Deceased:Lt. Col. Bagby passed at his home in Harrisburg, PA on March 13, 2019 from congestive heart failure. Richard was a 23 year veteran of the Corps. Source-Wife-Cris. OCS: A-1 TBS: D-1
Wife: Cris
Address: 1300 Mountain Laurel Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Deceased: John was fatally wounded in an attempt to stop a bank robbery in Las Vegas on June 25, 1990. For service in Vietnam, John was awarded two Bronze Stars. OCS: D-2 TBS: E-1 TBS Standing: 423
Deceased: Mel died on August 21, 2016 after a long debilitating illness. He played football and ran track for Bradley University before joining the Corps. He was in B-3 at OCS and E-1 at TBS. He was an Amtrac platoon commander in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He played a year in the NFL with the New York Jets before going on to seminary. Reverend Bailey served as a Baptist Minister for 43 years before illness forced him to resign. OCS: B-3 TBS: E-1
Deceased: Jerry Wayne Baker, 81, of Peotone, Illinois, passed away on September 5, 2024, in Champaign, Illinois.
Jerry was born on November 3, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Warren and Phyllis Baker, who moved to Peotone in 1947. He was a standout athlete in high school, playing both baseball and basketball. Jerry held the Peotone High School basketball record for scoring the most points in a single game – 48 (before the three-point shot was adopted) for over 40 years. In college, Jerry played baseball for the University of Illinois, where he earned a varsity letter in 1964. After college, Jerry commissioned in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country as a CH-46 helicopter pilot flying medivac missions during the Vietnam War.
On June 3, 1967, Jerry married Marianne C. Martin, with whom he shared 57 years of love, adventure, and true partnership. Together, they raised two children, Joshua Bradley (1979), and Rebecca Warren (1980). Jerry and Marianne moved to Peotone after he separated from the military. He owned and operated Peotone Heating and Air Conditioning for 33 years and served his community as a member of the board of First Community Bank & Trust.
Jerry’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, service to his country, and willingness to help anyone in need. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, true friend, and a proud Marine. Jerry’s great sense of humor endeared him to everyone who knew him. His quick wit and warm personality brought joy to his family, friends, community members, and customers.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marianne, his children Joshua (Carly) and Rebecca, his grandchildren, Mike, Matthew, Camryn, John, and Christian, his sister, Judy and his brother, Corey. Jerry was preceded in death by his father (1991) and his mother (2024).
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, September 20 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home. Due to the ongoing construction, Main Street will be closed to traffic. Pedestrian traffic in front of the funeral home will be open and access may be made through the front door. Additional parking will be available in the parking lot of Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Ave., Peotone, IL. Entrance then can be made through the back door of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Support Group of Champaign County, c/o Savoy United Methodist Church, 3002 W Old Church Road, Savoy, IL 61822. Service Number: O92961 OCS: B-3 TBS: D-1
Deceased: Born 14 May 1940 in Detroit and Passed 30 May 2019 at Trillium Hospice House in Marquette, MI. Retired as a Major after 20 years of service. His remains were interred in Deerton Cemetery MI. OCS: A-4 TBS: D-1
Wife: -
Address: N8371 Peter White Rd-P.O. Box 101, Deerton, MI 49822
Deceased: Gerald, who was an E-5 when he joined us at OCS was assigned to Platoon Bravo 2. At TBS, he was in Echo 1. He served in Vietnam and left the Marine Corps with the rank of Captain. He died on August 4, 2014 and is buried in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. OCS: B-2 TBS: E-1
Deceased: Passed away at his home in Brenham, TX on 07/25/2014 surrounded by family. O.K. did his undergraduate work at Mississippi State University. He served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing "V". He did graduate work at Ambassador College and received a law degree from Mississippi College, School of Law. O.K. enjoyed a successful career as a petroleum land developer and was active in Scouting. OCS: A-1 TBS: D-1
Deceased: Bruce Emmet Beckman, 77, of Detroit Lakes, MN went home to heaven on October 24, 2021. Bruce was born in Willmar, MN; the son of Emmet and Cecelia Beckman. He was raised in Bird Island, MN, where he graduated from Bird Island High School in 1962. Bruce continued his education at Augsburg and the U of M, Minneapolis before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. He reported for duty to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL, in 1965. Bruce served in Vietnam (1967-1968) flying 293 combat missions as a fighter pilot where he was awarded several commendations, most notably a Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was honorably discharged, as well as graduated from the U of M with a Wildlife Management Degree. Bruce married the love of his life, Mary Margaret (Rauenhorst), on April 12 1969; and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. Bruce and Mary made their home in Olivia, MN, where they were blessed with three children: April, Matthew, and Jill. He owned and operated a floral and garden center business with his brother, Jerry Beckman. It was a wonderful life that allowed him the flexibility to spend time with kids and be involved in the community as a volunteer firefighter, school board member and in 1981 he re-enlisted in military service as a helicopter pilot in the MN Air National Guard. After his kids graduated from high school, he and Mary relocated to Elk River, MN at which time he was employed by Len Busch Roses as a Distribution Manager. A man of many talents, Bruce’s faith and commitment to God shined through in all he did. He was quick with a smile and helping hand for all. Bruce & Mary loved to travel with each other and traveled the world - it was on both their bucket lists to visit all seven continents and they did. The memories and pictures captured on their adventures are a great joy to Mary. Bruce lived for every opportunity he had to spend time with his family and grandchildren. He loved the outdoors, wildlife, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was a sports fanatic (Go, Gophers!) and rarely passed on an oatmeal raisin cookie, donut, or afternoon coffee. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Beckman, their three children, April (Dave) Thomas, Matt (Shelley) Beckman, Jill (Tony) Geselle. And nine grandchildren: Evan and Brooke Thomas, Cale, Mason and Mara Olinger, Eliana, Calvin, Zahara and Hudson Geselle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Cecelia Beckman, his sister Barb Beckman, and his grandson Caleb Timothy Thomas Bruce will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring. An honor that is befitting of the life he lived, the man he was, the love he shared and the bravery he gave to his country. OCS:- TBS: Pensacola Class: 4-66 Service : - Officer : -
Wife: -
Address: 25592 Almquist Rd. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-7674
AKA: Van Norman, Ben H. Deceased: Ben died on June 4, 2011 after an 18 month battle wiith cancer. Ben was the Honor Graduate of the 38th OCC. He went directly to Pensacola for flight training. He flew the F-4Phantom in Vietnam and was awarded the DFC. He was buried on June 13, 2011 with full military honors at the Quantico National Cemetery. Service Number: O92973 OCS: C-3 TBS: Pensacola
Deceased:Walter Birbeck Jr. Mauricetown - Walter Birbeck Jr., age 78, of Mauricetown, NJ, passed away on January 18, 2021, from complications arising from a Covid infection. Walter was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on May 22, 1942, the son of the late Walter and Mary Jane (Mitton) Birbeck. He grew up in Philadelphia, attended St. Athanasius School, St. Joseph's Preparatory School, and was graduated from St. Joseph's College in 1964. After graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, Walter enlisted in the USMC in 1965 and was discharged with a Captains rank in 1968. His primary overseas station was Iwakun Marine Air station in Japan where he was an air traffic controller during the Vietnam conflict. After his return from the USMC, Walter worked as a social worker with the Philadelphia State Hospital. Subsequently he spent several years in the film industry in the Seattle area before returning to Philadelphia to work with PMHCC (Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation) from where he retired in 2012. While at St. Joe's Prep and at St. Joe's College, Walt rowed on the crew team. His high school team competed in an international competition in Japan. At St. Joe's College, he was also the co-editor of the school newspaper, the Hawk. In Philadelphia Walt was a member of the Philadelphia Sailing Club where he became a licensed skipper leading trips on the Chesapeake Bay and in the British Virgin Islands. His love of canoeing and kayaking resulted in a long membership association with the Philadelphia Canoe and Kayak club. Looking forward to retirement, Walt moved to Mauricetown, NJ in 2008. There he spent his time writing music, singing, hiking, birding, paddling his kayak, and generally enjoying rural life along the Maurice River. He was deeply loved by many musician friends in the Bayshore area whom he invited to join him to play his musical compositions about his adopted home, it's environment, and folklore. He always encouraged and welcomed both the professional and the beginner at his well known Sunday music sessions. Walt was an active participant in local organizations such as Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River, Bayshore Discovery Project, and the Mauricetown Historical Society. OCS: D-2 TBS: E-1
Deceased:Frank S. Blair III passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023, in Las Cruces, New Mexico with family members at his side. Born in Albuquerque on July 4, 1943, he was the son of Frank and Jean Blair, of Albuquerque. Frank Blair was a graduate of New Mexico Military Institute, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in History from New Mexico State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for 24 years as an infantry and reconnaissance officer in a variety of postings. His awards for his service included two Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation. Following his retirement from the military, he attended seminary to pursue ordination in the Anglican Catholic Church. He graduated from Holyrood Seminary in December 1990 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. Frank served Virginia parishes in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Newport News and Richmond, retiring for a second time to move to New Mexico in 2008. Frank Blair is survived by his wife Whitney, of Roswell, daughter Heather, son Andrew and his wife, Melody, and grandchildren Jinah, Helia and Abel. Funeral services are pending; burial will be at the National Cemetery, Santa Fe. OCS:PLC TBS:- Class: 4-66 Service : - Officer : 092681
Wife: Whitney
Address: 2621 Sunset Place Las Cruces, NM 88011-0843
Deceased: Andy died on Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home in Mission Viejo, CA under hospice care and surrounded by family. Andy had been undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia for approximately two years and it was being held in check. However, he had a PET/CT scan about 4 weeks ago and melanoma lesions were detected on his lungs and liver. Fortunately, he did not suffer. Andy is survived by his wife, Mary and sons, Andy, Matt, Pat and Sean and their families.
Andy served two tours in Vietnam. During his first tour, he was a platoon commander with 7th Engineer Battalion. Andy's unit, Delta Company, was instrumental in the completion of Liberty Road, south of Hill 55 to An Hoa. During his second tour, he was a Company Commander with Marine Aircraft Group 11. Andy also served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the Engineer Officer for 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He held numerous command and staff assignment during his 26 year active duty career and achieved the rank of Colonel. After leaving the Corps, Andy worked for 12 years with at-risk youth at the Joplin High School, Juvenile Correction Facility in Trabuco Canyon, CA. In retirement, Andy has been very active in our Association, serving on the Board of Directors, as Vice President and ultimately President.
Andy’s funeral mass was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch, CA and he was buried with full military honors on August 30, 2018 at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, CA next to his infant grandson Brian Christopher Blenkle who predeceased him. OCS: C-3 TBS: E-1
Wife: Mary
Address: 26661 Cuenca Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691-6215
Deceased: Died of lung cancer July 6, 2017 in Sharon, CT. A graduate of Holy Cross, Steve served as both an Artillery Forward Observer and Battery Commander in Vietnam. He was awarded the Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing "V". He played rugby in college and later with the Manhattan Rugby Football Club. He had a distinguished career in the Advertising Industry and raised two boys after losing his first wife to cancer. He was a life-long motorcycle rider. OCS: C-4 TBS: D-1
Deceased:Marvin Kenneth Boykin “Kenny” passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023, at his home in Clermont, Florida. Kenny was born on August 22, 1940, in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He was the oldest son of Myrtie (Laminack) and Marvin Boykin. After moving to Clermont/Minneola at a very young age, he graduated from Clermont High School in 1958. An extremely gifted athlete, he received a scholarship to play football at Southern Mississippi and played there until joining the Army, playing for SHAPE in Paris, France. Finally ending his athletic and academic career at the University of Southern Illinois. Kenny settled down with the love of his life, Sara Lou (Smith) Boykin and then joined the Marines where he quickly became a helicopter pilot. He rose to the rank of Captain, fighting for the Country he loved in the Vietnam War. Kenny, affectionately known as “Pop Bear” by his grandkids, enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling to the mountains for the summers. Kenny is preceded in death by his wife, Sara Lou Boykin; his grandson, Matthew L McDonald and great-granddaughter, Shiloh Stewart. Surviving is his brother, Ronnie A Boykin; his children, Karen Boykin, Lisa Boykin-Jones, Kenneth Boykin, Jeffrey Boykin (Teresa) and Rhonda Boykin-Schepper (Mike); 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The funeral service for Kenny Boykin will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Groveland Church of Christ, located at 530 SR-19, Groveland, Florida, with a graveside service immediately following, at Center Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Hillside Community Church, 409 S Main Ave, Minneola, FL 34715. OCS: D-1 TBS: Pensacola
Wife: Sara Lou
Address: P.O. Box 38, 114 W. Center Street, Mineola, FL 34755
Deceased: John was born 20 Feb 1943 and passed 28 Apr 2020. He passed in Beverly, MA from the Coronavirus. He attended the U of PA. In his vietnam tour he was a tank commander. He attended the Harvard Business School and had a career with the CIA. OCS: D-2 TBS: D-1
Deceased: Born 1943 Passed: 2021 We honor Rex today, on his birthday. The 'original' most interesting man in the world, as he was often called, was the captain of our ship and our guru. So vibrant, so real. He was our everything. As we seek to make peace with his unexpected passing, we realize he left us with great tools, and we now have a legacy to fulfill. He is everywhere and nowhere, but his teachings reach far and wide. Often a man of few words, they were words of a lifetime of wisdom. And, people listened. His audience always respected his incredible ethics, fun and sporting nature, and a mind that was so deep, so complex. His life's story was written in part by being a Captain in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, where he received numerous commendations, and in receiving advanced degrees in both law and international business. His work took him all over the world, giving him great vision and experiences, which only added to the innate depth of his soul. He had stories – great slow southern stories – reflecting his Louisiana roots where he grew up with his mother and father, Elizabeth and Elton Brown Jr., and his beloved sisters, Jeanette, Susie and Sarah. Rex loved cooking, collecting value wines, his LSU tigers, where he played football on scholarship, and traveling, exploring and understanding new cultures. But nothing occupied his love and life more than his wife, Carol, of 38 years and his children, Jesse, Katie, and Casey. He lives strong within us as he guides us forward. We are forever grateful. OCS:- TBS:- Class: 4-66 Service : 2172636 Officer : 093872
Deceased: Born 8-14-1942 Passed 12-2018 John Herbert Byrne August 14, 1942 - December 19, 2018 Escondido John Herbert Byrne, of Escondido, CA, passed away on December 19, 2018 after a brave battle with cancer, at age 76. He was born on August 14, 1942 in Rochester, NY, to John William Byrne and Mary (Hartman) Byrne. He graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1960, and Villanova University in 1964. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps in 1966, he proudly served with the 3rd Marine Division near the DMZ in Vietnam, where he was twice wounded in action. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for valor, two Purple Heart medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the final rank of Captain. After earning a law degree from Cal Western School of Law in 1973 and an MA in taxation law from the University of Miami, John was a partner in several law firms in San Diego for nearly 20 years. He also worked as a CEO for several successful businesses, including two wineries. His last 10 years were spent in the role of District Administrator for the Valley Center Fire Protection District. John enjoyed spending time with his family and dogs; his passions included golf, cooking, reading, and wine tasting. John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay (Beach); his mother, Mary; his 3 sons, Justin (Alicia), Casey, and Ryan; grandchildren Declan and Clara; siblings Thomas, Suzanne, and Andrew; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 am at the Church of the Resurrection, 1445 Conway Dr., Escondido, CA 92027. A reception will follow the service. Interment will take place at 9:00 am on Monday, February 4 at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elizabeth Hospice or a veterans organization of your choice. Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jan. 20, 2019. Service Number: - OCS: - TBS: -
Deceased: December 3, 1991 of cancer at the age of 49 Service Number: O93008 OCS: A-1 TBS: Air Option Direct to Pensacola
Wife: -
Address: -
Phone: (Home): -, (Work): - , (Cell): -
e-Mail: -
Additional Info: Recipient of the Silver Star for heroism while serving with HMM-265 on May 10, 1968. Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George J. Bunda (0-93008), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 10, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, First Lieutenant Bunda upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Deceased: Dennis passed away on March 20, 2016 at Lock Raven Veteran's Community Living Center in Baltimore, MD. He served 3 years in the Corps and had a full career with the Defense Information Systems Agency. He was buried March 30, 2016 in St. Joesph's Cemetery in Fort Edward, NY. OCS: C-4 TBS: E-2
Deceased:Lt. Col. Bagby passed at his home in Harrisburg, PA on March 13, 2019 from congestive heart failure. Richard was a 23 year veteran of the Corps. Source-Wife-Cris.
Deceased: Andy died on Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home in Mission Viejo, CA under hospice care and surrounded by family. Andy had been undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia for approximately two years and it was being held in check. However, he had a PET/CT scan about 4 weeks ago and melanoma lesions were detected on his lungs and liver. Fortunately, he did not suffer. Andy is survived by his wife, Mary and sons, Andy, Matt, Pat and Sean and their families.
Deceased: Died of lung cancer July 6, 2017 in Sharon, CT. A graduate of Holy Cross, Steve served as both an Artillery Forward Observer and Battery Commander in Vietnam. He was awarded the Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing "V". He played rugby in college and later with the Manhattan Rugby Football Club. He had a distinguished career in the Advertising Industry and raised two boys after losing his first wife to cancer. He was a life-long motorcycle rider.
