directed the Christmas Gift Shop for the Gulfport VA Center.

Irshell was preceded in death by her husband Joseph F. Duggan on November 1st 2001 (see Post Everlasting below); parents, Jessie and Bannie Smith; three brothers, Willard Marshall, Glen Smith, Jesse Smith; a sister, Maggie Kilgore; and a daughter, Thelma Chatfield.

Survivors include a daughter, Frances Favre of Long Beach; two brothers, Everett Smith of Silar City, North Carolina and Tommy Smith of Summit, North Carolina; two sisters, Dossie Stevens of Pell City, Alabama; Carlee Stallard of Kernersville, North Carolina; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6 to 8pm Tuesday, November 20th, at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in Downtown Gulfport. There was a large attendance of relatives, friends, Auxiliary & Legion members. The Mass of the Resurrection was conducted at 11am Wednesday November 21st, lead by Reverend Monsignor James McGough, Pastor of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport. Burial was at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, beside her husband Joseph F. Duggan, who died Thursday, November 1st 2001. (See...Joseph F. Duggan below.)

The family preferred memorials to the American Lung Association, PO Box 9865, Jackson, MS 39286.

Lifetime Member George H. Boggs, 82, died Saturday, November 17, 2001, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

George was a native of Savannah, Georgia and a resident of Gulfport for 43 years. He was a Lifetime Member of the American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 and a Member of Ancient Order of Pterodactyl. He served in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and was a Radioman First Class crew member that victoriously attacked the German U-Boat 116 which was operating in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and near the mouth of the Mississippi River at the time of its sinking. He was awarded the American Defense, American Area Campaign Medal, WW-II Victory Medal, Air Medal, and Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal during his years of service. He retired from the Coast Guard after 20 years of service. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he was in Civil Service for 15 years as an instructor at Keesler AFB. Mr. Boggs was a member of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George H. and Beulah Boggs; sister Mary Goldman, and brother, James Boggs.

Survivors include his wife, Vera Pye Boggs of Gulfport; sons, Bobby Boggs of Atlanta, Georgia and David Boggs of Gulfport; daughters, Connie Boggs O'Neal of Gulfport and Bonnie Boggs Seymour of Biloxi; 9 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 11am Tuesday, November 20th at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue in downtown Gulfport where friends called one hour prior to service time. There was a large attendance of relatives, friends, Legion & Auxiliary members. The Funeral Mass and Eulogy was lead by Reverend Monsignor James McGough, Pastor of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport. A USCG Color Guard from the 8th Coast Guard District, Station Gulfport, participated in the service. Following the funeral service, full Military Honors were conducted at the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens cemetery, Cowan Road, Gulfport, with a Color Guard from the 8th Coast Guard District, Station Gulfport, and a Firing Party from the United States Coast Guard, 8th District, New Orleans, Louisiana. OIC: BMC Joe Temple

The family preferred memorial contributions to Saint James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Lorraine Road, Gulfport, MS 39507.

Executive Board Member Marion R. Swinney, 76, died Sunday, November 11th, 2001. Marion was born in Laurel Mississippi and lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the past 50 years. He was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop Number 302 in Long Beach for 17 years. He was a Member, Parade Captain, and Trustee of the Krewe of Gemini. He was an Army Veteran of World War II, and was a current Executive Board Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport.

Marion was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Fowler Swinney; parents, Cyrus and Mary Swinney Sr.; a daughter, Marilyn Swinney; and a brother, Leonard Swinney.

Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Crosby of Tallahassee, Florida; two brothers, Cyrus Paul Swinney, Jr., of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and Jeff Rae Swinney of Colorado; and Sara Bushaw of Long Beach, Mississippi.

Services were held at 6:30pm Wednesday, November 14th 2001 at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue, Gulfport, where friends called one hour prior to service time. There was a large attendance of relatives, friends, active duty Military, and Veterans. Services were conducted by American Legion Post 119 Commander Al O'Banion, Post Chaplain Bill Caraway, and former Executive Board member Tom Vuncannon.

Burial was Thursday, November 15th 2001, at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel Mississippi.

Memorials were made to the American Cancer Society, 471 Security Square, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507, or American Legion Post 119, 111 Courthouse Road, Gulfport Mississippi 39507.

     During World War II, Jim served in the Pacific Theater with the United States Army and received several awards. These included the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, The Asia-Pacific Theater of Operation Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, and The Good Conduct Medal.

     Although not a Boy Scout in his youth, Jim was the leader of Troop 302 in Long Beach for 17 years. He prided himself in that he performed all the requirements demanded of his troops as they went through the steps to earn the merits necessary for advancement. In 1972 he received the Norman Rockwell Spirit of Scouting Series of Medals. Jim also held a Private Pilot's license.

     Jim was a Member of the Krewe of Gemini, had served as Parade Captain and was a Trustee. He was an active Member of American Legion Post 119 and served on the Executive Board. He also worked the Bingo function and was a member of the dart team.

     Jim was good natured, light hearted and always had a cute joke to tell. He was actually proud of his age and even joked about old people. I once asked him if the Army was still using bolt action rifles when he joined. "No, he replied, Muskets."

Once he was struggling to remember a name, and I reminded him that if you can't spell Alzheimer’s Disease you probably have it. "Let me think about that," he said. I never asked him to spell it.

Late in life Jim became a Karaoke singer. Madeline McElhenney helped him on a few songs and soon he was singing by himself. It excited us to see him have so much fun. We'll surely all miss him.

Joseph F. Duggan, 79, retired Captain USAF, died Thursday, November 1st 2001, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Joe Duggan was a native of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and was a longtime resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired as a Captain after 36 years.

Following retirement, he taught computer science and coached football and softball at Saint John's High School in Gulfport. He was a member of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport, Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport.

Joseph was preceded in death by a daughter, Thelma Jean Chatfield; his parents, Joseph and Catherine Duggan; and a sister, Dorothy Kearns.

Survivors include his wife, Irshell Duggan of Gulfport; a daughter, Frances Favre of Long Beach; a sister, Catherine Mooney of Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation was from 6pm to 8pm Sunday, November 4th at Riemann Funeral Home, 25th Avenue (Route 49), Gulfport. Services were held 11am Monday November 5th at Saint James Catholic Church on Cowan Road. The Funeral Mass and Eulogy was lead by Reverend Monsignor James McGough, Pastor. Following the funeral service, full Military Honors were conducted at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, with a Color Guard and Firing Party from Keesler AFB, Biloxi; OIC: Lt. Col. G. Raichlen.

The family preferred memorials to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 9865, Jackson, MS 39286.

Joe was a long time Adjutant and Executive Board Member of Post 119, as well as our Bingo Chairman, VAVS Representative and the Biloxi National Cemetary Representative. He received the Blue Cap Award in 1997, and was the Post's Mardi Gras King in 1994. Joe was well liked and respected by all who worked with him, and all those he served so well, both at the Post and in the Community. All the while, Joe was very active in the Knights of Columbus and many School Activities at Saint John's Catholic High School in Gulfport. "Joe" Duggan will always be remembered by those who knew him, and respected him so much.

Senior SAL Advisor Edward H. Killgore, Sr., 74, died Wednesday, June 27th 2001 in Biloxi Mississippi.

Edward was born in Tallapoosa, Georgia. and lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1957. He was an Air Force Veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He had also been an agent for Liberty National Life Insurance Company and a Harrison County Deputy Sheriff. He was employed in Civil Defense during Hurricane Camille which struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast near midnight on August 17-18, 1969. Ed was a Member of American Legion Post 119, the Loyal Order of the Moose #332, VFW Post #2539 and 40/8 Locale #251. He was a Member of Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport. He was preceded in death by a son, Jesse Virgil Killgore.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen A. Killgore of Gulfport; two daughters, Linda Kay Bond, and Elizabeth Ann "Libby" Richmond, both of Biloxi; four sons, Edward Howard Killgore Jr. of Stone County, Thomas Michael Killgore of Biloxi, Michael Edward Killgore and Jerry Porter, both of Gulfport; two sisters, Clovis Blackwood and Virginia Little, both of Cullman, Alabama; a brother, Tom Hardin of Cullman; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were held at 11:30am Monday July 2nd 2001 at Saint James Catholic Church in Gulfport where friends called one hour before services. Burial, with full Military Honors, was conducted at the Biloxi National Cemetery the same day.
Funeral arangements were directed by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Gulfport.

The family preferred donations to American Legion Post 119, 111 Courthouse Road, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507...or to the Loyal Order of the Moose, 5145 West Gay Road, D'Iberville, Mississippi 39532.

Second Vice Commander Donald Owens, 65, died Wednesday the 18th of October 2000 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Donn Owens was born in Jack, Alabama, and had been a resident of Gulfport for 20 years. He was a Navy veteran, a Member of the VFW for 43 years, and a Member of American Legion Post 119 in Gulfport for the past 20 years. He was a vibrant addition to the Executive Committee, and his Post knowledge and leadership will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Owens of Gulfport; a daughter, Donna Jones of Lansdowne, Pennsylvania; a son, Donald Owens Jr. of San Francisco, California; two sisters, Minnie Ola Wambles of Jack, Alabama and Nell Whitehead of Columbus, Georgia; four brothers, Wesley Owens of Columbus, Georgia; Drexel Owens of Birmingham, Alabama; Hubert Owens of Opelika, Alabama; and Jimmy Owens of Jack, Alabama; and two grandchildren.

A service was held at 10am Saturday the 21st of October, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport. On Saturday the 4th of November, in a Memorial Ceremony attended by family, friends, VFW Members and Legionnaires, Donn's ashes were spread into the Mississippi Sound from the Courthouse Pier in Gulfport Mississippi.

The family preferred memorials to the Humane Society of South Mississippi,
13756 Washington Ave, Gulfport, MS 39503

Elaine Necaise, 71, died Monday, May 15, 2000, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Elaine was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, on March 29, 1929, and was a lifelong resident of the Coast. She was employed by International Total Service as a Passenger Boarding Service Security Operator at the Biloxi-Gulfport Regional Airport.

She was an active Member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 119, serving in many capacities including the Mardi Gras Court. Elaine was a lifelong Member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Floyd Miller Sr., and Melvin
Miller; her devoted husband, Everett E. Necaise; her brother, Floyd Miller Jr.;
and two grandsons, Roy E. Necaise Jr. and Stephen Charles Necaise, both of Gulfport.

Elaine was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, and Sister and is survived by her son, Ricky E. Necaise of Gulfport; two grandsons, Michael E. and Cory A. Necaise, both of Gulfport; and her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. John and Mrs. Betty Owens of Gulfport and many loving and loyal friends.

Visitation was held Tuesday, May 16th, and the funeral service was held Wednesday, May 17th. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery the same day. Riemann Funeral Home in Gulfport was in charge of the arrangements

Robert T. Ferguson, 73, died Monday 1 May 2000 at the Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the victim of an automobile collision in Chattanooga.
“Ferggie” had been a resident of the U. S. Naval Retirement Home in Gulfport, and had recently moved to East Liverpool, Ohio.

Robert served with the Army in Korea and Vietnam, and retired after 20 years 11 days of Active Service. His most significant Army Service Awards included: the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the National Defense Service Medal.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors was held at the Biloxi National Cemetery, at 10:30am on Monday 8 May 2000. An Army Military Honor Guard was provided by Camp Polk, Louisiana.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Ferguson and William T. Ferguson; and two brothers, William B. Ferguson and Roy S. Ferguson.

Survivors include two brothers, Charles L. Ferguson; and George H. Ferguson of Biloxi; and a sister, Margaret J. Capito.

"Ferggie" will always be remembered by those who knew him for years. He would arrive at the Legion at exactly the same time every day. Inside, someone would shout, "Here comes Ferggie!!" He would sit in the same place every day, and joke and chat with those nearby. He was very friendly, with an infectious laugh, and had strong, well founded convictions concerning Veteran's Affairs...and didn't hesitate to voice his opinions on behalf of Veterans. "Ferggie" will always be remembered by those who knew him.

Sidney Albert Weaver died on Friday, 28 April 2000, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center in Biloxi. Visitation was from 6pm to 8pm on Sunday, April 30th at the Riemann Funeral Home in Gulfport. A Memorial Service was held at 1:30pm Monday, May 1st in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was in the Biloxi National Cemetery the same day.

The family preferred memorials to the National Kidney Foundation of Mississippi, P.O. Box 55802, Jackson, MS 39263-9953.

Mr. Weaver was a native and lifelong resident of Gulfport. He graduated from Gulfport High School and attended Perkinston Junior College. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean war. He was retired president of Weaver & Sons Mechanical Contractors Inc., president of Miss. Coast Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors Association, member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Local 568 and member and past Executive Board member of American Legion Joe Graham Post No. 119 where he was former King of Mardi Gras. He was of the Protestant faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William D. Weaver Sr.
and Omenia Conn Weaver.

Survivors include his wife, Sue C. Weaver; two sons, James D. Weaver and Albert S. Weaver; a daughter, Sharon M. McKinney, all of Gulfport; a stepson, Walt Dunagan of Dallas; a stepdaughter, Cindy Cantrelle of Biloxi; two brothers, W.D. Weaver and Ray C. Weaver, both of Gulfport; a sister, Annie Louise Harms of Belle Vista, Ark.; and six grandchildren.

"Albert" is sorely missed by many of his lifelong friends at the Post, some of whom he grew up with, played High School Sports with, and worked with many long years. His friendliness, gentle quiet manner, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him. He could find humor in almost anything, and he was often relied upon to solve vexing problems at the Post. Albert will be missed by everyone who knew and respected him.

Charles Paul Gee 68 died Wednesday 2 April 2000, at the Keesler AFB Medical Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at the Chapel on the grounds of the United States Naval Home in Gulfport. Services were conducted by Chaplain Gil Mitchell with the Eulogy by Robert Locke, Resident Affairs Director. Military Honors and interment were conducted at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi the same day. An Honor Guard and Firing Party were provided by the United States Naval Construction Battalion (Sea Bees) Gulfport. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport was in charge of the arrangements.

Charlie Gee was born in Houston County Texas on 25 April 1932 and had resided in Gulfport Mississippi for three and a half years. He enlisted in the United States Navy on the 27th of February 1951 and retired on the 17th of March 1971. At the time of his death, he was a resident at the United States Naval Home Gulfport, Mississippi.

Charles Paul Gee's primary duty assignments were on United States Naval Aircraft Carriers during the Korean and Vietnam wars. His primary assignments included: NAS Whidbey Island Washington, NAAS Saufley Field Pensacola Florida, the USS Constellation, the USS Shangri La, the USS Bennington, the USS Hancock, the USS Coral Sea, the USS Ticonderoga, the USS Enterprise, and the USS Boxer.

His most significant Naval Service Awards included: the Korean Service Medal; the National Defense Service Medal (w/Bronze Star); the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the China Service Medal; the Navy Occupation Service Medal; the United Nations Service Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal; the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.

Survivors include a stepdaughter, Angie Piazza of Houston, Texas; five sisters, Willie Waneda Porter of Waxahacie, Texas, Margaret Spence of Fort Worth, Texas, Sara Turner of Sunnyville, California, Jean Baker of Beeville, Texas, and June Beyer of Pampa, Texas; and a brother, Robert F. Gee of St. Augustine, Florida.

"Charlie Gee" will always be remembered by everyone who knew him. His sense of humor, antics, and laughter filled the Legion whenever he was there. He will best be remembered on Saint Patrick's Day as the "Green Man"!! Green shirt, green pants, green socks, green shoes, green hair, green eyebrows, green nose, green beer, and most memorable...his green beard and green fingernails.

During the Eulogy, Robert Locke put it best when he said, "Charlie Gee enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sitting around with friends...drinking beer and telling lies." Although Charlie Gee is with Saint Patrick now, he is still missed by everyone here on Earth.

Albert W. Woodard Jr., 74, of Gulfport, died Tuesday, 11 January 2000 at the Gulfport Memorial Hospital. At the time of his death, he was Commander of American Legion Joe Graham Post 119 in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Funeral Service was held from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, and Interment was at the LaGrange Cemetery in Titusville, Florida at 9am Saturday.

Albert was a native of Macon, Georgia, and was a longtime resident of Gulfport. He served in the United States Marine Corps during WW-II in the Central and Southwest Pacific Areas, and participated in the Philippine Islands and Okinawa Campaigns.

Albert was past Chef De Guerre of the 40 & 8 Voyageur 251, and began his participation in the American Legion as a teenage Member of the Sons of the American Legion in Georgia. In the Veterans of Foreign Wars he was: All State Post Commander, All American Post Commander, All American District Commander, and Past Commander of Post 2537. He began the annual Pearl Harbor Recognition Day in 1974, and held the following National VFW offices: National Legislative, National Voice of Democracy, National Foreign, and National Defense. He was also a Member of the Military Order of Cooties, Pup Tent 2, and was past Seam Squirrel of that Organization.

Albert was a Member of the First Baptist Church in Gulfport. He was also a Member of the Elks Lodge 978, and former Member of the D.A.V. Chapter 5. He was also past President of the Young Democrats, and past President of the Harrison County Young Democrats. Albert was recently recognized for serving 2,500 volunteer hours with the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Al was retired from Ingalls Shipyard and the Harrison County Sheriff's Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A. W. and Lillian Ford Woodard Sr., his stepfather, Harry J. Janis; and his wife, Jean Ricard Woodard.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred "Mimi" Cruthirds Woodard of Gulfport; two sons, Albert W. Woodard III of Orlando, Florida and Ronald J. Woodard of Lexington, Kentucky; three stepdaughters, Katharine M. Lassiter of Mandeville, Louisiana, Melanie M. Bordelon of Saint Rose, Louisiana, and Nora M. Kovach of Shaker Heights, Ohio; three stepsons, James R Morehead of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, John C. Crawford of Jefferson, Louisiana, and Kevin L. Crawford of Gulfport; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Albert was greatly respected for his lifelong participation in Veterans Organizations and efforts on behalf of Veteran's Affairs. His service to the Nation, State and Community was long, successful, and fulfilling. As Post Commander, just prior to his death, he was deeply involved with solving many difficult problems with the affairs at the Post. He will be missed by everyone who knew and respected his leadership, knowledge, wisdom, and experience.