It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Southern Area Commander, Joseph A.R. Thibault, of West Palm Beach, FL on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the age of 76. Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 11, 2019 at Lake Wales Cemetery, use lane 3, 630 US-27, Lake Wales, FL at 2:00 pm
Joseph was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran and a member of Memorial Post 141, with 33 years of continuous membership.
Joseph served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. He served as Post Commander (1997-2003 & 2005-07 & 2013-14); 11th District Commander (2000-01); Southern Area Commander (2003-04), and Department Blood Donor Chairman (2004-05).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief.
Paul Edward Vincent Wilson, of Winter Park Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, 2019.
Col. Wilson is predeceased by his first love, Catherine Mary Wilson. He is survived by his wife Carmen. Daughters Kathleen and Cricket. Stepson Jim and wife Sue. Grandchildren Jason, Kathrine, Marcie, Vanessa and Jessica. Seven great grandchildren, who were apples of his eye. He was also blessed with two angels to help care for him, Camila and Yves.
Born to Fran and Earl Wilson, on May 19th, 1925, Paul was the youngest of four siblings. Even as a youngster Paul was a gifted athlete, writer and singer. His fondest dream was to wear the uniform of the United States Marine Corp. Not long after graduating from high school he joined the Corps, and wore that title proudly for the rest of his days. He served with honor for 34 years. Among his many commendations , Paul served as the head of the color guard in the wedding of Grace Kelly to the Prince Rainier of Monaco. His time upon the USS Intrepid also held a special place in his heart. Paul served in WWll, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. His commendations and awards were abundant, and too numerous to include.
After retiring from the USMC, Paul earned a Master of Arts and a PHD in Education. He went on to become a professor at several universities.
It was during this time that he also completed his novel, “A China Marine”.
Paul championed many causes, both monetarily and through volunteerism. Among them were Veterans rights, senior advocacy, catholic charities, and Saint Jude’s Hospital.
Ever the Renaissance man, Paul was always ready to learn about new ideas in order to broaden his horizons. He always took the time to get to know people from all walks of life, and find out more about them. In turn people were always charmed by his graciousness and easy laugh.
Viewing will be held at 6:30pm-8:00pm Friday September 27 at St Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave. Winter Park, Florida 32789
The Wake/ Service will be held at 11:00 am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church ( Chapel), 526 North Park Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789
There will be a reception following the service.
Although he will be sorely missed this is a celebration of a life well lived. Traditional somber attire is not required.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make contributions in Paul’s name to
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Baseball Chairman, Andrew F. Burkett, of Lehigh Acres, FL on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the age of 70. Andrew is survived by his wife, Jeanie. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Andrew was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran. and a member of Lehigh Acres Post 323.
Andrew joined The American Legion in North Carolina while on active duty in 1970. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Andrew served as Post Commander (2013-15 & 2018-19); 13th District Commander (2014-15); Department Americanism Chairman (2016-17); and Southwestern Area Commander (2016-17). On a National level, Andrew, served on the Americanism Council (2013-19).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Jeanie, at 1623 Lee Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33972.
There will be a Memorial Service for Andy Burkett at 12:00pm on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Post 323, 1124 Ashlar Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
UPDATE: Funeral Services for Mike Addis, Past Department Sargent at Arms, Past Asst. Department Judge Advocate, Past Central Area Commander,Past District 16 Commander, and Past Post Commander of Post 252, Seminole will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Service will commence at 11 am with a celebration of life to follow at American Legion Post 104, Pinellas Park. Mike was not only a staunch supporter of the 4 Pillars of the American Legion but a mentor to many that took positions within the American Legion. Please attend if possible.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Sgt-at-Arms, John Michael “Mike” Addis, of Seminole, FL on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the age of 75. Mike is survived by his wife, Caron, and a brother, Pat. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Mike was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Pinellas Park Post 104.
Mike joined The American Legion in 1969 in his hometown Galesburg, Illinois. He served many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion. Mike served as Post Commander (2005-08); 16th District Commander (2007-08); Department Americanism Chairman (2008-09); Central Area Commander (2009-10); Department Sgt-at-Arms (2009-11); Department Blood Donor Chairman (2011-12); Department Finance Committee (2018-19). On a National level, Mike, served on the Foreign Relations Council (2009-12); National Security Council (2014-16); Veteran Affairs & Rehab Council (2016-18); Legislative Council (2016-19); and Marketing Commission (2018-19).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Caron, at 11372 75th Ave., Seminole, FL 33772.
It is with great sadness to announce Past Department President Alma Zeller passed away July 17, 2019. A celebration of life is scheduled for July 27, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 pm at American Legion Post 67. The address is 14901 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach, Fl. 33818.
Because of Alma’s lifelong dedication to veterans her family has chosen to have donations go to our new Department Scholarship for female veterans (The Norma Kerkow Female Veterans Scholarship). Donations can be sent to Department Headquarters at P.O. Box 547917 Orlando, Fl. 32854. Please write in the memo: Norma Kerkow Female Veterans Scholarship.
Sympathy cards and condolences can be sent to Alma’s son Jeff and his wife Cindy who have been looking out for Alma’s care since before she left North Miami Beach.
Jeff & Cynthia Zeller
18902 134th Way North
Jupiter, Florida 33478
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Post 321 Commander, Dan Reffitt, of Cooper City, FL on July 22, 2019. Dan was a member of the Department Finance Committee. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to, Ingrid Kerbler, at 8963 SW 53rd St., Cooper City, FL 33328.
***UPDATE (7/30/19)***
A Celebration of Life for Dan Reffitt will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Post 321, 9081 SW 51st Street, Cooper City, FL at 1:00pm.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Eastern Area Commander, Albert “Big Al” Diaz, of Cocoa, FL on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at the age of 72. Albert is a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Post 348, with 20 years of membership. Albert is survived by his wife, Rose. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 17, 2019 at Post 1, 1281 N. US Hwy 1, Titusville, FL at 6:00 pm.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. In lieu of flowers, donors are asked to contribute to assist Rose in this difficult time. Contributions can be sent to Rose Diaz, at 4220 Royal Palms Ave., Cocoa, FL 32926.
It is with a sad and heavy heart, we announce the passing of Barbara Smith, the Post 186 First Vice Commander. This was her second time in that position, and her first time she held the position, she was able to get 100% membership at the Post. Barbara has served 35 years in the American Legion, beginning her long career in Kansas, where she was a Post and District Adjutant, and also served on some National committees. Barbara and her husband Chris moved to Florida in 2015, and she became the Adjutant at the first meeting she attended in July. She also served one year as the 15th District Adjutant.
Barbara was also a member of the American Legion Riders, the Bingo Chairperson, 20/4, was also in the Honor Guard. She was a member of the Harley owners group for over twenty years. She also loved doing arts and crafts. Her biggest passion was the Legion, and doing whatever she could for our youth and Veteran’s. Barbara will be greatly missed both at our Post, and where she previously served in Kansas, as well as her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, her husband has requested any donations be made on her behalf to Project Vet Relief, The Children’s Welfare Foundation, or the Humane Society.
Memorial service and viewing will be on Wednesday, March 6th from 5 pm – 7 pm at Downing Funeral Home 1214 Wendy Court, Spring Hill,FL
She will be interred on Friday March 8th, at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. There will be an escort leaving the funeral home at 11 am to go the cemetery. If you would like to attend the service at the cemetery, please be there by 1230 pm.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Judge Advocate, Larry D. Sheets, of Miami, FL on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the age of 72. Larry is survived by his sister, Nancy Carroll, of Hampton, Georgia, and his brother, John Sheets, of Plymouth, Indiana. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Larry was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam War Era Veteran and a member of Sullivan-Babcock Post 32, with 51 continuous years of membership. Larry served as an aircraft mechanic while in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for Eastern Airlines for 21 years and retired Executive Airlines (American Eagle) in Miami.
Larry joined The American Legion in 1968 at Nappanee, Indiana Post 154, and transferred to Hialeah, Florida Post 32 in 1972. He served in many elected and appointed positions during his impressive career in The American Legion including 14 terms as Post Commander. On a Department level, Larry, served as Department Internal Affairs Chairman (1994-2002 & 2006-15); 10th District Commander (1980-81); Department Sgt-at-Arms (1987-89); Vice Commander – Southern Area (1985-86); and Department Commander (1989-90). On a National level, Larry, served on the National Internal Affairs Committee (1987-19); National Legislative Council (1993-94 & 1999-19); and was elected National Vice Commander (2011-12).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through Post 32 Commander, Sly Fowler.
UPDATE: Urn Committal Service with Military Honors will take place on Thursday, January 24, 2019, 11:30 AM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South SR 7, Lake Worth, FL.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander, Raymond “Ray” M. Weaver, of Waynesville, NC on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 87. Ray is survived by his wife, Joyce, and by his son, Joel Weaver, and daughter, Nancy Del Rosal. Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Crawford/Ray Funeral Home, 1 North Main Street, Canton, NC at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Green Hill Cemetery, 129 Legion Dr., Waynesville, NC. The local American Legion post will be performing military honors.
Ray is a U.S. Air Force Korean war veteran and a member of Post 8, with 38 years of membership. He served many roles during his impressive career in The American Legion. Ray was former Department Oratorical Chairman (1985-99); 15th District Commander (1992-93); Department Vice Commander Central Area (1994-95); and Department Commander (1996-97).
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in time of grief. Condolences you may do so through his son, Joel Weaver, at 122 Margaret Lane, Waynesville, NC 28785
Update: The date of Ray Weaver’s funeral service has been changed to Friday, December 7th due to inclement weather. Same time and place, 1- 2 at funeral home and 2:30 at cemetery.
It is with sad heart that we have to announce that Past Department President, Olga “OT” B. Terrell, age 98, of Fort Walton Beach, FL passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018 at her residence. She was born October 12, 1920 in Fort Deposit, AL to the late Gerald and Rosalee (Sullivan) Bush.
Olga married Lee R. Terrell on May 8, 1941 in Forest, MS. She was heavily involved with the American Legion Auxiliary from the national level down to her unit at Rogers-Hinson Post #235.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee R. Terrell and five siblings.
Survivors include her children, Roslyn “Lyn” Terrell of Fort Walton Beach, FL and Joan Schade of Hay Market, VA; her grandchildren, Michael (Melinda) Hicks, Michelle (David) Kerwood, all of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Gwen (Pete) Schade of Orlando, FL; her great granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Brian) Shermer of Iwakuni, Japan.
If you would like to send a card please send to: Lyn Terrell at 40 Hemlock Dr, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. 32548-4751
FUNERAL SERVICE INFORMATION IS BELOW:
VISITATION
Monday
December 3, 2018
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
SERVICE
Tuesday
December 4, 2018
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM
Emerald Coast Funeral Home
161 Racetrack Road North West
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Commander Eugene Poole of Post 210 has passed away. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 1st at 11:00am at Keith Dominion House of God, 2830 NW 27th Ave, Ocala, FL.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander, Lawrence E. Strainge, Sr., of Delray Beach, FL on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the age of 82. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Lillie, and two sons, Lawrence E. Strainge, Jr. and Michael L. Strainge. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Lawrence was a U.S. Army Korean war veteran and a member of Sherman Williams Post 188, with 44 continuous years of membership.
Lawrence served many roles during his impressive career in The American Legion. Lawrence served as Post Adjutant (1991-93, 2005-14); Post Commander (1982-86, 1995-99, 2014-17); 11th District Commander (1987-88); Department Vice Commander for the Southern Area (1993-94); Department Commander (1998-99); and National Executive Committeeman Alternate (1999-00).
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Lillie Strainge, at 312 NW 10th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.
Update 08/28/18:
The Viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Mont Olive Baptist Church, 40 NW 4th Ave., Delray Beach, FL with Funeral Services immediately following.
Interment will be held at 9:15 AM on Monday, September 3, 2018 at National Cemetery Lake Worth, 6501 SR 7, Lake Worth, FL.
It is with deep sadness that we report that Kirk Miller, Past Detachment Commander for the State of Florida and Member of Squadron 275 and ALR Chapter 275, passed away this morning at approximately 1:32 am from complications of pneumonia, a lung infection and COPD. He was admitted to Mease Dunedin Hospital last night around 9 pm. Please keep his wife Cheryl Miller and his family in your thoughts and prayers. A celebration of Life will be scheduled for a future date and will be announced when the date is set.
UPDATE 08/15/18:
Squadron 275 in Dunedin will be hosting a celebration of life for Past Detachment Commander, Kirk Miller, who passed away last week. The celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 275 on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Information is listed below for your review and consideration.
Date
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Time
1:00pm
Location
American Legion Post 275
360 Wilson Street
Dunedin, FL 34698
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Post 57 Commander, Arthur “Art” Lowes, on Monday, August 6, 2018. There are no details regarding services at this time, we will update when the information becomes available.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander, David “Dave” DeLong, of Tampa, FL on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the age of 83. Dave is survived by his wife, Ann. Funeral Services will be held at American Legion Post 5, 3810 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 12:00pm.
Dave is a U.S. Army Korean war veteran and a member of Post 138, with 43 continuous years of membership.
Dave served many roles during his impressive career in The American Legion. Dave served as Post Adjutant for eleven years in 1979-82, 2003-08 & 2011-14. He served as Post Commander in 1981-82 and with his leadership the Post reached an all-time high in membership. In the year 1986-87 he served as Department Membership Chairman. That year the Department of Florida rose to a figure higher than 100,000 for the first time in its history and was the first Department to reach 100% in membership. He served as Department Vice Commander for the Central Area in 1991-92, where he again reached an all-time high in membership for the Central Area. In 1995-96, he served as Department Commander.
If you would like to send your condolences you may do so through his wife, Ann, at 4711 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past 1st District Commander, Lawrence “Larry” E. Carpenter, of Ft. Walton Beach, FL on Friday, April 6, 2018 at the age of 70. Larry is survived by his wife, Patricia. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Larry was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and a member of Post 221, with 33 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Patricia, at 31G Alder Ave., SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548.
UPDATE:
A memorial service for Past 1st District Commander, Lawrence “Larry” Carpenter, will be held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 363 Miracle Strip Parkway, SW Fort Walton Beach at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 followed by a celebration of Life at the Niceville American Legion Post 221, 444 John Sims Pkwy E., Niceville, FL 32578. The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made in honor of Larry to the American legion post 221 for “PROJECT:VetRelief” 444 John Sims Pkwy E, Niceville, FL 32578.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Northern Area Commander, Lindsey Morris, of Daytona Beach, FL on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the age of 82. Lindsey is survived by his wife, Myra, and two sons, Kyle and Kevin.
There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
Lindsey was a Korean Air Force Veteran and a member of Post 204, with 29 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Myra, at 747 Lotus Ln., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Central Area Commander, Gerald “Jerry” Clark, of Holiday, FL on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the age of 91. Jerry is survived by his wife, Doris, of Holiday, Florida; son, Philip (Marianne) Clark of Washington, Massachusetts; granddaughter, Rev. Linnea Clark of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; daughter, Marlene (Jerry) Ungerleider of Holiday, Florida; two grandsons, Eric Clark and Corey Ungerleider along with three great grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley and Kayla Clark. He is also survived by a second daughter, Virginia (Timothy) Leason of Chandler, Arizona; three grandsons, Adam, Joseph and Ryan Leason; and four great grandchildren, Blake, Autumn, Adaline and Skylar Leason.
Jerry Clark was a WWII Army Veteran and a member of Post 173, with 52 continuous years of membership. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this time of grief. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Doris, at 1839 Mary Ln., Holiday, FL 34690.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, with Military Services at 3:00pm at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 4910 Bartelt Road, Holiday, FL 34690. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Southeastern Guide Dogs for Veterans. https://www.guidedogs.org/
Paul Edward Vincent Wilson, of Winter Park Florida, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Thursday, September 19th, 2019.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Department Baseball Chairman, Andrew F. Burkett, of Lehigh Acres, FL on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the age of 70. Andrew is survived by his wife, Jeanie. There are no details regarding services at this time, but any new information will be communicated to you through email as well as posted on the website.
