AUDREY ALICE PITTELLI BUCHERT

Audrey Alice Pittelli Buchert, born on October 13, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, to Catherine and Joseph Pittelli, passed into eternal life on December 23, 2012, at the age of 92. During WWII she traveled by train from Philadelphia to Tyler, Texas to marry her sweetheart, Anton Frank "Tony" Buchert on June 24, 1944, and began her life as the wife of a career Air Force officer. As such, she and her family had the opportunity to experience many cultures, including Europe and the Far East. She welcomed every new military assignment and taught her children to embrace new experiences with open minds and without prejudice. As a child of the depression she learned the value of hard work, frugality and honesty and instilled those values in her children. She was a living example of faith and love of humankind. Her father was a music teacher and played the clarinet in the John Philip Sousa marching band. She loved opera, and had a beautiful singing voice, which delighted her children at bed time. She studied in the Sogetsu school of Ikebana and was awarded a master's certificate there. For thirty years she was active in the San Antonio Conservation Society, serving twice as Treasurer of NIOSA. She was a community volunteer for many many years, helping to organize worthy charitable causes and working at city polling stations during elections. She was first and foremost, a mother. She made her home a safe haven for her husband and children and no matter where her husband was in the world, nothing made him happier than coming home to her. Beloved mother, wife, and friend her sweet disposition and gentle ways endeared her to all who knew her. In life, she delighted everyone with her quick wit and sense of humor. Her faith in God sustained her through a mighty battle with breast cancer in 1976 and the loss of her husband, Tony, in 2004. She loved her children fiercely and was a source of wisdom and comfort to them and to her grandchildren throughout her life. Her noble strength, loving ways, and gracious, gentle kindness influenced others for good and will be part of the wonderful legacy she leaves. She is survived by her three children, Toni L. Greece, Audrey A. "Dickie" O'Banion (Melbourne), and Scott A. Buchert; four grandchildren, Marc Greece, Michelle Bahjat (Sib) , Leslie O'Banion and Melbourne O'Banion III (Jamie), and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Robert Pittelli and George Buchhalter. Burial will be in the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with a graveside service to be held on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North will be on Thursday, January 3, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. We extend sincere thanks to Vitas Hospice Care for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers the family requests a charitable donation be made in Audrey's name to Doctors without Borders.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.


Condolences may be sent to:

Toni Buchert Greece
tlgreece@aol.com
2835 Deer Ledge
San Antonio, TX 78230

Dickie Buchert O'Banion
dickieoban@aol.com
3411 Buckhaven
San Antonio, TX 78230

******************************************************************************

For those of you who had the pleasure to know our sweet mother, it is with great sadness that she passed away December 23, 2012.

She graced this earth and us for 92 years, and we will miss her sweet spirit and sense of humor more than we could ever express.

She is now, once again, with daddy, whom she loved so very much and they will share Christmas with the Savior. There can be no greater joy than this. Our hearts are filled with the wonderful memories of her and we will cherish them always, with the certain knowledge that we will be together again in eternity some day.

Toni Buchert Greece
tlgreece@aol.com
 

 

Gloria,

Our mother passed away on December 23rd at the age of 92.  Her graveside service
will be on January 4th at Ft. Sam Houston, where our dad is buried and her
obituary will be in the paper this coming Sunday.  She was the most wonderful
mother, and our friends from Randolph will remember her delightful sense of
humor and her gracious and gentle nature.  She died peacefully, with Toni and I
at her side,  of natural causes due to age.  We are so grateful to have had her
with us for so many years and honestly can't imagine life without her .   I find
myself stopping to wonder if this is the same planet I was on last week when she
was here. 

I know that some of our Randolph friends will remember her and I would
appreciate it if you'd post it on the web page if you have the time. 

Thank you.....and Merry Christmas to you, Gloria.

xxxs

Dickie Buchert O'Banion
dickieoban@aol.com
 

MARY BUEKER

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jean Bartlett Bueker on November 13, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas after a lengthy illness. Mary was born January 10, 1926 in Seward, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Bartlett and Edythe Janssen Bartlett, and brothers Everett, Herb and Jack Bartlett. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert Clinton Bueker of Schertz, Texas and children Robert Bueker of Spring, Texas; Janice Bueker Bowerman of Schertz, Texas; James Bueker of San Antonio, Texas; and Paul Bueker of Spring, Texas; grandchildren: Wilmot Bowerman of San Antonio, Texas; Robert Bowerman of Boulverde, Texas; Hollie Bueker Roe of Brenham, Texas; Meghan Bueker Tompkins of Spring, Texas; and Emily Bueker of Wisconsin; 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mary was an Air Force wife and traditional stay-at-home mother for many years. After her children left the nest, she acquired her brokers license and enjoyed a thriving real estate business in the San Antonio area with her husband. After retirement Mary and Bob traveled both here and abroad for many years, enjoying several international cruises, including two to which they treated their children and grandchildren in celebration of their 60th and 65th wedding anniversaries. They also enjoyed the RV lifestyle, touring North America and making many good friends for life. A graveside service was led by Father Ed Pavlichek, Jr. at the military cemetery at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 2:30 p.m.

Published in Express-News on November 23, 2012

 

Condolences:

 

Bob and Terese Bueker '66

robertbueker@comcast.net
73 Woodlilly

The Woodlands, TX 77382

 

Jeff ('66) and Janice Bueker Bowerman ('67)
jbowerman@satx.rr.com
1109 Fawn Drive
Schertz, TX

 

 

 

JOYCE MARY NORTON

Joyce Mary Norton, the proper young English lady who fell in love with the lanky second lieutenant from Green Forest Arkansas, is once again reunited with her beloved Ross.

One of the last war brides to pass through Ellis Island, she threw herself into the life of a military spouse with enthusiastic devotion.
The consummate hostess, her roast beef and Yorkshire pudding was perfection. Mom was just as passionate about the Texas Aggies as she was about Wimbledon, and was indignant when they went to commercial just as the Fightin' Texas Aggie band stepped onto the field.

Joyce was an avid volunteer, devoting herself to the Red Cross, Windcrest Methodist Church, Family Services, Officers’ Wives Club, and Girl Scouts. Whatever needed to be done, she was the first in line to help.

Most of all, Mom was "the best Mom"; always there for her kids, in good times and hard times. She gave us a sense of security growing up that helped us become the adults we are today.

Joyce Mary was preceded by her husband of 65 years, Ross, and her brother, John. She is survived by her children Michael (Kay), Richard (Kathy), Elizabeth, and Susan; grandchildren Chris (Heather), Matt (Kristina), Ben (Becky), and Jeff (Stacey); great grandchildren Tyler, Braylon, Cade, Kaitlyn, Kaiya, Owen, and Finn. The family thanks our dear "sister" Dolores Gallegos, Miss Joyce's devoted angel and constant companion of 10 years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, San Antonio Area Chapter.

Viewing will be @ Porter Loring Mortuary (North location 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232, ph: 210- 495-8221) from 4 – 6 pm Sunday 12/16/12

 Grave Side Service will be at Ft Sam National Cemetery, Monday, 12/17/12, @ 10:45 am.

 Condolences may be sent to:
 

Kathy and Rick Norton  (Class of '66)

2636 Wilderness Drive

Little Elm, TX 75068

kathydnorton@me.com

nortor97@bigplanet.com

Mike and Kay Norton (Class of '64)

Mike.norton@saspc.org

910 Pickwick

San Antonio, TX 78258

210-501-3835

 

DENNIS SUMNER, 66

DENNIS SUMNER, Class of '66 passed away August 7, 2012 just one month shy of his 64th birthday. There will be no service. Dennis wanted to be remembered the way he lived - happy and free! Take a few moments to remember Dennis .....

Condolences may be sent to his mom and to his brother,
Cal Sumner  '64
9815 Salisbury Drive
San Antonio, TX 78217
calsumner@sbcglobal.net

Dennis and Cal/Stan Sumner

Close as twins in life - brothers 'til the end!

VIETNAM VIRTUAL WALL

The fellow who was my last boss in the service (Sobichevsky) sent this to me. You might find it interesting to put on your RHS blog. I followed the path from Texas to Randolph AFB to http://www.virtualwall.org/dr/ReedTM01a.htm .

Ron Bergquist '64

ron.bergquist@gmail.com

PAMELA DIANNE GRUNWELL CAMPBELL VARNER, '70

Pamela Dianne Campbell Pam Campbell, age 52, of Austin, passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2005. She was born July 28, 1952, in Gadsden, Alabama. Pam Campbell was a graduate of Randolph High School in San Antonio in 1970. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1974. Pam worked for the Director of Athletics at University of Texas in El Paso for three years. In 1982, she moved to Austin where she worked for the University Of Texas School of Nursing in the Continuing Education department. On July 31, 1985 she married William "Bill" Varner in Las Vegas. Pam was involved with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and cared greatly for animals as a supporter of the A.S.P.C.A. She was employed at the University of Texas Electrical and Computer Engineering School. She was admired and respected by faculty, staff and students and was loved dearly by her family and friends. Pam is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Varner of Austin; stepsons, Terry Varner and wife, Maureen of Baltimore, Maryland, James Varner and wife, Joy of Shade Gap, Pennsylvania and William Varner, Jr. and wife, Secret of Lewistown, Pennsylvania; parents, Jack and Peggy Grunwell of San Antonio; sister, Jan Fry and husband, Richard of San Antonio; brother, Mike Grunwell and wife, Darlene of San Antonio; aunt, Geraldine Mason; uncle, Bob Williams; eight grandchildren, four nieces, four nephews and other loving family members. She will be sorely missed by Travis, Suni, Dominic, Panther, Silky, Peppy, Kid, Mama, Goldie, Bob, George and Acer. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2005, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Pam Campbell to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 2164 Austin, TX 78768 or the Central Texas S.P.C.A., P.O. Box 98, Austin, Texas 78630

Published in Austin American-Statesman on March 24, 2005

COL. EUGENE BOUNDS SISK

Colonel Eugene Bounds Sisk, United States Air Force (Ret.) died Sunday, May 6, at the age of 95. 

Preceding him in death were his wife of 56 years, Betty Sisk, and his sisters Frances Sisk and Margaret Croissant.   Gene is survived by son Lindy Sisk and fiancée Penny Harris, daughters Judy Sisk Millspaugh and Cathy Sisk, grandson Sid Millspaugh, IV and wife Martyna, and his loving companion Muriel Littlejohn.

A practicing attorney until two years ago, Gene was born in Houston and was a graduate of Rice University and the Georgetown University School of Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Georgetown Law Journal and received the Francis E. Lucey medal for the highest academic average in his graduating class.  Widely known for his intelligence and integrity, Gene proudly served 30 years in the Air Force, most recently as Staff Judge Advocate, Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base.  He joined the service in 1939 and during World War II was primarily stationed on the island of Morotai, where he served as radar bombing operator and aircraft observer. He flew many missions, including two of the longest strike missions ever flown by B-24’s in the Pacific Theater.  He retired in 1969.  Among his military decorations and awards are the American Defense Service Medal,  Army Commendation Medal,  World War II Victory Medal,  Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal,  Philippine Liberation Ribbon,  Korean Service Medal,  United Nations Service Medal,  National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star,  Air Force Longevity Service Award with six Oak Leaf Clusters,  Air Medal,  Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster,  Air Force Commendation Award Medal,  Legion of Merit,  and Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster. 

Upon his retirement, Gene opened a law practice in Universal City with John Van Voorhis, a fellow retired Judge Advocate.   He served his community as Universal City’s Municipal Judge, as an active Rotary member and later a Kiwanis Member, as well as President of many clubs and boards.   He was also an avid sports fan and golfer.   Gene lived the last sixteen years at the Army Residence Community, the staff of which took excellent care of Betty and Gene in their final years.   Gene was a man of high intellect and high morals.  He and his devilish sense of humor will be greatly missed.

For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gene Sisk may be directed to the Converse Animal Shelter, a non-profit 501c3 No Kill shelter, P.O. Box 644 Converse, TX  78109. 

A memorial service for Colonel Sisk will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2012 in the Chapel at the Army Residence Community at 7400 Crestway, San Antonio 78239.

Please sign the guestbook at www.colonialuniversal.com

Condolences to:

Judy Sisk Milspaugh, Class of '69

20475 Hwy 46W

Spring Branch, TX 78070

(210) 240-0903

gudymillspaugh@yahoo.com

Samuel Lafayette Futch, Jr.

Samuel Lafayette Futch, Jr. 88, courageously made his final safe flight home on April 28, 2012 to be with his Lord and Savior. Sam was born on September 29, 1923 in Barnum, Texas to Samuel L. Futch Sr. and Bessie Williams Hughes. Sam was preceded in death by his first wife Claudia Mai and second wife Lou Beth (Betty). He was also preceded in death by his grand-daughter Shanna Marie.


Sam is survived by his Sister Bessie Myrtice Clamon , in Chester Texas. Sam is also survived by his children Ron Futch and wife Donna, Wayne Futch and wife Donna, Steve Futch and wife Sandye and Sue Carol Dacquisto and husband Tony. Sam left a legacy of grand-children and step grand-children; Tiersa, Shanna Michelle, Veronica, Beth, Adam Wayne, Misty Lynn, Bill and Jason and great-grandchildren; Kristin, Moses, Breann, Gerron, Gen’a, Kendon, Lilly, Graydon, Morgan, Cade, Jackson, Taylor Lynn and Bryan and numerous step great grand-children.

Sam served our Country during WWII, Berlin Air Lift, Korea and Viet Nam in the United States Air Force. He retired after 25 years as a Senior Master Sergeant and was regarded as one of the best aircraft mechanics. During WWII, he was responsible for a P-47 – “The Fighting Gator” that flew 200 missions without a mechanical failure.

Graveside visitation will be at 10:30am and graveside services will be held at 11:30am on Saturday May 5th 2012 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive Houston, Texas 77055. Flowers may be delivered to Waltrip Funeral Home 1415 Campbell Rd. Houston, Tx 77055 prior to 5pm on Friday, May 4th.

Condolences to:
Ronald Futch, Class of '63
8562 Forum Drive

Houston, TX 77055
(713) 461-5529
mingy20@aol.com

BRADLEY SWANSON - Class of 1981

BRADLEY MUNRO SWANSON entered this world September 22, 1962 at Williams Air Force Base, in Chandler AZ, and left us on March 13, 2012 at his home in Texas. Brad graduated from Randolph AFB High School (Class of 1981) where he was an all-district and all-city football player. He still holds three Randolph Rohawk gridiron records. He attended Texas State and Stephen F. Austin Universities. Brad was an avid outdoorsman who spent many years as an outfitter and guide conducting hunting and fishing expeditions through his business, Hunters Choice, throughout South Texas. He is survived by his wife Cassandra Hash Swanson, and her sons, Daniel and David. He is also survived by parents George Pape and Elizabeth Joie Swanson and Lewis Larry Tew; by brother Brent Lewis Swanson, wife Shannon Lee and nieces Kendall Elizabeth and Hailey Harper; and by brother Pape Swanson, wife Natalie Ann and niece Taylor Ann. Brad was a best friend, with unending enthusiasm and a fountain of giving. Private family services will be held March 31st.. Place to be announced.

Cassandra Swanson
ahunterschoice@yahoo.com

Published in Express-News on March 15, 2012

CEMETERY WATCHMAN....

Submitted by Ben Croxton.... Class of '67
ben@bencroxton.com

Cemetery Watchman ...

My friend Kevin and I are volunteers at a National cemetery in Oklahoma and put in a few days a month in a 'slightly larger' uniform. Today had been a long, long day and I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's and have a cold one. Sneaking a look at my watch,

I saw the time, 16:55. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day.

Full dress was hot in the August sun Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.

I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace.. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.

I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.

'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?'

She took long enough to answer.

'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'

'My pleasure, ma'am.'

(Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.)

She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'

' Vietnam , ma'am.. Ground-pounder. '69 to '71.'

She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'

I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'

She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off.. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman,  and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time..'

'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'

She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flower bunches out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone.

She murmured something I couldn't quite make out.. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek.

She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943.

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944..

She paused for a second and more tears flowed. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'

I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am.

Take your time.'

She looked confused.. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'

I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'

'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'

She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970.

She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out and more tears flowed.

'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'

Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'

She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephenwas my uncle, Stanleywas my husband,Larryand Darrelwere our sons. All killed in action, all Marines.'

She stopped! Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know.

She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully.

I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car.

'Get to the 'Out' gate quick.. I have something I've got to do.'

Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us down the service road fast. We beat her.

She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.

'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost.

Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut!

Present Haaaarms!'

I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud.

She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice far beyond the realm of most.

I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.

Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'

As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.

Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'

Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.

AMEN

Victorine (Vicky) Josephine Wile

Dear Ro-Hawks

Mom passed away last Saturday night with the Wile boys, sister Michele and dad by her side. She lived a full life of almost 94 years with 66 of it with my dad. Dad is doing well despite the loss and the family will be together next week at the visitation, service and interment. Some of you will remember her as the "jam" lady of Universal City as she used to make colorful baggy swim trunks for the kids at the "O" club swimming pool..

Al Wile, Class of '66
alwile@comcast.net

Ron Wile, Class of '67
rwile@moralescompany.com

Gary Wile, Class of '69
gwconnections01@msn.com

Victorine (Vicky) Josephine Wile of Cedar Park, Texas, went to be with the Lord on 3 March 2012. Vicky was born in Angleur, Belgium. On New Year’s Eve 1945 Vicky met a young US Army soldier, Albert L. Wile, whom she would fall in love with to become her forever faithful companion of sixty-six years. Vicky married Albert on 14 Dec 1946, left her beloved family in Belgium and arrived in the United States in April 1947 to be with her husband Al. Vicky became mom to 6 children and served as an Air Force Wife. The family ended up in San Antonio, Texas for her husband’s final military assignment at Randolph AFB. With the children all a little older she took on her lifetime dream and became a Master Fitter/Alterations Seamstress at Joske’s, Frost Brothers, and Lillie Rubin’s. Vicky loved life, her husband, her children and their families, as well as her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held Wednesday 14 March 2012 from 5P.M. -7P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home, Universal City, TX and services will be held at the Chapel of Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas at 11:30 A.M on 15 March. Graveside services and interment will be at Friday, March 16 at 9 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Vicky was preceded in death by her beloved youngest son Gregory and granddaughter Laurie. She is survived by her husband Al Wile, sons Al and wife Nancy, Ron and wife Sandy, Gary and wife Laura, Marc and wife Debi and daughter Michele, 14 grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, and several cousins remaining in Belgium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. Please sign the guestbook at http://www.colonialuniversal.com/