BRANSON VETERANS OF AMERICA 913
Branson, Missouri
Members Lost:
Richard C. Schweitzer deceased, 15 February 2024
Richard (Rich) 77, of Lincoln Nebraska passed away peacefully at home February 15, 2024. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 19, 1946 to Dietrich and Marie (Kirby) Schweitzer. All services will be at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Rich was a United States Marine Corps Veteran.
Richard L. Sarver deceased, 27 January 2023
The Celebration of Life services for Richard L. Sarver, 73, of Hollister, Missouri will be held on February 24, 2023, at 11:00Hrs at Snapp -Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory. Pastor David Wagner, Branson Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will be held at the Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery with full Military Honors by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard. Rick entered into rest on January 27, 2023.
Richard Lindsay Sarver was born on November 25, 1949, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to William and Mary (Jacobs) Sarver. He was a graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. After graduation, he worked in the industry for several years before transitioning to food sales with Sysco Food Service. Rick married his beloved wife Janice on March 28, 1988. He moved to Hollister in 1998 and worked in Real Estate and then Lowes for seven years before his retirement. Rick was very active with the City of Hollister, where he served on the Planning Commission for 19 years, many of those as Chairman.
Rick served in the Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War. Rick was one of the founding members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 913, Branson, Missouri, and held several positions with that organization as well as on the Honor Guard/Color Guard. Rick loved his country and his association with other veterans.
Preceded in death by, William John Sarver, Mary Elizabeth Sarver, and beloved wife Janice Marie Sarver.
Survived by brothers, James W. Sarver and Robert C. Sarver, as well as nieces, Michelle Berry and Brittny Hopson, Elizabeth Finkbone, nephew Chris Sarver, Great nieces Payton Locke, Bella Edmondson, and Great nephews Logan Locke and Jaden Amis.
Roger Lewis Segan deceased, 2 June 2020
Roger Lewis Segan, age 78, of Branson, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home June 2, 2020, with family at his bedside. He entered life on April 1, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Clance and Molly (Goldberg) Segan. His parents have preceded him in death. Arrangements under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.
Roger proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He was a salesman for ladies' apparel for forty years. Rogers was a people person and could talk to anyone. He would spin yarns about his younger days and enjoyed watching old movies. Roger made you feel like he wanted you to be around and would make you feel at home. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Roger is survived by his life partner Connie Stevenson of the home; Michael Segan of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Sherry (Kevin) Fowler. Atlanta, Georgia; and many friends and extended family.
Gregory Francis Pfeifer deceased, 16 May 2020
Gregory Francis Pfeifer was born on June 17, 1949, in Fargo North Dakota to Raymond & Delores Pfeifer. He proudly served in the US Navy before attending the University of Colorado in Boulder where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business. Greg owned and operated his own residential contracting company.
Greg & Gabriela Ward were married on October 19, 2016, in Denver, Colorado. They moved to Forsyth, Missouri in 2017.
Greg entered into rest on Saturday, May 6, 2020, at Cox Medical Center Branson in Branson, Missouri at the age of 70.
He is survived by his wife Gabriela Ward of Forsyth, Missouri; son, Jason Pfeifer, his wife Mindy and their two daughters, Amaya and Kiara of Westminster, Colorado; three brothers, Garrett Pfeifer and Guy Pfeifer both of Nederland, Colorado; George Pfeifer and his wife Sharon of St. Paul Minnesota; two sisters, Mary Pfeifer Dahl from Moorhead, Minnesota and Marcia Pfeifer and her husband Steve Susich from Garden Valley, Minnesota.
Carroll D. French deceased, 10 September 2018
Carroll French was born August 6, 1936, in Sebring, Ohio. He was the son of Foster O. and Macel P. (Brotherton) French. Carroll graduated from Sebring High School. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 22 years including three tours in Vietnam. Carroll moved to the state of Washington where he was a self-employed Real Estate Broker while continuing to be highly involved with the Marine Corps. He moved to the Branson area from Priest River, Idaho. Carroll married Judy Fay McCullough Leming on Nov. 22, 2008, in Branson, Mo. This past year they had celebrated ten wonderful years together.
Carroll had many interests including talking politics, golfing, and singing. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #913 and was involved with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Carroll passed away September 10, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Austin and Chuck.
Carroll is survived by his loving wife Judy of the home; one brother Edward “Eddie” French (Fran) of Salem-Winona, Ohio; two sons Chuck French and Major Douglas French, USMC both of the Washington area; step-son Rocky Leming (Wendy) of Myrtle Beach, SC; along with two grandchildren, Casey and Bridgett of Ohio and two step-grandchildren, Avalyn and Tristin of Myrtle Beach, SC. No preferences were made regarding nieces or nephews however Carroll was very proud of his niece Justice Judi French.
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William "Bill" C. Terry deceased 29, October 2017
Bill was born September 8, 1949 in Hot Springs, AR. He was the son of Glendora and William C. Terry Sr. He was raised in Pine Bluff, Ar and received his education there. He entered the USMC in October 1967, and attended MCRD at San Diego, CA. Upon graduation, he served in Vietnam with Hotel Co. 2nd Marines BLT, 9th MAB.
Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Terry, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Erick and Angela Terry, of Pine Bluff, AR; his step-sons and their wives, Tony and Kris Matthews of Velma, OK and Robert G. and Rhonda Matthews of Harrison; and his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Paul Harp, of Marble Falls, AR; 9 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great-granchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Glenda and Bob Chambers, of Canton, GA; and a host of other family and friends.
Gerald "Gary" Glen Mahon deceased 24, April 2016
Gary was born April 22, 1942 in Benkelman, NE. He was the son of Harold & Irma Mahon. He graduated from Gridley High School in Gridley, CA. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during Vietnam. Gary worked in Grand Prairie, TX for Vought Aircraft. He was in quality control at the aircraft manufacturing plant. He moved to Branson and married his loving wife, Janie on January 14, 2004.
Gary's final resting place will be the Missouri Veterans Cemetary, Springfield.
Joseph Siegel Deceased 29, April 2015
Joseph was born April 25, 1947 in Elmhurst, IL to Joseph W. Siegel and Constance Margaret Siegel. He served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam, Joseph married Jan K. Newren on December 16, 1967 at Mt. Prospect, IL. They were blessed with two sons.
Joseph was a retired building inspector. He and Jan moved to the Tri-lakes area from Woodstock, IL in 2012.
Joseph is survided by his wife Jan of the home and two sons and thier wifes Donald Siegel (Suzanne) of Woodstock, IL; Ronald Siegel (Melissa) of Champaign, IL; one daughter JoAnna Siegel of Reeds Spring, MO.
Joseph's final resting place will be the Missouri Veterans Cemetary, Springfield.
James R. Walker Deceased 6, February 2015
Jim was born September 21, 1938. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Preissel whom he married in 1999. Jim has three Children Seane Walters, of Newton MS; Sherri Boatright, of Talihina, OK; and James A. Walker, of Pensacola, FL; and one grandson James W. Walker, currently in the Air Force.
Jim spent 22 years in the Navy as a Naval Aviator. Although he was a decorated Naval Officer he is best remembered for his love of God and country, a husband, a father, a grandfather, his sense of humor and a friend to many.
Jim's final resting place will be Barrancas National Cementary Pensacola, FL
Frank & Jo Ellen Wevers Deceased 27 May 2014
Frank & Jo Ellen Wevers, Kimberling City, passed away together in their RV.
Frank Joseph Wevers III was born November 16, 1947 in Great Lakes, IL. Frank was a U.S. Army veteran serving one tour in Vietnam and was the recipient of the Bronze Star & Purple Heart.
Mary Jo Ellen Avery Wevers was born September 29, 1955 in Crawford County, Missouri.
Jo Ellen & Frank were united in marriage on December 23, 1973
Gary Watson Deceased 19 December 2013
Gary was born 9 Dec, 1940, in Omaha Neb. He was a Veteran of the US Army, serving from 1959 to 1962, and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 913. Gary is survived by his wife Judith, and 4 children, Christine, Larry, Lorana, and Alan.
Larry Simpson Deceased 18 September 2013
Larry was born 17 March, 1951 in Flint Michigan to John & Lillian Simpson He has 2 sisters, Susan & Neva.
Larry graduated from Midland High, MI in 1970. After graduation Larry joined the Army and served in the Vietnam War.
Larry married Debbie June 8, 1974 & they had a daughter Angela Lynn September 6, 1975.
Larry loved riding motorcycles, watching football and spending time with his three granddaughters Britney, Emily and Tiffany.
He also enjoyed working with the Veterans and was a charter member of the VVA Chapter 913. Larry is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Angie, three grandaughters and two sisters, Neva and Susan.
John "Jay" Petran Deceased 18 August, 2013
John was born 24 February 24, 1948, in Peoria, Ill. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving from 1968 to 1969, and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 913. John is surviced by his wife Brenda, and 2 sons, Brian, and Keith.
William "Bill" Groninger Deceased 2 September 2011
Bill passed on Sept. 2, 2011 at his home after nine-month battle with cancer. Groninger spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.He had a masters in Psychology, a Doctorate in Meta-Physics, and a black belt in the martial arts. He piloted the world's fastest, highest flying reconnaissance plane, the SR-71 Blackbird. After retirement, however, he didn't slow down. "His whole life was about service to veterans, active military, and patriotism", his wife, Lynn Groninger, said.
Bill Groninger spent many years in Branson area working to ensure veterans were appreciated, remembered and welcomed, first through the Branson VVA Task Force and then through Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913.
Bill recieved the Bridge Builder Award for his focus on building an educational bridge between veterans and school student by having military heroes interact with children at assemblies, tell their stories and teach the proper way to fold a flag. He received the 2003 Governor's Humanitarians Award and served as an adviser to the governor on behalf of veterans. On July, 4 2012 he was honored with the first Bretts for Vets award and selected The Member of the Year for VVA Chapter 913. The award is now titled "The Bill Groninger Member of the Year Award". Groninger was also past-president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913.
David Paul Eilert Deceased 3 February 2011
Davide was born in Beloit, KS on Jan. 5, 1947. Joined the Army in 1967. He proudly served in the United States Army with the 169th Engineers in Germany and Vietnam (1968-1969). He operated heavy equipment and earned many accomodations and honors. He was so proud of his service to his country.
David was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in 2010 and fought a hard battle. David went home to be with his Lord on Thur. Feb 3, 2011 at the age of 64.
Tom Smith Deceased 18 August 2008
Tom was born in Green Forest, AR on Oct. 28, 1948. Graduated College of the Ozarks and received his Master degree in 1975 from University of Arkansas. Professor of Agriculture at College of the Ozarks.
Tom passed away August 18th, 2008 at the Cancer Treatment center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John Gary (Smokey) Ellis Deceased 20 June 2005
Smokey was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on May 18, 1938. He entered the service
on Sept. 11, 1963. He served 3 Years 11 Months 28 Days. He was discharged on
Sept. 8, 1967. His Branch of Service: ARMY
SERVICE TRAINING
Military Police School/Nov. 63 - Feb 64 Military Policeman / ATP 21-114
Code of Conduct / Military Justice / Geneva Convention / CBR
Final Pay Grade SP5
MEDALS & BADGES VSM / VCM / Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), Drivers Badge/Bar Basic Qual Badge
Smokey served both in Vietnam and Japan. Smokey was a great many things to many people. Including, but not limiterd to Charter Vice President of VVA 913, he was an advocate for the homeless and the needy, not only for our chapter, but for the entire community. Each year Smokey dressed up as Santa Claus for many area civic organizations.