Baquet, Edwin C.
Edwin C. Baquet was a good man. He was a good husband who loved his wife Oresa for over 65 years. Even after she was gone we knew he would love her forever. He was a good father. We, his children, could not have been blessed with a better Dad. He loved us unconditionally and we always knew we could count on him no matter what. He was a good grandfather, too. All of his grandkids loved him beyond measure. They knew he was the glue that held the family together, and that they would be in his loving care all the days of his life. He was a good neighbor, who never hesitated to offer a helping hand. Whether it was to bring in the mail and newspapers, feed the dogs or fix a problem, he was quick to offer a helping hand. He was a good citizen. He always voted and he didn't hesitate to let "city hall" know if there should be a visible stop sign at the post office or if there was a dangerous shrub that needed cutting down because it was blocking the line of sight for cross traffic. He was a good member of the community. Ed belonged to two organizations which meant the world to him, the Order of Daedalians and the P-38 National Association. He participated eagerly in both until his health got in the way - which annoyed him beyond words. Yet, even when it was a challenge, he managed to make it to the monthly meetings of both organizations and lend a hand where he could. And he was a good patriot. Ed loved his time in the Air Force as a fighter pilot and would have stayed in forever if they would have let him. He took great pride in being a decorated, 50-mission pilot in the 49th Fighter Squadron during WWII and as a combat pilot during the Korean Conflict. When he grudgingly had to leave the service after 20 years, he quickly tried to find another job "on base" - which he ultimately did as a Safety Officer at March Air Force Base, where he stayed another 20 years or so. One got the impression he wouldn't have retired then either had it not been for Oresa letting him know it was time to stay home and spend a little leisure time with her. Of course, that didn't really slow him down much. Even after retiring he remained very active and took tremendous pride in keeping their home in "tip top" shape. When his health got in the way of that, he still managed to putter around the house and garden, doing what he could, right up until the end. We kiddingly said that because our Mother loved Christmas so much, he decided to give her the best gift of all this year - himself. So he left us and joined her on Christmas day. Yes, Ed Baquet was a good man. He was loved and respected by all of those who knew him, and we're absolutely certain if you look up the word "integrity" in the dictionary you'd find a picture of Ed Baquet. Those of us left behind, who loved him so, so dearly, will feel his absence every single day of our lives. Safe journey, Dad, and don't worry, Mom's got your six. Ed is survived by his three children (Carole, Kelly and Kevin), six grandchildren (April, Dexter, Brian, Julie, Nathan and Tomica) and four great grandchildren as well as his sister, Annie Doerr and her family and his niece, Robin, and nephew, John, who Ed was proud to be able to say is currently serving in the US Air Force. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the P-38 National Association, PO Box 6453, March ARB, CA 92518Published in Press-Enterprise on January 1, 2008
In Memoriam
This page was last updated: January 10, 2012
Association Members who have passed away
ANDREWS, KEN (Dec. 4, 2010)
ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM (Mar. 30, 2010)
BAGBY, CONLEY (Jan. 31, 2009)
BAUGH, WILLIAM (Feb. 19, 2010)
BONAWITZ, EVAN (Jun. 24, 2011)
BRUSKRUD, WARREN (Mar. 4, 2010)
CAINE, JOHN F. (June 8, 2008)
CANNON, GEORGE (Aug. 4, 2009)
COATES, HARRY (Mar. 24, 2011)
COONEY, JAMES (Apr. 3, 2008)
CROOKS, DALE (Aug..1, 2006)
DEHIMER, JERRY (Mar. 16, 2008)
GERMAN, RONALD (Nov. 2, 2005
HAMLIN, ROBERT (Feb. 26, 2010)
HENRY, REYNOLD (Jul. 23, 2010)
HUFF, SHERIL (Feb. 17, 2003)
McDONALD, JOHN N. (Mar. 10, 2010)
MUSGROVE, HOUSTON (Jul. 22, 2005)
OSHIRO, KAME (May 9, 2004)
RATHERT, BURTON (Feb. 13, 2008)
SIRMAN, REVIS (Sep. 23, 2009)
STOBAUGH, MAURICE (Dec. 28, 2005)
SWOKLA, CONSTANTINE (Sep.1, 1985)
TUCKER, WILLIAM (Aug. 4, 2010)
Hester, Guy
It is with great sadness that we report that on Saturday morning, 26 January 2008, Guy Hester flew his last mission. He died peacefully with his family around him. After suffering a massive heart attack on Christmas Day, he clung tenaciously to life. The doctors had predicted he would only last 2 days, but, being a fighter, he hung on for another four weeks before succumbing. Ironically, in just five more days, he and Erma would have been celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary. When you hit your knees tonight, please pray for him, and for all of our brothers who are now flying with Billy Mitchell.Zingg, James D.
James D. Zingg, 86, of Duxbury MA, died at home surrounded by his family on Sunday Feb. 28, 2010. James was born Jan. 19, 1924 in Montclair, NJ. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marion Joy (Gumpert) Zingg and his three children, David and his wife Terese, Kathryn and her husband James, James Jr. and his wife Kathleen and five grandsons, Tyler, Matthew, Dylan, Patrick and Andrew, all of Massachusetts and a sister, Jean Garthwaite of Hackettstown NJ.He flew 50 combat missions as a P-38 Fighter Pilot in the 15th Air Force based in Italy during WWII. He was discharged as a Decorated First Lieutenant in August 1945 receiving various service awards including three Air Medals. He was a 1948 graduate of Bucknell University. In 1956 entered the Steel Business, moved to Philadelphia where he spent the next 35 years as a Sales Executive for Alan Wood Steel Co., Phoenix Steel Corp., and Steel Sales Inc. Jim and his wife enjoyed golf and sailing with his family on the Chesapeake Bay.They retired to the Cape in 1993, during these last years Jim most enjoyed his time spent with family especially activities with his Grandsons. He was an active member of the Chatham-Nauset Lions Club, volunteer and member of the Friends of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church in Chatham. A Memorial Service was held on Friday March 5, 2010 at Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church 625 Main Street, Chatham MA. Donations may be made to Saint Christopher's Church or the charity of your choice. For more information and online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfhchatham.com Nickerson Funeral HomeHe was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors his tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly, for they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol’ Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer for a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?
The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate, to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them, for it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys, went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out, with his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier - his home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier, who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier, and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, we find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."
Swinford, Ross
Paula Meade, Ross Swinford's daughter, sent word that Ross had suffered a massive stroke on October 28, 2010, from which he just couldn't recover and passed away on Nov. 5, 2010.He was in hospice and he passed away peacefully with his family there.Ross was always very proud of his service to his country, and the family is making arrangements to see that Ross receives a military burial.Joseph B. Mohr
Robert Mohr, Joseph Mohr's son, notified us that his father passed away on September 8, 2010. Robert found "Ode to the 49th" written by his father in 1943. Robert asked that we share this with the group. Click here to read the scanned original "ODE TO THE 49th"Roy A. Johnson 1922 - 2011
Roy A. Johnson of Emporia died on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor. He was 88.The family requests that instead of flowers, memorial donations to the church, Emporia State University or Hand-In-Hand Hospice be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801. Messages to the family may be left at www.robertsblue.com.Wolfmueller, Albert
We just found the obituary of Albert Wolfmueller who passed away Jan., 5, 1993. Albert was a P-38 pilot, participating in the invasion of North Africa in WW II.William Kreski 1943 - 2011
William “Bill” Kreski 67 passed away on June 24, 2011 at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California, where Bill was a long time resident. He received his BA Degree from California State University, Dominquez Hills. Bill retired after twenty-five years with the Metropolitan Transit District.Bill served proudly in the 49th FIS with Howard Klimczak, Joe Valenti and Jack Varner from January 1963 to his discharge in May of 1966. He was a crew chief on nuclear armed F-101B Voodoo interceptor aircraft at Griffiss AFB, Rome, New York in the air defense mission of that era. Bill and his aircraft also participated in the William Tell Air to Air Weapons Competition at Tyndall AFB in 1963 and 1965. A memorial with an active-duty U. S. Air Force Honor Guard was held on August 16 at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, Cypress Navy Golf Course, Cypress, California. The Honor Guard presented the United States Flag to Bill’s sister on behalf of a grateful nation.Bill’s many friends and relatives were in attendance.
Philip O. Works, Jr. 1920 - 2011
Philip O. Works, Jr., 90, Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) passed away on June 25, 2011.James A Moreth 1947 - 2011
James A. Moreth, 63, passed away on August 25, 2011.Erville G. Smalley 1940 - 2011
Erville G. Smalley, 71, passed away on November 14, 2011.Frederick M. O'Connor, 79, a retired Air Force colonel and pilot died Tuesday, February 11, 1997 in Arlington, VA.Frederick M. O'Connor was born December 8, 1917 in Richmond, VA. He graduated from the University of Richmond in Richmond VA. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Air Forces on November 7, 1941.It began his pilot training in Ocala, FL and received advanced flight training at Craig AAF in Selma, Alabama, and earned his pilot rating in 1942. He remained at Craig AAF as an advanced line instructor throughout World War II. Between World War II and the Korean War, he remained in the reserve forces and was employed by Liebel Florsheim Co. an electro-surgical manufacturer, as a salesman in Richmond and as a district manager in Atlanta, GA.He was recalled to active duty in the Air Force in 1951, serving a combat tour in Korea as commander of the 35th FIS, 8th Fighter Bomber Group, and flying 114 combat missions.Subsequence assignments included Hamilton Air Force Base, CA as chief of Fighter Branch, HQ Western Air Defense Force; Maxwell Air Force Base, AL; Geiger Air Force Base, WA; Paine Field, WA, as Gp Ops; Wiesbaden Air Force Base, West Germany, as chief Air Defense Branch; Griffis Air Force Base, NY as commander, 49th FIS; McChord Air Force Base, WA, as commander 318th FIS; Pentagon, Washington DC, as chief of Plans Division; and Defense Mapping Agency, Washington DC as chief of the Requirements Division.During his Air Force career, he flew the following aircraft: P-40, P-51, P-39, P-47, F-80, F-86, F-102, F-101 and F-106. He served in the ranks as second lieutenant to Colonel during his 32 years in the military. His military awards include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Air Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal and 14 other awards and decorations. He retired from the Air Force in September 1975.Following retirement from the Air Force he was employed by American Airlines is a flight simulator instructor. He retired from American Airlines in 1993 after 17 years.He was an active member of the order of the Daedalians, a fraternity of military pilots, serving as flight captain of Flight 23, Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 1995 he also was a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Air Force Association and the University of Richmond Alumni Association.Survivors: his wife Diann Hale O'Connor of Arlington; four children, Frederick M O'Connor Jr. of Timonium, MD, Carol O'Connor Furman in Brier, WA, Kathleen O'Connor Clephane of Cooper City, FL, and Randall P. O'Connor of Houston and five grandchildren Nathan Johnson of Miami, FL, Rachel and Jesse Furman of Brier and Brendan and Devin O'Connor of Houston.Robert Allen Baker, I, age 78, of Rt. 6, Buckhannon, died Friday, January 6, 2012, at his home under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice. He was born August 23, 1933, a son of the late Wiley Robert and Virgie Juditha Alfreda Wingrove Baker. On December 28, 1957, he was united in marriage to Charlotte A. Baker, who preceded him in death on May 27, 2011. Surviving is one son, Robert (Allen) Baker, II, and wife Kathy of Eagle, Wisconsin; and one daughter, Jackie and husband James Gilley of Buckhannon, WV. Also surviving is one sister, Linda Mitchell of Sterling, VA. Grandchildren: Paul and Nicole Baker of Eagle, Wisconsin, Kyle Jack of Buckhannon, WV, Christina Jack of Morgantown, WV, and Brittany Gilley of Chesapeake, VA; and one great-granddaughter Jaden Gilley Young also survive. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Mr. Baker was a member of the Hampton United Methodist Church. He was a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, having served in the Korean War. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Buckhannon Airport Authority.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, from 5-8:00 PM at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 1:00 PM at the funeral chapel with the Rev. S. L. Green and the Rev. Robert F. Heavner officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery where the Buckhannon VFW Post #3663, the Frank B. Bartlett Post #7 American Legion, and the DAV Chapters #5 and #36 will conduct military honors. .
