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JAMES PATRICK O'REILLY

James Patrick O'Reilly, age 90, of Roswell died July 6, 2018. Mr. O'Reilly was the son of James and Helen O'Reilly of New York City. Mr. O'Reilly was a graduate of the Naval Academy (1950). He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. McCaffrey. He later was captain of the minesweeper, U.S.S. Redpole, which won the Navy E under his command. He was a pioneering officer of the nuclear navy and served as chief reactor officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, the U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Following his service in the Navy, Mr. O'Reilly worked for the Atomic Energy Commission, and its successor organization, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In the NRC, Mr. O'Reilly rose to become Director of Region 1, which covered the northeastern states. Mr. O'Reilly later served as Director of Region 2, which covered the southeastern states. After government service, Mr. O'Reilly worked for Georgia Power as Senior Vice-President of Nuclear Operations, after which he went to operate his own consulting business which serviced the nuclear industry. For many years he was active in the parish of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hartwell, Georgia, where he chaired the Finance Committee, served as a lector, visited the sick in nursing homes, and was active with Meals on Wheels. Later as a resident of the St. George Village community, he served as a lector, and visited the sick and brought them Holy Communion.

Mr. O'Reilly is survived by his second wife, Ann O'Reilly; the children from his late wife of 62 years, Jane O'Reilly (d. December 19, 2014); James O'Reilly (Arantxa), Kevin O'Reilly (Debbie), Thomas O'Reilly (Chantima), Steven O'Reilly, and Maureen Stewart (Scott), and daughter-in-law Sheryl O'Reilly, wife of his late son Chris O'Reilly, d. 2016; 19 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters; 3 step sons and 6 step grandchildren. Mr. O'Reilly loved fishing and sailing on Lake Hartwell. He was an avid football fan of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Flowers and/or donations made to St. Vincent de Paul are welcome. The O'Reilly family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5-7pm at Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell, 770-645-1414.  

Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution from July 9 to July 10, 2018

DONALD GENE FEARS

Donald Gene Fears passed away on August 12, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. after an extended illness. Born on May 7, 1927 in Caney, Okla. to Rufus L. Fears and Mattie J. Fears.

He was preceded in death by wife, Betty Tillman, brother Fulton, sister Eloise and daughter, Donna J. Cook.

He is survived by Elizabeth & Charles Middleton, Deborah & Right Reverend W. Skelton, Pati & Robert Russel, sons; James L. Fears and wife , Margaret L. Fears and Richard F. Ronnick/Lana C. Cross. Also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was an 1950 Naval Academy graduate (third in his class), serving on numerous submarines. Having been chief engineer on the Triton’s underwater circumnavigation of the globe and the Nautilus first attempt under the north pole. He received numerous medals for service. These awards included The Presidential Unit Citation, Legion of Merit (U.S.S. Sculpin).

His greatest joy was having an engineering lab named in his honor at The University of Oklahoma and his service on the Triton on her underwater circumnavigation around the world(2-16-60 to 5-10-60).

He will be greatly missed. The family would like to express thanks to all of the facilities he was at during his final years. Semper Fortis. Go Navy, go O.U.!

Simplicity Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A private internment will be conducted at a later date at the Columbarium at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your favorite charitable organization.

Birchard Bliss “Birch” DeWitt  (April 19, 1927 - November 25, 2018)

Birch DeWitt passed away peacefully Sunday, November 25th 2018. He was born in Akron, Ohio. He attended school in Alexandria and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1975.He is survived by his wife, Carol; two daughters, Bliss and Robin); three grandchildren, one great-grandson, three step-sons and five step-grandchildren. Birch’s first wife, Kitty, predeceased him in 1990, as did his son, Kelly in 2002.Services will be held at St. Patrick’s church in Carlsbad, Friday, December 14th, at 10:30.

Published in The San Diego Union Tribune from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, 2018

FRANKLIN CALDWELL HOUSER, JR. (NON-GRADUATE)

Franklin Caldwell Houser, Jr., passed away December 3, 2018. Born December 8, 1924 in Thomasville, Georgia, he grew to manhood in Jacksonville, Florida attending West Riverside Elementary, John Gorrie Jr. High School and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, followed by one year at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama until he was eighteen. Frank then joined the United States Army Air Corps and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer, First Lieutenant, during World War II, and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1961. Following a three year Tour of Duty in the Army Air Corps, he attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and later attended the University of Florida graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Frank was a F.A.A. Licensed Commercial Pilot with ratings for Single and Multi-Engine Land Aircraft and was Instrument Rated. Prior to his death, he worked at W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. for 54 years serving as its Executive Vice President. He was baptized as a member of the Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. After marriage to Paula Shepard Treisbach, they transferred their membership to St. Johns Presbyterian Church, where his faith in the Lord matured and became everlasting. Frank held active memberships in various Civic and Professional Organizations including the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers since 1968 where he served as Vice Chairman of Region XII, and was a past President of the Jacksonville Chapter. He was also a 45 year plus member and past President of the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville. Frank was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Paula Treisbach Houser, sister Delia Houser McGehee and husband Thomas R. McGehee. Survivors include his children; Scott Caldwell Houser and wife Leann (Fox), Thomas Owen Houser, and William Franklin Houser, (5) Grandchildren, Hali Katherina Houser, Cason Rhodes Houser, Ella Adelia Houser, John (J.D.) Madison Davis Fox, Michaela Leann Fox, Niece Dede McGehee, Nephew Thomas (Mac) R. McGehee, Jr., good neighbors William W. Gay & Eloise Gay (deceased), and close friend Arden Hudson. Frank was a loving, dedicated grandfather and his generosity and mentorship filled a critical need in their lives. His love and friendship not only extended to those mentioned above, but also to all employees of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., both active and retired.

A Memorial Service will be held December 7, 2018, at 11:00am in St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32210. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the "Living Waters" Ministry at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel St., Jacksonville, Florida 32210. HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 Edgewood Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL 32205 is serving the family.

Published in the Florida Times-Union on Dec. 5, 2018

MAJOR JOHN "JACK" FRANCIS INGALLS III, USMC Ret.,

 of Blackstone Blvd, passed away December 23, 2018 at the age of 92. He was the husband of Barbara Standish (Sherman) Ingalls.

Jack was born in New York City, NY, the son of the late John Francis and Marguerite "Dixie" (Boatwright) Ingalls of Islip, NY.

Jack was a veteran of WWII, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He graduated high school in 3 years to enlist in the US Navy, where he deployed and fought against Nazi Germany. Subsequent to his Navy enlistment, he attended the US Naval Academy, class of 1950. Upon graduation he accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps, where he saw front-line action in the Korean War, and was decorated with the Bronze Star with Combat Valor. Among many other Medals and Citations, Jack received the Navy Commendation Medal from Secretary of the Navy, John H. Chafee, for his efforts and exceptional professional competence in support of the Vietnam War.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Jack is survived by his children: Denise Schilling, Elise Swanton, Michele Rhodes, John Ingalls IV (Ellie Field), Elaine Gallagher (Michael), ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Major Ingalls will be held on Thursday, January 3rd at 11am in St. Sebastian Church, 67 Cole Ave, Providence. Burial with military honors immediately following at Swan Point Cemetery. A Celebration of his life and legacy will follow at Laurel Meade, 355 Blackstone Blvd, Prov.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association: alz.org or Hope Hospice 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

Published in The Providence Journal from Dec. 30, 2018 to Jan. 2, 2019

GEORGE WILLIAM MYER

George William Myer passed away from natural causes in his home on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2018.

George was born in Decatur IL on September 14, 1927 to Francis C. and Marguerite Myer. After graduating from Decatur High School, he received a Senatorial appointment to the US Naval Academy, graduating with the Class of 1950. He served briefly aboard the USS Roosevelt before entering flight training where he earned his Wings of Gold as a naval aviator in 1952. His first squadron was VF51 where he flew combat missions in Korea aboard the USS Valley Forge. He was then selected to attend the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, followed by a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from MIT, Boston, MA. George served in several squadrons including VX4, VX5 and VA146. After a tour on ComNav-AirPac staff, he was assigned to VA-146 and deployed for a tour aboard the USS Oriskany. He was then assigned to VX-5 in China Lake where he served as the Project Director. He was the assistant Air Officer aboard the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War. His favorite tour was with the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, where he was the Development Officer. He made many lasting friendships among the 19 engineers, mostly Puerto Rican, who worked for him.

George retired from the Navy in 1973 at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent, Maryland. After retirement, he worked as an engineer for General Dynamics, Missile Division, Pomona CA.

George was a past president of China Lake Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of Navy League and of MOAA, the Military Officers Association. He was a 4th Degree Knight and a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council #5272.

He married the former Anne Sabin in Washington D.C. the day after graduation from the Naval Academy. Anne was a Navy Junior. Her father was from the Class of 1921, USNA, and a Rear Admiral when they married.

George was predeceased by his son, George W. Jr., in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and three children, Karen Myer and Richard Myer of Camarillo, Stephen Myer (Cindy) and three grandchildren, Michael, Marissa and Allison all of Denver, Colorado.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Camarillo CA on Friday, January 4th followed by graveside services with military honors and burial at Conejo Mountain Mortuary, Camarillo.

Published in Ventura County Star on Jan. 10, 2019

DONALD ARTHUR KUHLMAN ‘50

Donald A. Kuhlman died on 29 December 2018 in Centerton, AR. He was 91 years old. “Don” was born on April 28, 1927 in Forest Hills, NY.  After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II. 

He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in 1950. Don served in the Navy during and after the Korean conflict. He took advantage of his electronics experience in both the battleship and the amphibious navy and was able to secure work in the radar and, later, research and development departments of Bendix Radio. He lived in Towson, MD for ten years while working at Bendix and ACF Electronics. He moved to Shrewsbury, NJ where he was employed by Electronic Associates, Inc.. He held diverse positions in the electronics industry, such as staff engineer, production liaison engineer, project administrator, sales engineer, and market researcher.

As the Information Age arrived, Don was hired by McGraw-Hill to oversee their Information Retrieval Products; leased to the growing number of defense and space age companies. As their Manager of Product Planning, he led the development of six information products, which utilized the most advanced techniques then available in the computer, microfilm, printing, indexing, and software development fields.

Later he was able to take advantage of this knowledge as president of Investors Forum, to publish Investors Forum Magazine and the financial newsletter, The Forecaster. Forming his own company, he later published the monthly NJ shore magazine, Here’n About Monmouth and Ocean. He then returned to his roots by starting Ask Information Systems Inc., a twenty-five-year successful undertaking, from which he retired in 1999.

During his retirement, Don was active for five years in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 96 based at Wiggins Pass, North Naples. He also spent time as a volunteer tutor, teaching English as a second language for the Literacy Council of Bonita Springs and a volunteer at the Our Lady of Light Church Store.

Don was predeceased by his wife and loving partner of 53 years, Anne (nee Schanberger). Surviving are his sons, Donald Jr. (Mary) and Michael (Catherine); daughters, Patricia Kastner (Joseph), Joanne Thompson (Theodore), Jane Spendio (Michael), and Elizabeth Hendrickson (Scott); twenty-four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his sister, Madeline Fitzgerald of Jupiter, FL.

Don will be deeply missed; his ashes will be spread at some of his favorite places and locations.

 LEE "DUTCH" RAY ROYAL

Lee "Dutch" Ray Royal October 16, 1926 – January 23, 2019 Lee Ray "Dutch" Royal passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on October 16, 1926, he was the youngest son of Robert Henderson and Mary Odell Adair Royal. Dutch graduated from the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1950. Twenty days after graduation the Korean War broke out and Dutch was called to duty on the battleship USS Missouri. Upon returning to the states Dutch went to flight school and became a Naval aviator. He met and married Navy nurse Dorothy Marie Madsen on May 15, 1954. Dutch's squadron was soon called to duty to a joint British and American detail on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean where the newlyweds started married life. After teaching at the Naval Academy, Dutch resigned his commission and moved to Dallas. He was the proud father of Layne, Eric, Alison, and Amy. Dutch was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy. He is survived by Layne and Larry Lauck, Beth and Eric Royal, Alison and Kevin Miller, and Amy and Randy Durant. He is also survived by his eight precious grandchildren Craig Lauck, Christopher Royal, Cassie Lauck Bailey, Kristin Durant DeAngelo, Erin Royal Johnson, Daniel Miller, Blake Royal and Kelley Lauck Jiou, along with their spouses. He also welcomed six great grandchildren Callahan Johnson, June Lauck, James DeAngelo, Kinsley Bailey, Bethany Lauck, and Adelaide Johnson. Dutch will be buried at Sparkman Hillcrest on Northwest Highway in Dallas on Monday, January 28, 2019, next to his wife Dorothy. The family would like to thank all those who have helped and sent condolences. They would especially like to thank our family's friend Corinne Thompson who meant so much to him in these last years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Meals On Wheels or Toys for Tots both programs which Dutch participated in and supported.