Ron Moddelmog Obituary

Vaughan's Funeral Home

Ronald Gene Moddelmog

( June 09, 1942 - June 18, 2016 )

Ron Moddelmog of San Antonio, TX, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at the age of 74.
Ron was born to parents William and Viola Moddelmog on June 9, 1942 in Clay Center, KS. He was raised on a dairy farm, the second oldest of nine children, where he worked from dawn to dusk, rode a horse named Toby to school and drove an 18 passenger school bus at the age of 16. He went on to attend college at Emporia State University where he starred on the football team, was the president of the Sig Ep house, a member of the Blue Key Honor Society and self-appointed BMOC. It was after he served a tour in Vietnam that he met his soul mate and the love of his life when she sat on his lap at the Bourbon Barrel.
He began his long and storied career in education as a graduate assistant at Emporia State and retired after 37 years as the high school counselor and golf coach in Seminole, OK. His tenure in Seminole included five state championship golf teams, three of which were with the girls program that he started himself. His countless hours spent on golf courses around the state (and in the choir room in inclement weather) teaching the game of golf and the meaning of life shaped hundreds of young men and women. Everyone who played for him carries his “Ron-isms†with them to this day. You should always “grip it and rip it†and “turn, turnâ€. “If I had a nickel, I would think Wall Street was an alley.†“If I’m lyin’, I’m dyin’.†“That was a mother-in-law shot…looked good leavin’.†“If I were any better, I’d be twins.†“ Make it a great day!†“It’s GREAT to be alive!†It should be noted that his wife taught him to play golf, and he shot his age on numerous occasions from the time he was 71.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years Julie Moddelmog of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, his daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Zak Arthurs and their two children Reed and Rogan of San Antonio, TX and his son and daughter-in-law Brian and Megan Moddelmog and their three kids Addison, Camdyn and William of Sugar Land, TX. Additionally, he is survived by brothers Lyle Moddelmog and his wife Carol, Wayne Moddelmog and his wife Sharon, Dennis Moddelmog and his wife Kathy, Mark Moddelmog and his wife Lynn and sisters Phyllis Propp and her huband Ken, Sharon Moddelmog and her husband Harold Jenson, Beverly O’toole, Marietta Neuhold and her husband Walter and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 23rd at 11am at the First United Methodist Church of Boerne, located at 205 James St in Boerne, TX. A celebration of his life will be held thereafter at his favorite place, Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to either the First Tee of San Antonio or the First Tee of Oklahoma City.

Emporia State University's Veteran's facilities

New Military Friendly® Designation Continues with Launch of Veterans Lounge

11/5/2015

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Emporia State University has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School, and retired Army staff sergeant and graduate student Leon Bryson can give a host of reasons why the honor is well deserved.

The designation was announced this morning (Nov. 5) by Victory Media of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which gives the awards to top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the nation.

These institutions “are doing the most to embrace military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation,” a news release from the organization stated.

“I think Emporia State is the perfect fit for a veteran, whether you’re a combat veteran or not,” said Bryson, who is president of the Student Veterans Association of Emporia State University as well as a graduate student and a graduate teaching assistant in history. “They’re making great changes. I’m really impressed with what’s going forward.”

The changes have been a team effort involving a number of offices across campus, according to Registrar Elaine Henrie, director of financial aid, scholarships and veterans services.

“We had a concerted push to be military-aware, which makes us military-friendly,” Henrie said. “We called together a group to find out what their role is, what their role would be in providing services to veterans.”

The initial effort resulted in a booklet geared toward specific needs of veterans, who often are non-traditional students with families. It contains information not only about academics, housing and the Center for Student Involvement, but has references about local real estate agents, meal plans, career services, wellness, child care and financial aid, among other topics.

Disability Services has begun working with veterans, providing services for service-related disabilities, such as post traumatic stress syndrome, Henrie said.

“We also did an outreach to the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs, Kansas Works and information about Army Reserve and Kansas National Guard, in case there’s some additional service they want to do,” Henrie said.

University staff also took a hands-on approach to helping veterans at a state level, helping veterans gain Kansas residency status and in-state tuition rates, regardless of where they live if they are on active duty. The one-year residency requirement also is waived for those who are within three years of mustering out and within the state.

“Emporia was definitely at the table when all of those conversations were going on, because we wanted to ensure that we were doing the best thing as well,” Henrie said. The local staff also worked with the Kansas Board of Regents to arrange for the tuition and residency requirements changes.

Emporia State already had been named a top university for veterans by U.S. News & World Report in 2013. The Military Friendly® designation added credence to the advantages offered to veterans by the university.

Bryson’s wife, Sue, and children already were living in Emporia, where she had family, when he joined them here in 2010.

“I drove back and forth to Fort Riley for a lot of years,” he said. “I lost a lot of time, a lot of dead time, but I kept my family away from the drama that happens” in a military fort community.

Bryson also had served tours of duty in Haiti and in Iraq before receiving a medical discharge just short of completing 20 years of service in the Army.

He soon enrolled as an undergraduate at Emporia State, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in history and a bachelor of science in economics and continued on to graduate school.

He found the campus and the small class sizes helped acclimate veterans to the university setting.

“If you have a veteran dealing with PTSD, combat vets, you don’t want a lot of people in a class because it freaks you out,” Bryson said. “You don’t like crowds. ... They can set off triggers.”

Bryson also noticed that the camaraderie of the military could not be matched on a college campus. There was no gathering place for veterans to go for the quiet they craved, or to share their unique experiences and offer advice and encouragement, or to simply do their homework.

As president of the local student veterans, he talked with his peers at other Regents schools who had shared the same problem and from those conversations a new Veterans’ Lounge began to come together.

Over the summer, Nakita Elwood also was doing research to find ways to assist veterans as they transition to university settings.

Elwood, a graduate student, also is TradPlus/Veterans Student Support Coordinator at the university.

“I just have a passion for helping veterans,” said Elwood, who had completed a large research project last year as an Emporia State senior on veterans being underserved, homeless and suicidal.

“To me, they’re our most wonderful assets because they’re fighting for us and our freedoms. They’re doing the dirty work nobody wants to do, yet when they come back, it just really bothers me how we treat our veterans. 

Research by both Bryson and Elwood showed the lounges as a proven means for veterans to unwind and decompress together in their own special area.

“If they do have symptoms of PTSD, their best assets are other veterans, not me and you,” Elwood said. “Emporia State has taken the initiative. We want (veterans) to know how much we love them, how much we appreciate them.”

Bryson appreciates Elwood in return.

“Thankfully, Nakita came on as the Veterans’ Services person. She’s made a world of difference,” Bryson said. “She had the connections to make it happen. ... I pushed it from my end and Nakita’s the one that made it happen.”

The lounge will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Nov. 9, during a brief program and refreshments afterwards.

The new lounge is tucked into a space deep within the Center for Student Involvement in the Memorial Union on campus and will be open to all student veterans as well as to students currently serving in the National Guard or the Reserves.

The lounge and other inherent assets of Emporia State will make the university attractive for upcoming veterans wanting to get the education that military service had interrupted or delayed.

“Half a million people are going to be out of the military, and they’re going to be using their G.I. Bill,” Bryson said. “We’re completely different, and the small class size really helps. The accessibility of the professors really helps. I think it’s a perfect fit for veterans.”

- See more at: http://www.emporia.edu/news/11/05/2015/new-military-friendly-designation-continues-with-launch-of-veterans-lounge#sthash.ouHG10Yd.dpuf

Some Pictures from the 2015 Reunion in Independence, Ks.

Services for Delbert Garriott

Delbert Garriott

December 21st, 1942 - August 21st, 2015

Visitation

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015   10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Charter Funerals,
501 West 6th Avenue,
Emporia Kansas 66801

Map to this location

Funeral

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 at 11:00 AM

Charter Funerals,
501 West 6th Avenue,
Emporia KS 66801

Map to this location

Interment

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 at 12:00 PM

Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery,
2000 Prairie Street,
Emporia KS 66801

Map to this location

Obituary

Delbert Garriott passed away August 21, 2015 at his home at the age of 72. He was born on December 21, 1942 to Albert and Anna (Weidmer) Garriott at Madison, Kansas. He was married to Lee Jasper in Emporia, Kansas on January 19, 1964.

He was a hair-stylist for 45 years and owned his own business, The Country Squire, before he retired in 2005. He could be found there at 7:00 a.m. most mornings and often working until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. many evenings. He loved his backyard and creek and could often be found working there. He liked to travel and took many nice trips with his wife after he retired.

He served in the army in the 1011th Supply and Service Unit at Bearcat during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. He graduated from Emporia High School.

He is survived by his wife Lee of the home, son Shane and wife Tammi Garriott of Emporia; daughter Darcy and husband Jason Howe of White City; sister Gaylene and husband Harold Hale; Mother-in-Law Eunice Jasper; Grandchildren Cody and Ashlyn Garriott all of Emporia; and a step grandson Jacob Howe. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Mildred Anderson; and sister Opal Maxine Garriott.

Charter Funerals is in charge of the services to be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Family will meet with family and friends at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with burial at Maplewood Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 5 and VFW Post 1980. A Memorial fund will be set up with the Emporia Friends of the Zoo in lieu of flowers. Online Condolences may be made at www.charterfunerals.com

Delbert Garriott

Lee Garriott has just notified us that Delbert passed away unexpectedly last night.

More details will be coming.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and their family.

Jim McDiarmid Obituary

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James L. (Jim) McDiarmid

1943-2015

Jim McDiarmid, age 72, of Independence, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center in Wichita.  

     Funeral Services for Jim McDiarmid will be held at 10 AM Saturday, August 8, at First Christian Church in Independence, with burial following in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  Friends may call Friday from 9 AM - 7 PM with the family receiving friends from 6-7 PM at Zach Webb Family Funeral Service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran's Freedom Square or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and sent to Webb Family Funeral Service, 1475 S. 10th, Independence, KS  67301.  

    Jim McDiarmid was born July 2, 1943, in Hermitage, AR to Ethel Audrey (Boyette) and John Curry McDiarmid.  He grew up and went to school in El Dorado, AR and Florien, LA.   His family moved to Independence in 1960 where he was one of "Kayo's Boys" and graduated from IHS in 1963.  In 1968, he joined the US Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving in Vietnam.  He had worked at Independence Bottling Company prior to Vietnam, and retired in 2005 from the cement plant after working there for 34 years. He later drove for Quality Motors and Quality Toyota.   He was a member of the 1011th Quartermaster Service & Supply Company, Army National Guard, lifetime member of VFW and the Boilermaker's Union. 

     On June 5, 1966, he married Loretta M. Reynolds and they later divorced. On October 4, 1985, he married Becky L. Morris and she survives at the home. 

    Survivors in addition to the wife, Becky McDiarmid, include; his mother, Ethel Beach, Independence, KS. Sons; Justin Scott (Andie) McDiarmid, Independence, Ryan C. McDiarmid, Independence. “Adopted son,” Brian Hight, Independence. Two sisters; Linda (Jim) Matthews, Independence, and Judy (Harold) Hugo, Cherryvale. Grandchildren: Dylan McDiarmid, Kimberly Scheibe, Mark and Javan Freeman; and one great grandchild, Oaklee McDiarmid.

    He was preceded in death by his father, J.C., his son, Chad E. McDiarmid, two brothers, Johnny and Tom McDiarmid, and his step-father, Jack Beach.

Services under direction of locally-owned Zach Webb Family Funeral Service, Independence. 

Jim McDiarmid in a Wichita Hospital

WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED NOTICE FROM STEVE BOGGS AND REA MADDEN THAT

JIM McDIARMID IS IN A WICHITA HOSPITAL AND IS IN VERY SERIOUS

 CONDITION AS THE RESULT OF A MASSIVE STROKE.

MORE DETAILS WILL BE SENT OUT AS MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.



OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO JIM AND HIS FAMILY.

1011TH REUNION, INDEPENDENCE, KS.

HOPEFULLY MORE PICTURES COMING LATER WITH  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND EVENTS AND A FEW NOTES FROM THE 1011TH BUSINESS MEETING.

Details of the 2015, 1011th reunion

FINAL PLANS FOR THE 1011TH REUNION--JUNE 20TH--INDEPENDENCE, KS.

THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE DAY IS AS FOLLOWS:


10:00 AM    PARADE LINE UP
     LOCATION IS, PENN AND MAPLE STREETS

10:30 AM    PARADE HONORING VETERANS

11:00 AM    DOORS OPEN AND THERE WILL BE THE KCVA MOBILE UNIT
                   (THIS AVAILABLE TO ALL VETERANS)

12:30 PM    VIETNAM ERA  VETERANS MEDALLION CEREMONY
        PRESENTED BY SENATOR JERRY MORAN AND OFFICIALS OF THE 
        KANSAS COMMISSION OF VERERANS AFFAIRS

2:00 PM    "THINGS THEY CARRIED HOME"
        A PRESERVATION WORKSHOP ON PRESERVING THINGS YOU MAY HAVE
        BROUGHT HOME.

3:00 PM    DINNER THROUGHOUT THE EVENING

4:00 PM  VETERAN'S FREEDOM SQUARE, AUCTION AND GUN RAFFLE

7:00 PM   BANDS AND ENTERTAINMENT

WEBSITE FOR VETERAN'S FREEDOM SQUARE: www.veteransfreedomsquare.com



THE 12:30 CEREMONY WITH SENATOR MORAN AND KANSAS VET OFFICIALS WILL BE
PRESENTING THE "KANSAS VIETNAM ERA VETERANS MEDALLION.

THE APPLICATION FORM FOR THE MEDAL TO BE PRESENTED IS AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE.

THIS FORM, ALONG WITH A COPY OF THE APPLICANTS DD-214 FORM,  MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 29TH  TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE MEDAL AT THE 12:30.

YOU WILL SEND THE COMPLETED FORM TO:

     RYON KNOP
     201 N. PENNSYLVANIA AVE
     STE# 105
     INDEPENDENCE, KASASA    67301


HOTELS AVAILABLE:

     APPLE TREE     620/331-5500
     $87.98 PER NIGHT WITH A FULL BREAKFAST

     MICROTEL       620/331-0088
      $60-$65 PER NIGHT

     SUPER 8     620/331-8288
      $56.85  (MILITARY RATE)

*** LET THE HOTELS KNOW YOU ARE WITH VETERAN'S CELEBRATION

ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT:

**STEVE BOGGS     620/8792915

**ROGER WALLINGFORD   620/332-7059

**TERRY BRAKE   620/289-4438



HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU JUNE 20TH

Lowell Baker Obituary

Lowell N. Baker, age 71, of Independence, Kansas died Friday, March 06, 2015 at the Eagle Estates in Independence, Kansas.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel.

Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel.

The family has suggested memorials to the AWOL and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel.

Lowell N. Baker was born February 18, 1944 in Independence, Kansas to Arthur Lowell and Mary Nealga (Craig) Baker. He grew up in Independence, Kansas and graduated from the Independence High School in 1962. Lowell then graduated from Independence Community College and attended Pittsburg State University. Lowell also entered the United States Army and served during Vietnam, he received the Purple Heart and Silver Star before his honorable discharge. Lowell worked for Sears & Roebuck as a regional manager and also worked as a manager at Montgomery Ward’s. Lowell worked as a deputy for Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office and owned and operated Judy Johnson Appliance and also Bakers Appliance before retiring in 2009.

Lowell was a member of the VFW, First United Methodist Church, former Generalissimo of Neewollah, ICC booster, and coached flag football and sponsored all children’s sports.

Survivors include daughter Dina Campbell and husband Turner of Independence, Kansas, Son Nick Baker and wife Daliya of Cibolo, Texas, Son Eric Hawes and wife Jennifer of Lone Jack, Missouri; brother Craig Baker and wife Renita of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six grandchildren Crestley Jones, Nelson Schicke, Bryanna Baker, Kayley Baker Kaitlin Campbell and Gabriel Campbell; niece Mandi Kohl and nephew Curtis Bake

2015 Reunion Independence

The 2015 Reunion in Independence is in the process of being set at this time.

The current 1011th unit is coordinating a celebration for all past and current members of the unit on June 20th. Many of the details are not known at this time but it looks like it will include several activities as well as  a parade that day.

Boggs and Brake are in charge of this reunion and are working on the details now.

As we receive more details they will put them on the blog.

Mark your calendars. 

Something new this year, may bring more of our members to the reunion.

Obituary of M Steven Law

Graveside services for M. Steve Law will be held at the Patio Garden, Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia, on Thursday July 3, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. The service will be conducted by Pastor Susan Daniel-Brey, Grace United Methodist Church, Emporia. Military honors will be presented by Ball-McColm Post #5, American Legion, and Lowry-Funston Post #1980, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mr. Law passed away at his home in rural Emporia Monday, June 30, 2014, at the age of 66.
Michael Steven Law was born November 24, 1947 in Emporia, the son of Wilbur Charles and Wanda Lee (Roseberry) Law. He married Kathleen E. Knapp in Emporia on February 27, 1970. She survives.
Other surviving family members include his two sons, Aaron Michael Law, Merriam, Kansas, and Cody Christopher Law, Marion, Kansas; brother, Greg Law, Wichita, Kansas; and sisters, Karen Campbell, Fairfield, Ohio, and Kim Bell, Olpe, Kansas. His parents died earlier.
He worked for Bunge North America for 32 years, retiring as the Emporia lab manager 16 months ago. Michael served with the 1011th Army Reserve Company in Vietnam. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
A memorial has been established to the church. Contributions may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Print Obituary

Passing of Colleen Slabaugh

Colleen was the widow of Roy Slabaugh a member of the 1011th unit. Colleen was an avid financial supporter of the early 1011th reunions.

Colleen Blackmore Slabaugh

Collene Slabaugh, age 66, of Strong City, died Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the Golden Living Center of Chase County in Cottonwood Falls, KS, after a valiant battle with cancer.  The daughter of William Mason and Myrtle Lorene Potter Blackmore, Helen Collene was born January 17, 1947, in Strong City, KS.  She attended grade school at Saffordville Grade School and graduated from Strong City High School in 1965.  She and G. Roy Slabaugh were married July 1, 1967, at the Strong City United Methodist Church in Strong City.  He preceded her in death March 31, 1988.  After Roy’s death, she and Ron Lake were companions until his death June 3, 2013.

    She worked at Clark Farm & Home, Chase County Extension Office, Citizen’s National Bank in Emporia, and Strong City State Bank as a clerk and teller.  In April of 1979, she and Roy bought the liquor store in Strong City and she owned and operated Slabaugh Liquor Store until her retirement in June of 2010.

    She was a member of Strong City United Methodist Church, helped raise the funds for the organ, and played the piano and organ for church and funerals.  She was an avid supporter of the Flint Hills Rodeo Association, serving the remainder of Roy’s Vice-President term, as past Secretary/Treasurer, painting rodeo signs, and working during the year to promote the rodeo.  She was instrumental in bringing the Budweiser Clydesdales to Chase County for the rodeo parade two years.  She was the Grand Marshal for the Flint Hills Rodeo Parade in 2012.  She served as a Strong City Commissioner and was one of the founders of the Uptown Theater Preservation Alliance where she spent hours helping organize the “Raise the Roof” project to fund the restoration of the theater.  She was active in the American Cancer Society and was a team captain for a Relay for Life team.  She was a member, and past president, of the Strong City High School Alumni Association and a past member of the Russell Blackburn VFW auxiliary.

    She had many talents and hobbies including sewing, quilting, knitting, dancing, and painting and sketching.  She enjoyed fishing, hunting, cutting wood, playing cards, working cattle, camping, golfing, working in the yard and driving the country roads, with Ron, to visit friends and enjoy the beauty of the Flint Hills.

    She is survived by her sister, Lynette Blackmore, of Strong City; and other family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her two grandmothers:  Estella Potter and Mame Golden Blackmore.

    A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. at the Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home with The Rev. Pat Ireland officiating.  The family will meet friends Tuesday from 6:00 until 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Friends may come by to sign the book Monday from noon until 6:00, Tuesday from 10:00 until 7:30, and Wednesday from 10:00 until service time.  The casket will be closed.  Memorial contributions to the Flint Hills Rodeo Association and to the Chronic Illness Assistance Fund may be sent in care of the funeral home, 201 Cherry, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.  Condolence messages may be left at www.brown-bennett-alexander.com.

Maxmilan Edgar Greer Obituary

Maxmilan Edgar Greer, 68, LeRoy, KS, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2013, at his home.

He was born October 11, 1945, to Edgar & Ruth (Clay) Greer.

He attended rural schools in Montgomery and Elk Counties. He then served in the U.S. Army, 1011th Reserve Unit, for 4 years with active duty in Vietnam from 1968-69.

He worked in oil field service for Layton Oil Cmpany, later known as Equinox Oil in the Independence and Iola, KS area.

Max and Cheryl Ann Gidney were married on April 20, 1968, in Independence. She survives of the home. He also leaves his daughter, Misty Elaine Tate and husband Jeff, Topeka, KS; brother-in-law Mike Gidney; nieces and nephews; Audrey & Jeff Thompson & family;and Erica & Rod Schlegel & family of Neodesha, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Sydney Diane Tate.

Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held 1:30 P.M. Thursday, December 26, 2013, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Coffey County Hospital Auxiliary and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

PASSING OF MAX GREER

THE 1011TH HAS RECEIVED WORD OF THE PASSING OF MAX GREER OF LEROY, KS.

HIS OBITUARY AND INFORMATION ABOUT HIS MEMORIAL WILL BE COMING LATER.

HIS FUNERAL SERVICE WAS HELD IN BURLINGTON, KS. ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26TH.

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH GREER FAMILY.

Pictures furnished by Larry Belt - 2013 Reunion of the 1011th

Addition to the 45th reunion schedule

The 1011th's Reunion Committee has added an additional event for this year's reunion.  We encourage everyone that can, to attend.

 

At 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28th, there will be a Wreath Laying Ceremony conducted at the All Veterans Park in Emporia.  The ceremony will be very brief and informal.  A wreath will be laid behind a ground plaque that lies along a walkway in the park.  The plaque commemorates the 1011th's service in Vietnam, complete with the "Jayhawk" patch we wore.  This plaque is also inscribed with Mike Hubert's and Sammy Kinnamon's names.  It is a fitting tribute for us to pay on our special reunion weekend.

 

The park is located at the very south end of Commercial Street (Hwy 99) just before the highway crosses the bridge over the Cottonwood River.  Look for the U.S. flags, a WWII Sherman tank and a "hovering" Huey helicopter that is also a Vietnam Vet!  Emporia is the Home of Veterans Day and this park is a unique memorial dedicated solely to veterans.  There are several other interesting displays besides the ones listed above.

 

We realize this is short notice but we hope to see you there.

LARRY VINCENT GALES OBITUARY

LARRY VINCENT GALES

Larry Vincent Gales, 71, Burlington, KS, passed away Friday evening, July 26, 2013, at his home. He was born January 20, 1942, in Belpre, KS, the son of Vincent and Florence (Frazee) Gales.

 Larry grew up in Belpre and graduated from Belpre-Trousdale High School. He attended college until entering the U.S. Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam, returned to Kansas, and attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. While in college he met Kathleen Hoffman from Parsons. He and Kathy were married on August 26, 1967, in Parsons.

 Larry was then called back into the Army and served another tour in Vietnam. He returned again to Emporia and earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Emporia State University. He worked in personnel at ESU until 1978 when he became an administrator for the Mental Health Center in Concordia, KS. In 1980 he became the Human Resources Director for St. Joseph Hospital in Concordia. He later served as administrator for hospitals in Wellington, Greensburg, and Johnson, KS. In 1998, he became the first Human Resources Administrator for Coffey Health Systems in Burlington, KS, a position he held until retiring in 2009. 

 Larry served in the U.S. Army reserves until 1995, when he retired from the Army Reserve Command Headquarters in Wichita. 

 He was a member of the Burlington United Methodist Church and the Burlington Rotary Club. He served on the board of trustees for Coffey Health Systems and volunteered with the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve. He was currently serving in the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature and was a Republican Precinct Committee Person. He served on the Southeast Kansas Work Force Committee and on the Coffey County Council on Aging.

 Larry enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, hunting, and range shooting.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Connie and Janet Gales. He leaves Kathy, his wife of more than 45 years; his son, Scott Gales and wife Cheryl, Topeka, KS; two daughters, Kristel Gales, Dodge City, KS, and Kari Gales, Overland Park, KS; 3 grandchildren, Morgan, Ally, and Jake Gales; and his siblings, Jon Sward, Emporia, KS, Lenny Gales (Donna), Great Bend, KS, Beth Seba, Belle Plaine, KS, Joyce Korf, Salina, KS, Phyllis Rodgers (Dale), Gridley, KS, Kelvin Gales (Debbie), Kansas City, MO, Janel Martin (Roland), Belpre, KS, and Randy Gales, Lyndon, KS.

 Larry was a loving husband, father, and brother. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their activities. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at the Burlington United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery at Burlington.

 The family will meet with friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Coffey County Cancer Support Group or Camp Hope, a camp for children with cancer located near Great Bend, KS, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.