TAPS

Photo

Name

*Additional pictures may be on the Photo Gallery:  3rd column Meetings, Members and Misc. (Taps is under Misc.)

Birth Date - Birthplace

Death Date - Home place

AR MVPA Membership

MVPA Membership

IN REMEMBRANCE OF . . . .

23. Jack Brannon

05 Oct 2012 Thayer, MO

10 Year +2 Milestone Member

2001 - 2012

 Jack joined the Navy one month before his 17th birthday (underage).  He served as a gunner, aboard the Collett, in the Pacific Theater of World War II.  He saw action in Leyte.  His crew bombarded Iwo Jima before returning to the fleet protecting the air craft carriers.  They also bombarded Okinawa and the air-craft from his fleet bombed  Japan.  Japanese Kamikazes were a constant threat  to their safety.  After the surrender of Japan Jack spent a brief time in Nagasaki.  He spent time in China helping the marines that were fighting there.  He returned to the states in February of 1947 and was discharged from the Navy in November of that year.  He went to school to become an electrician.   In 1951 he opened his own electric shop, which he ran for 13 years.  Jack worked for the Corp of Engineers as an electrician on electric plants along the Mississippi River.  He retired in 1983 and opened a military store in Memphis, which he sold in 1989.  He opened a smaller military store in 1992 when he moved to Thayer, Missouri.  In 2008 he had a public auction and sold all of his military items. 

Jack has been a valued member of the AR MVPA since 2001.  He attended most of the Petit Jean Military Vehicle Rallies and several of the 100 mile "Red Ball" convoys.  He was also active in the Branson Veterans' Day parades and events.

22. Ardith Polk

27 Jul 2012 Center Ridge, AR

2011-2012

Ardith Taylor "Puppy" Polk, age 94 of Center Ridge passed away Friday, July 27.  He was born to Jasper Allen and Linner Ethel Mahan Polk. 

Ardith Joined the Army when he was 20 years old with his first assignment being Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO.; he then went onto Ft. McDowell, San Fransisco, CA.  From there he was shipped to bases in Ft. Derussy and Ft. Ruger, both located in the territory of Hawaii.  The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor during this tour of duty.  He served time at Guadal Canal in the Solomon Islands before his next tour at Ft. Richardson, AK.  The army then sent him back to Schofield Barracks in the territory of Hawaii; during this tour he made all grades of enlisted service as well as Chief Warrant Officer.  He was then stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC, and shipped to Korea.  His other tours included Ft. Lee, VA., Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, Germany, Ft. Chaffee, AR., and Ft. Sill, OK.  Ardith retired as Chief Warrant Officer with an honorable discharge in 1964 with more than 23 years of service to his country.

Ardith was a lifetime member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and the DAV.  He was also a member of the V.F.W., NAUS, and an honorary member of the AR MVPA.  He was a supporter of the Center Ridge Volunteer Fire Department  and a member of the Center Ridge Cemetery Perpetual Trust Fund for 22 years, served as a board member for 2, and secretary for 20 years.  He was a historian, researching the history of Center Ridge as well as the surrounding communities, having information published in the book "Conway County: Our Land, Our Home, Our People"

Survivors include: His son, James Allen Polk and wife Rhonda of Springdale; daughter-in-law, Sula Polk of Windy Point; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren.  Mr. Polk is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends and church family.  He was proceeded in death by: A son, Artel Lee Polk; Artel's mother, Bertie Bryant Flowers; 3 grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Andrea Rossi Dobbins; brothers, Laudis, Bill, Glyn and Doris Polk; sisters-in-law Dewei, Mary, Montine and Gertrude Polk; and his beloved wife of 60 years, Rosebelle Muliwai Tura DeMello.

Funeral Service was held at the S. Joseph Catholic Church, Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 10:00

21.  Gary  Lee Cross

28 Apr 12 Wichita, KS

2002 - 2012

20.  Edward N. Andrews

15 Dec 10 Center Ridge, AR

Edward Nickalos Andrews, age 82, of Center Ridge, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2010. He was born January 7, 1928, in Center Ridge, Arkansas, a son of Tony Andrews and Mary Lanni Andrews. He was a business owner and cattle farmer, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a life member of the V.F.W.
Survivors include his wife, Glenda Faye Cooper Andrews of Center Ridge; two sons and their wives, Mike and Jenny Andrews and David and April Andrews all of Center Ridge; two daughters and their husbands, Cindy and David Gray and Nicky and Larry Tiner all of Plumerville; three brothers, John, George and Raymond Andrews all of Center Ridge; four sisters , Teresa DeSalvo of Center Ridge, Grace Gunderman of Morrilton, Cecelia DeSalvo of Center Ridge, and Bernice Charton of Morrilton; twelve grandchildren.
Funeral mass was at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 18, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Center Ridge, with Father Silvio officiating. Burial was at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Rosary was at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 17, 2010, at the funeral home with visitation one hour before.

Ed was related to Marion "Andy" Andrews and Rita Allison and a close friend of Joe Allison

19*.  Sedric A Wirt

08 Dec 10 Sherwood, Arkansas

Sedric A. Wirt, 78, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, December 08, 2010 at his home. He was born September 21st, 1932 in Little Rock to Sedric M. and Cordie Kelley Wirt.
Mr. Wirt was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a Mason. He was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War, where he was a Prisoner Of War, was a recipient of two purple hearts; and a member of the Chosin Few. He was a member of MVPA and a core member of the  AR MVPA, Central Arkansas Corvette Club, and CAMS. He was the owner and founder of Wirt’s Jewelers in Sherwood for over 45 years. He loved to fish, and enjoyed classic cars.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Norris Wirt.
Cherishing his memory are his wife of 58 years, Phyllis E. Wirt; two children, Cynthia Ann Rouse (Don) and Danny Allen Wirt (Dorcas Darlene) ; all of Sherwood; an honorary son, Jerry Mills of McRae, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Nathan House (Angie), Kelli Mayfield (Lance), Hanna Wirt, and Katie Wirt; four great-grandchildren, Erin House, Bradley House, Luke Mayfield, and Lainey Mayfield; and two sisters, Donna Meeks and Betty Reaves.
 

18.  Frank D.   Wiser

1933  Havana, Arkansas

12 May 10 Clarksville, Arkansas

Frank D Wiser, 77, passed away Wednesday May 12, 2010.  He was a native of Havana, son of the late Porter and Ratha Rogers Wiser, graduate of Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and the University of Arkansas with a vocation agriculture degree.  He served in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska;  taught vocation agriculture; retired from the USDA FmHA as county supervisor; was an ordained lay preacher; 37 years a member of the American legion and spent the last 23 years farming.   Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Beatrice Trost Wiser; one daughter, Cecilia R Wiser of Fayetteville; one son, Grant E. Wiser of Alton, IL; two brothers, Henry Wiser of Boron, CA and Roger Lee of Havana; three sisters, Ida Hall of Belleville, Betty Reed of Hensley and Molly Fish of Garland, TX.  Frank became a member of the AR MVPA when the chapter participated in a Veterans' Day parade in Clarksville.

17.  Billy D. Templeton

26 FEB 22 - Clemons, Iowa

 22 DEC 09 -Lee's Summit, Missouri

Honorary Associate Member

Billy Templeton:  We first met Billy and his wife Lou at the Veteran's Day Parade in Branson, MO.  He was a passenger in Bob Blakeney's GPW. He attended the 2007 MVPA Convention in Little Rock, AR as a part of the "Authors" booth, where he signed and sold his book Manila Bay Sunset - The Long March Into Hell.  Billy joined the service prior to WWII as a combat radio operator on a B17.  He participated in the first mass flight over the Pacific to Clark field in the Philippines.  He served in the Philippines until his capture by the Japanese, survived the Bataan Death March, was transported on a "Hell Ship" and was a slave laborer in China until his liberation at the end of the war.  He often shared his experiences at schools, citizens groups and military organizations.  After his military service he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 31 years.  He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, the DAV, the Heart of America Chapter of Ex-POW's, the Military Writers Association and the AR MVPA.  He is survived by his wife, Louanah, of 38 years (from Newport, AR), 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.  One son predeceased him.

*16.  Bobby Lee Cook

03 APR 09 Oppelo, Arkansas

Ten Year Milestone Member

*MVPA Member

Bobby Cook:  Bobby was a core members of the AR MVPA.  He seldom missed a meeting or event, until his illness of the past few years hindered him from driving, and he had difficulty getting around.  His easy going personality and friendly smile leaves an empty spot at our gatherings.  Bobby was  a member of the HCR Hunting Club.  He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman.  Bobby worked for Arkansas Kraft for 25  years.  He was a Mason, a volunteer fireman, and a member of the Perry Baptist Church. He is survived by  Doris, his wife of 51 years, 1 daughter, Leigh Ann, and 1 granddaughter, Emilee.  One son, Steve, predeceased him.  

*Additional pictures and information are posted on the Photo Gallery

15.  Matthew B. Martin

01 OCT 62 Jerseyville, Illinois

11 FEB 09 Cave City, Arkansas

Matthew B. Martin: 46 of Cave City, AR passed away 11 Feb 09 at the Cave City nursing home.  Matt was born on October 1, 1962 in Jerseyville, IL.  Matt was a member of the AR MVPA from 1999-2000.  He was also a volunteer at the Military Museum of Hardy.

*14.  L.L. "Red" Williams

01 JAN 09 Morrilton, Arkansas

Charter Member

*MVPA Member

Red Williams:  Red was a hard worker from an early age.  At 13 he got a job at the Ford Place where his father worked.  He did odd jobs, sweeping, pumping gas and fixing flats.  During high school he worked weekends in the oil field.  Red joined the Navy at age 18. The day after returning from boot camp he and his buddy had a double wedding.  He married Hazel Hall from Stephens, Arkansas.  He soon shipped out to Sangley Pt., Philippines.  He served as a port waist gunner.  Red was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 5th, 1948.He and Hazel have two  children, Sue Ann and Dolph.  Red worked for Shell Oil Company for a number of years.  Over the coming years Red and Hazel ventured into many of their own small businesses that landed them in Rushton, Louisiana, where their children and off-springs reside.  After retirement Red and Hazel moved to Petit Jean Mountain, where Red could pursue his love of antique and military vehicles. A military memorial service was held for Red at the Petit Jean Overlook.  The color guard presented Taps and a flag ceremony.  It was a cold drizzly morning, but was well attended.  Red's ashes were scattered at the overlook.  He had loved living on Petit Jean Mountain.

*Additional pictures are posted in the photo gallery.

13.  Leslie Robbins

2007

Brandon, MS

Leslie worked indirectly/directly with the Pearl, MS. Police Dept.

12.  Tommy Treadway

28 Jun 07 Searcy, AR

*MVPA Membser

Tommy Hugh Treadway, of Searcy was born on September 26 at Newport, Arkansas to Joseph H. nad Mary Martin Treadway.  He departed this life on June 28, 2007 at the age of 72.  He began his education in a little two room school house in the Engleside community, about eight miles south of Newport.  He moved to Newport in 1940 where he attended East Newport School.  Moving on to junior and senior schools in Newport.  He graduated from Newport High School in 1953.  After graduation he worked at grocery stores, service stations and Victor Metal Factory in the area, until May 15, 1954, when he began work as a city carrier for the Post Office Department in Newport.  He was promoted to Superintendent of Mails in 1969.  In August 1977 he was selected and promoted to the position of Postmaster at McCrory. In September of 1978, he was selected and promoted to be the Postmaster of Searcy, AR, where he retired on February 3, 1995 with over 41 years of service. While still in High School , he joined the Arkansas Army National Guard on September 17, 1952  During his service, he held various job assignments in Infantry, Armor, Communications and Intelligence.  He served over 41 years, retiring in September, 1944 in the position of command Sargeant Major of the 125th Medical Battalion. He was a core member of the AR MVPA and the National MVPA.  He was a member of the Newport Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, recently receiving the Pillars of Solomon award for outstanding contributions to Masonary.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his only son, Tommy Marion Treadway on August 24, 1997.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rose Treadway and five children: Nina Jo Barton of St. Louis, MO; Pamela Treadway, Tina Strayhorn of Alaska; Lisa Baertsch of ND; and Charles Merriman of Beebe; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren

Joseph and his brother Andy Andrews

11. Joseph Andrews

04 Apr 07 Roseburg, OR

10.  Richard  Wade

09 Mar 40 Spearville, KS

14 Mar 07 Little Rock, AR

*MVPA Member

Richard Otho Wade, a core member of the Arkansas MV Travelers, passed away March 14, 2007, just five days after his 67^th birthday.  In Arizona, on the way hove from vacation in June of 2004, Richard suffered a major stroke, leaving his left side paralyzed.  On the way to the hospital he suffered a major heart attack.  In the Phoenix hospital he developed pneumonia.  In checking his chest x-rays the doctors discovered he had fast growing lung cancer.   Richard and his wife, Arabelle, had to cancel their plans to attend the Mobile, Alabama Convention.  After a month in the hospital he was flown by helicopter to Little Rock for continued treatment.  Richard was determined to “walk” out of the hospital.  We were all inspired by his determination and struggle to “beat the cancer”.  He was the first recipient of the “Golden Spark Plug Award”, the highest award to a member of the AR  MVPA.  In spite of his confinement to a wheelchair he attended every Arkansas MVPA event possible, as well as the National Conventions in Duluth and in Dayton.  He didn’t just attend events, he participated.  You may have seen him dancing with Arabelle in his wheelchair in Duluth.  The club is restoring his WC 55 and he was right there scraping rust off the frame.  Richard maintained his witty sense of humor to the end.  Survivors include his wife, Arabelle; one son, Richard Wade, Jr and wife, Llona of Cabot; two daughters, AraLea Seachris and husband, Tim, of Benton; AnaLea Noble and husband, Bill, of Harpers Ferry, WV; grandchildren, Nicolaus Wade, Tabitha Wade, Trevor Seachris, Tate Seachris, Audra Seachris, Ramsey Noble, Kassidy Noble; step-grandchildren, James Thompson, Justin Thompson, John Thompson, Kathryn Veasey and Ariel Veasey; one sister-in-law, Joyce Bartley of Weatherford, TX, and a host of other relatives and friends. We will all miss him. 

09.  Alta Lee Spann

13 Feb 07

08. J. R. Darter

11 Apr 06 Atkins, AR

J. R. "Jay" Darter, 68 of Atkins died Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock.  A son of the late Ira Lee and Evia Burris Darter, he was born November 28, 1937 in the Buttermilk Community near Appleton, Arkansas.  He was retired from the United States Air Force.  He established Darter Brother Pallets in Atkins and was, with his wife, Sue, the owner of Sue's Treasures of Atkins and former owner of #9 South Flea Market in Morrilton.  He was a member of the AR MVPA.  He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, James Darter; an unnamed infant brother and an infant sister; Sarah Darter.  Survivors include his wife Sue; four sons and daughters-in-law:  Johnny & Debbie Darter of Centerville; Danny & Lorie Darter of Atkins; Billy & Margaret Darter of Lamar; and Tommy & Tammy Darter of Pottsville; a daughter, Evia Darter of Dover; twelve grandchildren; a great grandson and a host of other relatives and friends.

07.  Jean Blakeney

16 May 05 Perryville, AR

Francis Jean Blakeney,  age 70 , of Perryvillie died Monday, May 16, 2005.  She  was born April 6, 1935 in Wichita Falls, TX, a daughter of Lee and Janie Matthews.  She was a store clerk, member of the AR MVPA and of the Baptist faith.  Survivors include her husband, Bob G. Blakeney of Perryville:  two daughters, Linda Fernandes of Perryville and Debbie Hackney and her husband, Brad of Veneta, OR.; three sisters, Wanda Persons of TX, Irene Rankin of Clinton, and Judy St John of Russellville; six grandchildren, David and Michael Wolf, Amy Blakeney and Joshua Casey and Kimberly Fernandes.  She was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Matthews. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Friday, May 20 at the Union Valley Baptist Churchwith Bro. Sam Wallace officiation.  Burial will be at Hope Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Perryville.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Photo not Availabe

06.  Pat Kaiser

07 Mar 05 Columbia City, IN

Pat Kaiser, of Columbia City, IN, died March 7, 2005.  Pat was a secretary of The AR MVPA from 1999  to 2000.  She and her husband were active members when the club was headquartered in Hardy, AR.  Their son Chris Kaiser was also an active member.  Pat was proceeded in death by her husband.  Paat and Chris moved to IN in 2000.  Her daughter, Twyla, wrote the following:  "This note is to thank all of you for your cards, prayers and thoughts during mom's long illness.  The woman that knew no stranger fought a valiant battle for four months, but went home to see Al, Grandpa and Grandma on Easter morning.  For those that weren't intimately aware of the situation, Mom fought through a staph infection, an amputation of her right leg, congestive heart failure, diabetes and then finally a heart attack due to endocarditic (an infection of the main valve between chambers) in her last weeks"  In 1999Pat drove a GPW in the Veterans' Day Parade in Branson, MO.  A two star general wanted to ride in the parade.  He said he had never ridden with a woman driver.  Pat said, "You will now".  She always enjoyed MVPA activities and added a measure of fun to the events.

Photo not Availabel

5.  O. H. Ingram

02 Jul 04 Riverside, CA

O.H.Ingram, of Riverside, CA died Friday, July 2, 2004.  O.H. was a retired Roofing Contractor.  He spent his winters in CA and his summers in AR.  O.H. & Darlene became AR MVP
A members in October 2003

4.  Eugene Caudell

18 Jun 04 Morrilton, AR

Elmer Eugene Caudell, 70, of Ada Valley, died Friday, June 18, 2004.  Gene was a retired owner of a variety store, an Army Korean War veteran and a member of the Arkansas Chapter of the MVPA.  Gene enjoyed riding in the military vehicles at local parades and attending the Petit Jean Mt. rally with his wife Martha.  The funeral was held on Petit Jean Mountain, on June 21. 

3.  Frank Jedlicka, Jr

11 Jun 04 Ft. Smith, AR

*MVPA  Member since 1985

Frank Albert Jedlicka, Jr., 77 of Ft Smith died Friday, June 11, 2004.   Frank was a World War 2 veteran (U.S. Navy-served in the Pacific Campaign).  He also served during the Korean War (He served as a 3rd class bosan mate on shore patrol).  His medals include the American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Marie Carter Jedlicka.  Frank had a variety of military vehicles which he rented out to appear in movies:  "A Soldier's Story"; The Brother Hood" and Biloxi Blues".  Frank donated his library of military magazines to the AR MVPA.  Frank was burried in the Military Cemetery  in Fort Smith.

2.  James Congleton

18 May 04 Benton, AR

*MVPA Member

1.  Rita Lobbins

07 Sep 02  Cherokee Village, AR

*MVPA Member

Rita Gertrude Lobbins of Cherokee Villiage died Saturday September 07, 2002 at her residence.  Rita was a member of the VFW, DAV , American Legion and the MVPA.  She was a founding member of the Arkansas Chapter of the MVPA and the Veteran's Military Museum of Hardy.  Rita served in the Air Force in Germany.  Her favorite military vehicle was the M274 Mule.  Rita drove it in most of the parades.  She always said "the mule is like me, stubborn".  When they were bringing the COBRA helicopter into the museum she rode on the tail, to keep it low enough to get into the building.  Rita was the only woman to serve as President of the AR Chapter, serving for two years from January 1995 through December 1996.  She served as secretary in 2000.   She will be missed in the club.