TAPS

SOCIETY OF RETIRED
U.S. Army Finance Noncommissioned Officers
RAFINCO

Remembering those of our Finance family!!

   Clouser, Wilbur  SGM

SGM Wilbur Clouser passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012. SGM Clouser, known as Bill, was a member of C Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and was at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. He later transferred to the Finance Corps and served as the Sgt Major of the 101st Abn Div Finance Office. He was also Sgt Major of the FAO, Ft Bragg, NC and served in finance offices in Germany. He received 2 purple hearts, the DSM, Bronze star, and numerous other medals. Bill was a great guy and an overflow crowd attended his funeral. He will be sadly missed by all his friends. Bill was 90 years old and a long time member of RAFINCO.

 Hill, Willis G. MSG

MSG Willis G. Hill died February 17, 2012 of a heart attack at Hardin Memorial Hospital, Elizabethtown, KY. He was buried at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, Radcliff, KY.

            Norris Carey SFC

    SFC Carey Norris passed away April 2, 2012 at 1:55 am due to heart failure at WRANMC, Bethesda, Md. Norris worked his entire Army career in the field of accounting. He was 73.

  Darrough, James M SGT

 A Fort Campbell soldier is among four who were killed in Afghanistan over the weekend. The Defense Department said 38-year-old Sgt. James M. Darrough of Austin, Texas, was a financial management technician assigned to 101st Finance Company, 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade,101st Airborne Division at the post on the Kentucky-Tennessee border. He died Saturday in Kabul when the vehicle he was in was attacked.

  Padilla, Miguel A MSG

 MSG (Ret) Miguel Padilla passed away September 15, 2011. He was 92.

  Myles, Robert L MSG

 MSG (Ret) Robert Myles passed away March 13, 2005. He was 87.

  Bear, Roy A MSG

 MSG (Ret) Roy Bear passed away June 10, 2007. He was 74.

           Bailey, Donald I SSG

 SSG (Ret) Donald Bailey passed away May 1, 2009 (the day after his 79th birthday) in Antelope, California.

               Applegate, Richard M SGM

 SGM (Ret) Richard Myall Applegate September 16, 1928 - December 1, 2009 Biography Age 81, Lawton - Graveside service were at the Post Cemetery, Fort Sill. Sergeant Major Applegate died Tuesday at a local hospital. Burial with full military honors is under the direction of the Becker Funeral Home. He was born September 16, 1928 in Washington, Iowa to Donald Ross and Bessie Evelyn (Myall) Applegate. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, the Korean Conflict and during the Vietnam War. Among his commendations and awards are the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Bronze Star. After his retirement in 1973, he served as an Office Manager at Comanche County Memorial Hospital. He then started his own business, Applegate Enterprises, specializing in payroll and accounting, printing and design. He married Magdelyn Joyce Klein in Iowa City, Iowa on October 29, 1951.

         Olin, Maria, Mrs (widow of SGM (Ret) Fred)

 Maria Katherina Olin, 85 of Salinas, California passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, CA. She was born June 25, 1926 in Germany. She was a member of Madonna Del Sasso Church. Maria was preceded in death by her husband SGM (Ret) Fred Olin.

  Zalos, Norma

  Schickling, Henry F, MSG

Moore, Richard J, MSG

Hirsch, David M, MSG (Ret)

 David M. Hirsch of Willingboro died on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at the Samaritan Hospice at Virtua Memorial Hospital, Burlington.  He was a retired accountant and served in the U.S. Army for over 23 years prior to his retirement as a Master Sergeant.  Mr. Hirsch represented several companies as their accountant and auditor.  He was a member of the Jewish War Veterans

  Bagwell, Harold, MSG (Ret)

Harold J. "Jack" Bagwell age 68 of Mt. George died Saturday, May 28 at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock from liver cancer.  He was born March 4, 1943 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Seaburn and Ruby Bagwell.  He was a 1961 graduate of Ola High School and a 1979 graduate of Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri.  He was retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant, having served over twenty one years of active duty.  His service included two tours of duty in Vietnam.  His service awards included two Bronze Stars,(1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal,(2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), six Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, three NCO Professional Development Ribbons , a Meritorious Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.  He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Diane Ellerman Bagwell, and several nephews and nieces.

Bell,Thomas , MSG (Ret)

Born January 24, 1930 in Chicago, IL, Thomas died March 14, 2011.  MSG, Retired US Army, he served in Korea, Formosa, Thailand, Germany, Panama, Georgia, and Indiana.  A longtime West Seattle resident, after retirement he was employed be SeaFirst Bank, a Chevron station, and Eagle Guard Service.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly; daughter, Sue; son, Michael; brother, Jim, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and golf.  He was a member of West Seattle Eagles and Tibbetts United Methodist Church.  No services at his request.

Gatherum, John, SGM (Ret)

Sergeant Major (Ret) John Gatherum died April 11, 2011 following a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. He was 65 years old.

Cards may be sent to

Mary Gatherum

89 Turtle Hill Rd

Dracut, MA 01826-1164

Harry

Krueger "Skip" Theodore, SGM (Ret)

Sergeant Major Theodore (Skip) Krueger died May 2, 2011. He was 63. No other details are available at this time.  Normally I provide the spouse’s name and address for cards, but I have no name on file.

Harry

Bernard "Bernie" Barger passed away 31 January 2011.  I'm not sure any of our finance NCOs remember a SGM Barger. I met him at Ft Huachuca, AZ 1973 to 1976 and met him again in Korea in 1979. He was a very knowledgeable NCO in the finance office. He is survived by his wife Melody and two daughters. Just thought I would pass this along to you. If anyone wants contact information please contact Don True email don.true@conus.army.mil, or dtrue55@yahoo.com. 8

  Burleson, Jesse, CSM (Ret).

Command Sergeant Major Jesse Oland Burleson, 90, of Jasper, Tx. went to be with the Lord on August 4, 2010. He was born in Willis, TX. on April 11, 1920, the son of Seth Oland Burleson and Lola Erheart Burleson. He was a 32-deg. Mason, a 50 year member of the Dewit Clinton Lodge #29 and the Jasper Eastern Star #291, as well as the Shriners and several other Masonic boodies, being presented with the Golden Trowel Award for outstanding service to his local lodge. Jesse served in combat in the US Army in Japan and Korea, served in the 1st Infantry Div., the 24th Infantry Div., 1st, 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions, serving 16 years overseas. He taught at the Finance & Accounting School for six years in Indianapolis, IN. and served in other commands in Finance & Accounting offices during his 30 years of military service. He was predeceased by Mary Hill Burleson, his wife of 48 years, and Lorraine Simbro Burleson, his wife of 15 years, by brothers John and Clark and sisters Sethene and Helen. Survivors include four sons Vaughn, Wade, Donald and Robert, a daughter Marilynn and his brother Wade E. Burleson a 33 degree Mason Inspector General. During his military career he received numerous medals and awards including the Bronze Star and 3 Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations as well as 17 other Victory, Defense, Service and Campaign Medals. Following cremation his remains will be interred in the Houston National Cemetery beside his two wives who preceded him in death.

   Volkmer, Edward, SGM (Ret). 

 Obituary for SGM (Ret)  Ed Volkmer.  Thanks to MSG (Ret) Harold Wright and Lee Clothier for the notifications.  

 SGM (Ret) Edward Henry Volkmer, 74, of Moffat, Texas died of a massive heart attack on April 10 and was buried in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio with full military honors on April 15, 2010. Ed was born on a farm near Paul, Nebraska to Edward Francis Volkmer and Adelaide Mary Durr on 21 June 1935. He graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1954, then attended Peru State College in 1955-1956. He retired from the U. S. Army Finance Corps in 1977 and then was employed by the U. S. Postal Service in Killeen, TX from 1978 – 1997.  Ed’s military awards include the Bronze Star for action in Vietnam, Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal w/60 DVC, Korean Defense Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with 6 awards.  He was a member of American Legion Post 55, VFW Post 1820, retired Army Finance NCO Association, Winnebago Traveler’s RV Club, Life Member of Good Sam RV Club, Chisholm Trail Good Sam Chapter RV Club and the Amputee Coalition of America.  Ed played his first game of dominoes in 2004 at a Chisholm Trail RV campout. Soon he and his Good Sam partners took 1st place at the 2004 Fall Samboree in Waco; 1st place at the Spring Mini-Rally 2005; 1st place at the 2006 Spring Samboree in Witchita Falls, then another 1st place at the Ancira Friendship Rally 2007 in Temple. 2nd place winnings were at Bandera in 2006 & 2007. Ed and his late wife, June, truly loved RVing and the Good Sam Organization. The amputation of his right leg in 2003 did not stop Ed from driving their 35’ Winnebago Adventurer motor home to many Samborees and visits throughout the mid-west.  Ed was preceded in death by his father in 1992, his mother in 2007, two brothers (Joseph, 1934 and Kenneth, 1954) first wife, Alicia Rodriguez of El Paso in 1979, second spouse, Leona June Snider on 24 March 2010, and step (adopted daughter) Gloria Yanez Volkmer Sena of El Paso on 5 March 2007.  Survivors are brothers and sisters: Elizabeth Greteman and husband, Ed of Billings, MT, Lyle Volkmer and wife, Georgia of College Park, GA, Lucille Trompeter and husband, James of Franktown, CO, and Jerome “Brick” Volkmer and wife, Rose Marie of Urbandale IA, and numerous grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

  SGM Don Norsen

Died September 6, 2003. Don was 60 years old, and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last March. Don leaves his wife, Sandie, three daughters (Monica, Victoria, and Rebecca, and a son, Randy.) The family asks that any donations folks want to make be sent to the St. Vincent's Hospice in Indianapolis or to the Pancreatic Cancer Society.
 

  MSG Franklin D. Ede Sr.

Died May 28, 2003

Frank served in the US Army 20 years and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1978. He served at Ft Richardson, Anchorage, AK; and Army Finance School at Ft. Harrison, IN; Korea; Ft. Sheridan, IL; Mannheim, Germany; Viet Nam; and Ft Riley, KS. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1998 after 17 years. He is survived by his wife Carol of 46 years, daughter Lydia Foley and her husband Steve, from VA; sons Frank Jr. and his wife Charlene, from WI; and Brian and his wife Kim, from IA, and. eleven grandchildren. Sisters Evelyn Pier and Edna Schaefer; brothers Edgar, William, Robert and Charles Ede.

Remembrances may be made to the Fresno Christian Reformed Church, 1639 West Shields Ave, Fresno, 93705, or the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society, 470 E. Herndon Ave, Fresno, 93720.
 

  Sgt. Elwood V. Saugstad
Submitted by
Robert P Radomski

Died 16 Dec 2002 in Sioux Falls, SD. He had a Military funeral. He was with the Finance School in St Louis and Ft. Benjamin Harrison during the late 40's and early 50,s. After his tour in Korea he served with Generals Bean and Mayo at the Finance Center and the Office, Chief of Finance in Washington, DC. His wife Mary who also worked as a civilian at the Finance School in St. Louis and Ft. Harrison is at the Southridge Health Care Ctr.,3600 S. Norton Ave.,Sioux Falls, SD.

 WILBUR A. "BUDDY" BOLLING

Submitted by
Nelson Hayashi

80, died March 6, 2003 in St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. He was a graduate of Springfield College (Conn.) A U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, he continued his civil service employment as a Disbursement Specialist at the U.S. Army Finance & Accounting Center at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, retiring in 1995, with 46 years of service to the government. He was a member of Westlane Christian Church. Services: 1 p.m. Wed., March 12 at Stuart Mortuary Chapel, with calling starting at 11 a.m. Interment at Washington Park North Cemetery. He was the husband of Ann Anderson Bolling; father of David S. (Cathy) Bolling; grandfather of Danielle and David Christopher Bolling.
 

  ROBERT E. RUSSELL

We lost Robert in the 11 September attack on the Pentagon. He was only 52 years old. It is always hard to lose one of our own, but in this case it was a double loss because of how we lost him. I wish I knew him better so I might be able to write a little something about him. But just being a Finance NCO says a lot.  We wish his wife Teresa well.

  MSG ELWOOD HUSSEY
Submitted by
Jim Malone

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Elwood Hussey, a great and long time Finance NCO. Elwood had 31 years of military service - WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. After he retired from the military he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for another 13 years. MSG Hussey was a big quiet man who never appeared to get upset, this was sometimes hard to do as a Chief of Military Pay. I worked with Elwood at Fort Richardson, Alaska in the late 60s. Elwood was 79 years old when he died on 14 February 2002 of natural causes. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. He was not a joiner and was not a member of RAFINCO.

  MSG CHARLES S. BLANCHARD

Charles died on 25 August 2001 of respiratory failure. He was 79 years old at the time of his death. His wife said he was very proud to be a member of RAFINCO. We know he will be missed by Margaret and the rest of his family.

  MARY BOUDRIA

Felix Boudria's love of his life, Mary, passed away 8 May 2002.
Just wanted to let you all know that mom passed away in her sleep during the early morning hours of May 8. We are all at peace now knowing that she is with God and is not scared or in pain anymore. Her wishes were that she be given to medical science for research so that young doctors and nurses can continue to learn to help the sick.
I am with dad now and my sister Ramona will be here shortly. We do not want to burden anyone, so flowers and the such are not necessary. A small prayer before you go to bed would be nice.
Thank you, Kelly Boudria.

  ROSE COX

I'm sorry to inform you that the beloved wife of William Cox died from colon cancer on 5 January 2002. Our hearts go out to him and his family. We know Rose will be missed.

Deceased and we were notified:(Between 2000 and2002 Reunions)

Rank Date Died
BAER, John H. SSG 31 Dec 00
BOUDRIA, Mary (Wife of SGM Felix) 8 MAY 02
CHABICA, Joseph F. Jr. MSG 15 MAR 02
CHARLES, Robert MSG 25 AUG 01
COX, Rose (Wife of SFC William) 5 JAN 02
GOAD, Sidney SFC 25 MAR 98
GUERRERO, George S. SGM 21 JUL 02
METZGER, Hope LTC (Wife of COL Ralph) 28 AUG 00
MOHER, Jeremiah W. LTC 16 SEP 01
MOONEY, Teddye (Wife of COL George) 4 MAR 02
POPE, Thomas E. MSG 18 JAN 01
RUSSELL, Robert SGM 11 SEP 01
SMITH, Richard T. (RT) MSG 30 JUL 02
VALENZUELA, William MSG 20 APR 01
VISER, Robert (Bob) H. CW4 25 May 02
WELSH, Michael SGM 26 JUL 02
WHITTLESEY, Max M. MAJ 19 OCT 01

Deceased and we were notified:(Between 1998 and2000 Reunions)

Rank Date Died
BEISEL, Clifford L. CW4 21 AUG 99
BENEDICT, Lillian (Widow of Dan) 14 MAR 00
CHAMBERS, Walter MSG 1 MAY 00
GUSTAFSON, James SFC 1 NOV 98
HUFF, Donald SFC 5 AUG 99
HURLEY, James J. MSG 12 DEC 99
LOWE, Robert MSG 27 JUN 98
MAEZ, Santiago SGM 4 NOV 99
OLIN, Fred SGM 8 NOV 99
SCHOCK, George SGM 23 DEC 99
STEELE, Jerry SGM 9 NOV 99
SULLENBERGER, John W. SGM 11 AUG 00
THIEL, Donald SFC 7 NOV 99
TRUDELL, James SGM 1 OCT 99
WINBORNE, Roy SGM 29 NOV 99

Let us know as soon as you learned about a loss and keep sending us your notes to be published here!

Thanks, Doug, for the notification on SGM Clouser

Harry

Thanks, Bruce, for the notification on MSG Hill

Harry

SFC Norris Carey was buried on Wednesday, 18 April 2012 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Thanks, Ernie, for the notification.

Harry

Sec. Notes:  SGT Darrough was not a member of RAFINCO, but he was a member of the Finance family.

Thanks to the three of you for letting me know about him (Marty Stein via Stan Gillaspie, and Doug McNair.)

Sgt. James M. Darrough, 38, Clarksville, formerly of Austin, Texas, died Saturday, October 29, 2011 while honorably serving his country in Kabul Province, Afghanistan. Burial with full Military Honors was in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, Hopkinsville. Sgt. Darrough was born May 29, 1973 in Miami, FL, son of Robert Darrough and Janelle Darrough. He was a 1991 graduate of Manatee High School in Bradenton, FL. He joined the Army in 2005 and arrived at Fort Campbell in July 2009. He was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations which include: the Bronze Star Medal; the Purple Heart Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; and a host of other decorations. Survivors include his wife, Isaura Darrough of Clarksville; sons, Justin and Jared Darrough; daughters, Julianna and Jenna Darrough, all of Clarksville; his father, Robert of Charlotte, NC and his mother, Janelle, of Livingston, TX.

Sec Note: Thank you, Miyo, for the notification. I knew Roy when we were instructors at the Finance School. He taught Military Pay and I taught Travel. After he retired, he was a security guard at the Finance Center. He was a good man.

From Dan South:

 Maria Olin passed away in November. I don't know any details, just received a card from her grandson letting us know and thanking us for being her friend. She was a very good person.

Sec Note: Thanks Dan. I printed an edited version her obituary based on your note.

MSG (Ret) Harry Hessig was a retired accountant and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the American Legion Post 35, Jeffersonville. He was 78. No cause of death was reported.

Mrs Roslyn Hirsch passed away June 30, 2010

MSG (Ret) Harold Bagwell

Cards can be sent to: 

Mrs. Diane Bagwell

10281 Payton Ln

Danville, AR 72833-9782

Sec Note:  I had the good fortune of knowing Harold when we were both civilians at USAFAC (yes, before the days of DFAS).  He and I would see which of us would be the first one get season tickets to the Colts games at the Civilian Welfare Office – we were usually the first two every year.

From Ernie Crowder:

MSG Harold Bagwell and I worked together in Vietnam. Him and I were good friends.

MSG (Ret) Thomas Bell

Cards can be sent to: 

Mrs. Beverly Bell

5117 SW Orleans St

Seattle, WA 98116-3228

From Mrs. Bell:  Just wanted to let you know that Tom passed away after a long battle with lung cancer.  He was very proud of his time in the Finance Corps.

Sec Note:  Thanks, Beverly.  I’m sure I speak for many others, that we are all proud too.

Sec Note: Thanks, Don. Even though SGM Barger was not a member of RAFINCO, he was still part of the Finance Family.

From Ernie Crowder:

I am not sure if you have heard about the passing of CSM Jesse O. Burleson.  I received a letter today informing me that he passed away on 4 August and private services were held on 17 Aug 2010, at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, TX. 

 Sec Note:  Thanks, Ernie.

From Lee Clothier:

 From Bill Shirley:

From Harry Miller:

From Cliff Hattett: