Master and Commander
Posts: 1344
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Saturday Obits
https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/
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.
CHEWNING .. .. .. Robert Wills Chewning, Rear Admiral, U.S.Navy (Ret.) passed away peacefully at his home Wicomico View, in Wicomico Church, VA, on December 2, 2025, at the age of 95.
Bob or "Bop" was born December 23,1929 in Charlottesville, VA. He was the son of Dr. Carroll Wills Chewning and Vivienne Akers Chewning. He grew up in Orange, VA and graduated from Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, and attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for one year before receiving his appointment to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland where he graduated in June of 1953.
Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Bob married Virginia Louise Harvey and for 34 years they traveled the world with Bob's career until he retired March 31,1983. They lived in Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Connecticut, Idaho, California, Hawaii, Washington, DC, Turkey, and Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. Ginny always made a beautiful loving home and made many friends wherever they were stationed.
As Rear Admiral, Bob had a distinguished career in the U.S.Navy Submarine Service, having commanded the USS Haddo (SSN-604), one of the U.S. Navy's attack submarines as well as submarine squadrons and divisions. His first flag assignment was in 1974 as Chief Navy Section, Joint U.S. Military Mission for Aid to Turkey and later held staff positions in the office of the Chief of Naval Operation at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. From June 1979 until June 1981, he served as the Commander Middle East Forces and was Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He then served as Director of Plans and Policy, on the staff of United States Pacific Command (CINPAC) in Hawaii before serving as Senior Representative for the 1983 Philippine Base Negotiations under the Joint Chiefs of Staff Washington, DC.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with Bronze Star and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Bob and Ginny moved to Texas and in 1988 Bob became Vice President Nuclear Assurance for Houston Lighting and Power Company South Texas Project, Bay City, Texas. In 1990 he became Vice President of Nuclear Support South Texas Project, Wadsworth, Texas. He retired from Houston Lighting and Power Company in 1993.
After retiring again in 1993, Bob and Ginny moved to their beloved Trout Creek Ranch in the Pahsimeroi Valley, in Ellis, Idaho. For the next 25 years they were active members of the community, presiding over church service at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Challis, Idaho to organizing and running Choral Rendezvous, a 1-week summer choral gathering for singing and performing. They gardened, skied, camped, fished, hiked and entertained family and friends at their "River Runs Through It" property. Bop influenced every generation of his family by promoting the love of adventure, the freedom of being in the wilds of nature and back road cruising in his 1993 Dodge pickup truck. In 2018 they permanently moved back to their beautiful home on The Great Wicomico River outside of Wicomico Church, Va.
Robert W. Chewning is survived by his daughter, Carol-Winter Allen (John); son, Rush W. Chewning (Joanne); grandsons R. Wills Allen (Anna), Lee B. Allen (Bess), Joseph Wills Chewning, Robert Collier Chewning; and great grandchildren Conrad, Robert, Vivienne, Charles, Jane Louise and David. He cherished his beloved dog and companion Alfie. Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years Virginia Harvey Chewning, his daughter, Virginia Sue Chewning, his brother Dr. Richard C. Chewning and his first cousin Robert M Pinkham.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Grace Church Chapel in Kilmarnock.
The Chewning family would like to extend our gratitude to all those that helped care for Bob and made it possible for him to live out his life at home: Brenda, Jackie, Shannon, Dr. Joseph Bessler, hospice nurse Julia and Trecola and her team of caregivers. Thank you.
CARWELL .. .. .. It is with deep sorrow that the passing of Jeffrey John Carwell, aged 63, is announced. He received his Eternal reward on December 3rd, 2025. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he was the cherished son of Paul and Mary Carwell. Jeffrey found his greatest joy in his family, being a devoted husband to Rebecca for 45 years and a proud father to Melissa Austin (with Jason) and Joshua Carwell (with Lisa). He lived for the moments spent surrounded by his grandchildren: Preston Austin, Aubrianna Austin, Grayson Carwell, Avanleigh Austin, Deacon Carwell, Wyatt Carwell, Adelaide Austin and Ashyln Austin. He is also survived by his siblings: Donna Endres (with Alex), Lisa Koneski (with Steve), and Paul Carwell (with Sue).
Jeffrey served his country with honor, enlisting in the US Navy in 1985 as a submariner, serving as an Electronics Technician on several submarines including the USS Boise and the USS Chicago. His service also included roles as a Military Police officer and Naval Recruiter. After retiring from the Navy, he continued to serve his community as a Sheriff's Deputy in Gloucester County, Virginia.
Outside of his professional life, Jeffrey enjoyed woodworking. Like his father he was a skilled craftsman and had a small hobby business, Heavenly Touch Woodwork. He was a faithful member of the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church, where he drew strength from his faith and enjoyed fellowship with family and friends.
His life was a testament to faith, dedication, hard work, courage, and generosity. The lessons he imparted will remain with those who knew him, especially his family, and his memory will be cherished forever.
RATH .. .. .. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Clark Wayne Rath, who left us peacefully on November 27, 2025, at the age of 94.
Clark proudly served in the United States Navy submarine services. After retiring from Eastman Kodak, he worked for Ogden Telephone. Clark also owned and operated Wayne Enterprises Used Cars. He was a member of the Auxiliary Police in Orleans County.
Clark owned and flew his own plane. He served as President of Gaines Valley Aviation for several years. Prior to living in Webster, he spent many happy years in Waterport and Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 30 years, Ellen; his children JoAnn Johnson (Bill), Cathy Costanza (Jeff), Carol Lilley (Phil), Lori Rath Sparks (Darrell), and Terry Rath; and his stepchildren Catherine Miller (Dave) and Joseph Geldart (Lisa), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Clark will be remembered as approaching life with humor and kindness.
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Saturday Obits
