John B. McLane
Born December 22, 1944 Departed May 3, 2010
Celebration of Life 1:00 PM Saturday June 5, 2010
St. Ansgars Lutheran Church
Salinas, California

John B. McLane was a loving husband, brother, uncle and devoted father. He will be missed by all, especially his family for whom he was a rock of strength & integrity.
He was born to John B. McLane, Sr. & Blanche E. McLane on December 22, 1944. John leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Janis McLane his daughter Molly & son Matthew. John's siblings include his sister Patricia McLane Nauer, mother of Michelle Warner, grandmother to Amanda Warner and wife to David Nauer. His deceased brother Michael McLane, father of Christine McLane. And his youngest sister Mary Ann McLane Kretschmar, mother of Heather Venable, grandmother to Michael Venable and wife to Mark Kretschmar. John also leaves behind his wife's family in Bali, which includes his sister in law Jean Lane, nephew Wayan Lane, Wayan's wife Riri and their daughters Jasmine & Amara.
John's father was an officer in the Navy until John was 10 years old. John grew up in Palo Alto, California and attended the local public schools. He became an enthusiastic football player at Cubberly High School. After High School John enrolled in college, but soon decided to enlist in the Navy. His experiences in the Navy inspired a lifelong passion for airplanes & history. John was stationed for 2 years at China Lake, where he coached little league baseball when off duty. He was deployed overseas on the US Naval Carrier the "Shangri-La". John travelled all over the world with the Naval Attack Squadron VA12, which inspired him to continue to travel later in life. He was a Vietnam Vet, awarded three medals and was a true patriot.
After his duty to the US Navy he came back to Palo Alto where he soon met and married the love of his life, Janis Lane. As a young person he was fun & adventurous with a winning smile. They lived in Southern California for five years, and it was during that time they became the proud parents of a baby girl they named "Molly". John & Jan's dream of living in the countryside inspired them to leave Los Angeles and move to Monterey County. John's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit motivated him to open up a hobby shop called "McLane's Historical Models". There he nurtured his talent for model building and his avidity for cars, planes and history. He was well known for his attention to detail and respected for his considerable knowledge.
During this time they had their second child, a son they named "Matthew". John decided to close his shop and pursue his lifelong interest in cars. He became a sales manager in the auto industry until he retired. John worked hard all of his life and was dedicated to his family. He was a role model to his children and a patient teacher of life. John passed on many things to his children, including his humor and enthusiasm for travel, along with his love of cars, planes, watches and music. After John retired he and his wife Janis decided to fulfill their lifelong dream of exploring the world together and traveled to many exotic places. They continued to travel right up until just two months ago when they visited South America.
John has had a blessed life and has always been surrounded by his family and friends who have loved him dearly. We are thankful he is out of pain and that we were able to take our wonderful trip to So. America in February and March.  Love and good health to you all, sincerely yours Jan McLane.

Dr.Robert Scheuch, Jr. of Southhampton, New York passed away Saturday, August 2, 2008, while on a rafting trip on the Lehigh River in eastern Pennsylvania. He was 56.
He was a great guy, loving father and loyal Ubangi.

Dr. Robert William Scheuch Jr., an adult leader with Southampton Boy Scout Troop 58, collapsed and died during a whitewater rafting trip with the Scouts on Saturday, August 2.  Originally from Bloomfield, New Jersey, he moved to the Southhampton area in 1986 to join a group of practicing physicians.  In the mid-1990s Scheuch partnered with Dr. Howard Sklarek to establish Southampton Pulmonary Medicine, a private practice special izing in pulmonary care and therapy.  Dr. Scheuch is survived by his wife, Martine, his two sons, Robert “Bobby” III and Evan, and a daughter, Chloe.  

A funeral was held Wednesday at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church in Southampton, followed by a burial at Sacred Hearts Cemetery with military honors.

Billy J. (BJ) Manly LT. USN Retired, age 84, passed away, Monday, October 20, 2008.

LT. Manly was a native of Wright City, OK and he enlisted in the US Navy 2 September, 1941 in Dallas, TX as an Apprentice Seaman and retired July 31, 1973. He was commissioned in 1964 from ADJC to LTjg. He served aboard Aircraft Carriers in both the Pacific and Atlantic, including USS Princeton, Ticonderoga, Wasp, Boxer, Saratoga, FD Roosevelt, Oriskany, and America. He also served in ACTG Pacific, VSB-3, CASU-7, VF-132, VF-14A, VF-11, VA-66, VF-81, VF-31, FASRON 9, VA-12, NWEF, and VA-87. He was the Arresting Gear Officer (plankowner) in USS America. He was often referred to as a "Sailor's Sailor." Mr. Manly also retired from the NADEP Quality Engineering (aircraft engines) Department in 1988. He was a life member of American Legion, Post 137, VFW 7909, DAV Chapter 38, 32 degree Mason, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Jacksonville and was a member of Orange Park Masonic Lodge 267, F & AM. He was also a member of the FRA Post 91, Tailhook Assn., Navy Mustang Assn., and the MOAA. Mr. Manly was an accomplished athlete. In his youth, he was faster than a speeding bullet and could leap tall buildings in a single bound. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Esther (Kit), who died in 1998. Survivors from this marriage are his wife of 5 years, Nancy Manly, daughters, Jodi Hohlstein (Jeff) and Susie Repper (Tim), his son, William Manly. Also grandchildren Nicholas (Lauren), Aaron (Manou), and Melissa Repper (Joseph), and Ryan and Desiree Manly. Billy married Nancy K. McDonald in 2003, and spent a great deal of time traveling the US. Extended family members are son Everett (Susie), daughter Hazel (Bob), and grandson Chris. Graveside services will be held Friday, October 24, 2008 at 11:00AM in Riverside Memorial Park with full military honors. The family will receive friends at FRASER FUNERAL HOME, 8168 Normandy Blvd. (781-4314), Jacksonville, FL from 6:00 - 8:00pm Thursday, October 23, 2008. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Legion Post of your choice.

I regret to inform you of the death of Richard K. Sennes ADJAN 1957-58. My father passed away of a heart attack July 19th 2008 at 12:01. He was very proud of the time he served and the group he was stationed with. Had he known of this page I am sure he would have been ecstatic and fully engaged. He was very loved and will be greatly missed.

Chuck Graham of Cape Coral, FL died in his sleep of an apparent  heart attack on Thursday night April 17, 2008. Chuck attended the 2002 and 2004 reunions. He served in VA12 in 60-62.
Chuck was from Parma, OH and retired in FL a couple of years ago. He was a good guy and loyal Ubangi.

Jerry Thomas Sr. of Lake Wales, Florida passed away Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Lake Wales Medical Center. He was 63.

Jerry attended the 2002 and 2004 reunions. He was a great guy and loyal Ubangi. 
Jerry Thomas Sr. of Lake Wales died Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Lake Wales Medical Center. He was 63.
Born May 23, 1944, in Lewiston, Maine, he moved to Lake Wales in 2002 from Kissimmee. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, served in the Vietnam war and retired in 1981 as a Petty Officer First Class. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #2420 in Lake Wales, a life member of the Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent #64, the American Legion Post #10 in Kissimmee. He was of the Unitarian faith.
Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by two sons, Mark and William.
Survivors include his wife, Linda E. Thomas; five children, Jerry Thomas Jr. of Carlsbad, Calif., Arnold Thomas of Charleston, S.C., Cameron Thomas of Standish, Maine, Tamara Hudson of Marianna, Fla., and Patricia Ambrose of Lake Wales; three grandchildren, April Thomas, Robert Ambrose and Beatrice Ambrose; three brothers, Roger A. Thomas of Lewiston, Maine, Robert Thomas of Hebron, Maine, Berton Thomas of Brunswick, Maine; and two sisters, Sylvia Mills of Lake Wales and Nancy Roy of Durham, Maine.
Memorial services were held 2 p.m., Friday, April 18, at the Tower Lakes Clubhouse in Lake Wales, with Rev. Gerald Williams and the V.F.W. Honors Team officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the V.F.W. Post #2420 Children’s Fund. 

Captain Charles A. Pendleton, Jr., 85, passed away June 15, 2007 at his home in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
Captain Pendelton had attended the 2004 reunion and was a good guy and loyal Ubangi.

Neal Russo passed away on September 18, 2003 at his home in West Virginia.
Neal attended the 2002 reunion. He was a great guy and everyone that knew him from the 66-68 era would agree.

George Robert Davis, age 58, of Manassas, Va., died on Sunday, June 10, 2007, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.
George attended the 2002 and 2004 reunions. He was a great guy and loyal Ubangi.

George Robert Davis, age 58, of Manassas, Va., died on Sunday, June 10, 2007, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of Hyde Park, N.Y., and was a veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict, a member of the American Legion Post in Stafford, Va., the VFW Post 9592 in Levittown, N.Y., and of All Saints Catholic Church. He was the restaurant manager at Quality Inn-Iwo Jima in Arlington, Va. He also was the owner of George's Restaurant in Manassas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Ruth Davis and by a sister, Barbara A. Wilson. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Patricia Ann Davis and by a sister, Mary Torres. The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, Va., on Thursday, June 14, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Friday, June 15, at 11:30 a.m. Interment Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to Veterans For America, 1025 Vermont Avenue, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005. 

John Creaturo, 59, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2006 at his home in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Creature was a great guy and everyone that knew him from the 66-68 era would agree.

Master Chief James Milam passed away in Middleburg, Florida in 2006

Charlie Lehoist passed away in October, 2005.

James Michael Elias
Born on Nov. 14, 1944
Departed on Feb. 23, 2009 and resided in Middleburg, FL

Chief Warrant Officer 4 James M. Elias USN Ret., 64, passed away on February 23, 2009. He was a resident of  Doctor's Inlet FL for 15 years.  He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; son, Tyler Elias; daughters, Marisa Freeman and Tamara Elias; and 3 grandchildren, Rylie and D.J. Elias and Hayzley Freeman. He proudly served in the US Navy for 30 years, including 3 tours in Vietnam. Continuing his career, he was employed by Wyle Labs for 13 years. He touched many lives with his smile, sense of humor, and kindness. He never met a stranger. He was a TRUE PATRIOT and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. A memorial service in celebration of his life was held at 10:00 AM February 28, 2009 at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL.

Killed on September 5, 1981 while attached to VA-12, which was deployed on-board CV-69  Dwight D. Eisenhower. The ship was operating in the Norwegian Sea at the  time.
While maneuvering on the flight deck, his  A-7E aircraft  BuNo 156844 (AG406) aircraft lost its brakes and rolled overboard on the starboard side of the carrier and sank immediately.
We understand from the archives that no remains of the pilot or the aircraft were ever recovered.
In March of the same year, VA-12 pilots Lt. Nicely and Lt. Steve Jasper had won bombing derby awards while while flying from CV-69  Eisenhower.

Courtesy LCDR Steve Booher

While attached to VA-12 which was deployed on-board CV-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lt(jg) Becker was lost at sea during night flight operations in the Mediterranean on February 27, 1979 in A-7E BuNo 157578.
No trace of his remains or aircraft were ever located. This loss occurred during the Ike's initial Mediterranean deployment.
The photo below is from the 1979 Cruise Book.

Courtesy LCDR Steve Booher

On February 12, 1969 LT(jg) Frank P. Neuman, was lost at sea during flight operations from the USS Shangri-la (CVA-38)

On November 12, 1966, VA-12’s commanding officer, Commander Robert C. Frosio, was lost at sea during flight operations from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42).

FROSIO, ROBERT CLARENCE
Name: Robert Clarence Frosio
Branch/Rank: United States Navy/O5
Unit: VA12
Date of Birth: 28 March 1928
Home City of Record: WARRINGTON, FL
Date of Loss: 12 November 1966
Country of Loss: South Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates:
Status (in 1973): Killed In Action/Body Not Recovered
Category: 5
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: A4E
Missions:
Other Personnel in Incident: James G. Jones
Refno:
Source: Compiled by P.O.W. NETWORK from one or more of the following: raw
data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA
families, published sources, interviews and CACCF = Combined Action
Combat Casualty File.
REMARKS: Commander of VA12 at time of death.

CACCF/CRASH/PILOT/16 YRS United States Navy

On November 12, 1966, LT(jg) Jim Jones, was lost at sea during flight operations from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42).

Click here for  Link to the Virtual Wall   for more details on
LT(jg) Jim Jones

On January 7, 1959 CDR John R. Sullivan, was lost at sea during flight operations from the USS Forrestal (CVA-59).

On October 08, 1958 LT(jg) Thomas J. Davis, was lost at sea during flight operations from the USS Forrestal (CVA-59).

While operating from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) on August 19, 1953, in the Mediterranean Sea, the squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Breen, was lost at sea.

October 6, 1946, VBF-4’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Lackey, was killed during a training flight in an SNJ.