Wednesday ObitsCoyote |
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Master and Commander Posts: 1528 Location: NE Florida | Subject: Wednesday 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. DION .. .. .. George Robert Dion, 86, of Northampton, MA, passed away on August 25th surrounded by his family. He was born in Easthampton, MA, to the late Gilbert Dion and Yvette (Blais) Dion. George graduated from Saint Michael's High School in Northampton and later served from 1959-1962 aboard the USS Sea Owl submarine in the United States Navy as an Interior Communications Tech. He went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He founded the Easthampton Tire Outlet in 1971 and took great pride in building his business. He was also active in the American Legion, Rotary, the Masons, and the Shriners. George was a passionate sailor and loved spending time on the coast of Maine aboard his boat, My Maine Joy, which he named after his wife. He also believed strongly in the importance of donating blood and did so regularly for decades. Above all else, George's family was the true focus of his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who gave his family his love, support, and guidance. He will be remembered for the care he showed to those around him, his commitment to service, his love of the sea, and the example he set for his family. He will always be their role model and inspiration. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joy (Ranno) Dion. He also leaves behind his son John F. Dion and his wife Charlotte; his son Michael G. Dion and his wife Heidi; and his son Robert F. Dion and his partner Jarita. He was a devoted grandfather to Michayla, Olivia, Eva, Kaiden, and Caleb. He is also survived by his sisters Delores and Carole, his brother Richard, and many nieces and nephews. KEPHART .. .. .. Walter "George" Kephart II, 75, of Keyser, WV passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Moran Manor Nursing and Rehab Center in Westernport, MD. Born on August 9, 1951, in Keyser, WV, he was the son of the late Walter Galen Kephart and Margaret Elizabeth Anne (Friend) Kephart. He also was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Karen (Fleming) Kephart on February 28, 2023 and his daughter, Kista M. Crites. George was a proud 1969 graduate of Keyser High School. He was a hardworking man who dedicated many years of service to the Boilermakers Union, Local 193, in Baltimore, MD, before his well-deserved retirement. An enthusiast of history, particularly the Civil War and World War II, George spent countless hours delving into the past and sharing his findings with those around him. A passionate WVU Mountaineer fan, his spirit was a testament to the unwavering loyalty he held for his team. George's life was marked by a love for his country. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Spadefish, a Sturgeon Class Submarine. His service was a source of great pride, and his stories from that time became a part of his family's rich tapestry. George is survived by his son, Walter G. Kephart III, with Kylie Duckworth and her son Maddix Duckworth of Keyser; his grandsons, Andrew J. Gillman of Sumter, SC and Jeremy A. Meek of Keyser. He is also survived by his siblings Gale Kephart and wife Susan of Castle Rock, CO, Rox Robertson and husband Charlie of Keyser, Randy Kephart and wife Anna of Keyser, John Kephart and wife Deb of Westernport and Jeff Kephart and wife Lana of Cross, WV. George is also fondly remembered by his brother-in-law, Jerry Simpson of Ruther Glen, VA, sister-in-law Kim Simpson and wife Rhonda of Keyser, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends. CEASE .. .. .. Thomas Wayne "TW" Cease passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 17, 1942, TW lived a life marked by quiet courage, professional excellence, and deep devotion to his family. A proud veteran, TW served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Seawolf (SSN-575). As part of the elite submarine service, he performed his high-stakes duties with skill and modesty, rarely speaking of his work because he never sought recognition or applause. Working on those advanced nuclear systems laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. Following his naval service, TW earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas and launched a distinguished career in Research and Development with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). While at TVA he joined IEEE PSRC and remained an active member for more than 20 years. A visionary in energy innovation, TW became an internationally recognized leader in power systems engineering. His groundbreaking contributions to high-voltage transmission and optical transducer technologies earned him two R&D 100 Awards, the IEEE Third Millennium Medal, and CIGRE Attwood Associate honors. He served for eight years as the U.S. Representative for CIGRE Relay, leading the nation's delegation to the International Council on Large Electric Systems and shaping global standards for high-voltage power grid protection. In 2000, he received one of his profession's highest distinctions when he was named an IEEE Fellow-later achieving IEEE Life Fellow status in 2015-an honor reserved for less than one percent of members worldwide. Despite his national standing and numerous awards, TW remained guided by a genuine passion for problem-solving and mentoring the next generation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, TW's true legacy rests in the enduring love he shared with his family. Married for 62 wonderful years to his wife, Joyce, they shared a lifetime of extraordinary adventures, traveling the world together to over 30 countries and returning to their favorite destinations multiple times. Through every journey, TW remained a steady, cherished anchor in the lives of those he loved. LEE .. .. .. Daniel Bert Lee, age 83 of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, formerly of Hopkins, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota. Daniel was born on March 11, 1943 to Bert and Dorothy (Doolittle) Lee in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Daniel attended St. Croix Falls High School and graduated class of 1961. After high school, Daniel enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country for six years on the USS Gudgeon submarine and was honorably discharged on November 8, 1968. While in the Navy, Daniel was united in marriage to Nancy Bystrom in 1964 after a 5- day engagement, being married for over 60 years. After their marriage, they moved to California, where Daniel was stationed. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Teresa, Traci and Tori. After being discharged from the Navy, Daniel and Nancy settled in Hopkins, Minnesota to raise their family. At this time Daniel also began his career as a Pipefitter for the Local 539 Union and worked for over 39 years. Daniel enjoyed the outdoors, whether it be out in a stand hunting or sitting in a boat fishing. He will be dearly missed by many. Daniel is survived by his daughters, Teresa (Todd) Sanden, Tori Lee and Traci Lee; grandchildren, Nick (Holli), Emily Sanden, Taylor Andrews, Jordan (Dakota) Larson, Madison and Crystal Lee; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Lee; many nieces, nephews and friends. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Dorothy Lee; Wife, Nancy; brothers, Jack (Shirley) and Warren; and sister, Bonita (Reuben) Swanson. JOHNSON .. .. .. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William Ennis Johnson II, who departed this world on August 29, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on November 26, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to parents William E. Johnson and Claire Johnson. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother William had an illustrious academic journey, having attended the Naval Academy, Naval Prep School, University of Houston, Rice University, Kilgore College, Lon Morris College and Jacksonville Baptist College. He was valedictorian of his high school, played football while attending the Naval Academy, and was most recently a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler. William believed you should “never stop learning”. After serving honorably in the United States Navy as an Electronics Electrician and Reactor Operator on a fast attack submarine, he worked as an Electronics Technician with the Federal Aviation Administration. His work was marked by a steadfast commitment to ensuring aviation safety driven by technological advancements, and he was deeply respected by his peers for his expertise and dedication. William retired due to significant health challenges, which he faced with remarkable strength, determination and resilience. He was a fighter and a dreamer, never giving up and always finding reasons to keep going. A long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, William always leaned on his faith in Christ to help him fight. William found joy in the simple moments of life, whether it was coaching all his children in various sports, writing a book, spending time with family, tinkering on electronics, or whipping up one of his world-famous desserts. He was an avid golfer, playing on various teams at Tempest, Wood Hollow, Alpine, East Texas Senior Golf Association and various charity tournaments. William is preceded in death by his father, William Ennis Johnson, son Jared Johnson, brother Tom Johnson, father-in-law Victor Ferchill and his grandparents. A beloved husband, William leaves behind his wife, Cindi Ferchill Johnson, who stood beside him through thick and thin and will carry his spirit in her heart. Also left to carry on his legacy are his children, Bradford Johnson and wife Katelyn, William Gareth Johnson, and Caitlin Johnson, and granddaughter, Lilah Johnson. William is also survived by his mother, Claire Johnson; brothers Roy Johnson and wife Tammy Johnson, and Albert Johnson and wife Gayle Johnson; sister Angela Johnson Standridge and husband Dave Standridge; as well as many nieces and nephews. William was deeply loved. His gentle nature and infectious laughter will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the lives of those he knew, the stories they share of his time here with us, and the lessons, laughter, and love he left behind. | ||
