Saturday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1528 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Saturday Obits https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/ https://ussvi.org/membership/eternal-patrol (USSVI members only) The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted. I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate. [I’m keeping the first two notices below from the previous entry to ensure they’re seen] BLOCK .. .. .. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Virgil D. Block, 79, of Waterloo, IA. He passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. Born on August 5, 1946, to Paul E. and Margaret A. (Grebien) Block. After graduating from Tripoli Community Schools, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served proudly as a radioman on the USS Ray attack submarine, and later became a member of the American Legion Becker Chapman Post 138. He married Karen Ann Eldridge on October 6th, 1973, and they raised one child together, their son, Timothy Block. Virgil worked for Control-O-Fax and H&R Block for over 25 years. His fondest memories were of fishing trips with family and friends to Canada and Northern Minnesota. He also enjoyed reading, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, and had an incredible knack for trivia. He is survived by his wife, Karen Block, his son, Timothy Block, his siblings, Ruth Smith, Lois Pitz, LuAnn (Dennis) Weitzenkamp, Steven (Jennifer) Block, and Rebecca (Mark) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret Block, his siblings, Leonard Block, Roger Block, and Linda Hughes. [Ed: Virgil was one of a young group of four, two ST & two RM, on RAY who ran around together when in port. Never knew what they were going to do next. At sea, they were fine sailors. Virgil came to RAY from SCORPION.] [Ed: This is a first for this BBS; a female submariner obituary.] BAROTT .. .. .. Kandis Marie Barott left this world on Friday, July 10th, the same way she came into it fighting like hell. Born in Butte, Montana, in August 1981, she robbed her sister, Dorea, of only-child status but gave her a lifelong partner in crime. Inheriting all the stubbornness her grandfathers could pass down, Kandis lived life entirely on her own terms. She graduated from Butte High School in 2000 and spent 22½ years serving her country proudly, achieving the esteemed rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (YNSCS, E8). A highly decorated leader, her crowning military achievement was serving aboard the submarine USS Ohio. Kandis fought a fierce, decade-long battle with breast cancer, ultimately passing from treatment complications after being medically retired as a 100% disabled veteran in 2024. To those who knew her, Kandis was one-of-a-kind. She was "super extra" with her beloved dogs, Max and Keko, possessed an impeccable sense of style, and was an extraordinary gift-giver who went out of her way to dote on her loved ones. She is preceded in death by her brother, Andrew Unger, her grandparents, and her aunt, Debbie Mankins. She is survived by her parents, Dana and Ken Parmely, and Robert Barott; siblings, Dorea Wilmoth, Kenny Parmely, Amanda Barott, and Amy Handford; and a massive, loving network of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and global Navy friends who will miss her dearly. MELANDER .. .. .. Larry Melander, age 73, of Ocala, FL, passed away on August 22, 2026, at Hospice of Marion County, The E.W. & Lucille Cates House. Larry served in the U.S. Navy in the submarine service for 8 years. He worked for 28 years at Exelon Nuclear Power Company as a shift supervisor. Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol; his son Michael and his wife, Jenny; and his son Matthew and his wife, Amber. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Logan, Hudson, Harper, and Elliott. Larry is also survived by his two sisters: Marsha Ditter and Sue Klinkhammer. KIRK .. .. .. Harry Eldon Kirk passed away on 2 August, 2026 at the age of 88. He was a long-time resident of Pinopolis, SC. Harry served 34 years 9 months in the U.S. Navy. His first Submarine assignment was the Baleo-class USS Sablefish (SS303) in 1958 as Radioman RM3(SS). In December 1959 he transferred to the USS Patrick Henry (SSBN599), a nuclear-powered fleet ballistic missile submarine, operating out of Holy Loch, Scotland. Harry remained with the SSBN fleet serving aboard eight different submarines, in addition to his stateside assignments. Harry's last naval assignment was as Chief of the Boat (COB) aboard the USS Stonewall Jackson (SSBN634) (Gold), retiring 02 July 1990 at the rank of RMCM(SS), Radioman Master Chief Petty Officer (Submersible Ships). RMCM(SS) Harry E. Kirk is survived by his wife, Jacqueline R. Orr Kirk, his daughters, Paige Sweeney, Cheyenne Oliver, Helen Palmer(Jim), Terri Richardson(Tommy); his sons, Glenn Orr and Mark Orr; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He served his country long and well. | ||
