Class Notes

Diane Kline Tylka, 79, of Bonita Springs, Florida (formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Diane, daughter of Russell and Thelma Kline, was born in Washington, DC on May 24, 1944.

Diane graduated from Maryville College with a degree in elementary education. She ventured on to teach 33 years in Mt. Lebanon School District. After retirement, Diane instructed student teachers at Waynesburg University and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
She was a member of Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs and enjoyed singing in both choirs. In addition, Diane loved walking, exercising in the pool, and making new friends. She was always up for adventure and was an avid skier in her younger years. Assuming the role of the family’s travel agent, she booked many trips to tropical and interesting sightseeing destinations around the world. She adored her family and always enjoyed spending time with them.

Diane was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Tylka and is survived by her loving children, Matthew Tylka (Greta) of Venetia, PA; and Jennifer Welty (Douglas) of Ligonier, PA. She was “Nana” to her grandchildren: Elena, Bryson, Kate, and Daniel.

Melissa “Mel” Uner, age 35, of Sevierville, passed away Friday, November 19, 2021. Mel graduated from Sevier County High School where she played basketball, including playing on the 2002 State Championship team. She then went on to attend and play basketball at Maryville College.

Melissa is survived by her significant other, Krista Beck; children, McKinley and Katlyn; parents, Maria and Kevin Gregory, Timothy Uner; sisters, Catherine Tagg (Luke), Alexi Gregory (Jon Janutolo); brothers, Kyle Verde and Wally Requena; special family members, Amy Newman, Linda, Ashley, and Sheria; grandparents, Sharon Uner, Alan Uner (Blanche); extended family and friends, Heidi Davenport (Stephen), Minda Spinney (John), Joseph Norris and family, Joanne Cook and family, Troy Uner, and Todd Uner. Melissa is also survived by her dog, Byntlee, who she loved so much.

William Kennedy Upham, a long-time resident of Conway, Arkansas, passed away July 26, 2020 at the age of 89. Ken and his wife, Joy, moved to Austin, TX about a year ago to be closer to family. William Kennedy Upham was born October 8, 1930 in St. Pete Beach, Florida to William Woodbridge Upham and Rebecca (Becky) Brown Upham. Ken married Joy Hickman Upham in 1953. In their early years he was an ordained Presbyterian pastor in Miami, Florida at the Church of the Master. Later he went on to get a PhD in Sociology from the University of Florida. In the mid 60s Ken and Joy moved to College Station, Texas where Ken taught Sociology at Texas A&M University. In the mid 70s they had the opportunity to move to Conway, Arkansas where he could teach full-time at the University of Central Arkansas. This was most fulfilling, as he was able to help undergraduate and graduate students better understand more about relationships at home and in the community. Ken remained involved with his church by filling in for vacationing pastors by delivering sermons and conducting weddings, hospital visits, and funerals. Ken also served the local community by helping to increase the amount of low-income housing in Conway and working to improve the life of the elderly and needy. Ken was preceded in death by his parents William Woodbridge Upham and Rebecca Becky Brown Upham. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Joy Hickman Upham, his sisters Natalie Roberts and Mary Ann Will, his sons Bruce D. Upham and Steve K. Upham, and grandchildren Joshua Upham, Aaron Upham, Micah Upham, Taylor Upham, and Krisynda Collins, as well as great grandchildren Bailey Whittaker, Blair Whittaker. Funeral plans are currently undecided. In lieu of flowers, please direct a gift in memory of Ken Upham to Grace Presbyterian Church, 1010 Hogan Ln, Conway, Arkansas 72034.

Margaret Joy Hickman Upham “Joy” passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Austin, Texas. She was born March 20, 1930, in Waynesburg, to Clarence and Mary Hickman. Her father worked as a lineman for the local gas company, and her mother was a schoolteacher. Her family was active in the Presbyterian church in Waynesburg. She began her lifelong passion for singing in high school in Waynesburg. She attended college at Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., where she not only earned her bachelor’s degree, but met and married her husband, William Kennedy “Ken” Upham, a student in sociology at Maryville from St. Petersburg Beach, Fla., in 1953. At Maryville, Joy sang in the student choir and the a cappella choir. After graduation, they moved to Chicago, and both attended McCormick Seminary. She earned her Master’s in Christian Education while her husband earned a Master of Divinity degree. After graduate school, they moved to Miami, Fla., and Ken pastored Church of the Master. She gave birth to two boys, Bruce Douglas Upham in March of 1956, and Stephen Kirk Upham in February of 1958. Around 1962, they moved the family to Gainesville, Fla., so that Ken could work on a Doctorate degree in Sociology. His dissertation was based on original research he wanted to do in Central America. So, they moved to San Jos, Costa Rica for language school and to do the research. After returning to Gainesville for the summer, they relocated to College Station, Texas, where Ken was a professor of sociology and agricultural economics for 10 years. Joy and Ken became active in First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas. Joy was also active in the League of Women Voters, the Junior Museum and the AAUW (American Association of University Women). Ken earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida while in College Station. After 10 years in College Station, Ken accepted a position as professor of sociology at UCA – the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. While in Conway, they became active at First Presbyterian Church for more than 35 years. Eventually they transitioned to Grace Presbyterian Church, where they remained until they moved away. They had many friends from both congregations. While in Conway, Joy became a Realtor and was quite successful for several years. However, she was frustrated by the constant need to be showing houses on Sunday and this conflicted with her love for church and singing in the choir, which she did for about 40 years in Conway, so she eventually stopped being a Realtor and focused on her volunteer work. Joy and Ken lived in Conway until 2019, when they moved to Austin, Texas, to be closer to their two sons. Ken had developed increasingly more severe results from Alzheimer’s and was needing some daily assistance, so the couple moved to an assisted living center. Joy continued to make friends wherever they lived. Finally, on July 26, 2020, Ken passed away from Alzheimer’s. They were married for 67 wonderful years. Joy suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall a few days before Ken passed away. This left her with limited communication and memories, and she had to relearn some basic skills. Her boys visited her regularly (except during the portion of the pandemic when no visitors were allowed). She slowly deteriorated and passed away peacefully due to the consequences of that brain injury. Joy is survived by her brother, Floyd Hickman; her two sons and their wives, Bruce Upham and wife Tracie Upham, and Stephen Upham and wife Becca Upham; her five grandchildren, Bruce’s boys Joshua Upham, Aaron Upham and Micah Upham, and Steve’s children Krisynda Collins and Taylor Upham; and her two great-grandchildren, the children of Krisynda Collins, Bailey Whitaker and Blair Whitaker. A joint memorial service for both Joy and Ken will be held in Conway soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Grace Presbyterian Church in Conway, Ark., in honor of Joy Upham, at www.gracepresconway.org.

Thomas Eugene “Hub” Upton, 86, of Huntsville, AL, died July 19, 2016. Tom was born and raised in Maryville, TN. He graduated from Maryville High School, and attended Maryville College where he excelled in football and basketball until sidelined by serious ankle and eye injuries. While in college, Tom met the love of his life, Dorothy “Pinkie” Hoyle. They married in 1955 and had three children together. Tom enjoyed a varied career and found his niche in the travel industry, in which he worked for United Air Lines for 20 years; and in 1979, left to join Christopher Travel Agency. Tom was also active in the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. He had a great singing voice and was active in the church choir and competitive barbershop singing. Tom was preceded in death by Pinkie in 2007. Survivors include sons, Bradley H. Upton of Corvallis, OR and Ben A. Upton of Las Cruces, NM; daughter, Elizabeth Upton Ambroz; and grandsons, Reid T. Ambroz and Evan C. Ambroz of Huntsville, AL.

is principal at Foothills Elementary School which was recently named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in September 2014. This was based on its overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The school is the first Maryville school to receive the award in a decade and the first Blount County school to receive it in four years.

was promoted to Director and Research Support at the University of Miami School of Medicine after being employed for 40 years.

Anne Marie Kerr Valentine, July 5, 1924 – June 28, 2016 Heaven rejoiced as it welcomed a new saint on June 28, 2016. Anne Valentine, 91, is survived by her faithful husband, Bill of 66 years; her children: Nancy McDaniel & husband Don Lawrenceville, GA, Bill Valentine and wife ElizaBeth Lawrenceville, GA, daughter-in-law, Janie Valentine Duluth, GA ; 11 exceptional grandchildren: David (Brandie) McDaniel Dacula, GA, Evan (Jaime) Valentine VA, Laura McDaniel (Mike) Lee WA, Trevor (Emily) Valentine The Netherlands, Robert Valentine IL, Brian (Megan) McDaniel Bishop, GA, Michael (Megan) Valentine CA, Billy Valentine Lawrenceville, GA, Rebecca Valentine (Chris) Aikens Watkinsville, GA, Sean Valentine Duluth, GA, Matt Valentine (fiancé Jacqueline) Suwanee, GA; and 7 delightful great grandchildren: Austin, Cierra & Everett McDaniel Dacula, GA, Stephen, Henry & Charlotte Valentine VA, Declan McDaniel Bishop, GA. She was predeceased by her parents Marie & Harry Kerr, sister, Grace Kerr Valentine, brother, Dr. David Kerr and beloved son, John C. Valentine. Anne was born in Suffern, NY and was a graduate of Maryville College (TN) and did graduate work at New York Teachers College. Early on she worked as a teacher but devoted her life to serving others. She chose to be a stay at home mom and was very involved with volunteer activities with the Baptist church. She accepted Jesus as her Lord & Savior in her mid-20s and never wavered from her love and service to God. She was a loving wife, incredible mother, involved grandmother, doting great grandmother, an ardent encourager, faithful prayer warrior and friend to all who knew her. Nanny taught several of her grandchildren to read and was instrumental in leading some of them and many others to the Lord. She lived a long, full life, loving her family and her Lord.

Earl Harrison Valentine, 89, of Bristol, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord Sunday, August 10, 2014, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born May 15, 1925, in Great Falls, S.C. a son of the late Arlie H. and May Hartsell Valentine, and he lived most of his life in the Bristol area. He was a retired owner/operator of Office Machines and Supply Co. for 58 years and was an active member of Anderson Street United Methodist Church for 58 years. He was a founding member of the Twin City Civitan Club. Mr. Valentine was a U.S. Army Air Force World War II Veteran. He was a tail gunner on the B-17 “Heaven Sent”. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Sarah Nelle Frye Valentine; son, Tim Valentine and wife, Robin; grandchildren, Jonathan Valentine, Jillian Valentine; brother, Frank Valentine; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 6 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2014, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Barbara Doyle officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 until 5:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. The burial will be held 11 am Thursday, August 14, 2014, in Glenwood Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard and the Tennessee National Guard. Pallbearers will be Louis Gurley, Bill Edwards, Mike Atkins, Loodie Booher, John Mann, and Stanley Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Twin City Civitan Club and members of the Hugh Pyle Sunday School Class.

age 86, of Chickamauga, GA passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA and had resided in Northwest Georgia for the past three years. He was a longtime resident of Aiken, SC and was a retired Professor from the University of South Carolina at Aiken where he taught for over thirty years. He was of the Presbyterian faith. He is preceded in death by his wife: Elizabeth Van Alstyne and mother: Wilma Van Alstyne. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Paul & Abigail Van Alstyne of Chickamauga, GA, grandchildren: Christopher, Robert, Kathryn, and great-grandchild: Jillian. The family held a private memorial service.

Born July 14, 1921, in Summit, New Jersey, was the youngest of 7 children. A lifetime Presbyterian, he attended Maryville College in Tennessee, and served his country in the Army during World War II. Oliver married Thelma Talley Bettercourt in 1946, the beginning od 59 years together. A teacher and guidance counseler for 39 years in Chatham Township, Ollie was also an avid and accomplished tennis player and worked at Forest Lake Camp every summer for 30 years. After retiring, Ollie and Tally relocated from Basking Ridge New Jeresy to Bend, where he will always be remembered for his contagious smile, wonderful sense of humor and magnificient puns. He is survived by their children Glenn J. Van Cise and Lynn Marie Van Cise, his wife Tally preceded him in death.

Jean M. Van Der Kamp (nee Magill), 92, of Washington, passed away at her home on May 10, 2017. She was born on March 10, 1925, to the late William and Hazel (nee Cleveland) Magill in Princeton, New Jersey, and was united in marriage to the late Ralph P. Van Der Kamp in the Presbyterian Church of Farmington, Missouri, on August 4, 1949. Jean enjoyed staying active and giving back; she was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, volunteered at Loving Hearts, was involved with Church Women United, sang with the Warblers at Cedarcrest Manor, and loved helping at the Presbyterian Church in a number of roles. A Funeral Service was held at 10 am on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Presbyterian Church of Washington. Interment followed at the Church cemetery. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Presbyterian Church of Washington and Loving Hearts Outreach. Jean is survived by five children, William and wife Joyce Van Der Kamp of Ellisville, Kathy Van Der Kamp of Manassas, Virginia, Larry Van Der Kamp of Kirkwood, David and wife Anna Van Der Kamp of Auburn, Nebraska, and Robert Van Der Kamp of Mt. Holly, New Jersey; one sister-in-law, Margaret Magill of Denver, Colorado; seven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Robert, and one granddaughter, Sarah Van Der Kamp.

Henry John Van Hassel (Hank), born May 2, 1933 and raised on the “mean streets” of Paterson, New Jersey, died October 22, 2020. In his own words, “I was big enough to beat up anyone who was fast enough to catch me and fast enough to out-run anyone who could beat me up.” He graduated early from Paterson Central High School, was Man of the Year at Maryville College in 1954, where he received his B.A. in English. He immediately joined the U.S. Army and served in the aftermath of the Korean War. In 1960 he married Ann Newell Wiley of Heiskell TN, when he was in Dental School and Ann had recently left her position as Maryville College’s first Admissions Counselor and was teaching. He received degrees from the University of Maryland (D.D.S.) and the University of Washington (M.S. and Ph.D in Physiology). He was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from each of these three institutions. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service and interned at the USPHS Hospital in San Francisco, then was stationed at the USPHS Hospitals in Boston and Seattle. He completed his residency in Endodontics at the University of Washington and was a professor at U.W. before becoming chairman of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. In 1984 he was named Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Oregon’s Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, where he also became a Vice President, and also served as President of the Oregon Dental Association. He was a Diplomate of the American Association of Endodontists, served as President of the AAE and was editor of the Journal of Endodontics for many years. He authored many articles in scientific journals and contributed chapters to several books as well as co-authoring two. He was the recipient of every distinguished award possible from his professional organizations. He was a fine athlete and gym rat, who until recently went twice a day to bike, treadmill, and lift weights. He played racquetball competitively and he and Ann ran in many road races in Seattle, Baltimore, and Portland. He had a brilliant mind and could quote the Bible, Shakespeare, and myriad other poets at the drop of a hat. He could sing hundreds of old pop songs and hymns, mostly and sadly off-key. He had a wonderful sense of humor and told fantastic stories about boot camp at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and his experiences in the hundreds of jobs he had putting himself through school. He was a gifted teacher and many of his grad students have kept in touch with him over the years. He was Ann’s “ready reference” source when they were doing the New York Times and Wall Street Journal crosswords. He could do math in his head faster than most people could get out their calculators. He thought deeply about theological questions and was a great admirer of C.S. Lewis. His Christian faith was very important to him. His speech was liberally laced with colorful language, which he tried to tone down in his later years-not always successfully. He was proud of his Dutch heritage and was raised in the Dutch Reformed, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches. He found a loving home at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton, TN, and leaves many friends there, as well as at First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center in Clinton, where he was an almost daily visitor at their fitness facility until a few months ago. Hank embraced Ann’s Southern background and her family as his own. When he retired as Dean in 1998, he and Ann returned to her family home in Heiskell. This Yankee city boy loved East Tennessee and living out in the country, and knew that he had the best friends and neighbors in the world. Not too long ago, he wrote his own obituary. It was sixteen lines long. He deserved more! He got it! He is survived by his wife, Ann Wiley Van Hassel and cherished members of her family: Jeanette Wiley McMaster; Mary Wiley McWhorter (Bill); Karen Lunde Wiley Young (Mike); Bruce, Karla, Lindsay, and Kasey McMaster; Jane (McMaster), Dan and Ben Clemons; Catherine (McMaster), Paul, Anne, and Rachel Pietrow; Elizabeth (McWhorter), John, Ethan, Allison, and Madeline Bridger; Andrea Wiley; Josh, Rachel, Noah, Heidi, and Burks Wiley. He was preceded in death by his parents Ina Sturr and William Cornelius Van Hassel of Paterson, New Jersey; Ann’s parents, Mildred Newell and Eugene Fulton Wiley of Heiskell; beloved “brother” David Lee Wiley; and brother-in-law and friend William M. McMaster. No services are scheduled at this time. Instead of sending flowers, please write a note to Ann recounting your memories of Hank, and consider making a donation in his name to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 252 Main Street, Clinton, TN 37716. Or to Wesley House Community Center, 1719 Reynolds Street, Knoxville TN 37921. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is assisting with arrangements.

Charlotte Anne Laster DeShazo Van Kampen age 92 of Leeds passed away April 22, 2020 and is survived by her Nephews; Jack Vance and Mel Vance. Step Daughter; Sara Ruth Frances, Step daughter in law; Mary Ann Van Kampen and daughter by heart; Cathy Sizemore. Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 25th, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Hebron Cemetery.

Durward Robert Van Nest, 89, died July 22, 2019, at his home in Meridian, Idaho. Arrangements by Boise Funeral Home, Aclesa Chapel.

Elenor Van Pelt died peacefully in her sleep Jan. 31. Elenor was born Jan. 4, 1930, in Maryville, Tenn., to Thelma and Sylvan Kramer. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. Dr. W. Austin Van Pelt, and is survived by her children Mary, Anne, Peter and Dave Van Pelt; her granddaughter, Jessica Regenbrecht Haque (Dewan); and many close cousins, including Roy Kramer, who was more like a brother. Elenor received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Maryville College. She was an elementary school teacher, active in PEO and a p r o u d member of the Maryville/ A l c o a N A A C P . E l e n o r was a very active member of Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colo., and later a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church when they relocated to Maryville in 2010. She was an important part of Austin’s ministry as they served churches across the nation, including Maryville, Tenn., Utiqiagvik, Alaska, and Leadville, Colo., making lifelong friends along the way. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Emily Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church, Wellshire Presbyterian Church or Maryville College. McCammon-AmmonsClick Funeral Home, 982- 6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com.

Passed on Nov 4, 2015.

Graduated May 2014 with magna cum laude from Mercmer University (law school) and was awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Senior.

Elizabeth Louise Thomas Varnedoe, 90, passed peacefully on May 25, 2020. Mrs. Varnedoe was born in Staten Island, New York to Herbert and Elizabeth Thomas. She loved to go hiking and caving, to play softball, and to garden. She was a longtime member of Calvary Bible Church, Huntsville, AL, Green Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Huntsville Grotto of the National Speleological Society, and Land Trust of Huntsville and Madison County. She earned a degree in Physics from Maryville College in Tennessee using her knowledge to work for the Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was an engineer at the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency on the Redstone Missile Program, and also later at Dynetics in Huntsville, Alabama. Survivors include her husband, William W. Varnedoe Jr, children Sharon Rudd (Roy), Frank Varnedoe (Barbara), John Varnedoe (Donna), and Ker Thomas Varnedoe, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jane Clevenger. A memorial service will be held later in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Land Trust of Huntsville and Madison County or Green Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

passed away on August 10, 2015.

Charles M. Vaughan, 75, of Hampstead, NC passed away on Saturday afternoon, November 12, 2016 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a massive heart attack. He was born in Atlanta, GA on May 30, 1941 to the late Martin and Lucy Vaughan. Charlie went to Maryville College in Maryville, TN for two years transferring to East Tennessee University in Johnson City, TN and graduated with a BS degree in Chemistry and a minor in Physics in 1963. Charlie worked for Nuclear Fuel Services in Erwin, TN until he accepted a job with General Electric in Wilmington, NC in November of 1970. Charlie held several managerial jobs during his tenure. He retired after 37 years as Manager of Facility Licensing for GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas. After retiring he formed his own consulting firm, CMV Consulting and returned to GE where he did consulting for 3 years as well as doing work for Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington DC. Charlie was a Fellow of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, which he served as Chairman and Past Chairman in the late 80’s. He had been a member of this organization for more than 40 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ for over 45 years where he served as an Elder as well as many other capacities in the church. Charlie was an amateur radio operator for 59 years and was President of the local Coastal Amateur Radio club for many years. His call number was K4UWH. He also enjoyed flying radio controlled airplanes. He was a member of the Wilmington Flying Club for many years. In addition to his parents, Charlie is predeceased by two sons, Jeffrey Vaughan and Curtis Banks. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 1/2 years, Vivian Love Vaughan, one son, Justin Banks and wife, Georgeanne, two daughters, Victoria Benhoff and Amelia Banks. Also surviving are four beloved grandchildren, Aaron and Ashlee Banks, Nicole Holliday and Calisa Benhoff. He is survived by one brother, Allen Vaughan and wife Lucy and their two girls, Sarah Poston and husband Brian and Emily Pritchard and husband Tyler. Charlie also leaves behind his loyal and loving canine companion, Bandit. Anyone who knew Charlie, knew of his great intelligence, his dry sense of humor and his quick wit. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was very loved and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, in Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charlie’s memory to the Cape Fear American Heart Association,, 411 Bradley Creek Point Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403 or First Christian Church, 2035 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28403. Share memories or condolences to the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099

Violetta Gomez Vega passed away on January 16, 2009.

3rd July 1938 – 14th April 2023

The beloved husband of Drena and father of Ben, Daniel and Christa has today completed his journey.  George died peacefully at home near London surrounded by his family.

‘Therefore, my beloved brothers be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain’.

1 Corinthians 15:58

To read more about George and his global Christian mission see the link below.

https://www.premierchristianity.com/obituaries/george-verwer-1938-2023-the-trailblazing-evangelist-reached-the-world-for-christ/15341.article

Paul Viggiano February 20, 1953 – December 7, 2020 Richland, WA – Paul Douglas Viggiano, age 67, passed away from COVID-19 on Dec 7, 2020 in Richland, WA. He was born February 20, 1953 to Joseph Viggiano and Margaret Ille in Port Jefferson, New York but grew up in Selden, Long Island. He graduated from Selden High school in 1971. Thanks to a local pharmacist, he decided to attend Maryville College in Tennessee where in 1975 he received his B.S. in Chemistry. He continued his education by attending Purdue University for three years in his quest for his Masters. While attending Maryville College, he was honored by the Who’s Who in American Colleges for his senior year 1974-75. At Maryville he played the position of goalie in soccer but his true love was baseball. He missed the opportunity to play professional baseball by sliding into home one game and blowing out his ankle. But his love for baseball continued with his favorite team, the New York Yankees. Sports continued to play a role in his life from playing on many softball teams to golfing often with his wife. Paul met the love of his life, Amelia (Amy) Johnson, in 1981 while working in Oak Ridge, TN. One year and a day from their first date they married. He immediately moved her to Tampa, Fl. But that wasn’t the last move. Over the next 38 years, they moved to Mooresville, NC; Marshall, VA; Richland, WA; Washougal, WA; back to Richland; Lansdale, PA; and back to Richland to stay. Along the way, they had two beautiful children, a daughter and a son, to fill their lives with love and joy. Paul worked for Duke Engineering for 18 years before finding his true home with Henkels & McCoy, Inc. Paul retired in February, 2019 and immediately went back to work consulting for H&M. His love for mentoring new project managers filled him with purpose. Paul enjoyed giving back to the community and in 1999 was named Distinguished Volunteer of the Year by United Way. He loved gardening, photography, working on his sci-fi novel and traveling with family and friends. Paul is survived by his wife, Amy Viggiano; daughter, Joanna Viggiano (husband, John Presler) of Richland; son, Dominic Viggiano (wife, Cassie) of West Richland; and grandsons Giovanni and Lucca Viggiano; brother James Viggiano (wife, Susan) of Palm Bay, Fl; brother-in-law, Randy Johnson of Oak Ridge, TN; brother-in-law, Donald Johnson (wife, Jeanne) of Powell, TN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation https://www.alzinfo.org Or your local Alzheimer’s Charity. A memorial will be held at a later date.

went to be with the Lord on April 30th, 2014 at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX while undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant. He lived in Brandon, MS with his wife, Susan. He was born January 13, 1958 in Wilkensburg, PA. He loved science from a young age and excelled in school. Went on to get his B.S. from Maryville College in TN; a M.A. at James Madison Univ., VA; and a PhD at Tulane, New Orleans, LA. He worked for nearly 30 yrs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with his last role as Senior Regional Biologist in Environmental Division in Vicksburg, MS. He was a good-hearted, fun-loving, gentle soul and loved the outdoors and had a good sense of humor and a hard work ethic. He loved his wife and kids immensely. He was a fighter till the end and didnt complain about his condition and was more concerned for his wife’s welfare than himself. He was a wonderful, proud father to his family who all love him dearly. He was most happy when he shared time with them. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He always said he hoped he lived long enough to one day take a flight into outerspace as he was a huge Star Trek fan. So we will grant his wish by sending his ashes on a flight into orbit among the stars with his path tracked by family, His Final Frontier. We love you Dave and will one day walk together again. He would tell you his favorite Dr. Spock quote to “Live Long and Prosper”The memorial service will be held at Pinelake Church (Reservoir location, Brandon, MS) at 2pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 with visitation on Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home (Brandon, MS). He is survived by his wife, Susan, son, Jacob Vigh, stepson, Jake Moore, stepdaughter, Lauren Bartholet, mother, Eleanor; sister, Paula Vigh; Niece and Nephew Cassie and Patrick Neeley; cousin, Kirk Hazen. He was predeceased by his father, Frank S. Vigh, and his paternal grandparents Stephen and Elizabeth Vigh and maternal grandparents, Raymond and Esther Madara. Flowers can be sent to house and Ott & Lee and memorial donations to our church Pinelake in Brandon, MS and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?n=david-vigh&pid=170925953&fhid=17537&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.cDB5F1an.dpuf