GySgt. Bruce H. Gilbert, USMC (Ret.), age 89 of Canton, OH passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, following a brief illness. He was born on October 7, 1936, in Canton to the late Harry and Audrey (Boyle) Gilbert.
He was a graduate of Canton South High School. Following graduation, he went on to serve two tours in Vietnam. He served as a drill instructor on both the east and west coast. His military occupation was MOS-3500, a basic motor transport, a job he continued after his service.
Bruce was a school bus driver and later, automotive repair instructor at Canton South High School. He also served as a JROTC instructor at Tuba City High School in Arizona.
He was a member of the Canton Baptist Temple. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Carole Gilbert; and his sister, Audrey L. Griffith. Bruce is survived by two sons and one daughter: Scott W. and Kathy L. (Leighley) Gilbert, Randy B. and Debbie (Boldry) Gilbert, and Susan E. and Eugene Rue; 9 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
A private celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Ashlee Miller for her kind and compassionate care. Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home, North Canton, OH 330-452-4041.

JGeorge Henry Hunt, July 16 1939 - September 15, 2025
2024 at the age of 95.

Celebration of life

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Manuel "M.A." Lunsford Jr., 91, passed away peacefully in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by his loved ones. M.A. was born in Mendota, Virginia, where he spent his early years in humble circumstances.

Life, he often said, was not easy until 1953 when, just before being drafted, he and twenty-seven others from his community enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Following his swearing-in at the recruiting office in Bristol, Virginia, M.A. and his fellow Marines traveled to Richmond for physicals and then boarded a troop train to Yemassee, South Carolina. The next day, they arrived at Parris Island, where M.A. was assigned to Platoon 193.

Upon completing basic training, he was sent to sea school in Portsmouth, Virginia, before being assigned to a Marine detachment aboard the USS Valley Forge, an aircraft carrier that had just returned from the Korean War. Serving as the ship's orderly to Captain Charlie Fenton—an iconic squadron flight leader from the Battle of Midway—M.A. traveled far and wide, with duties spanning from Nova Scotia to South America, and across the Mediterranean to Spain and Portugal. Out of seventy-eight men, M.A. was one of just two promoted to Corporal during his two years of service.

After his time aboard the Valley Forge, M.A. was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he attended the Atomic and Biological Warfare School and was promoted to Sergeant. He then served in various roles, including as a drill instructor at Parris Island, where he became one of the first to receive the iconic campaign hat in 1956—a relic now displayed at the Douglas Visitor's Center at MCRD Parris Island. M.A. proudly wore this hat as he shaped the next generation of Marines before being honorably discharged on July 1, 1957.

After leaving the Marine Corps, M.A. embarked on a distinguished 35-year career with the Virginia State Police. He held various positions, including trooper, special agent, special agent supervisor, and Bureau of Criminal Investigator, before retiring in 1992.

M.A. was also deeply committed to his community in Gate City, Virginia. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, a trustee for the Clinch Valley Baptist Association, and a board member for Oak Hill Academy. He was active in the Rotary Club and other civic organizations, as well as the U.S. Marine East Coast Drill Instructor Association. M.A. worked tirelessly as a court-appointed volunteer advocate for children and indigent people, helping those in need. Additionally, he served as a private investigator for the Ronnie Montgomery Law Firm and other legal professionals.

A highlight of M.A.'s community service was his involvement with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. M.A. established and chaired the first program in Virginia, which provides free books to children from birth to five years old, promoting the joy of learning through reading.

His passion for children’s education touched many lives.

M.A. was married to his first wife, Margaret Ruth Ball of Lansing, North Carolina, for 48 years until her passing. He later married Mary Lloyd Thomas Lunsford of Cave City, Kentucky, with whom he shared 16 years of love and joy. Together, they embraced their large blended family and a lifelong network of friends and loved ones.

At the time of his passing, M.A. was living at Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community in Birmingham, Alabama, where he had made many new friends in his later years. M.A. reached the milestone of 91 years in October 2024.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lloyd Thomas Lunsford; his children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and step-family. He is also survived by his brother and two of his six sisters, who held a special place in his heart, as well as his extended family in Christ.

M.A. was deeply loved by all who knew him. He had a heart full of compassion and faith, and one of his greatest wishes was for others to know the love and salvation of Jesus Christ.

As M.A. often shared, “Tomorrow is promised to no one, but if you accept Jesus, tomorrow is forever.”

Family and friends will return with his ashes to be laid next to his beloved first wife Ruth in May. Once the date it determined everyone is welcome to pay respects.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in M.A.'s honor

Maj. Marion "Mick" Cotten, USMC (Ret), age 89, passed away on April 14, 2024, surrounded by family.
Mick was born on June 5, 1934, to Andrew B. Cotten and Inez Cotten (Starkey). He grew up in Scottsboro, Mobile, Chickasaw and Fairhope, AL, along with a sister and four brothers. Mick married Pauline Marie Foisy on June 16, 1956. Together they raised four children and volunteered with numerous organizations during his 26-year Marine Corps career.
After retiring in Deltona, FL, he was very active in the community and church. He held numerous leadership positions and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, and the Veterans Community Education Partnership for West Volusia Inc. (VCEP) where he was the founding chairman. Mick was also a Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Our Lady of The Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona, FL.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mick was predeceased by his beloved wife Pauline Foisy Cotten. Mick is survived by his children Kathleen Cotten Bour (John) of Bluffton, SC; Michelle Cotten Woods of Bluffton, SC; Christopher I. Cotten (Sylvia) of Longwood, FL; and Cynthia Cotten Richards (Joel) of Oakton, VA; and seven grandchildren, James P. Bour, Caitlin M. Woods, Lauren J. Bour, Justin M. Woods, Gabrielle Woods Riexinger (Luke), Allison J. Richards, and Seth A. Richards; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives are invited to viewing/visitation on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Chapel (St. Gregory Parrish) 222 Pickney Colony Road, Bluffton, SC 29909. The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Theodore Barney Kowalski, December 23, 1931 — December 19, 2024, Waynesboro, TN

Theodore Barney Kowalski passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at his home in Waynesboro, TN.

The devoted husband of 58 years. He was born the 4th child of Walter and Mary Kulugowski Kowalski, in Bullville, N.Y. in 1931. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Marines, becoming a soldier of the Frozen Chosin. He served in the Air Force, on Embassy duty in England, Germany, Austria, and France. Now he will be guarding the gates of Heaven.

He was a Ft Lauderdale, Florida police officer for 20 years. Retiring to Tennessee to raise Morgan horses, Dobermann Pinschers, and live the quiet country life.

He is survived by his wife Lyda Sly Kowalski; daughter, Kelly Vernon (Anthony); 2 granddaughters, Rachel (Maurico Parker) and Natalee Vernon; 1 great granddaughter, Evangeline Lewis; 1 soon to be great granddaughter, Angelica Theodora Cunningham; plus many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Erie County Humane Society

Jeff A. Perrin, age 76 of Bellevue passed away, April 13, 2024 at Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky. He was born June 21, 1947 in Bellevue the son of the late Ralph & Eileen (Queen) Perrin.

Jeff was a police officer in Cleveland, Bellevue, and a deputy Sherriff for over 24 years, retiring in 1994.

He was a Sargeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 – 1972 servicing in Vietnam and later as a drill Sargent at Camp Lejeune. He received a silver star, bronze star, and purple heart medals.

Jeff was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Knights of Columbus 546, Sandusky and it’s 4th Degree, VFW Post 2529, Sandusky, VFW Post 3334, Clyde, Bellevue VFW Post 1238, Bellevue, Past Commander VFW Post 1968, Catholic War Veterans and East Coast Drill Instructors Association, Paris Island, SC.

Survivors include his daughters, Betsy (Jeremy)Liechty, Holly (Scot) Flueckiger, Kelly Perrin, step children, Shannon Gale, Christine Goff, D.J. Goff, grandchildren, Tanner & Reid Liechty, Collin & Kaleigh Flueckiger.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Chris and Kevin Perrin, along with his service dog, Dudley, and nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 11 am until the funeral service begins at Foos and Foos Funeral Service at 1pm, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue. Burial and military honors will follow at Bellevue Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Erie County Humane Society

SgtMaj Arthur Richard Cowan Obituary
We bid farewell to Arthur Richard Cowan of Mason, Michigan, whose journey of life gracefully concluded on December 6, 2024 at the age of 90. Arthur Richard touched countless lives with warmth and kindness, leaving behind cherished memories that will forever echo in hearts. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

In the vast expanse of eternity, may Arthur Richard find peace everlasting, cradled in the gentle embrace of the universe. And as we stand on the shores of remembrance, may his legacy inspire us to live each day with purpose, passion, and profound gratitude for the gift of life itself.

He was loved and cherished by many people including: his parents, Arthur J. Cowan and Bessie Cowan (Sweeney); and his wife Connie Robinson. He was also cherished by 5 children; 2 stepchildren; 10 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 2 step-great-grandchildren.
Celebration of life

Jesse Locke was born on October 14th, 1929 and passed away on November 9th, 2024 at the age of 95. Celebration of life

Harry Orin Blake Jr. was relieved of his earthly post on August 19th 2024 and finally able to stand at attention in Heaven for his Savior. He was born on November 19th 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Following Harry’s great love for Christ, his life was defined by his devotion to his family, his adoration of his wife, Lola, and his unwavering service to his country.

Harry was a reader of scripture, a prayer warrior and a man who studied the Word of God. A man of character and honor, Harry lived out his faith in Christ. After decades of seeing war, losing loved ones, and enduring physical limitations and pain, his praise was still loud and his heart still soft to the promises of God.

Harry’s love for his country was exhibited in his years of service. Joining the US Marine Corps in 1946 at just 16 he went on to serve his country for 23 years retiring as a First Sergeant. In his military career he served in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as the Lebanon Crisis earning numerous medals including The Purple Heart. If you knew Harry, you knew he was a Marine through and through. He was never seen anywhere without a Marine emblem or insignia upon his person, nor was a Semper Fi ever too long without being spoken. His time spent in the service took him to 18 different countries/locales and gave him an almost unending reserve of stories which he told with much gusto and clarity.

If Harry loved being a Marine… and Harry LOVED being a Marine, it was overshadowed by only one thing, his love for his family. Harry married the love of his life, Lola, in 1950. He would tell anyone within ear shot how wonderful she was, how beautiful she was, and how delicious her cooking was. In his eyes, Lola was darn near perfect and he loved her fiercely. Together they had two children, Patricia and Harry Orin III. Harry called being a father was OJT (on the job training). He was a strict military man who let the years and Christ soften and mold him into a man who hugged tightly and always told his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren how much he loved them. Harry was extraordinarily proud of his children and his family.

Harry, in his younger days was a carpenter and a DIY-er. He was a master at telling a joke that sounded like a real story, almost always catching the listener off guard. He had a giant smile and an even bigger laugh. His hugs nearly crushed your ribs and stole your breath, but left you feeling loved and seen. He was quick with a life lesson or a word of advice and he was almost always spot on with both.

A man of upright character, honor and faithfulness, Harry will leave a hole in the hearts of many. Another exceptional man leading the way home.

Harry is survived by his children, Patricia (Allen) Sparks, Harry (Teresa) O Blake III, his grandchildren, Sara (Ryan), Cari (Richie), Grant, Jennifer, Geoffrey (Monique) and Gabriel, great-grandchildren Aiden, Rigg, Charlie, Ryder, Jeremy, Samantha and Jack; sister, Jane (Mike) Proud.

Harry is predeceased by his parents, Harry O and Katheryn Blake Sr., his brother Paul, his sisters Joy and Ruth, his wife Lola, his grandson-in-law Andrew, and his great-granddaughter Caden.

Services will be held at Rocklane Christian Church on August 23rd. The viewing will be from 9am–11am with the memorial service starting at 11am. Following the memorial service a graveside service with Military Honors will be held at West Ridge Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Rocklane Christian Church.

Art Littlefield, 91, of Orlando, passed away peacefully at his home Jan. 27, with Jo, his wife of 68 years, by his side. Art was born in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1932. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950, soon after graduating from St. Petersburg High School. The Korean War was just cranking up. He ultimately spent two 13-month tours there.

He served as a Drill instructor in San Diego and at Parris Island. His summer romance with Jo Chimenti that began in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, became a marriage in 1955 that lasted the rest of his life.

He slowly started climbing the Marine Corps enlisted ranks. In 1966, while at Parris Island serving as an instructor at Drill Instructors’ school, he was summoned to the General’s office, where he had the gold bars of 2nd Lieutenant pinned on. His wife Jo, and his three children: Pam, Artie and Cindy were at his side. He also was given orders to Vietnam.

In Vietnam, he served as a Forward Observer and Infantry Platoon Commander. Art describes his years in the Marine Corps as among the greatest experiences of his life, due to the camaraderie and dedication of his fellow Marines. Art retired from the Marine Corps in 1970 as a Captain with awards that included the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He and his family moved to Orlando. For many years, he attended the annual Drill Instructors’ Reunion at Parris Island, his favorite Marine Corps base.

He went on to a successful career in advertising and marketing in civilian life, primarily for SEE Magazine. Art was a life-long golfer who had a hole-in-one to his credit. After retirement from advertising sales, he took a part-time job at the Rio Pinar Golf Club, where he happily tended to the golf carts, squirrels and every stray animal that cared to stop by for treats. He is survived by his wife, Jo Littlefield, as well as Pam Littlefield (daughter), Susan Littlefield (daughter-in-law), Cindy and Bob Dempsey (daughter and son-in-law). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kyle and Kristopher Dempsey, Art and Ryan Littlefield, Leigh and Kevin Moran, as well as two great grandchildren, McKayla and Kira Dempsey.

Ronald William “Bubba” McCulloh, 83, husband of Mary Jane Cammack McCulloh, passed away December 28, 2023 at Baptist Health Lexington.

Archie Garald Bobo, 84, died on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Onslow Memorial Hospital.

Douglas C. Hilton of Kingsport, Tennessee died on Saturday, October 7, 2023


Msgt. Charles W. Harnest, 4 March 1945 - 2 August 2023

Harry Davis, 86 of Rogue River, passed away April 1, 2021 at Providence Medford Medical Center

Hubert, N.C. – Boyce Wayne Floyd, Sr., age 80, born in Seminole, Oklahoma in 1941, passed away suddenly on December 7th, 2021.

Dan K. McKinnon, May 20, 1945~September 28, 2021, a resident of Hudson, FL, passed away peacefully at Bayonet Point Hospital.

Stephen Sylvester Kmiecik, Jr., 80, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 after a short illness. Steve was born in Northampton, MA.

John Michael Rudock, 79, of Richlands, North Carolina, died on May 17, 2021 at Vidant Medical Center.

Ronald "Ron" Sampson, 73, of Webb City, Missouri, died Friday, February 19, 2021. Ron was born July 15, 1947 in Carterville, Missouri

David Paul Guido, 95, 95 of Watertown MA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 26th surrounded by family. David was born on May 30,1924 in Indiana, PA

Paul Joseph Coffman, 54, of Robins died from unexpected heart complications on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital

Lt. Col. Karl R. Heiser, a retired Marine and dedicated dad, died on Monday, January 18th of COVID-19 at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. He was 88 and lived in Catonsville, MD.

The West Coast DI Association is saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Major Lonnie Long (Ret) on 15 December 2020.

James Wesley Vierheller, 83, of Boomer, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at his home. He was born June 9, 1937, in Belmont County, Ohio.

Freddy Buchholz, 69, of Fannett, died Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont.

Roger Walton Stembridge, Jr. May 11, 1947 - October 13, 2020 Juliette, GA.

Sergeant Major (USMC Retired) Walter “Wes” Melton, Jr., age 83 of Long Beach, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

Edward T Murphy, Jr. 87 of Center Township passed away on Saturday August 15 2020 at Heritage Valley Hospital after a brief illness.

Jeffry Earl Nadeau, May 14, 1932 – August 9, 2020

Sergeant Major Ihor Sywanyk, USMC retired, 78 of Jacksonville, NC passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2020
Sergeant Major Francis Thomas McNeive, 92, died on Friday, May 29, 2020, at Sunrise Senior Living in Leesburg, Virginia.

GySgt Jesse L. Nieto,  May 17 2020

Sergeant Major David R. Hatfield Sr., USMC (Retired) age 72, of Seymour passed away April 20, 2020
Daniel Kelly “D.K.” Comer, Sr., 83, of Dixon, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Baptist Health Madisonville in Madisonville, Kentucky, after a brief illness.

Ralph F. Sargent, 84, of Augusta died Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at VA Hospice Unit Togus Springs. He was born in Gardiner on the 28th of March 1935

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William Samuels (Headland, Alabama), born in Cincinnati, Ohio, who passed away on March 24, 2020, at the age of 75

Ronald “Ron” Lee Voegeli, 77, husband of Sandra “Sandy” Gollihugh Voegeli, of Beaufort, SC died Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Mr. Dean Heath, 77, of Huntingdon, Tennessee passed away Thursday, December 12, 2019 at his home.
Millard John Morgan BEAUFORT, SC- also known as “Mo” was born April 28, 1943 in Camp Forest, TN. passed away December 14, 2019. He resided in Beaufort, SC for the past twenty years.
Roy Floyd Summerville - Retired USMC Msgt. Roy Floyd, 85, passed away Saturday evening, October 5, 2019, peacefully at his home.
Major Herbert Joseph “Fritz” Werner (USMC Retired), August 23, 1928 - October 25, 2019
John Richard Brown, August 11, 1938 - October 22, 2019
Master Sergeant Donald J. Kane, January 27, 1932 - July 8, 2019
SgtMaj David Adelman,  June 19, 2019
Sergeant Major Ernest Frederick Gregor, Jr., January 27, 1935 - March 12, 2019
Howard Lee Van Sweringen Jr. of Jacksonville, died Saturday March 30, 2019 at his home.

2018
1stLt Curtis Mertz, December 29, 2018
Msgt John R. Gallagher, December 26, 2018
Walter Eugene "Gene" Fletcher, Jr., December 11, 2018
MGySgt Biers, 11 November 2018
John Lewis (Gunny Jack) Bolton, October 24, 2018
George Olivar, October 17, 2018
Ralph Levere Myers, September 29, 2018
William “Bill” Albert Mossor Sr., May 24, 2018
Domenick P. Tutalo Sr., April 23, 2018
Joseph Caruso, April 22, 2018
Dale C. Clark, April 17, 2018
R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny"), 15 April 2018
Dr. Hiron Halvor Peck, Jr., April 7, 2018
SgtMaj Robert E. Cleary, 11 February 2018
SGT MAJOR Bruce R. Anderson, 27 January, 2018

2017
Robert W. Donohue, December 12, 2017
1stSgt Ralph Carrop, 30 December 2017
Myron F. "Gunny" Mlachak, 20 June 2017
SgtMaj "Iron Mike" Mervosh, 31 October 2017
GySgt. Joseph James Pannasch, 9 May 2017

2016
John Philip “Phil” Barnett, 1 February 2016
Sgt Major Mitchell J. Haddock, 26 May 16
1stSgt William L. "Bill" Throne Jr., 21 December 2016
1stSgt McGrane William J. McGrane, 12 December 2016
Sgt Hugh (Krampe) O'Brian, 5 September 2016
Robert H. McGale, 15 August 2016
Darrell W. Jarrell, 12August 2016
Gene LeRoy Krivanek, 11 March 2016
Jesse Louis Pacheco, 14 April 2016
Brandon, Percy 'Gunny' E., 8 Jan. 2016

2015
Terry "Ted" E. Bryant, 6 June 2015
Richard Kester, 13 September 2015
Larry Ward, 2 July 2015
Maute, Robert A.,14 Nov. 2015
Captain Donald Hartman, 16 April 2015
First Sgt. Charles Carl Seabright Sr., 29 April 2015
GySgt Harold B. West, 16 January 2015
Sgt. Major Edward Platt Grealish Jr., 16 February 2015

2014
Walt Harris passed, 7 October 2014
First Sergeant Boyce M. Williamson, 13 August 2014
Captain Romaine J. Deffes, 30 April 2014
GySgt Charles A. Love, 31 January 2014
MSgt. Ed Conradt, 25 February 2014

2013
Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Barnes, 17 August 2013
Edgar Wade Johnson, 10 October 2013
Sergeant Major Jeff D. Federmeyer, 5 October 2013
Douglas "Barney" Barnett, 27 July 2013
SgtMajor Robert B Robinson Sr., 30 June, 2013
SgtMaj Ted Arnold Jr. 7 June 2013
Captain Augustus Dan "Gus" Beligotti, 1 April 2013

2012
Donald C. McCune, Sr., 10 April 2012
William Frank Lankford, 16 June 2012
SgtMaj Joseph Monteleone, 16 December 2012

2011
Major Kenneth Leo Bourgeois, 8 July 2011
SSgt Leslie Little 4 February, 2012
SgtMaj Walter Heim, 6 October 2011
Sgt Major James F. Bowling, 22 Jan 2011