Msgt. Charles W. Harnest, 4 March 1945 - 2 August 2023
Chuck was an adoring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and mentor. He was also a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps. On August 2nd, he passed away surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his amazing wife Gayle and his brother George.

He is survived by his daughter Katherine, his daughter Jennifer, his son-in-law Robert, his granddaughters Lillian and Amelia, and his siblings Peggy, David & Angela.

Chuck will be put to rest with full military honors at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia on Tuesday 10/10/2023 at 2pm; before the service there will be a memorial gathering at the National Museum of the Marine Corps from 11:30 - 1:30 in the Medal of Honor 2nd Deck Lobby. with the rank of first sergeant and moved to Central Florida to be near his widowed mother.

Russell W Kauffman, retired Marine who became known for his volunteer work with civic organizations and who achieved local fame as Santa Claus in the Orlando area, passed away on July 17 at the age of 88.
A Pennsylvania native, Russ was born August 6, 1934 to Robert and Pauline (Johnson) Kauffman in a small rural community near Allentown. He began his education in a one-room school house, and attended public schools until early 1952, when, in his junior year of high school, he enlisted in the Marines.
Russ would spend the next 22 years in the Marines, serving two tours in Vietnam and Med cruises aboard the aircraft carriers Intrepid and Valley Forge. But the highlight of his career was the 2-1/2 years he spent as a drill instructor at Parris Island during the height of the Vietnam era.
Other postings included Quantico, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, I & I duty at Gulfport, Mississippi, and sergeant major of the Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment at NAS Lakehurst, NJ. He retired at Camp Pendleton in 1974 with the rank of first sergeant and moved to Central Florida to be near his widowed mother.
Never one to sit still, Russ took a job with Martin Marietta and took an active role in organizations such as the American Legion and the USMC East Coast Drill Instructors Association. He was Past Commandant of the Marine Corps League in Central Florida, and was awarded the Quilt of Valor for his work and dedication.
After retiring from Martin Marietta, he took on the role of Santa Claus at Orlando's Fashion Square Mall and later at Walt Disney World. He was also featured as Santa in Universal Orlando's ad campaigns, and appeared in commercials and billboards throughout the Eastern United States.
He loved bringing the joy and happiness of Christmas to children, but due to health issues he had to retire in 2010.
Russ was active until his final day - distributing refreshments at church, keeping in touch with his Marine buddies, and playing his favorite role as patriarch of a growing family. He spoke often of his beloved wife, Jo Ann, who preceded him in death three years earlier, and he joins her now, along with his parents and his sister, Betty Bortz.
He leaves behind three children: Larry, of Orlando; Michael (Mary) of Owings, Maryland; and Kathy Hiracheta of Kissimmee. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Simon (Lisa) Hiracheta, Shannon (Aric) Johnson; Kyle, Robert, Emily, and Brian Kauffman; six great- grandchildren: Halle Galvez, Mason and Leila Johnson; Andrew, Audrey, and Hayden Hiracheta; and one great-great-grandchild, Elijah Galvez.

Robert J. Roller (Butch) was born on February 1, 1952 in Davenport, Iowa and was adopted to work on a farm.

Butch was a hard worker all through his life and very athletic. He joined the Marine Corps in 1971 right out of high school. While in the Marine Corps, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle in Aerospace and Aeronautics. He excelled to the rank of Captain O3 and was in charge of the maintenance crew for F4 and F18 fighter aircraft.

After 22 years of serving his country he retired and worked for several companies throughout his career. Butch was the VP of the Western Region at Siemens, President of MCS Fire & Security, GM of G4S and CEO of WPCS International.

If there was one phrase to describe Butch it was “go big or go home.”

Butch was a staunch conservative, strong with his convictions and loved Rush Limbaugh. Rush used to say he was talent on loan from God. It could be said Butch was leadership on loan from God.

Butch had this gift. The only way to can explain it was he made it so “you didn’t want to disappoint him.” Butch had this ability to get people to do things beyond in some cases their own capability. He made you want to work harder, he made you want to succeed, he wanted everybody to be their best ever!

One of Butch’s favorite sayings was “there’s a reason and then there’s the real reason”

On the weekend if he wasn’t working, you would find Butch enjoying college football. He loved having a good cigar and bottle of Silver Oak or Caymus after a good meal at one of his favorite restaurants. He was a regular at the Montage in Laguna Beach and J-Prime in San Antonio.

Butch was the kind of person that you only meet once in a lifetime and we miss him.

The memory and spirit of Butch lives on in each of us. We enjoyed having him in our lives for a part of the 69 that he was on this earth. Now he belongs to the ages.

Butch was survived by all that knew him.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 8th at 10:45 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.

Retired MSgt. (USMC) John W. "Jack" Starr Jr., 81. Jack was born on December 14, 1941. From the age of 17 years + 1 day Jack lead an extraordinary life. He dropped out of high school and then joined his beloved Marine Corps. During his 20 year career with the Marine Corps, among his many tours of duty MSgt Starr served as an Embassy Guard in Afghanistan and Morocco, fought in the Viet Nam war, served as a Drill Instructor for 3 years, receiving a meritorious promotion during this tour. Many tours of duty overseas, the honor of representing MCRD San Diego at a World Wide SNCO symposium, Jack finally retired after his last tour of duty training Marine reservists aboard Treasure Island, SF.

Jack then went on to complete his college studies receiving his MBA at Golden Gate University. He worked another 20 years in Corporate America. After his second retirement he and his wife Brenda traveled throughout the US and the world continuing to enjoy their lives together. They had met in Morocco and married in Gibraltar after a whirlwind romance of 6 weeks, beginning a glorious life together for the next 56 years.

One of Jacks proudest moments was the birth of his son Marcus one beautiful Christmas Day! His love of his son was unconditional, and their bond great. He succumbed to a culmination of cancers due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Viet Nam. When Jack closed his eyes for the last time on December 22, 2022 he was being held close and told how much he was loved by his most favorite and loved people, Brenda, Marcus and Rebekah. To say Jack is missed is an understatement. A proud Marine, the best husband and Dad, father in law, son in law, brother in law, uncle, great uncle and good good friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him {he had a wicked sense of humor} all that can now be said is "we love you dearly", and "at ease Marine. Semper Fi. My heart will always look for you my love, remember "slow and easy".

Published by East Bay Times from Jan. 20 to Jan. 22, 2023.

Retired Sgt. Major (USMC) David Earl Chapman, Sr. 83, formerly of Beaufort, died Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Trident Medical Center, North Charleston. He is the father of Elandee Chapman Thompson, Stanley Chapman and the late David Earl Chapman, Jr.

The Public Viewing will be held from 4-6 PM on Monday January 2, 2023 at Marshel’s Wright Donaldson, 1814 Greene Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902

A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Bethesda Christian Fellowship, 36 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, St. Helena Island.

Family & Friends have the opportunity to attend the Celebration of Life virtually via the Facebook Link Below beginning at 10:55 AM on Tuesday morning: www.Facebook.com/MarshelsFH

Burial with full military honors will follow in the Beaufort National Cemetery.

Gunnery Sergeant Duane Francis Donovan August 29, 1940 – November 12, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt.) Duane Francis Donovan, US Marine Corps, Retired. A true American hero, he served 23 years of active service including multiple combat tours in Vietnam. GySgt. Donovan passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Born August 29, 1940, in Natchez, Mississippi to William T. and LuluMae (Robinson) Donovan, Duane was the seventh child of Bill and LulaMae’s nine children. His Marine Corps service took him to many unique places around the world including Albany, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Dale (Goodson) Donovan. As Duane would often say, “home is where the Marine Corps takes you.”
The Marine Corps allowed the couple to call many places including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Hawaii, and South Carolina “home” over the years. Upon retirement from active duty, GySgt. Donovan continued to serve his beloved Marine Corps and fellow Marines as the Manager of the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers’ Club (SNCO) aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. He excelled in his duties and eventually was promoted to Manager of the Parris Island Club System which included the Enlisted, SNCO, and Officers’ Clubs. The restaurant aboard MCRD PISC, where many families of Marine recruits visited with their new Marines, was named Donovan’s Reef as a salute to GySgt. Donovan’s dedicated service.
His numerous medals and decorations include: Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal with six stars; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with five stars; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Certificate of Appreciation; and Letter of Appreciation Third Award. GySgt. Donovan was the recipient of the Marine Corps Club Manager of the Year. He was also an honorary member of the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Association.
Preceded in death by his parents William T. and LulaMae Donovan; parents-in-law Leland and Katie (Thomas) Goodson; brothers Billy, Donald, Errol, Pat, and Mike Donovan; sister Shirley Donovan Doucet; brothers-in-law Joe David Smith, Ralph Goodson, Gene Goodson, Quincy Turner, and David Kay; and sisters-in-law Katie (Goodson) Kay and Ann (Goodson) Turner. Duane is survived by his wife Elizabeth Dale (Goodson) Donovan; children Duane, Rebecca Donovan-Hosmer (Russ), Patricia Donovan Martinez (Atanacio), and grandson Patrick Martinez; brother John (Sandra) Donovan and sister Connie Donovan Smith. He also leaves behind his beloved pets Luther the rescue dog and Mike the cat to mourn.
A public viewing will take place at Niland Funeral Home in New Roads, La. on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM. Visitation, including recitation of The Rosary, will take place Monday, November 21, 2022, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Morganza, LA., from 9:00 -11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM and will include full Marine Corps honors. Family, friends, and fellow veterans will gather in the church hall immediately following the burial.
Semper Fidelis (Latin for always faithful) is the motto of the Marine Corps, and Duane was certainly faithful to his family, country, and Corps. The Marine Corps enduring core values are Courage, Honor, Commitment, and these values are defined by the way they are lived. GySgt. Duane Francis Donovan lived his life guided by these values and will always remain one of The Few and The Proud. SFMF!

Donald M. Brown, age 87, passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022. He was the loving husband of Celia (Desalvo) Brown for over 65 years. Born in South Kingstown, he was the son of the late Frederick and Dorcas (Randall) Brown.

Don was a gifted athlete in high school and college and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at North Kingstown High School, South Kingstown High School, and University of Rhode Island. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps and spent much of his career in education, serving as the Athletic Director at South Kingstown High School for many years before retiring. He was a member of the East Coast Drill Instructors Association, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and served on the RI House Veterans Advisory Council.

He was the loving father of Whitney Brown; beloved brother of Dale, Michael, Robert, and Russell Brown and the late Susan Kresinski, Beryl Toth, Gale Brown, Richard Brown, and Betty Andrew. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 11 am in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown. His burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Thursday, from 4-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Don’s name may be made to East Coast Drill Instructors, P.O. Box 5117, Parris Island, SC 29905.

SgtMaj JOHN T. COLLIER, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (Ret.)
Sergeant Major John Thomas “Tom” Collier of Beaufort received his final tour orders on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the age of 102. Tom was born on November 19, 1919 in Eastover, SC the son of John Thomas Collier Sr. and Fannie K Collier. He attended High School in the Lower Richland School and excelled as a tennis star traveling the state participating in tournaments. Tom moved to Beaufort and enrolled in the “work progress” program at Hunting Island State Park. Disillusioned with “hard times”, Tom joined the U. S. Marine Corp at age 17 attending basic training at MCRD in Beaufort. After seeing combat at Guadalcanal, he returned to MCRD as a Drill Instructor and received several awards. During WWII, Tom was captured by the Japanese, escaped a POW camp in the Philippines by constructing a homemade raft and eventually ended up in Australia. Tom was then assigned to the First Marine Division (North Korea) serving under Major General Oliver P. Smith. Early in November 1950, Tom entered the area known as the Chosin Reservoir with the 7th Marines. Tom earned the designation as one of the proud “Chosen Few”. Tom told the story as if it were yesterday with mortars, foxholes and unbelievably cold weather. The warmer temperatures were around -8 degrees F.

On the occasion of Toms 102nd birthday, he served as the guest of honor at Operation Patriots FOB Marine Corps birthday celebration and received a home visit from the Commanding General of MCRD presenting him with a brand new set of Dress Blues requested by him for his burial. Tom’s favorite pastime was treating his entire family to a weekend at Disney World which he enjoyed well into his 90’s.

Tom is survived by his wife, Helen R. Hutchens Collier of Beaufort, five children, David A. Hutchens (Kathy) of Columbia, SC, Dennis W. Hutchens (Donna) of Atlanta Georgia, Debra J. Hutchens Dabney (Tom) of Beaufort, Dawn A. Hutchens Higgins ( Todd) of Beaufort , Donna M. Hutchens of Beaufort and a sister, Irene Hildebran of Columbia. Tom is predeceased by two sisters, Dorothy Carter and Anna Lee Dickert, both of Columbia.

A private service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery with United States Marine Corps honors.

Thomas W Evans 82 of Toms River died Wednesday July 20, 2022 at home. Born in New York City, NY he resided in Madison before moving to Toms River in 2012. He served in the USMC during Vietnam from 1958-1968 rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant and later Drill Instructor. He joined the NJ State Troopers in 1968, 76th class., rising to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 2002. He then took a position as Director of Public Safety at Drew University from 2002-2011, where he influenced a generation of Drew students. He earned his Master’s in education from Seton Hall University. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling and reading non-fiction adventure novels. Tom was loving, caring, extremely funny with a bit of dry wit-loyal and protective of his family, loved his steak & potatoes and Budweiser beer.
He adored and loved his wife of 9 years, Carol A Evans. Surviving are his children, Shari Saffelder & her husband Rick, Bonnie Chamberlain & her husband Brian, James Staten & his wife Michelle, Jennifer Oscar & her husband Earl, Ashley Whiting & her husband Ryan, Robert Purcell & his wife Yumi and Timothy Purcell & his wife Keiko, and sister, Sarann Wolfson & husband Martin, and 13 grandchildren. Memorial Gathering is 2-5 PM with a 4 PM service Saturday July 30, 2022 at Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bayada Hospice 10 Allen Street Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753, MARSOC Foundation PO Box 2018 Temecula, CA 92593. For directions or to send online condolences, please visit our website at www.oliveriefuneralhome.com.

MGySGT George E. Hijar USMC, Retired, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

George was born on June 30, 1942 in Hackensack, NJ. After growing up with his family in Mexico, George moved back to the US and, after graduating high school in Wilmington, DE, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine George fought in Viet Nam then returned to Parris Island to serve as a Drill Instructor, where he participated as a member of the Special Training Branch that supported ESL recruits. During his career, “Top” Hijar served in Infantry then moved into Public Affairs where he worked as a DINFOS Instructor, the NCOIC for PA staff at HQMC, and eventually won the Thomas Jefferson Award for his work as a combat correspondent.  During his more than 30 years of service George also ran 15 marathons, including the Honolulu Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon.

After retirement George completed his education at Strayer University, where he earned his BA with honors and became a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. After graduation, George continued to serve his country as a civilian employee of DISA. He also continued his advocacy for Marines and Marine recruits by participating in the Parris Island Share the Legacy Program and volunteering at the Parris Island Museum.

George is survived by his wife Maureen Boyd Hijar; their son Mark (Emily);  his siblings Robert (Marabeth) and Deborah (Russ) Allison; and his daughter Jennifer Flores.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Parris Island Historical and Museum Society.

Graveside services will be held at 10AM on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at the Beaufort National Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Stephanie Ann Servis, 1st Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), of Flagstaff, Arizona, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at age 54.

Survived by her son Hayden James Parrick, VA; her father Steve (Phyllis) Servis, NM; mother Nancy (Tom) Vendetti, HI; and her siblings Sandy Servis (Karl) Froelich, NC; Randy (Dena) Servis, AZ; Mary Servis, AZ; her nephew Colton and nieces Shayla, Taylor and great niece Austyn; her aunt Barbara and cousin Sherry; her best friend Brenda and numerous other friends and colleagues around the world.

Stephanie graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1986. Upon graduation, Stephanie joined the Marine Corps, where she faithfully and honorably served, retiring after 21 years; whereupon she served an additional 9 years as a Federal Employee (GS -12) under Total Force Structure Division at Quantico, VA as the Administrator Officer before medically retiring.

Stephanie’s military career highlights began with her graduating (meritoriously) as a Lance Corporal from Parris Island, SC. She served as a Drill Instructor, Personnel Administrative School Instructor, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy Faculty Advisor, 1st Sgt for Officer Candidates School and the Brig, and Region One 1st Sgt for Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group in Frankfurt, Germany.

Stephanie received many personal awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal for her outstanding service while stationed in Germany and the Joint Service Commendation Medal (successfully working with other military branches) undertaking many tasks to include establishing the first Corporal’s Leadership Course outside of the United States in a war zone.

In 2014, Stephanie graduated with honors and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Strayer University.

She was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, confidante, friend and EXCEPTIONAL Marine. She had great taste in art, home décor, clothes, shoes and selecting gifts. She had a warm heart and was giving to her family, friends and others.

Stephanie was an avid runner, cyclist and extreme sport enthusiast. She participated in numerous marathons, half-marathons, including the Cooper River Bridge Run several times in Charleston, SC and other races all over the world.

She was energetic, a self-starter, a “get her done” kind of woman with attitude. She was a fighter. She was detail oriented, hardworking, determined, smart and orderly. She lived the Marine Corps values.

Stephanie asked that all athletes, Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen take seriously any and all concussive events and seek immediate medical attention. She wanted to encourage our leaders to learn the signs and symptoms of concussions and provide for prevention and treatment of these silent and deadly injuries.

Henry "Hank" Gruber passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022. He is predeceased by his daughter, Donna. Hank and BJ lived in Cherrywood in Ocala for the past 20 years.

In his 26 years in the Marine Corp, he has been everywhere. He joined the Marines at age 17 and rose through the ranks until he achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth J. (BJ) and five step children and 3 step grandchildren. They are Jason Bell, Robert Bell, Cheryl Bell Hixenbough (Rusty), Jennifer Scott (Bobby) and Jane Higgins (Kelly). Hank also had step grandkids, Janea, Ryan and Lindsey.

Hank loved to go visit the Marines in Ocala and Gainesville and share stories with them. Hank will be missed. He will have a Military Funeral with full honors and will be interred at Bushnell Cemetery.