October - December 2023

As Compiled by JT Smith
19 December 2023
Don Wolfswinkel's wife Ronnie sends the following unwelcome news:

"I am saddened to let you know that Don passed away last night, December 18, 2023.

"Services with Military Honors were conducted at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 5, 2023 at St Andrews Church (Historic Church), 440 Whilden Street, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464."


7 December 2023
The AOG Reports that last month two more of our Classmates made their final sortie:

Details are currently unavailable. When known, they will be posted here as an update.

UPDATE for "Deke" Johnson: A Celebration of Life was held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2024, at VFW Post 63, 8931 W Ardene St., Boise, ID. A Memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. on January 11, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 707 W. Fort St., Boise, ID. A burial service followed at 1 p.m. at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise, ID.

Condolences may sent to his family in care of his son, Derry: Mr. Derry Johnson, 9 Howland Farm Rd., East Greenwich, RI 02818.



27 November 2023
Bill Carnegie has been researching Classmate names on Ancestry.com, and he has uncovered new information on three who have flown west:

7 November 2023
Jerry de la Cruz reports the following unwelcome news regarding Al Johnson:

"Mike Johnson, Al's son, just called me from Charleston. He told me that Al died Oct 23rd in the hospital with family by his side. He passed easily. Gale was so impacted that she did not notify anyone. She remains so affected that she is not talking with anyone yet. She is with Mike and will stay with him probably at least through Christmas. Let's not try to contact her until she's ready."

Updates regarding services and other information will be posted here as they are received.


6 November 2023
Myke [King] Atwater reports the following hopeful news:

"Harrison Edward King IV had his interview this morning for USAFA!! Yesterday his team won national championship at Fort Knox for Raider Team—competes in “boot camp” type skills. Everybody please pray that he follows his grandfather to the Academy!!"

Thank you, Myke. Let's all hope that "Pete's" grandson is successful in his quest to join the Long Blue Line.


24 October 2023
Dick Sexton reports the following unwanted news regarding Tony Bilello:

"Sad news! Got a call from Carol Bilello. Tony died yesterday. He was at a memorial service for his son-in-law. Tony had given the eulogy, returned to his pew and passed out. By the time the medics arrived he was dead. That's all I have for now. Carol is coping but is under a lot of stress. I will pass on as I hear more."

UPDATE: A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 1130 am at Harvey Park Christian Church, 3401 S. Lowell Blvd, Denver. A private burial will take place at the US Air Force Academy at a later date.
UPDATE: This from Wayne Kendall:

"Classmates, Carol Bilello asked that I pass on to you that the burial service for Tony will be on Friday, December 1st, at 1300 hours in the building at the Academy Cemetary. It will be followed by a reception in the Falcon Club. I hope all of us can be there to say our farewell."

For those who would like to leave condolences for the family, you may do so HERE.


17 October 2023
Another unwelcome notice from Max Miller ('59):
"59ers and Friends,

"We have lost our classmate and friend Mike Carns.

"Mike spent a lifetime of dedication to the USAF, his family and his friends. His manifest achievements are well-known to us. However, Mike contributed without recognition to a variety of other worthy causes. Those who flew with Mike, worked with or knew him as a friend will long remember his good humor and kindness. Details are given below in the USAF message.

"Warm Regards,

Max"

Content of USAF Message

"It is with deep regret that we inform you of the following retired general officer's death:

Grade/Name: General Michael P. C. Carns
Last Duty Title: Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Date of Retirement: July 1994
Date of Death: 11 October 2023 (Age 86 at time of death)
Cause of Death: Natural Causes
Place of Death: Falls Church, VA
Funeral Services: TBD
Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home
1500 W Braddock Road
Alexandria, VA 22302
Burial Services: TBD
Arlington National Cemetery
Next of Kin:
Victoria G. Carns (Spouse)
3400 S. Jefferson St, Apt 705
Falls Church, VA 22041"