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Recent Typhoon Deaths

(As complete a listing as possible of deaths of all post-1955 NNHS students, faculty and staff members occurring between mid-2000 and 2004.)

It is with deep regret that we note the passing away of another classmate. Nancy Umphlet Garrett died on Monday, August 28, 2000 in Newport News at the age of 53 from metastatic breast cancer.


Fall of 1964

 

We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Max Pollard
of the Class of 1962.  Max passed away unexpectedly at his home in West Jordan, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City, on Sunday, September 16, 2000
at the age of 56.

 


Fall of 1961

 

We have received word of the death of Bobby Artman of the Class of 1963 on Wednesday, October 25, 2000 in Placerville, Colorado at the age of 55.
 


Fall of 1962

 

With sadness we report the death of Paul Randolph of the Class
of 1968 on Friday, January 12, 2001 at his home in Yorktown. 
Paul was only 50 years of age.
http://www.vpnavy.com/vp68_memorial.html
 


Fall of 1964

 

Mrs. Edna Colbourn Marston, beloved home economics teacher
at NNHS for 40 years, died on Sunday, February 11, 2001
in Newport News at the age of 92.  Mrs. Marston was the mother
of Bobby Marston, ('65); Ruth Marston Carter;
and Shirley Marston Lewis, ('67).


1962 Anchor

 

Harold Waters, Class of 1965, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2001 in Newport News at the age of 54 of a heart  attack.
 


Fall of 1964

 

We have learned of the death of Carleton Spivey of the Class of 1955.  A former drum major for the NNHS Typhoon Marching Band, Carleton passed away unexpectedly in Newport News on Wednesday, June 6, 2001 at the age of 64.

       
Fall
of 1954

 

We are deeply saddened to report the death of Jimmy Moody, Class of 1961, on Friday, June 8, 2001 in Marietta, Georgia at the age of 58.  An Eagle Scout, following graduation, Jimmy performed for five years with The Town Criers.
 


1961 Anchor

 

With sadness we report the passing away of yet another member of the Class of 1961.  Glenn Barkley died in Pascagoula, Mississippi on Thursday, September 27, 2001 at the age of 57.  Glenn was a member of the Typhoon Band, and earned the Sherman Award for his prowess on the clarinet.


Fall of 1960

 

On Tuesday, October 30, 2001, Joe Mooney suffered a fatal heart attack while at work at Grafton.  He was only 55.  Joe served as President of our Freshman Class, was a member of the Varsity Basketball Team which captured the Virginia State Championship in 1964, and was Co-Captain of that team during our senior year.  He was elected Friendly Typhoon and Best All Around that year as well.


Fall of 1964

 
On Monday, November 26, 2001, Gary Steveson, Class of 1963,
died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Fall of 1962

 

Joel Frank of Newport News, Class of 1964, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2001 just shy of his 56th birthday.


Fall of 1962

 

Bubby Parker of Suffolk, Class of 1955, passed away suddenly
and unexpectedly on Friday, December 7, 2001 at 7:00 A.M.
at the age of 64.  He was the older brother of Jimmy Parker,
President of the Class of 1962.


Fall of 1954

 

Butch DeLozier, Class of 1963, died unexpectedly at his home in Thibodaux, Louisiana on Sunday, March 17, 2002 at the age of 56.  A noted textbook author and lecturer, Dr. DeLozier was at the time of his death Distinguished Professor of Marketing at Nicholls State University.

Fall of 1962 

About 2001

 

Ted Marshall, Class of 1962, passed away in Norfolk on Monday, March 25, 2002 of inoperable liver cancer at the age of 57.  Ted was a member of the Typhoon Band.


Fall of 1961

 

Terry Kiser, Class of 1966, passed away in Hampton on Friday, July 26, 2002 at the age of  54.


Fall of 1965

 

Ray Dossett, Class of 1955, and brother of Jim Dossett, Class of 1966, passed away in May of 2002 of cancer (asbestosis).  He held a B.S. in Naval Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Class of 1964), and was retired from the NC Department of Transportation (Ferry Division).
If you have ridden on a ferry boat near the coast of North Carolina in the last 20 years, it was designed by Ray.  He was recognized as an expert in the field of naval architecture and marine engineering. Ray was invited to present one of his designs to the British Royal Naval Academy in London.  He was a faithful husband, devoted son, and loving father. Ray is also survived by his wife, Linda Hurt Dossett of Morehead, NC, and two sons, Keith and Todd. 

 
Fall of 1954

(Photo Restoration by Dale Harty)
dharty@nc.rr.com

 

Brenda Sue Carson Howell Divine, Class of 1967, passed away in Poquoson on Wednesday, November 13, 2002 at the age of 53.  An honor graduate of Thomas Nelson Community College, she was a supervisor
with Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock.

(Brenda Sue was a transfer student from Warwick High School.)


Fall of 1966

 

Dennis Holbrook, Class of 1964, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2003 in Yorktown at the age of 56 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  While at NNHS, he was President of his Freshman Class, Vice President of his Senior Class, and voted Most Popular in the Hall of Fame. He was elected Friendly Typhoon in both his freshman and sophomore years, was Vice President of the Key Club, and a delegate to Boys State. A prominent banker, teacher, and civic leader, Dennis had also served with the United States Marine Corps.
 


Fall of 1963


Fall of 1965

(The 1966 Troubadour,
Old Dominion College)

 

Jerry Gary, Class of 1962, passed away at his home in Smithfield on Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the age of 59.  He was the former owner of Hampton Nissan, and had been in the automotive business for 44 years.


Fall of 1961

 

Skip Walker, Class of 1964, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2003 in Newport News.  While at NNHS, Skip was a member of the Typhoon Band, and participated in several honor bands as well.


Fall of 1963

 

Dan Outland, Class of 1958, passed away in Yorktown on Sunday, March 9, 2003 at the age of 63.  During his time at NNHS, he was co-captain of the football team, and a member of the Typhoon Band. He was married to the former Priscilla Balanis, also a member of the Class of 1958.


Fall of 1957

 
Bobby Creekmore, Class of 1970, brother of Jerry Creekmore, Class of 1967, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Newport News on Saturday, April 12, 2003.  He was only 50 years of age.  A graduate of Old Dominion University, Bobby was an assistant baseball coach
at Menchville High School.

Fall of 1969
 
Mrs. Lallie Bradford Barritt, Cafeteria Manager at NNHS for many years, and later Assistant Supervisor of School Food Service until her retirement in 1984, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2003 in Hampton.  She was the mother of Wilton ("Brad") Bradford, Class of 1961, and Mike Bradford, Class of 1966.  She was also the step-mother of Harry Barritt, Class of 1964.


1960 Anchor

 
Wesley E. "Butch" Baker, Class of 1958, passed away on or about Monday, June 23, 2003 of cancer.  His two younger sisters are
Linda Baker ('64) and Brenda Baker ('67).

Fall of 1957

 

Jerrold A. “Buzzy” Levinson died Tuesday, July 01, 2003 in Florida, from complications due to diabetes. He was a native of Newport News, Virginia and graduated from NNHS in 1956. He furthered his education at U. Va. and William & Mary College. Buzzy sang the songs on "Name That Tune" T.V. program during the early 60's. He owned and operated several restaurants including the Chicken Inn Restaurant in the late 60's. He had live folk music most every night at his restaurant. Often there would be
a spontaneous "sing in” with other musicians. His love of antique cars led him to open an Antique Car Museum in Williamsburg in the 1980's. Buzzy built his first car when he was 12 years old. He loved music, singing and playing the electric guitar. He wrote many songs. One really great history lesson he wrote and recorded, was "The Battle of Yorktown". He sang it along with Cheryl Mays Howard and Joann Moren Viars, at the Yorktown Bicentennial. He is survived by his 3 children, Heidi, Marcy, and Sol; his mother, Hilda Levinson; a sister, Eleanor; and 2 grandchildren. 

Buzzy always had a smile for everyone.
 

Submitted by Cheryl Mays Howard ('66) of NN, VA - 07/06/03
Thanks, Cheryl!


Fall of 1955

 
Diane Hill Stover, Class of 1965, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2003 at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS at the age of 55. 
Diane's brother, Mac Hill, was a member of the Class of 1961.

Fall of 1964

(Photo Restoration by Dale Harty)
dharty@nc.rr.com

 
Elaine Redford Laseman, Class of 1962, passed away in her home in Newport News on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at the age of 59.
Fall of 1961
 
Mr. Samuel Somervill, Industrial Arts teacher at NNHS for many years, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2003 in Newport News at the age of 79.  During WWII, Mr. Somervill served with the Army Air Corps
in the Western Theater.
 

1960 Anchor
 
Joyce Benton Bowden, Class of 1962, passed away in Houston, TX on Monday, August 4, 2003 at the age of 59.
Fall of 1961
 
Patricia Mattox Winfree, Class of 1967, passed away in Grafton
on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 at the age of 54.

Fall of 1966
 
Joe Laws, Class of 1965, passed away in Blue Ridge, GA
on Saturday, October 4, 2003 at the age of 56.  His siblings
include Paul Laws ('61), Martha Laws Nowygrod ('68),
Deborah Laws-Landis, and Philip Laws.

Fall of 1964
 
Ronald Guilliams, Class of 1958, passed away Monday, October 13, 2003 at the age of 63 at his home in Prince Edward County.  His sister, Charlotte Krell of Richardson, TX is a member of the Class of 1963.  His brother, David Guilliams (WHS, '65), lives in Arlington, and his sister, Elaine Austin, is in San Antonio, TX.
 

Fall of 1956
 
Donald Houston, Class of 1964, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2003 in Richmond at the age of 56.  Donald's wife, the former Jeanette Parrish, is also a member of the Class of 1964.  His brother, Bob Houston of Newport News, is a member of the Class of 1966.
Fall of 1963
 
Larry Crickenberger, Class of 1958, died suddenly of a heart attack
on Thursday, November 13, 2003 at his home in Clinton, New Jersey. While at NNHS, Larry served as Drum Major and Librarian of the Typhoon Marching Band.
 
The family would like to collect stories about their father.  If you have any you would like to share,
please email them to ingerk@crickenberger.com, or mail them to his wife:
Lena Crickenberger
57 Hickory Corner Road
Milford, NJ 08848.
 
or to Larry's son David:
david@crickenberger.com,
or by phone at 973-252-9955

Fall of 1957
 
Danny O'Brien passed away in Gloucester on Thursday, December 4, 2003 at the age of 54 after a long illness.  Danny was well-known by many as the founder of Danny and the DelNotes.  Formed when he was only 14, the band delighted us for decades. Danny's siblings are Patricia O'Brien Delles, Helen O'Brien Lehman, Michael O'Brien and Timothy O'Brien ('67).  
 
Fred Allen, Class of 1955, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2004 at his home in Newport News after just a two month battle with mesathioloma (lung cancer from asbestos).  His wife of 46 years, Gwen Davis Allen, was a member of the Class of 1956.  Fred was the brother of John Allen ('54)
of Newport News; Charles Allen ('57) of Newport News; Faye Allen Andrashko ('64) of Springfield, IL; and Richie Allen ('66)
of Newport News.

Fall of 1954
 
Ernie Blanchard, Class of 1965, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 11, 2004 in Mathews.  Ernie's siblings include Barbara Blanchard Pitchford (St. Vincent's, '58) of Richmond; Betty Blanchard Burton of Callao; Jeannine Blanchard Blackburn of Troutville; Boyce Blanchard of Rocky Mount; Tim Lamb of Newport News;  Jerry Henry ('66) of York Co; and the late Annette Blanchard Freed ('65).
 

Fall of 1964
 
Tom Hargadon, Class of 1965, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2004 in New Kent, VA.  Tom' sister, Sue Ellen Hargadon, lives in Williamsburg.
Fall of 1964
 
Sylvia Summerlin Pugh, Class of 1965, passed away on Friday,
January 30, 2004 in New Kent, VA after battling cancer.  In addition to her husband of 36 years, Nick Pugh ('  ), she is survived by her siblings, Kathy Summerlin Harris of Yorktown; Bennie Summerlin of Carrollton; and Ed Summerlin ('63) of Pinellas Park, FL.

Fall of 1964

Courtesy of Richmond Times-Dispatch

 
Billy Hanrahan, Class of 1957, passed away at his home in Hampton at the age of 64 on Monday, February 2, 2004.  He was county surveyor/draftsman at York County for 23 years.  He was married for 43 years to the former Kathleen ("Kitty") Taylor ('57), who survives along with a son and a daughter. One of eleven children, Billy's siblings include Allan Hanrahan ('55); Calvin ("Bubba") Hanrahan ('62); Lucile Hanrahan Emery; Guinevere Hanrahan Joyner, and Carolyn Hanrahan-Sullivan ('62); and the late Byron Hanrahan, Jr.; Emma Lee Hanrahan Boone; Naomi Hanrahan Kammerzell; Kirkwood Hanrahan; and Anita Hanrahan Thomas ('58).
 

Fall of 1956
 
Bruce Spigel, Class of 1965, died on Saturday, February 14, 2004
at 2:45 PM in Virginia Beach after a long battle with cancer, with his daughter, Melody Spigel Padgett at his side.  Bruce's beloved wife, Carol, had lost her life to ovarian cancer on Monday, April 22, 2002 at their home in Virginia Beach.  He is survived by his daughter, Melody Spigel Padgett; his son, Victor Spigel; two grandsons; and his very significant other,
Lynn Engle.

http://www.bruskys.com

    Fall of 1964   1965 Anchor

Dear Friend of Bruce,
This is Spencer Padgett, Bruce's son-in-law. 
Unfortunately I must inform you that Bruce passed away at 2:45 today, Saturday, February 14, 2004 after a long battle with cancer.  His daughter, Melody, was at his side when he passed.
There will be a service for Bruce at 10am on Tuesday the 17th at the Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. 
A graveside service will follow.
Bruce lived a wonderfully fulfilling life and was an inspiration to his entire family.
Sincerely,
Spencer Padgett

- Courtesy of Dave Arnold of VA - 02/14/04
Thanks, Dave!

 
Gary Bunting, Class of '58, died Monday night, February 16, 2004 in Wilmington, NC of cancer at the age of 63.  While at NNHS, he served as Vice-President of his Senior Class, and was elected Best Dancer in the Hall of Fame.
Fall of 1957
 
Gene Turner, Class of 1961, died in Newport News on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at the age of 61.  He is survived by his daughter, a granddaughter, and two brothers, Lewis Turner (Class of '63) and Jimmy Turner (Class of '69).
Fall of 1960
 
Mr. James Carter, who served as head custodian at NNHS for several years, died Friday, May 14, 2004 in Hampton at the age of 86.  A veteran of both WWII and the Korean War, Mr. Carter retired from a career in the Air Force before coming to NNHS.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, one daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
 

1965 Anchor
 
Shirley Riddle Gilliam, Class of 1955, died Sunday, May 23, 2004 at her home in Newport News at the age of 67 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  She is survived by her husband of 48 years, a daughter, four sons, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Fall of 1954
 
Kathryn Brinn Dicus, Class of 1962, died at home in Yorktown on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the age of 59.  A gifted and dedicated teacher, she is survived by her husband, Dennis, one daughter, one son, and two grandsons.
Fall of 1961
 
Charles Duke of Hayes, Class of 1962, died in the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond on Monday, June 14, 2004 at the age of 60.  An Army veteran, he is survived by his wife, Jackie, one son, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
 

Fall of 1961
 
Charlie Wiggins of Newport News, Class of 1962, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at the age of 61, ending a courageous battle with cancer.  An Army veteran, he earned a degree from Old Dominion University in 1967 as well as a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Hampton Institute in 1973. He retired from Civil Service after 31 years. He was a Senior Systems Analyst for Unidyne until June this year. He was rewarded with a government patent in 1997. He was also a Master Electrician.  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rose Roughton Wiggins ('65), three daughters, two grandchildren, and his mother, Dorothy Wiggins.  He is also survived by his sisters, Phyllis Wiggins Dees of Colonial Heights, Rebecca Wiggins of Virginia Beach, and brothers, Walter Wiggins of Hampton. A memorial service was held at 10:00 AM on July 31, 2004 at Parkview Baptist Church in Newport News.  Following the service, the family will receive friends in the church social hall.
 

Fall of 1961

 


Fall of 1965

(The 1966 Troubadour,
Old Dominion College)

 
Marcia Wasserman Lawrence, Class of '68, passed away at her home in Hampton on Thursday, July 29, 2004 after a long illness with cancer.  Marcia's sister, Ilene Wasserman Dillard of Hayes, is a member of the Class of '65, and her brother, Ellis Wasserman of Newport News, is a member of the Class of '62. In addition to her husband, Wes, and her mother,
she is survived by one son and one grandson. The family received friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 1, 2004 at the W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 2, 2004 in the Garden of Wisdom, Peninsula Memorial Park.

Fall of 1964
 
Billy Rhodes, Class of 1963, passed away in Mexico on September 17, 2004, after suffering a heart attack while driving an automobile.
Fall of 1962

 

"Savor and taste each moment in life - for it soon shall be a memory."

- Shana Wiersum

~*~*~*~

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them"

- Laurence Binyon

This verse courtesy of Cheryl Mays Howard ('66) of NN, VA.  Thanks, Cheryl!


  ~*~*~*~

"The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others
how much they love them while they're still alive."

~O. A. Battista

  ~*~*~*~

"The swift passing of the seasons brings all of us at time to think upon the length of life, as friends and loved ones come and leave, and as we ourselves face always such uncertainties.  Not one of us knows how long he will live, how long his loved ones will live. "No one can be ignorant that he must die," said Cicero, "nor be sure that he may not this very day."  But beyond all this -- beyond all fretting, worrying, and brooding about the length of life -- there is evidence everywhere to quiet our hearts, to give us peace and faith for the future, and assurances that we can count on.  Spring returned again this year.  We knew it would -- and it did.  And just so surely as all this, life has purpose, plan, and pattern that includes eternal continuance with loved ones waiting.  And with all sorrows, loss of loved ones, loneliness, there is this that we may know:  That in a universe which runs so well, the Power who runs it well is that same Power  who knows each human heart, and quiets and softens sorrow, and gives assurances we so much seek, as each day brings its undisclosed events.  We come; we live; we leave.  Our loved ones leave -- but we and they live always and forever.  Don't fret.  Don't doubt.  Don't cling to grieving.  Don't fight life, or give up, or brood, or be bitter and rebellious, or let go of faith in the future.  All of us know loneliness; all of us search ourselves, and ask for answers.  Trust Him, who has done so much so well, to do all things well.  Trust Him to bring peace and comfort and quietness and assurance to your soul inside.  "Once more the Heavenly Power makes all things new."  (Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Early Spring").   This you can count on."     

~ Richard L. Evans

(1906 - 1971)

  ~*~*~*~

IT’S A KEEPER

I grew up in the fifties with practical parents -- a Mother, God love
her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it.
She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it...

A Father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends
lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and
a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, dishtowel in the other.

It was the time for fixing things -- a curtain rod, the kitchen radio,
screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that
re-fixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful.

Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my Mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the
warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that
sometimes there isn't any 'more.'

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return.

So...while we have it...it's best we love it.....and care for
it.....and fix it when it's broken.....and heal it when it's sick.

This is true.....for marriage.....and old cars.....and children with
bad report cards.....and dogs with bad hips.....and aging parents.....and grandparents.

We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep.

Like a best friend that moved away -- or -- a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we
know who are special.....and so, we keep them close!


This selection courtesy of Dave and Pam Smith Arnold of VA - 02/22/04.  Thanks, Dave and Pam!

  ~*~*~*~

Military Flags courtesy of http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/KevsGifsGalore/Patriotic.html - 01/21/04

Eagle Scout Patch courtesy of Boys Scouts of America - 01/21/04

Saint-Saen's Symphony No. 3 - The Organ Symphony - midi courtesy of
http://www.rosetree.k12.pa.us/glenwood_music/Past%20Composers%20Of%20the%20Month/St_Saens/Composer%20of%20the%20Month.htm
at the suggestion of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 07/01/03
Thanks, Dave!

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