Taps

Thomas E. Powers ’46

Thomas Edward “Ed” Powers ’46 of Wilmington, North Carolina, died Sept. 18, 2022. He was 97.

He matriculated from Bogalusa, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He completed graduate work in organic chemistry at Emory University and attended the Sloan School of Business.

He is survived by his wife, Lou Bowen Powers; daughters, Claire Powers Renner (Rob), Peggy Powers Failla (Sam), and Susie Powers Hodges (Joe); grandchildren, Katie Hodges LaPenna (Bobby), Becky Failla Zienkiewicz (Mark), John Edward Hodges (Rae), Samuel Allen Failla, Sarah Powers Failla, and Jennifer Renner Cao (Ben); step-grandson, Matthew Alexander Renner; great-grandchildren, Sophia Malia Zienkiewicz, Savannah Elizabeth Zienkiewicz, Graham Sterling Zienkiewicz, Ruth Claire LaPenna, Rebekah Cate LaPenna, Magnolia Rae Hodges, and Noah Rick Hodges; and brother, Dr. Robert Magee Powers.

He was preceded in death by his son, Edward Allen Powers II, and sister, Sara Powers Kelly.

Lucius B. Dabney Jr. ’47

Lucius Bryan Dabney Jr. ’47 of Vicksburg, Mississippi, died Aug. 11, 2022. He was 96.

He matriculated from Vicksburg and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Allene Hallberg Dabney; children, Bryan Dabney (Lisa), Bill Dabney (Susan), Sara Bliss, Emily Dabney (James), and Cherry Robbins (Scott); grandchildren, David Bliss Jr. (Dawn), Billy Dabney (Virginia), Ava Bliss, Thomas Dabney, Will Robbins, Devon Dabney, and Emme Robbins; and great-grandson, Dalton Bliss.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Gee Jr., and son-in-law, David Bliss Sr.

James M. Warrington ’48B

Rev. James Malcolm “Jim” Warrington ’48B of Falls Church, Virginia, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 95.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the University of the South and a Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

He was formerly employed by the VMI Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol L. Warrington Leister.

James M. Van Hook ’49B

James McNeil “Mack” Van Hook ’49B of Charlottesville, Virginia, died Aug. 13, 2022. He was 94.

He matriculated from South Hill, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Inge; daughters, Ginny Smith (Charlie), Tricia Van Hook, Susan Forschler (George), and Jackie Corcoran; grandchildren, Chas, Neil, Sophia, Tyler, and Hannah; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Loren and Michael Smith, and step-brothers, Cloyd and Bob Van Hook.

Alonzo J. Walter Jr. ’49B

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Alonzo Joseph “Lon” Walter Jr. ’49B of Panama City, Florida, died Aug. 13, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from New Iberia, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute for Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters, Terry Gabreski (Don) and Beverly Myers (Gary); grandchildren, Kimberly Yandell, Larry Myers, Matthew Gabreski, and Mark Gabreski; great-grandchildren, Everett Yandell, Violet Yandell, and Olivia Myers; and sisters, Gwenn Bent and Myrna Stone.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Sonnier.

Bobbie P. White ’51

Bobbie Penfield “Bob” White ’51 of Martinsville, Virginia, and Islamorada, Florida, died Sept. 14, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from Martinsville and spent four months at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene Gesell White; son, Ross Porterfield White (Susie Ray); grandchildren, Kayla White and Jamie Marsigit (Dino); and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Charles White.

George C. Hutter ’52

George Christian “Hutter” Hutter ’52 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 24, 2022. He was 96.

He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Porter; daughters, Allie Hutter Fitchett (Ken) and Shirley Hutter Hayes (Clay); grandchildren, Paxton Fitchett, Megan Shaver (Craig), Kelsey Fort (Chuck), Will Hayes (Elisabeth), Christian Hayes (Amanda), and Allie Paige Hayes; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Tankersley Hutter, and siblings, James Risque Hutter, Janie Walton, and Lottie Kemp.

Hugh P.V.Z. Ruhsam ’52

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Hugh Pritchett Von Zell Ruhsam ’52 of Saint George, Utah, died Oct. 4, 2022. He was 93.

He matriculated from Albert Lea, Minnesota, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Von (Vicky) and Mary (Craig); step-children, Vic (Michele), Laurie, Suzanne (Shawn), and Jeff (Diane); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and former wife, Joan.

He was preceded in death by his son, Roderick, and his step-son, William.

Terry H. Davis Jr. ’53

Terry Hunter Davis Jr. ’53 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2022. He was 91.

He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Logan Davis; son, Terry Davis III; step-daughters, Julia Sandor (Doug) and Rachel Joy (Craig); and six step-grandchildren.

Henry P. LaForce Jr. ’53

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Henry Paul LaForce Jr. ’53 of Brevard, North Carolina, died Aug. 8, 2022. He was 92.

He matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tampa.

He is survived by his sons, Glen Winston LaForce Sr. (Linda) and Henry Paul LaForce III (Amy); grandchildren, Win LaForce Jr., Betsy LaForce, Catherine LaForce (Tim Carter), and Julie LaForce Freeman (Jordan); sister, Marie LaForce Talley (Harry); and brother, Dr. Ronald Dew (Winnie).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and son, Douglas Ronald LaForce.

Philip H. Enslow Jr. ’54

Philip Harrison “Phil” Enslow Jr. ’54, Ph.D., of Atlanta, Georgia, died Oct. 10, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent less than one year at VMI.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Stanford University, both in electrical engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; daughters, Dorothea Bliss Enslow Putnal (Joseph) and Dana Charlotte Enslow Hammock; grandsons, Philip James Hammock (Cacilia), Tucker Harrison Hammock, and Randall Coalter Putnal; and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dianne Elizabeth “DeDe,” and sister, Charlotte.

William K. Kays Jr. ’55

William Kenneth “Pop” Kays Jr. ’55 of Ashburn, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2022. He was 90.

He matriculated from Warrenton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Holt (David); son, Dr. Todd Kays (Susan); grandson, Kyle R. Kays; and sister, Barbara K. Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl.

Curtis R. Lucado ’55

Curtis Richard Lucado ’55 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Aug. 31, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Roanoke and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Christy Lucado; son, Curtis Richard Lucado Jr.; grandchildren, Mary Catherine Austin Brown (Stuart), Natalie Austin Desseyn (Chad), Benjamin Lee Austin (Taylor), Courtney Rose Lucado, Lakota Delaney Lucado, and Lacey Rae Lucado; great-grandchildren, Jack Thomas Brown, Ella Catherine Brown, Adalee Jane Brown, Tatum Lee Austin, Silas Browning Austin, Bodi Lawrence Austin, Draper Curtis Desseyn, and Delta Carolyn Desseyn; and sister, Ethel Louise Lucado Gish.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Lucado; daughter, Carolyn Jane Lucado; and siblings, Robert Lawrence Lucado, Ralph Emerson Lucado, and Guy Edwin Lucado.

McWillie M. Robinson Jr. ’55

McWillie Mitchell Robinson Jr. ’55, M.D., of Jackson, Mississippi, died Oct. 8, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Jackson and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Dillon Robinson; daughter, Lisa Jameson (Bryan); son, McWillie Robinson III (Amy); grandchildren, Catherine Jameson, Megan Jameson, Bryan Jameson Jr., Kelly Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Claire Robinson, and Mia Robinson; brother, Hon. Stuart Robinson (Lynett); and brother-in-law, Dr. William Dillon (Kathleen).

David A. Dorman ’56

David Alcwyn Dorman ’56 of Brooklyn, Connecticut, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Danielson, Connecticut, and spent just over half a year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Douglas A. Dorman (Sarah), Dr. Susan E. Dorman (Dr. Daniel Judge), and Deborah D. Hay (Eric); and grandchildren, Kathryn N. Dorman, Emily A. Hay, Andrew G. Hay, and Elizabeth A. Hay.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Brian Dorman, and sister, Beverly Soderberg.

William J. Miller Jr. ’56

William Jacob “Bill” Miller Jr. ’56 of Cocoa, Florida, died July 19, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

G. Marshall Mundy ’56

Gardner Marshall Mundy ’56 of Roanoke, Virginia, died Oct. 31, 2022. He was 88.

He matriculated from Roanoke and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia. (Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Mundy appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

Wilmer H. Paine Jr. ’56

Wilmer Howard “Will” Paine Jr. ’56 of Stillwater, Oklahoma, died Sept. 14, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Patterson; son, Howard Paine (Teresa); grandson, DJ Patterson (Aisha); granddaughter, Gigi Russell; four great-grandchildren; and brother, Marshall Paine (Janet).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Lovejoy Paine.

Joseph M. Spears Jr. ’56

Retired U.S. Army Col. Joseph MacKay “Mac” Spears Jr. ’56 of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, died Oct. 26, 2022. He was 89.

He matriculated from Washington, D.C., and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Spears; daughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer; sons, Joseph MacKay Spears III ’81, John Spears (Amy), David Vandeursen Spears ’86, and Charles Donald Spears ’93 (Stephanie); and grandchildren, Lane Spears and Joseph Spears ’22.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane E. Spears.

Kenneth K. Dickinson ’57

Retired U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Kiefer “Kenny” Dickinson ’57 of Merritt Island, Florida, died Aug. 29, 2022. He was 86.

He matriculated from Colonial Heights, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Jim Kearney (Shari); daughter, Kara Tench (Dr. Robert Tench); and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Dickinson, and brother, Jim Dickinson.

Clinton T. Glover ’57

Clinton Thomas “Clint” Glover ’57 of Antioch, Illinois, died Sept. 10, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Starrucca, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Clara; children, Clinton T. Glover III (Patricia), Robert Glover (Gerardo), Matthew Glover (Perry Sartori), Eric Glover (Sandra), and Stephen Glover (Elissa); and grandchildren, Matthew, Edward, Henry, Benjamin, and Daniel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Horace.

Frederick L. Newcomb ’57

Frederick Lee “Fred” Newcomb ’57 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Aug. 19, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; children, Dr. Freddy Newcomb, Laurie Wilson (Tom), and Gary Newcomb; and two grandchildren, Sterling Wilson and Sheppard Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Thomas Hampton Wilson III; brother, Andrew Jackson Newcomb Jr.; and sister, Phyllis Anne East.

Richard G. Newman ’57

Richard Gerald “Dick” Newman ’57, Ph.D., of Green Valley, Arizona, died July 17, 2022. He was 86.

He matriculated from Laurelton, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Indiana University.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Lou.

Thomas A. Saunders III ’58

Thomas Alonza Saunders III ’58 of Palm Beach, Florida, died Sept. 9, 2022. He was 86.

He matriculated from New York City, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia. (Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Saunders appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

Beverly G. Sykes Jr. ’58

Beverly Gates Sykes Jr. ’58 of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, died Oct. 25, 2022. He was 87.

He matriculated from Lynnhaven, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Carol McCoy Sykes; children, Mark Dennis Sykes ’83 (Kim) and Laurie Sykes Dunham (Richard); step-children, Janice Lorraine Thompson (Ted) and Sarita Elaine Bowers (Dave); grandchildren, Gates Dunham and Abigail Megan Sykes (Sam); step-grandchildren, Keith Bowers, Jacqueline Garman, Kenny Bowers, and Kelly Bowers; eight step-great-grandchildren; and brother, William King Sykes (Lois).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Applegate Sykes, and grandson, Benjamin G. Sykes ’13, who died Oct. 30, 2015.

John P. Kemp Jr. ’59

John Page Kemp Jr. ’59 of El Paso, Texas, died Oct. 20, 2022. He was 85.

He matriculated from El Paso and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Hart Kemp; daughters, Page Vaughn (Lonnie) and Amanda Waldmannstetter (Christian); son, Rosser Kemp (Monte Shoemaker); and granddaughter, Hannah Waldmannstetter.

James S. Cranford ’61

James Snead Cranford ’61, M.D., formerly of East Orleans, Massachusetts, and Vero Beach, Florida, died Sept. 17, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Baker Cranford; sons, J. Mark Cranford ’87, David Cranford, and Brian Cranford; grandchildren, Ben, Sam, Abbey, and Sophia; and brother, William M. Cranford ’65.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Reed Cranford, Class of 1935, who died Sept. 22, 1997, and brother, John R. Cranford ’71, who died Nov. 22, 2017.

Robert E. Stoy ’61

Robert Esker Stoy ’61 of Alexandria, Virginia, died Sept. 28, 2022. He was 84.

He matriculated from Alexandria and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet and Sharon.

He was preceded in death by his brother, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dutton G. Stoy ’54, who died Oct. 17, 2013.

Bruce W. Ballard ’62

Bruce Woodhouse Ballard ’62 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died Aug. 3, 2021. He was 81.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Joyce Kindernay “Cindy” Ballard; daughters, Lara Ann Ballard and Amy Lynne Ballard Riley; and grandchildren, Yosselin Sohn, Ellison Riley, Nolan Riley, and Hayden Riley.

Samuel A. Clement Jr. ’62

Samuel Averett “Sam” Clement Jr. ’62 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 11, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Winter Haven, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Gurnick Clement; daughters, Janet Heide Clement and Karin Denise Grice; and grandchild, Ryan Hunter Grice.

Frederick C. Hart ’62

Frederick Charles “Fritz” Hart ’62 of Medina, New York, died Aug. 24, 2022. He was 82.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a master’s degree from Geneva College.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Moran Hart; children, Amanda Piriano (Tony), Matthew Hart (Marie), and Sarah Armstrong (Kyle); step-children, Mark Barden, Kris Colonna (Ray), and Joy Gardner (Howie); grandchildren, Joseph and Jeena Piriano and Luke, Noah, and Cole Armstrong; step-grandchildren, Scott Colonna (Carrie), Stacey Costich, Bailey, Tyler Colonna (Andrea), Andrew and Molly Barden, Emma and Connor Gardner, and Martha Snyder (Kristian); step-great-grandchildren, Bryson and Tessa Costich and Tucker and Jackson Colonna; and brother, Eric Hart ’65 (Adrienne).

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nan Droz (Robert) and Sally Webster (Norris).

James B. Stone III ’63

James Banister “Jim” Stone III ’63, M.D., of Wytheville, Virginia, died Oct. 17, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Light Stone; sons, James B. Stone IV ’92 (Heather), John Carter Stone (Lindsey), and Mark David Stone (Jillian Jones); grandchildren, Eloise, James, Grant, Alexandra, John Jr., Ryan, Sallie, William, and Wyatt; and sister, Janet Dale Stone.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Carter Watkins Stone.

Charlie Y. Talbott Jr. ’63

Talbott Jr. ’63 of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died Aug. 10, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Clifford A. Crittsinger ’64/’66

Clifford Andrew “Cliff” Crittsinger ’64/’66 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Aug. 23, 2022. He was 81.

He matriculated from Buffalo, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from The Citadel.

Charles E. England ’65

Charles Edward “Charlie” England ’65 of Mechanicsville, Virginia, died Sept. 4, 2022. He was 79.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Amy, Chip, Andy ’90, and Mandy, and their spouses; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Morton Riddle IV ’65

Morton “Chip” Riddle IV ’65 of Lovettsville, Virginia, died Aug. 31, 2022. He was 80.

He matriculated from Leesburg, Virginia, and spent just over half a year at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Sullivan Riddle; daughters, Anne Riddle, Lynn Grieb (Eric), Kauren Nordstrom, and Sarah Shannon (Jesse); sons, Kurt Nordstrom and Kyle Nordstrom (Kara); grandchildren, Katy, Emma, Luke, Landon, Colt, Alexandria, Liv, Owen, Emerson, and Ragnar; and sister, Emily Guignon (Tom).

He was preceded in death by his father, Morton “Mortie” Riddle III, Class of 1934, who died June 29, 1990.

Robert M. Semple Sr. ’65

Robert Merrick “Bob” Semple Sr. ’65 of LaCrosse, Virginia, died Oct. 20, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Semple; children, Robert M. Semple Jr. (Lisa), Samuel Shell Semple, William Broadus Semple (Katie), Brenna Elizabeth Wingett (Zachary), Janna Rebecca Wyatt (Ray Walker Jr.), and Dianna Marshall Wyatt (Tye Krebs); and grandchildren, Merrick, Noah, Will, and Alex.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Ann Thackston Semple.

Nathan S. Smith ’65

Nathan Stephen “Steve” Smith ’65 of Aiken, South Carolina, died Sept. 29, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Lark Gildermaster Smith; daughter, Heather Smith Kilburn; son, Todd Stephen Smith; grandchildren, Katherine Elaine Kilburn and Andrew Richard Kilburn; and sister, Trisha Williams.

James E. Broman ’66

James Ernest “Jim” Broman ’66 of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, died Oct. 21, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Conway, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University.

He is survived by his children, Peter Broman, John Broman, and Heather Broman (Jackie); sisters, Susan Kuriger (Don) and Shirley Hetz; brothers, Dick Broman (Judi) and Don Broman (Debbie); and former wife, Sheila Broman.

He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew.

William W. Currence Jr.’66

William Ward “Bill” Currence Jr. ’66 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died Sept. 20, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Charleston, West Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Currence; sons, Michael Baker, Joshua Currence, and Jonathan Currence; and daughters, Kaitlyn Bradley and Mary Alice Hewett.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pam Currence, and daughter, Shelby LeDuc.

Ross H. Simpson ‘66

Ross Hobson Simpson ’66 of Woodbridge, Virginia, died Sept. 11, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Bay City, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Ross and Diana; and two grandchildren.

Lawrence W. Swann ‘66

Lawrence Wesley “Swannie” Swann ’66 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died Sept. 25, 2022. He was 78.

He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Michele N. Swann; daughter, Jennifer “Jenna” Swann (Chet); son, Jason T. Swann; grandchildren, Gabriel and Christopher Weiss; and brother, Wilson T. Swann.

Kenneth N.F. Chun ’67

Kenneth Nung Fo “Ken” Chun ’67 of Kirkland, Washington, died Sept. 13, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Honolulu, Hawaii, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Monica Chun.

Kent M. Easty ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Kent Madison Easty ’67 of Beaufort, South Carolina, died Oct. 28, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Katherine (James), Dr. Andrew Mercer (Catherine); and Megan; and grandchildren, Kendall, Jay, Emma, Ruby, and Jake.

David F. Fink ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. David Frederick “Dave” Fink ’67 of Colleyville, Texas, died Aug. 2, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from Hamburg, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene Fink; children, Heather Mustell (Robert) and David Fink Jr. (Jeri); and grandsons, Jacob and Frederick Mustell.

William T. Fowler ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. William Terry Fowler ’67 of Fairfax, Virginia, died Sept. 8, 2022. He was 77.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and

earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned two Master of Arts degrees, one from Ball State University and one from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Cranford Fowler; sons, Kelly Fowler, Ryan Fowler, and Brennan Fowler; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Collin, Ivy, and Zoe; sisters, Ellen Moore, Margaret Kurtz, and Kay Hempel; and daughters-in-law, Kelly Fowler and Holly Fowler.

John G. Lester ’68

John Garland “Johnny” Lester ’68 of Richmond, Virginia, died Sept. 2, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from Midlothian, Virginia, and spent three years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Trice Lester; son, Lee Garland Lester (Nancy Sasser Lester); grandchildren, Thomas Garland Lester, Madeline Blackburn Lester, and Hunter Cook Lester; sister, Cecil Lester Astrop; and brother, Robert Hugh Lester.

William D. Robertson ’68

William David “Will” Robertson ’68 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Oct. 23, 2022. He was 75.

He matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his son, William David Robertson Jr. (Bria); daughter, Martha Grace Norton (Levi); grandchildren, Zoe, Emma, Luke, and Walker; and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Jane Webster and Judith Barrett Robertson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Gillespie Robertson, and brother, Dr. John St. Clair Robertson Jr.

John R. Siegel ’68

John Richard “Rick” Siegel ’68, Ph.D., of Weems, Virginia, died Oct. 14, 2022. He was 76.

He matriculated from White Stone, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Siegel; daughter, Jenna Ries (David); son, James Siegel; grandchildren, Jack, Joe, and Axel Ries; and brother, Charles L. “Lou” Siegel ’65 (Joan).

He was preceded in death by his father, retired U.S. Army Col. Charles L. Siegel, Class of 1933, who died Nov. 1, 1969.

Patteson Branch Jr. ’69

Patteson “Pat” Branch Jr. ’69 of Richmond, Virginia, died Aug. 7, 2022. He was 75.

He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bullock “Tricia” Branch; children, Patteson Branch III (Eliza), Tyler Branch Hickey, Anne Beverly Branch Fuller (Burton), Reed Barton, and Margaret Barton; grandchildren, Patteson, Alice, and Charlie Branch, Carlisle and Parker Hickey, and Sutton, Ellie, and Wally Fuller; brothers, David Branch (Catherine), Carlisle (Deborah), and Christopher (Martha); and sister, Marti Alexander (Jim).

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Melville Irby Branch, Class of 1868, who died Dec. 21, 1930.

Thomas E. Campbell ’70

Thomas Ellis “Tom” Campbell ’70 of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, died Sept. 22, 2022. He was 74.

He matriculated from Martins Ferry, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Shannon Mauser (Jeff); grandsons, Colton and Dylan Mauser; mother-in-law, Antoinette Galley; brothers, Carl Galley II (Annette) and John L. Galley (Lori); and sister, Sheryl Campbell.

John J. Walklet III ’71

John James “Jack” Walklet III ’71 of Arlington, Massachusetts, died Oct. 24, 2022. He was 73.

He matriculated from Williamsburg, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Lara (Aviad Rubinstein), Benjamin (Veronica Martinez), Merav, Johanna, and Sophia; grandchildren, Milan, Jupiter, and Boaz Rubinstein, and Dezi Martinez Walklet; mother, Gretchen (Peggy); siblings, Philip (Lulu), Debbie Smith (Jim), Preston (Flo), Colin (Heather), Richard, Keith (Annette), Chris (Sandy), and Megan Tighe (Chris); brother-in-law, Lars Kula (Amy); sister-in-law, Julia Miles; and former wife Karen Kaufman (Tom Singman).

William P. Greene ’72

William Preston Greene ’72 of Charles City, Virginia, died May 29, 2022. He was 73.

He matriculated from Charles City and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his son, Preston Archer Greene; daughter, Grace Greene; sisters, Mary Ellen Greene and Margaret Greene Adams; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Greene.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Edmund Greene.

Michael F. Mahoney ’74

Michael Francis Mahoney ’74 of Conway, South Carolina, died Aug. 12, 2022. He was 69.

He matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia W. Mahoney; step-son, Stephen M. Russell (Jonni); step-daughters, Shannon Virts (Keith) and Ashley Cogar (Joshua); grandchildren, Jake Virts, Addison Virts, Ryan Russell, and Harper Russell; brothers, Steve Mahoney (Deanne) and Chris Mahoney (Bridget Owens); and sisters, Patti Watson Peters (Ed) and Cathy Crummett (Gary).

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Gracie Russell.

Donald E. Sharpe ’74

Donald Edward “Don” Sharpe ’74 of Crozier, Virginia, died Sept. 17, 2022. He was 70.

He matriculated from Stamford, Connecticut, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Stephen (Mary); and grandchildren.

Joseph J. Owens III ’76

Joseph James “Jim” Owens III ’76 of Ashland, Virginia, died Aug. 17, 2022. He was 68.

He matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Tootie; sons, Keats Wade (Dawn), Kyle Wade (Leslie), and Keegan (Laura); daughter, Cam Gordon; grandchildren, Riley, Colin, Carley, Chloe, Cole, Mason, Cooper, Karis, Wyatt, and Clint; brother, Jeffrey Owens; and sister Kathy Rusnak.

Stanley B. Stout ’77

Stanley Blake “Stan” Stout ’77 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Sept. 23, 2022. He was 67.

He matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Judie Stout; stepson, James (Mandy); step-grandchildren, Jordan, Kyra, Xavier, Daxton, Skylar, and Sierra; and siblings, Brenda (Dennis), Steven (Bob), and Scott (Lisa).

Raymond P. Joinson ’80

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Raymond Peter “Ray” Joinson ’80 of Church Hill, Tennessee, died Aug. 25, 2022. He was 64.

He matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Incarnate Word College.

He is survived by his wife, Carla; son, Eric; brother, John (Karen); and sister, Mary Elizabeth.

Daniel S. Hall ’87

Daniel Sydney Hall ’87 of Palm Coast, Florida, died March 19, 2022. He was 56.

He matriculated from Beltsville, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business and psychology from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Eva.

David M. Copeland ’88

David Murray Copeland ’88 of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, died Sept. 24, 2022. He was 56.

He matriculated from Bedford, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI.

He is survived by his mother, Sue Craghead; father, Bill Copeland (Phillis); and sister, Allison (T.T. Karnes).

Mark W. Dick ’90

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark Walton Dick ’90 of Flint Hill, Virginia, died Sept. 5, 2022. He was 54.

He matriculated from Front Royal, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Keith Bowling Dick; step-son, Guy Alexander Bowling Foster; mother, Sandra Ann Hall; sister, Kathryn Elizabeth Virginia Dick; and brothers, Charles Matthew Dick (Amber) and Luke Tunstall Dick.

Renard D. Johnson ’90

Renard Dexter Johnson ’90 of Temple Hills, Maryland, died Aug. 10, 2022. He was 54.

He matriculated from Temple Hills and spent just over a year at VMI.

Minter B. Ralston IV ’90

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Minter Bailey “Mint” Ralston IV ’90 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Aug. 2, 2022. He was 54.

He matriculated from Weston, West Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University.

He is survived by his wife, Stacy Ralston; son, Minter Bailey Ralston V; mother, Karen Warner Ralston; and sisters, Julie Johnson, Kathryn Ralston-Fealy, and Amanda Ralston (Ashley Shochat).

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Minter B. Ralston, Class of 1925; father, Minter Bailey Ralston III; and brother-in-law, Thomas Fealy.

Jabarr D. Bean ’98

Jabarr De-vel Bean ’98 of Atlanta, Georgia, died Aug. 23, 2022. He was 47.

He matriculated from Cornwall-Hudson, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Kieffer; daughter, Arianna; son, Aiden; father, Ansley Bean; brothers, Rakeen Dorsey and Michael Bean; and sister, Maudene Gibson.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Vickie Dorsey.

Marcus A. Lynch Jr. ’01

Marcus Anton Lynch Jr. ’01 of Richmond, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2022. He was 43.

He matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and spent more than two years at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda; daughters, Violet-Hazel and Primrose; parents, Carolyn and Roy Hammond; grandmother, Delores Lynch; mother-in-law, Sandra Peterson; and fathers-in-law, Carl B. Davis Sr. and Bernard Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus A. Lynch Sr.

Spencer E. Robbins III ’03

Spencer Everett “Tripp” Robbins III ’03 of Lovettsville, Virginia, died Oct. 2, 2022. He was 41.

He matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; children, Samantha Rose Robbins and Spencer Everett Robbins IV; father, Spencer E. Robbins II; and sisters, Ashley White and Courtney Juncker.

VMI Family

Andrew H. Conner

Andrew Harold Conner of Lexington, Virginia, died Aug. 29, 2022. He was 90.

He formerly worked in facilities management at VMI.

He is survived by his sons, Donald Andrew Conner and Calvin Lewis Conner, and grandchildren, James Andrew Conner (Mary Jane) and Sarah Elizabeth Conner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Lewis Conner; sister, Doris Williams; and brothers, Palmer Armstrong and Hubert Armstrong.

Kossuth M. Mitchell

Kossuth Mayer “Mitch” Mitchell of Hazard, Kentucky, died Sept. 7, 2022. He was 80.

He was formerly the sergeant major of Army ROTC at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy Shafer Mitchell; children, Sherry Roy, Lenore Pollard (Bobby), and Beth Shafer (Chris); eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers, Clarence Mitchell (Sylvia) and Zadok Mitchell (Annell).

He was preceded in death by his son, Kossuth M. Mitchell II; daughter, Kristi Lynn Cheatham; and siblings.

Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson of Wilmington, North Carolina, died Aug. 4, 2022. He was 81.

He formerly coached football at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Frederick Robinson; son, Carroll Bennett Robinson III (Chelli); daughters, Patricia Parker Stone (Ty), Beth Davis Hankin (Brian), and Cristen Parker Page (Branson); grandchildren, Claudia, Stewart, Parker, Ben, Anna (Will), Jim, Cate, Will, Caroline, and Branson Jr.; and sister, Kaye McCraw.

He was preceded in death by Claudia Robinson and his sister, Lois Pugh.

Thomas W. Schlechte

Thomas Walter “Tom” Schlechte of Evansville, Indiana, died Sept. 18, 2022. He was 85.

He formerly taught at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Vowels “Kathe” Schlechte; daughters, Bebe Schlechte, Courtney Palmer, Jessica Slocum (Josh Neidig), and Katie Glover; grandchildren, Ariel, Olivia, Haley, Miranda, Chase, Logan, Kiersten, Cassidy, Elijah, Elliot, and Josephine; great-grandchildren, Bliss, Ella, Veda, and Asher; sister, Anne Morris (Joe); and brother, John Schlechte (Konnie).

He was preceded in death by his son, Chris Schlechte.

Robert E. Wells Jr.

Robert Eugene “Bob” Wells Jr. of Goshen, Virginia, died Sept. 25, 2022. He was 76.

He formerly worked in facilities management at VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne; children, Louise Wells Waller (Bennie), Robert Eugene “Rusty” Wells III (Heather), Jennifer Wells (Raffaele Biotti), and Alison Franke Wells (Jeff Ravenhorst), grandchildren, Wellsley Waller, Henrich Wells, and Hayden Wells; and sisters, Jane Joyner (Vance), Julie Waldas (Howard), Margaret Segal, and Mary Stone (Billy).

Dorothy J. Whiting

Dorothy Jean Whiting of Raphine, Virginia, died Aug. 27, 2022. She was 80.

She worked in the Tailor Shop at VMI for almost 30 years.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Leonard Whiting; children, Rebecca Lynn Whiting, Karen Grace Alford, Larry Leonard Whiting Jr. (Lauren), and Sharon Renee Buchanan (Curtis); grandchildren, Perry, Colton, Tiffany, Heather (Tyler), Samantha (Nick), Morgan (Brent), Jamie (Lucas), and Ericka (Steven); 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Loretta Simmons, Kenneth Dulaney, Eugene Dulaney, Betty Hollandsworth (Sam), Donald Dulaney, and Arnold Dulaney.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Zachary; sister, Leona; and brother, Clinston.

Joan L.E. Wilhelm

Joan Lee Eubank Wilhelm died Oct. 15, 2022. She was 88.

She formerly worked in the Tailor Shop at VMI.

She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Harris (Calvin) and Elise Johnson; sons, Carlyle Wilhelm (Terry) and David Wilhelm (Brenda); grandchildren, Michael Harris (Brandi Wilson), Christina Bennington (Jeff), Tanya Johnson, Cara Wilhelm Graham (Eric Akers), Nicole Wilhelm (Ronnie Clark), Michaela Wilhelm Hostetter (Josh Hostetter), Shana Crump (Alex Strickler), and Kimber Ross (Alex); great-grandchildren, Justin and Megan Bennington, Raylan Graham, Asher Akers, Henry and Harrison Clark, Walker Hostetter, Rosie Crump, Khloe Ross, and Avery Ross; and brother, Elburn W. Eubank (Tye).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford Carlyle Wilhelm; grandson, Raye Wilhelm; and son-in-law, Wilber Lee Johnson.