(Updated 22 May 2014)

DEPARTED CREW MEMBERS

Our prayers are with the friends and family left behind
Philippians 4:6,7




John E. Wilson QM3 1956-60


John E. (Jack) Wilson, Atakapa Jack
Atakapa Jack, died Thursday, December 22, 2005.
Jack served aboard the U.S.S. Atakapa (ATF-149) from 1956-1960 leaving her as QM3.
Though bound to a wheel chair Jack was, as Tom Thomas described him, " lively and full
of spunk". Jack made a huge impression on all who knew him. Several guys who met Jack at
the NAFTS reunion in San Diego in 2000 have sent notes of sadness to each other and to the family.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marjorie (Marnee), and daughters Laura and Jenny. He took great
delight in the fact that Laura and Jenny were born on the same day 7 years apart.

When asked if the family had anything they might wish to share about Jack, daughter Laura said,
" say what Dad would have said, ''just do something nice for somebody else someday".
That's a pretty significant testimonial for the man Jack was.

Atakapa Jack Memorial Page



Tommy Purcell DC3 1970-71


Passed away due to a Car Accident Christmas 2002




Bill Hoey GM3 1953-55

Passed away 6-4-02 will be missed by his wife Lorraine (Lori) also,
close shipmate with whom he served Conley Branham




Thomas Askin

Passed away March 2001 San Pedro, CA.




J. O. Cullipher, LCDR CO

Passed away June 20, 1984 due to colon cancer. He was only 56 years old

This information came from his daughter Susan Cullipher Jones who said
her father told her many times that serving as CO of the Atakapa
was the honor and highlight of his life.




Henry E. Lacy (Terry) - ETR2 1968-70

Passed away the last week of February 2005


I had the pleasure of serving with Henry and although we lost touch after I
left the ship in1969 and had no contact after that, I found myself saddened by
his passing. When i heard your news I found numerous times with Henry
returning to my memory. I went to my pics of those years and found his picture
and remembered the bright young man who was a friend to all.

Although I only knew Henry as a youngster at the start of his life, I am most certain
that he grew to be an outstanding man.

Men like that are always missed.
Jim West






Donald Carpenter - 1945

Passed away in 2003




Nicky McKinnon (Big Nick)

Passed away Date unknown
Served in Vietnam



Richard Brissom CWO4 1972-74

Passed away in the 80's





James (Jim) Ward EMFN 1969

Passed away in 2005 from cancer
Floyd Schilstra was told by his daughter Michelle that He was
a Denver police officer after leaving the Navy.

Sorry to hear about Jim Ward.
We were friends and also worked as electricians together on the Atakapa
during the spy ship era. I believe he was promoted to 2nd class petty officer
before he and Brenda left the service. I do remember visiting their
baby girl, can't remember if it was named Michelle or not.
We had some fine memories, he was a good person.

Sincerely,
Fred Veatch
--------------




Charles Daniel Robertson FN 1954-58

Passed away in May 2005








Freeland Everett

Passed away August 17, 2006. Freeland retired after 22 years
of Naval service as a Boatswain Mate and Salvage Diver. He was
a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Freeland trained at
Bayonne, NJ Salvage School. He was 79 and buried with military
honors at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Norfolk, VA.

Freeland Everett Memorial Page




Bill Eaches

From Coatsville, PA
Shipmate and friend of Donald Smith 1945




Bert Adams

From Tennessee
Shipmate and friend of Donald Smith 1945





Clyde A. Mathis Jr.

Clyde Archie "Bub" Mathis Jr., 58, died May 30, 2007
at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Clyde served on the Atakapa in 1969 and was looking forward
to attending our 2007 Nashville Reunion.
Graveside Military Honors were provided by the U.S. Navy and
Southeast Missouri Veterans Honor Guard.





Donald R. Graham

Donald R. "Grumpy" Graham, 64, of Butler, PA. died Monday
December 31, 2007 at Western Penn Hospital after an illness.




Harry James Bacon

Harry James Bacon and his wife were both killed in an auto accident
March 3, 2008 near their home in Montpelier, OH.





Donald E. Lechman

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Donald E. Lechman.
He was a valued crew member in 1958 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.





Burt Pierce

View Burt's Page

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Burt Pierce
who passed away 7 April 2008
He was a valued crew member 1958-62 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.

I remember Burt Pierce. He was EN3 and duty Engineering Petty Officer when I checked aboard
the Atakapa during late May 1961. He became my mentor and helped me study for the EN3 test.
He was a helpful caring shipmate and knew his stuff.
Braden McKinley 61-65
My condolences to his family.






Larry Mahoney

I was aboard with Larry in 1951 to 1953. He was my storekeeper striker.
He was a good man, liked by all who knew him. He was a very likeable guy,
always with a smile for everyone. I was transferred in 1953, when I left
he was third class SK, I saw him once more when I was back in the Norfolk area.
I went to see him while he was in the hospital at Portsmouth. I forget what he
was in hospital for, must not have been too serious, cause I remember talking to him
and he was up and about.

My prayers go out to his family and all of his friends.

Darwin Hamilton SK2 1951-53

View Larry's page





William B. Gott

William B. Gott VIRGINIA BEACH - William B. Gott, 74, went to be with the Lord
Sept. 5, 2008. He was born in Maine June 17, 1934. William attended Gateway
Free Will Baptist Church, and was a volunteer at Salvation Army. During his
career in the United States Navy, he received many honors including the Bronze Star
with Combat V, Vietnam Unit Citation and a Licensed Merchant Marine Officer by
U.S. Coast Guard. He proudly retired from the Navy as a commander. He is survived
by his loving wife, Ok Bun Kim Gott, of 27 years; three daughters, Sherry, Cathy and Cindy;
two stepchildren, Dominic and Michael; and five grandchildren.
He will truly be missed.




Ernie Roe
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Ernie Roe
who passed away 9 February 2009
He was a valued crew member 1963-65 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.




Carmine Varricchio
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Carmine Varricchio
who passed away 8 July 2009
He was a valued crew member 1957-59 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.




Thomas A. Gehring QMC


Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Chief Gehring
who passed away 18 September 2009
He was a valued crew member 1965-68 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.








This is Chuck Anderson, the son of LCDR Charles Anderson, I am very sorry to report to you that my dad died on Oct 14, 2012. I can assure you that his time as CO of the Atakapa was the highlight of his naval career. The pictures and mementos the Atakapa he proudly displayed in his home till the end. The picture of the Atakapa was his computer background screen so that every time he used it he could see it. Please send to all the members of the group and fond farewell from their old skipper. He will have his ashes spread at sea as soon as I can make arrangements with the Navy to do so.




Jim P. Brodhead RM2


Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Jim Brodhead
who passed away 17 December 2012
He was a valued crew member 1969-70 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.







Willard Wolford

Willard W. Wolford, Jr., Age 70, of Curtice, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on Thursday, July 26, 2012. He was born in Toledo on May 22, 1942, to Willard and Rose (Peterson) Wolford Sr. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. W.W. retired from Owens Community College as the Truck Driving Coordinator in 2008. He married the love of his life, Glenna, on May 9, 1964. Willard was an avid musician and played for many years in the Nashville Station Band and loved to have many musicians get together in his basement regularly to play music. He was a devoted family man and will be missed for his great sense of humor and quick wit. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Glenna Rose (Miller); his three daughters, Cassandra (Steven) Miller; Lona (Brian) Smith; and Carrie (Todd) Gangluff; Grandchildren, Amanda, Christopher, Kaylynn, Ivan and Jaiden; Great-Grandson, David; Sisters Shirlie (Bill) DeShetler, Charlene (Bob) Cooper, Karen (Jim) LaPlante and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters June Rose Wolford and Donna LaMonica; brother Carl Weiss; and his granddaughter Heaven Leigh Wolford who was his Princess. Per his wishes, on July 14, 2012 a party was held for him so that he could say his goodbyes in person. He said he was "putting the fun back in funeral". His wishes were for no visitation or services after his passing. The family would like to express their appreciation for all the compassion shown by Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Nurse Trixie. Memorials may be made in Willard

 

 

Carl Aubrey Johnston 1956

Michael F. Myers (Frankie) CS3 1956-58


Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Frankie Myers
who passed away 12 April 2014
He was a valued crew member 1956-58 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.


John Son


Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of John Son
who passed away 02 December 2014
He was a valued crew member 1970-72 and will be missed not only by
his wife Penny and family but by all his shipmates.




Renato Balestra
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Renato Balestra EN3
who passed away 1 Aug 1993 in a plane crash in Norfolk, Neb.
He was a valued crew member 1967 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.





Donald C. Golaszewski
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Donald C. Golaszewski SN
who passed away on April 30, 2014
He was a valued crew member 1959-61 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.






Arthur Oliver
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Arthur Oliver
who passed away on 01/27/2015. He was a valued crew member 1953-54 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.

Art lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and was surrounded by family when he passed.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis his 2 children Susan and Daniel and his 2 grandchildren Ryan and Myself Christopher.
I would like to thank you for maintaining this website as it brought him so much joy to see names of his old ship mates.
A Navy contact person even was able to speek to Art a few times before he passed arranging for a flag and military honors
for my Grandfather. Arthurs burial will be this spring but again I just want to thank you for all of your work on this website
and for helping my grandfather remember his U.S. Navy days.




David C. Norman
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of David Norman EN3
who passed away in 2014
He was a valued crew member 1968-69 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.







Haden Sweet (Windy)

Haden Sweet on board 1971-74

From Haden's wife Anita
Haden -Windy Sweet passed away Easter Sunday 2016 at 9:30 PM. He was in no pain and was at home being cared for by me with Hospice coming into check him.
As you all know he cared deeply for his friends and relatives and even strangers. We both want you to celebrate the good memories we had with him.
He did not want a Memorial Service, just the service at Riverside National Cemetery. He served in the Navy and wants the service held there.
At this time it should be scheduled within 2 to 3 weeks. I will keep everyone posted for the date and time of the service.
Please, know that he is no longer in any pain and he is blessed to be with God.
Jared and I are good, please, do not send flowers, if you need to do something, please, donate to your locate Hospice (Redlands Community Hospital) or the Cancer Society.
OR go to the bowling alley and bowl a game for Windy. Just be aware that Windy and I both have loved and enjoyed our many friendships and all of you prayers have been welcome.





David McClimans HMC 1962-64


David McClimans
David was a Vietnam Veteran proudly serving his county through the United States Navy retiring after 28 years.
While in the military David traveled the world sailing on the USS Canberra where he was the Hospital Corpsman.
At retirement, David was rated Chief HospitalCorpsman in 1981. After active military service, David then went to work
for the California Youth Authority as a Senior MTA retiring after 25 years of service.

David McClimans Obit









Tony Templeton


James A. Tony Templeton RD2 1964-67
James Anthony Tony Templeton, 72, of Parsons died at 11:24 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at his home.
Following high school, he worked for Southern Pacific Railroad before joining the U.S. Navy,
where he served from June 1963 through May 1973. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Parsons,
where he worked for Xerox for a short time. He then worked as a draftsman at Columbian TecTank for 31 years until retiring in 2009.

Tony Templeton Obit







Alan Hohf RM1 1979-81

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Alan Hohf RM1
He was a valued crew member in 1979-81 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.

Alan and his wife Kathy attended the Nashville reunion and he was the youngest
crew member in attendance.




Jack Harr
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Jack Harr ST3
who passed away 5 April 2010 born Nov 18, 1919
He was a valued crew member 1944-45 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.




Robert Oberg
Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Robert Oberg SM
who passed away in 2015
He was a valued crew member 1957-59 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.





Ed Edmondson CT2

EDMONSON GEORGE EDWARD (Ed). Sadly passed away on the 17th June, 2016 aged 73 years of age.
Much loved husband of Judith, father of Lindsay, Claire and Jennifer and known as “The Gaffer” to Claudia-Rose, Annabel, Harry and Matilda.
He will be deeply and sadly missed. Ed’s funeral service will be held at St. John’s Church on Friday 1st July at 12.30pm followed by a short
committal service at Weston-super-Mare Crematorium.
Ed grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi but born in New Orleans. After his marriage to Judith they lived in Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England.
Ed always felt that he settled here more easily because that area is in the West Country of the U.K. where life is less hectic.

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of George Edward (known as Ed) Edmonson CT2. He was a valued crew member from June until October 1968
and will be missed not only by his family but by all the shipmates at. He has now been welcomed home by his departed shipmates.






Ron Broadhurst

Commander Ron Broadhurst, USN (Ret) age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in
Frederick, MD, on September 19, 2017 with his family by his side. Ron was born in Princeton
IN, to Ronald and Norma Broadhurst. He graduated from Princeton High school in 1959.

While in high school he played football, basketball, and American Junior Legion Baseball.
Ron attended both Butler University and Indiana State University before enlisting in the United
States Navy as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.

In October 1964 Ron’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, and best friend;
Libby Driscoll. Ron and Libby enjoyed over 51 years of marriage. Together, they raised 3
children.

Early in his Navy career, Ron was assigned as an Independent Duty Corpsman on the USS Atakapa.
He later served as a Platoon Corpsman with Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 26th Marines,
and as Admin Chief with A Co., 5th Medical Battalion in Okinawa Japan. He also served at three
naval hospitals and at various medical commands in the Washington, DC area, aboard the USS Blueridge,
and with the 1st Medical Battalion, at Camp Pendleton CA. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the Medical
Service Corps and subsequently received a B.S. in Health Care Administration from George Washington
University. Throughout his career he was awarded 7 personal medals for individual achievements, and
9 service campaign and unit medals.

After 26 years of active duty service, Ron retired as a Commander. He then began a 20 year
career as civilian employee of the Navy. Throughout this period he worked as a Health Systems
Analysist at the Naval Health Sciences Education and Training Command and was awarded the
Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, Superior Service Medal, DOD award for excellence, and
numerous letters of commendation. In 2009, Ron retired as Deputy Director for Navy
Graduate Medical Education Programs.

Ron treasured memories of growing up in Princeton, IN. He enjoyed cruising with Libby, and the
many road trips they took throughout the U.S., He valued most his family, friends, classmates,
teammates, shipmates, the Navy Hospital Corps, sports, and fantasy football.

Ron is survived by his Wife, Libby, His son, Mark (Nancy) and daughters, Becky Smith (Mike)
and Sharon Finnegan (John). He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Thomas Baker, Jason
and Katie Broadhurst, Sean and Ryan Smith, and Samantha and Jacob Burroughs; Sister: Jane
Ann Littlepage; Brother: Roy Mark and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his
parents, and his sister, Linda Sokeland.

A private ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery






J Michael McGrath


James Michael (Mike) McGrath of Neptune Beach, FL, passed away peacefully at
home and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday morning, January 24, 2018.
Mike was a career Sailor and supporter of the Sea Services as well as the
industry that kept ships ready for sea.

He entered the Navy in 1954 and first served at sea in three (3) destroyers
while attaining the rate of Chief Petty Officer in 1961 prior to being
selected for Officer Candidate School as a Limited Duty Officer. Upon
receiving his commission, Mike served in multiple assignments at sea and
ashore, culminating in command of USS Atakapa and the Ship Repair Complex
SIMA Mayport, Florida. Among his awards were the Legion of Merit,
Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), Vietnam
Service Medal (3 campaign stars).





Robert (Bob) Potter

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Robert (Bob) Potter.
He was a valued crew member in 1956-57 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.
He was born July 25, 1933 in Stetson Maine the son of Waldo Cutler and
Thelma Randall Potter. He was a graduate of Morse High School, class of 54.
He was a Korean conflict Navy veteran, having served the USS Atakapa.
He married Joan Tondreau in Topsham in 1954.





Howard Brantely

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Howard Brantley.
He was a valued crew member 1964-66 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.


I have heard from so many people including several from the Atakapa who either
served with him or still counted him as a shipmate even if they hadnt
served together. Howards wish was to be buried at sea, so When COVID
settles down, Ill take his ashes to visit his boys in FL and VA and
then take him out with a couple were close to at the beach.

Best wishes,

Ellen




Norm

Crew members of the USS Atakapa share the loss of Norman Weber
He was a valued crew member in 1963-65 and will be missed not only by
his family but by all his shipmates.





Donald Kurtz EM1 1970-71


Donald R Kurtz Sr.

Nov. 11, 1936 - Dec. 24, 2020

TOPEKA - Donald R Kurtz Sr., Osage City, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020,
at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, from COVID related complications. He was 85.
He was born Nov. 11, 1936, in Irving, the son of John and Orpha Tryon- Kurtz.
Don enlisted in the Navy National Guard in 1957, and later joined the regular
Navy. He trained as an electrician, working at various stations and on
many tugboats and ships. He served on the Naval Auxiliary Air Station
(Kingston, Texas), USS Essex, USS Wasp, USS Newport News, USS Uvalde, Naval
Station (Norfolk, Va.), USS Atakapa, USS Grand Canyon and fleet
maintenance assistance group (Mayport. Fla.).

Ronnie Lochala
Hate to hear this news of Donald. He was a character. Always had a smile on his
face. He will be missed for sure.. He was my boss in the electrical
crew when I reported aboard USS ATAKAPA ....DEC 1970.....as an EM3.
Rest in peace my friend. Ronnie T. Lochala CE1 US Navy Seabees RETIRED






Lewn "Lew" Gardner

Lewyn "Lew" Carlton Gardner
June 19, 1933 - November 30, 2021
Lewyn "Lew" Carlton Gardner, 88, of Narrows, Va., (Wolf Creek), passed away on
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at his home. Lew was born on June 19, 1933, in Roanoke, Va. and was a son of the late Thomas Wallis Gardner and Mary
Cochran Gardner. Besides his parents, he was preceded by one nephew, Kevin Coon and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Lew grew up in the community of Lafayette, Va., near Salem before moving to
Winston-Salem, N.C., and graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School. He then joined the military, serving four years in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S.
Atakapa as a radio operator. Lew was a retired employee of the Celanese Corp. Plant in Narrows with 37 years of service. Lew was a member of the Hale'
Chapel Methodist Church on Wolf Creek Road in Narrows. Lew loved the outdoors, especially turkey hunting and fishing.

Lew spent a lot of time with his grandsons, teaching them outdoors skills that he had learned as a Boy Scout and traveling many miles, watching them play
sports. Lew and Judy also loved hosting 4th of July gatherings for family and friends for almost 40 years.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith Christine Jackson Gardner of
Narrows; one daughter, Sharon Gardner Young (Glenn) of Christiansbur; one son, Glenn Matthew Gardner (Kim) of Pearisburg; two sisters, Jane G. Coon
(Bill) of Greensboro, N.C., Judy G. Brown of Pearisburg; two grandsons, Reagan Gardner Young and Caleb Gardner Young, both of Christiansburg; one
nephew, Keith Coon of Raleigh, N.C., and one niece, Shannon R. Brown of Pearisburg.

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