DIANE SUE DONALDSON - Class of 1967

Diane Sue Donaldson peacefully departed this earthly realm on November 9, 2008, the victim of a virulent metastatic melanoma.

Diane was born on December 16, 1949 in Wichita Falls, Texas. In her early years she lived the nomadic life as part of an Air Force family. She saw the world, with stops in "scenic" Lubbock, Texas, two Air Force bases in Japan, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and finally back home in San Antonio. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1971, Diane began her work career with USAA. After several years in San Antonio she returned to Austin and was hired by the Health and Human Services Commission. She served the State of Texas for more than 28 years, retiring in 2002.

Through her work years and in retirement, Diane always enjoyed life to the fullest, whether traveling, savoring fine food and wine, enjoying concerts, plays, and art, or attending the swim meets, band contests, basketball games, dance recitals, and baseball games of her nieces and nephew. Diane always seemed to have a good time, always ready with a laugh. She was highly supportive and encouraging to her young nieces and nephew as they grew up. She was a loving, gracious, and generous sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, and we will all miss her more than words can say. She simply was not given enough time on this earth.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Janice. She is survived by her brothers, Darrell and Dale; sisters-in-law, Debbie and Kathleen; nieces, Emma, Audrey, Abigael, and Alexandra; nephew, Jacob; great-nephew, Dylan; and best friends, Karen White and Anne Turney.

According to her wishes, there will be a celebration of Diane's life at her house, date and time to be determined. The family wishes to gratefully thank Hospice Austin and all its caregivers for the loving comfort they gave to Diane. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Austin.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 11/11/2008

Submitted by her brother Darrell Donaldson:

Darrell.Donaldson@tyc.state.tx.us

ANN MAIORANO NIGRO - 11/26/2008

ANN MAIORANO NIGRO passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, in Las Vegas, at the age of 87 years old. Ann was born in Worcester, Mass., July 25, 1921, to Michael and Mary Maiorano, Italian immigrants. Her father was a laborer and her mother worked in a hospital laundry. Ann attended North High School in Worcester, where she met her husband to be, Edward H. Nigro, whom she married at the age of 19. Her husband entered the U.S. Army Air Corps upon graduation from Holy Cross College. During the next 27 years Ann was an Air Force wife giving birth to four sons. In 1967, Major General Nigro, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, took early retirement at the age of 47 and joined Howard Hughes Corporation in Las Vegas. Ann shouldered her new responsibilities as a corporate wife during both the general's tenure as the first president of the Howard Hughes' Sands Hotel until his death in 1973 when president of Del Webb Hotels. The sudden death of her husband, of 33 years, and the accidental death of her 18 year old son one year later were extraordinary burdens. Ann immersed herself in her interior design work, her family and friends where she found support and strength. Ann never remarried and is survived by her three sons, Edward Nigro of Las Vegas, Arthur Nigro of Williamsburg, Va., and Theodore Nigro of Youngsville, La.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A private celebration of her life will be held at the Nigro residence and she will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with her husband. The family requests in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Nellis Support Team which provides assistance to the Airman of Nellis Air Force Base at Nellis Support Team, 10777 W. Twain, Ave., Suite 333, Las Vegas, NV 89135.

Submitted by her son Art Nigro: ajnigro@cox.net

MARY P. RIMMER (Jan Rimmer Muske's Mom)

Mary P. Rimmer, 84, of Belton, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 in Belton.

Mrs. Rimmer was born Dec. 6, 1923, in Faulkner, Miss., to Lawrence Sims Pearce and Era Estelle McCown Pearce. She married John M. Rimmer on July 30, 1943, in Memphis, Tenn. She moved to Belton in 2007, having lived in College Station, San Antonio and Port Charlotte, Fla. During life as a military wife, she lived in San Antonio, Big Spring, and overseas in Turkey and the Philippines.
She was active in Women of the Chapel at various military bases and did volunteer work for both the military and the local community organizations. Upon her death, she was a member of Taylor’s Valley Church in Temple. She was preceded in death by a son, William P. Rimmer on Februray 1, 1992, and her husband, John M. Rimmer, of 62 years on Jan. 27, 2006.

She is survived by a daughter, Jan Muske and husband, Bill, of Belton and two grandchildren, Richard Muske of Dallas and Susan Muske Craig and husband Wesley of Bucharest, Romania, along with several nieces and nephews.
Burial will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.

Submitted by her daughter: Jan Rimmer Muske - rettea04@gmail.com

REMEMBERING ...

1963:
Elizabeth (Betty) Ficke '63
Michael Norton '63
Jay Towner '63

1964:
Kristin Johnston '64
Mike Wood '64
Steve Burgoon '64
Rick Robinson '64
Dennis Ruefer '64
Victor Ofeish '64
Melanie Landon '64

1965:
Joanna Dyas '65
Sue Francis '65
John Hartig '65
Buzz Mulkins '65
Mike Wagner '65
Jon Goodfleisch '65
Ralph T. (Pete) Hagins '65
Harold Armold '65
Harry Hubbard '65
Haynes Madden Baumgardner, J4. '65

1966:
Mike Brown '66
Gilda Carney '66
Frank Corbin '66
Pat Holliday '66
George McClughan '66
Pattie Tyler '66
Bill Beightol '66
John Kirklin '66
Burleigh Smith '66
Mike Hale '66
Mike Brown '66
Frank Corbin '66
Dennis Sumner '66
Reggie Claar

1967:
John Stampley '67
Alan McRae '67
Bill Pratt '67
Diane Donaldson '67
Michael DiMaggio '67
Terry English '67
Jerry Massey '67
Kurt Linof '67

1968:
Mike Fitzpatrick '68
Bill Rimmer '68
John Robert Dyas '68
Bill Pratt '68
Cherie Root '68

1969:
Fred Campbell '69

1970:
Ted Gosline III '70
Pam Grunwell Campbell Varner '70

1981
Bradley Swanson '81

John Moseley


FACULTY:
Marvin Porter, Math
Alfred Aguirre, Chemistry
Doris Sanders, Secretary
Gerald A. Swindler, Coach
Robert Mickler, Coach

Mrs. GWEN SMITH 4/27/2008

Gwendolyn Smith, age 84, passed away April 27, 2008. (Mother of Burleigh and Barney Smith). She was born April 17, 1924, in Opelousas, LA, to Havard and Marie Antoinette (Dufilho) Burleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband Colonel Bernard C. Smith, USAF, Retired. She is survived by her children, Barney Smith and his wife Kathy, B.J. Smith, and Lynn (Smith) Norton and her husband Larry; grandchildren, Andrew and Jennifer; sisters, Elaine Burleigh and Shirley Broussard; niece, Susie; nephews, Danny, Rusty, and Mike. Mrs. Smith will be interred with her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Please make memorials in her name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, South Texas Chapter, 931 Isom Rd., Suite 125, San Antonio, Tx 78216. Colonial Funeral Home.

SMSgt. Albert (Jim) Burgoon USAF (Ret.)

SMSgt. Albert (Jim) Burgoon, U.S.A.F., Retired, age 84, of Schertz passed away July 12, 2008 in Seguin. He was preceded in death by his Wife Harriett L. Burgoon and Son Steve Burgoon. He is survived by his Daughter, Stephany Parker and her Husband Bill Raissle of Bulverde; Sons, Collin Burgoon and his Wife Ylena, Seguin and Kevin Burgoon and his Wife Darlene, Kansas City, MO; Grandchildren, Seth, Corinna, Chanda, Rae and Fae; Great Grandchildren, Antha, Nathan, Hannah, Rowdy, Christopher and Joseph. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 5 to 8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. Christ the King Lutheran Church in Universal City, Texas with Pastor Ralph Reitmeyer officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home.

JOHN H. VAN VOORHIS - 5/27/2008

John H. Van Voorhis
Col. John Howard Van Voorhis, USAF (Ret.), age 93, passed away peacefully at home on May 27, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He is predeceased by his father Howard Gould Van Voorhis, his mother Vivian Van Voorhis Sanford, his step-father Earl C. Sanford, and his two sisters Dorothy Dennis and Marilynn Ross. He recently lost his best friend of 85 years, Harmon G. Williams of Ogden, Utah. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jo Rene DeMaio Van Voorhis and his brother-in-law, Morris W. Ross of Petaluma, California. He leaves behind his three children; daughter Cynthia Van Voorhis Allshouse and husband J.D. Bucky Allshouse of Houston; daughter Celia Van Voorhis Barr and husband John H. Barr of Dallas; and son Christopher John van Voorhees. His four grandchildren; Mary Christian Barr (age 19), Chance Christopher Allshouse (age 9), Chandler Van Voorhis Allshouse (age 9), and Channing Dale Allshouse (age 9) will remember their grandfather with great love and affection. Extended family in Ft. Worth, Texas includes Sheila and Jim Pedigo, Louis and Sally Harris, and Ron and Judy Harris. Additional extended family includes Thomas N. Dennis and wife Concha of Denman Island, British Columbia, Michael J. Dennis of Denman Island, British Columbia, and Katherine A. Pond and husband Rick. He will be missed by former law partner and friend Eugene B. Sisk. Also, he leaves special family friends, Mr. and Mrs. M.C. Reed and family. Van, as he was known by family and colleagues, was born on July 4, 1914 in Jackson, Michigan. His date of birth heralded a lifelong commitment to patriotism and service to his country. In his youth, he worked for the United States Forestry Service, living in rustic and isolated locations. His love and respect for the environment was something he valued and instilled in others, throughout his life. His appreciation for learning and the importance of formal education was another lifelong trait. He not only acted on this belief personally, but always encouraged his family, peers, legal staff, and clients to seek higher educational degrees because he knew their value for increasing the opportunities for a better quality of life. Graduating from Ogden High School in 1931, he enrolled in the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Beta Epsilon Chapter, an affiliation that lasted for more than 78 years. While attending Loyola Law School he chose to enlist in the Army when the United States joined the Allies in World War II. He was proud to accept any assignment and traveled across the Atlantic to serve in North Africa and Italy. Upon returning from the war, he was sent to Harvard Business School, and attained the rank of Major before leaving the military to complete his law degree at Southern Methodist University. Shortly after receiving his Doctorate of Jurisprudence and entering private practice in Ft. Worth, Texas, he was recalled to service during the Korean Crisis. He again willingly left the private sector to serve his country, which resulted in a total of 26 years of dedicated military service. Theatres of operations in which he served included Nagoya, Japan; The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base; Headquarters Southern Air Command, Panama Canal Zone; and, March Air Force Base, California. One of his most fulfilling and gratifying life accomplishments was his admittance to practice law before the United States Supreme Court which was sponsored in 1958 by Senator Arthur U. Watkins of Utah. Upon retirement as a Colonel from the Staff Judge Advocate USAF, he served as an Assistant District Attorney of Bexar County located in San Antonio, Texas. He began his private law practice in Universal City, Texas in 1971 with Eugene B. Sisk, a friendship and partnership that spanned more than 54 years. In keeping with his strong belief in service to his country and his community, Van served the City of Converse as Mayor (1979-1981), as City Attorney (1982-1984), and finally as Municipal Judge (1984-2002). This service to his community and the City of Converse was for a total of 23 years. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, the San Antonio Bar Association, and a member of the Air Force Retired Judge Advocates Association. He was also a Charter Member of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Van loved his wife and children dearly, providing wise counsel and encouragement through difficulties and taking great pride in their accomplishments. He was always a gentleman with graceful effortless manners and a belief in preserving integrity and honor above all else. His departure from the physical world will leave a great void in the lives of all who knew him. Chaplain Col. (Ret.) Steven T. Sill, Wing Chaplain United States Air Force at Randolph Air Force Base, has provided spiritual counseling and support to our family. He made in home visits to meet and pray with Van and our family, which was a comfort to us all. With the gift of his kind manner and time, he facilitated our quest to provide dignity, love, and faith at journey's end. The family recognizes with gratitude the patience, concern, and excellent medical care provided by Dr. Praful Mehta. Dr. Mehta's diligence and encouragement supported the family's efforts to provide the best quality of care, while allowing Van to remain in his home. The family wishes to express their special appreciation to Dr. Christopher A. Bogaev who provided outstanding surgical care and expertise, and with whom there was a rare relationship of shared mutual respect and affection between doctor and patient. The family will forever be grateful to Dr. Bogaev. We also wish to thank Alicia Sweeden, RN, and AMED Community Hospice for their excellent support. Very special thanks are extended to caregivers Mildred Barajas, Isaac M. Dominguez, Vernice Guinn, Lakeeta Johnson, Margaret Jones, Jacki Tribble and Belinda Santillan for their kind and gentle care. In the last year of his life, and especially the final days, Mildred and Isaac demonstrated exceptional loyalty and devotion. Their special gifts and abilities made it possible for Judge Van to remain happy and peaceful in his home and enabled his final wishes to be honored. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2008, at Porter Loring Mortuary North. SERVICE THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2008 2:00 P.M. RANDOLPH AFB CHAPEL ONE A private family interment ceremony with full military honors will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chief Rick Jamison, Chief of Police, Converse, Texas; Officer Ray Moehrig; and the Officers of the Converse Police Department. The honorary pallbearers are: Chance Christopher Allshouse, J.D. Bucky Allshouse, John H. Barr, John W. Benbow, Isaac M. Dominguez, Louis T. Harris, Jr., Ron Harris, Craig A. Martin, James M. Pedigo, M.C. Reed, Morris W. Ross, Eugene B. Sisk, Christopher J. van Voorhees. For those desiring, contributions in memory of John H. Van Voorhis may be directed to The Network School. The mission of The Network School is to enable young children with special needs to become independent and socially active. The school has made it possible for his granddaughter, Chandler Van Voorhis Allshouse, to make great progress in her quest to reach her potential intellectually and to attain greater independence. The importance of education leading to independence was one of his strongest beliefs and he was a great champion of Chandler's abilities and her progress in these areas. The Network School, c/o Melissa Larson, Director, 1625 West Main, Houston, Texas 77006. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at http://www.porterloring.com/ Arrangements with Porter Loring M Published in the Express-News on 6/2/2008.

FRANCES CAMPBELL - February 6, 2008

Create Your Own

FRANCES RUTH CAMPBELL, age 86, went into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.

She was born on June 26, 1921 in Swan Pond, Kentucky to parents Edward and Maude Oldham. She spent her childhood years in Creelsboro, Kentucky, a small rural community on the Green River where her father worked as a captain on a river boat. She attended and received her High School Diploma from Jamestown High School in Russell County, Kentucky in 1942.

Soon after high school, she enlisted in the United States Women’s Army Corps in February 1943, proudly serving her country until July 1944.

She met her husband while stationed at Tallahassee, Florida and married him on December 1, 1943 beginning a thirty-one year adventure as a United States Army Sergeant’s and later Air Force officer’s wife.

She had a passion for cooking and sewing (which her daughter did not inherit). She traveled extensively with her husband within the United States and in post-war Europe before and after his retirement from the United States Air Force.

She was active in numerous on-base Air Force volunteer family support organizations and an active member of the Eastern Star. She was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel for her community activities in Somerset, Kentucky where she and her husband settled after his retirement.

They moved to San Antonio in March 2001 and lived at Air Force Village I.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Hollis and her son, Frederick Campbell. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Lloyd W. Campbell; daughter, Gloria Gallagher and husband Daniel. She was the proud grand mother to 5 grandchildren, Allison, Mark, Kyle, Kelly and David. Also surviving are 9 great-grandchildren, Stephen, Cole, Mason, Chase, Makenna, Hanul, Dylan, Tony and Summer and many many life long friends.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and patriot and a true hero of our great nation. Fran is one of the solid people who made this country what it is. I know you will be missed and I want to thank you for your service and your love to all. May you rest in God’s Love forever.

A graveside service was held at 9:45 A.M. Monday, February 11, 2008 at Fort Sam National Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frances may be made to the Air Force Village Foundation, Widows Fund, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245 or the charity of your choice. Please visit www.mem.com for an online memorial and tributes. Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.Published in the Express-News on 2/8/2008.

A Friend of my mom's at Air Force Village wrote the following Poem:

Memorial Tribute to Fran Campbell

Slightly windy, threatening raindrops
Just as I watched Gary place the many
Walkers on the bus for those who are
Unable to walk alone. One by one we
Stepped up, found a seat. Some of us
Laughed nervously while others busied
Themselves trying to find two ends
for fastening the seat belts.
Just over twenty of us, honoring this
Day, your final one, in the only way
We knew how.

Bill was resplendent in his uniform,
Gloria held his arm steering him to
Front row seating for your family.
Most of us stood beneath the portico
There amid the thousands of small
Grey - markers at Ft. Sam Houston's cemetery.
We were prepared for the ceremonial
Volley of shots, then quietly we
Observed as two young soldiers wearing
White gloves, lifted the American
Flag from your casket and began to
Carefully fold it with honor and
Tradition. A man told us the story
Of each fold, and why it ends up
In a tri-corner shape with three
White stars and no red showing.

My thoughts were: that flag symbolizes
Fran's life spent as a Wac and as a wife
Of an Air Force officer. Each fold is
For the love she held for each of her
Children, grandchildren and great
Grandchildren. The stars symbolized
Her beautiful blue eyes and the smiles
We will all miss but never forget.
This soft sad moment brought us all
Together in prayer and loving memories
Of this lovely warm-hearted woman
Who was a shining example as a wife
And a mother, friend and the Champion
Maker of pineapple upside down cakes
Shared with her Air Force Village friends.

by Chloe Brown

Myrnavae B. Baumgardner - 12/31/07

Myrnavae B. Baumgardner mother of Haynes M. Baumgardner, haynescheryl@peoplepc.com
9040 Rock Run, New Braunfels, TX 78132

Myrnavae Barkley Baumgardner of San Antonio passed away on December 31, 2007, after a courageous 33-year battle with Parkinson's. She was born in Matador, Texas on May 4, 1922. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Lillian Barkley; brother, Matthew; and her Aunts Rachel Patton, Opal Craven, and Bertha Stearns, all of Matador. Her survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Colonel (USAF ret) Haynes M. Baumgardner; son, Colonel (USAF ret) Haynes M. Baumgardner, Jr. and his wife Cheryl, and their children; daughter Natalie; son Trey and his wife, Lou; son, Jan and his wife, Liz and their children; son Blake and daughter Brandy Severance and husband Duane; and her brother, Tex Barkley and his wife, Eva of Matador. She is also survived by 2 great-grandchildren, Salem and Seth Severance. Mrs. Baumgardner received her teaching degree from Texas Tech in 1944 and was a retired elementary school teacher, having taught in Texas, Virginia, and Japan. She also earned her Broker's certificate and together with her husband owned and managed Matador Realtors in Lubbock for many years. She was active with the Boy Scouts of America as well as being actively involved as a Sunday school teacher. She had resided at the Army Residence Community for the past ten years. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2008 from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home located on Kitty Hawk Rd. Graveside services will be held on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Reverend Carroll Perry officiating. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated, exemplary staff at the Army Residence Community Health Care Center and VistaCare Hospice who so tenderly cared for our loved one. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Outreach Program, 5368 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 or your favorite charity. Arrangements are with Colonial Funeral Home.
Published in the Express-News on 1/3/2008.