The 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia

RICHARD “DICK” BRYANT ALLEN, LTC, USA, RET

Date He Passed Away: SEP 19, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1968-1969
Name of Funeral Home or Church: N/A
Street Address / City / State / Zip Code: N/A
Date & Time of Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00 AM, MONDAY, SEP 26, 2022
Funeral Service Location: GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC CHURCH
Date & Time of Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, , MONDAY, SEP 26, 2022
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 13550 CHANEY THOMPSON RD SE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35803
Name of Secondary Church ( if one ): N/A
Date & Time of Service: N/A
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Name of Cemetery: MAPLE HILL CEMETERY
Date & Time of Service: N/A
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 202 MAPLE HILL ST SE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35801
Name of Contacts / Contact Numbers: N/A
Flowers or Donation Information: HUNTSVILLE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

LTC (R) Richard “Dick” Bryant Allen, age 81, went home to our Lord on September 19. He was born in Putnam, Connecticut and raised in nearby Danielson. He graduated in 1963 from Worcester Polytechnical Institute, as an ROTC student with a major in Chemical Engineering.

While still in college, he met his beloved wife, Alice (n. Klock) Allen from Carmel, New York and they married in 1963. He entered the Army in 1964, where he faithfully served his country for 22 years, including a tour
with the 11th ACR in Vietnam, where he proudly served his country in Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-1969. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

During his time in Service, he obtained his master’s degree in Nuclear Physics from Tulane University in 1974.

Upon retirement, he moved to Huntsville in 1986 and was employed by Dynetics Inc., retiring in 2006. He spent his retirement years traveling and truly loved volunteering for the Botanical Garden Galaxy of Lights, Habitat for Humanity, Honor Flight, Good Shepherd Catholic Church Mission Committee, and The Miracle League bowling tournament. His true passion was golf.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Richard Allen, and his parents, Stanley and Ruth Allen. He leaves behind his wife, Alice; daughter, Deborah Stotser (Rick); grandsons, Nathan and Jacob Stotser; sister-in-law, Helen Denike; cousin, Keith Francis; and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, September 26th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with the Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery with military honors. All Blackhorse Troopers in the Huntsville, Alabama area are urged to attend Dick’s services.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be sincerely appreciated for Huntsville Habitat For Humanity, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Rest in peace Dick.

Thomas Taylor Adams, Jr., 77, died March 12, 2021.

Born to Thomas and Virginia (Dayton) Adams, Tom grew up in Michigan where he was a noted athlete and ardent student of Economics attending Leelanau School and Ripon College.

Thomas was a US Army Veteran proudly serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the 919th Engineering Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

Tom was also a small businessman who held his team in close regard.

Tom was a philatelist, cruciverbalist and bibliophile who appreciated espionage fiction, sea epics and civil war novels. He was a fervent fan of the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Redwings, Tigers and Lions. His fondest times were in the woods at Lake Dunmore with family, friends and his puppy dogs. He played chess, cribbage, and forty-five, waxed poetic over cold Becks, reveled in “March Madness”, and loved singing along with the likes of Bowie, Frank Black, the Talking Heads and the Beatles (a playlist might be more appropriate than an obit). He was most at ease farming rock walls, eradicating hemlock from Satans Kingdom, “walking the hill” at the Falls of Lana and crafting his woodpile. In juxtaposition to his partiality for the simple life, he was epically unhandy, at odds with moderation, and by turns larger than life. His boisterous laugh will echo on.

Tom is survived by his son, Bernard Reilly Adams and daughter-in-law Dawn Schwaiger Adams of Rutland, VT; his daughter, Elizabeth Doyle Adams of Rutland, VT; their mother, former wife Patricia Reilly Cupoli (Lawrence) of Rutland, VT; his 2 beloved granddaughters, who “Papa” was so proud of, Shannon Eileen Adams and Ashleah Meadow Adams; and his remaining family and close friends.

Since his longtime desire for “sky burial” is as yet impermissible, he will be interred at a later date in a private ceremony with honors at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Rutland County Humane Society in Pittsford, VT.

Rest in peace Tom.

Date He Passed Away: AUGUST 13, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HOWITZER BATTERY, 2nd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967 - 1968
Name of Funeral Home or Church: N/A
Street Address / City / State / Zip Code: N/A
Date & Time of Visitation: N/A
Funeral Service Location: St Francis Church
Date & Time of Funeral Service: Monday, September 26, 2022, 10:00 am
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 3 St Peter St, Winooski, VT 05404
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Name of Cemetery: St. Francis Cemetery
Date & Time of Service: Monday, September 26, 2022
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 3 St Peter St, Winooski, VT 05404
Name of Contacts / Contact Numbers: N/A
Flowers or Donation Information: N/A

James (Jim) W. Lefebvre, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2022 while at the Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida following a brief illness. Jim was born on February 22, 1945 in Burlington. VT. to Arthur and Reta (Borthwick) Lefebvre .

Jim married Gale Rabidoux on April 22, 1967 and they shared 55 years together. In 1972 they purchased their home in Winooski where both Jim and Gale were born and raised. Winooski is a small town that Jim loved. He was well known to everyone. People knew him as a neighbor, friend, co-worker, the man sitting on the front porch waving to everyone. Jim always said hello to everyone no matter where he was. He enjoyed his motorcycles, first his Honda and lastly his Harley. He and Gale would take long evening rides and they enjoyed taking weekend trips on the motorcycle with family and friends.

In 2019 Jim and Gale relocated to The Villages, Florida to escape the harsh, cold winters of Vermont. While in Florida Jim enjoyed golf cart rides, going out to dinner with family and friends and having family and friends come visit. He especially loved bingo or going to the casino.

Jim is survived by his wife Gale; son Jason (Kerry); daughter Kelly Daum (Brian); brother Stephen Lefebvre (Bettye); sister Koreen Grimes (Rod); brother-in-law Gary Rabidoux (Annette); sister-in-law, Carol Dousevicz (Jim). He is survived by the loves of his life, grandchildren, Amanda Lefebvre and partner JP Lebel, Christopher Lefebvre and Kylee Daum. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

In 1966 Jim was drafted into the Army. He served in Vietnam in 1967-68. He was a member of Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment.

Jim worked at the Winooski School District for over 20+ years. His job at Winooski High School was more than a job, it was a second home for him. The students cherished his words and the teachers loved his humor. He made sure to support his own children as well as the students anyway he could. If you forgot something at school and it was a Sunday, you could call on him to open the school for you. He was that person to everyone. He was known as “Pops” or “Dad” to all the kids. Several senior classes at WHS dedicated their yearbooks to Jim for which he was so very humbled and honored.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, his grandparents, sister and brother-in-law Kathleen & Austin Gloyd, nephew Brian Gloyd, sisters-in-law Patricia Lefebvre and Peggy Lefebvre, father-in-law and mother-in-law Maurice and Jane Rabidoux.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be sent to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Mariposa Way, The Villages, Fl. 32162 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607-1460. The family would like to thank Cornerstone Hospice for the love and compassion they gave to Jim during his short stay.

Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society were in charge of arrangements in Florida. Lavigne’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements in Vermont. A mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 26, 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Winooski with interment after the mass at St. Francis Cemetery.

“Words will not wipe away your tears and hugs may not ease the pain but hold onto your memories because forever they will remain.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at:
https://memorials.vtfuneralhomes.com/james-lefebvre/5021890/index.php

Rest in Peace Jim.

Date He Passed Away: SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HOWITZER BATTERY, 1st SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1970 - 1971
Name of Funeral Home or Church: O’Brien Funeral Home
Street Address / City / State / Zip Code: 146 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA
Date & Time of Visitation: Friday, September 16, 2022, from 4-8pm
Funeral Service Location: St Brigid Church
Date & Time of Funeral Service: Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 10am.
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 841 East Broadway, South Boston, MA
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Gerald T. “Jerry” Connolly of South Boston passed away on September 12, 2022 at the age of 73. Beloved husband of Diane (Daly) Connolly. Devoted father of Christopher Connolly, Sean Connolly and his wife Keri, Mark Connolly and Nancy Dawson and her husband Alan. Loving grandfather of Christopher, Nathaniel, Anthony, Padraig, Mark, Mac, Maeve and Shane. Brother of Mary Connolly, Mark Connolly and his wife Catherine, Kevin Connolly and the late Margaret and Brian Connolly. Dear uncle of Celeste Healy and her husband Martin and their children Terence, Brendan, Brian and many other nieces.

Visitation in the O’Brien Funeral Home 146 Dorchester Street South Boston on Friday September 16th from 4-8pm. Funeral Mass in St Brigid Church 841 East Broadway South Boston on Saturday September 17th at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery Braintree.

Jerry retired from the MBTA and was a member of the Carmen’s Union Local 589. Jerry was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War serving as a member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment. He was a lifelong member of multiple veterans service organizations.

Jerry proudly served in Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR in 1970-1971.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at:
https://obrienfunerals.com/tribute/geraldjerry-connolly-2022-088/

Rest in peace Jerry.

COLONEL ARNOLD HOUSTON “ARNIE” GAYLOR, USA, RET

Safari
Date He Passed Away: MAY 14, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: D COMPANY, 1st SQUADRON, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Colonel Arnold Houston Gaylor (Arnie), US Army (Ret), went to Fiddler’s Green on May 14, 2022 in Williamsburg, Virginia at the age of 81. He was born in Roderfield, West Virginia on Nov 6, 1940 to Henry and Flora (Headley) Gaylor, though he considers his home to be Midfield, Alabama, where he grew up. His two older brothers, William and James, preceded him in death; he is survived by his sister, Patricia Simmons. He graduated from Bessemer High School in 1958 and attended Birmingham-Southern College until he was appointed to the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science. Upon his graduation on June 3, 1964, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Armor in the United States Army. During his time in the Army, Arnie earned a Masters in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Masters of Military Art and Science from the Command and General Staff College, and a Masters in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. “Dragon Daddy,” as he was known to his troopers, served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, serving as a Captain in D Company, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) in 1967-1968. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He taught Mathematics at the United States Military Academy 1972-1975, and served both at Fort Eustis, Virginia and Selfridge ANG Base, Michigan as a Research and Development Coordinator, where he participated in the design of the new M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 5th US Cavalry (Black Knights), 1st Cavalry Division, in Fort Hood, Texas, where he was affectionately known as Ltc. “Darth” Gaylor to his Captains. From 1985-1989, Col. Gaylor served as G3 of the 3rd Armored Division, Frankfurt, Germany and as Chief Force Management Division, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations United States Army Europe, Heidelberg, Germany. In Heidelberg, he was awarded The Legion of Merit for conceiving, developing, and implementing force integration procedures to facilitate combat ready units to be deployed to Europe. His final posting was in the Department of Operations, Strategic Defense Command, Huntsville Alabama. Mr. Gaylor retired from military service after 26 years of active duty in 1990. He started his civilian career as a Program Developer for EER Systems before finding his home with Cubic Defense Applications Group, eventually attaining the position of Vice President and Deputy General Manager, Operations Support Division. While with Cubic, Arnie oversaw and managed all civilian operations at JRTC at Fort Polk, Louisiana and the Korean Battle Simulation Center, United States Forces Korea & Eighth Army, Yonsang, Korea. During his time at West Point, Arnie met his wife of 57 years, Linda (Wermick) Gaylor, while in Philadelphia for an Army / Navy game. [Arnie asked a group of nurses in an elevator, “Who wants to go to a party?” and Linda volunteered!] Arnie is survived by Linda, his children, Scott Gaylor and Becky Snyder (husband Bill), and his grandchildren, Nick and Lauren Gaylor and Elizabeth and Billy Snyder. Arnie was an engineer at heart and enjoyed designing and building renovations and additions for his beloved cabin in Pennsylvania. He was also an avid supporter and volunteer for the Democratic Committee in York County, Virginia. Arnie’s greatest achievement was the love and devotion he gave to his wife and family. Many generations of Gaylors and Snyders will learn from his wisdom. Graveside services will be conducted at Union Cemetery in McConnellsburg, PA at a later date, to be announced. The family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating (in Arnie’s name as an honor / memorial gift) to Move United (http://www.moveunitedsport. org), which offers sports rehabilitation for wounded warfighters with permanent physical disabilities in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. In the words of poet, Dylan Thomas: “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Rest assured, Arnie did not go gently. He fought his final battle with grace, strength, and dignity.

Rest in peace Sir.

JOHN P “JACK” MUTTER

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Date He Passed Away: MARCH 6, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: K TROOP, 3rd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1966-67
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John “Jack” Mutter, 76, formerly of Houghton, passed away on March 6, 2022 in Florida following a lingering illness.

He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hancock on October 26, 1945. He attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and later Houghton High School.

Jack was drafted into the military in 1965 and served in combat proudly with K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry (the legendary “Black Horse” Regiment) in 1966-67. When needed, he volunteered to serve as a “tunnel rat” to clear the tunnels of the Vietcong. He drew much praise from his commander and comrades. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

After his service in 1967 he was hired at the General Motors Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, Michigan. He was active for many years in Big Brothers of Lansing.
After 33 years at GM, he retired to Florida and became a “snow bird” dividing his time between Englewood, Florida and Houghton, Michigan. He loved summers at Hancock Beach where he sometimes acted as a “caretaker” with the approval of the city. He was a “regular” daily—rarely missing a day. Sadly, he never got to see the new dock which he ardently hoped for. He was an excellent swimmer and a serious fisherman.

He enjoyed his early morning breakfast with the McDonald’s morning crew and his afternoon sessions with Cheri and his many friends at the B&B Bar.

He was honest, loyal, sincere, and caring. He was famous for his many jokes and his messages on his summer T-shirts. He loved animals, especially his two 4 legged “nephews”. Whenever his name “uncle Jackie” was mentioned they couldn’t wait for his arrival—with treats as usual.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. Mutter and Anna (Boyle) Mutter. Surviving are his brother Walt and his sister-in-law Anne (Dilworth) Mutter, 5 cousins, and his neighbor and caregiver Florida friend, Jacklyn Stanley who became his chosen guardian. She and the staff at Heritage Oaks Assisted Living provided him with loving care during his residency.

He will be missed by his many friends in Houghton, Englewood, and Lansing.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton with Rev. Father John Martignon to officiate. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock following the mass, with the Copper Country Veterans Association to offer military honors. Friends may call at the church from 10 A.M. until the 10:45 A.M. time of services on Thursday.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

Rest in peace Jack.

ROY E BURKE, JR

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Date He Passed Away: SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Roy E. Burke passed away September 17, 2021 from Aggressive Prostate Cancer which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange.

Roy proudly served his country as a Sergeant in Regimental Headquarters, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967-68. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He is survived by his wife Ella and their children and grandchildren.

The legacy he left behind will be carried forward by their children, and grandchildren plus their future children.

Rest in peace Roy.

CHESTER K FENNER

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Date He Passed Away: MARCH 7, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HEADQUARTERS, HEADQUARTERS TROOP, 3rd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1967-68
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Chester K. Fenner of Lebanon, Oregon, passed away March 7, 2022.

Chester proudly served his country in Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1967-68. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

He was cremated and services were private.

He is survived by his wife Sandra.

Rest in peace Chester.

DONALD G “RUSTY” LEPPER

Safari
Date He Passed Away: NOVEMBER 16, 2021
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: HOWITZER BATTERY, 2nd SQDN, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1969-70
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Flowers or Donation Information: ST JUDES RESEARCH HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

Donald “Rusty” George Lepper, age 85, of Danbury, passed away at his home on November 16, 2021. He was born in Trenton, Nebraska to William and Neva (Otis) Lepper on January 14, 1936; he was one of 12 children in the Lepper family. Rusty attended school in McCook.

Rusty enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1954, shortly after leaving high school. In 1967, he separated from military service for a short time and worked in the oil fields, but soon felt the pull of his patriotic duty once again and reenlisted in the United States Army. Rusty retired as a Staff Sergeant on February 28, 1974, after over 20 years of service. He served mostly as a Field Artillery Crewman and his career took him all over the world. He was stationed in Alaska and many other locations in the continental United States. Rusty also served in England, Germany, Scotland, Korea, and Vietnam. For his service in Vietnam, Rusty received the following decorations and citations: the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, Five Overseas Bars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star with a Double Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. This is just a brief list of duty stations and awards that Rusty compiled during his lifetime of honorable service in the United States Military. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant, E-6, in the Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1969-70. He was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.

Rusty returned to Red Willow County, Nebraska after his retirement. He worked for many area farmers and tended bar at local establishments. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rusty enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants and fished many of the reservoirs around McCook. He was a member of the Eagles Club in McCook and enjoyed catching up with friends over a beer at any of the area bars. Rusty loved watching a good football game and he enjoyed smoking his cigars.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Lepper; sister, Betty Harper; sister, Marilyn Shadley and husband, Cork; sister, Charlotte Groothuis and husband, Gilbert; sister, Annette Snyder and husband, Bart; brother, Larry Lepper; sister, Carol Matson and husband, Don; nephew, Wade Lepper; niece, Pamela Valentine; and nephew, Donnie Lepper.

Survivors include his sister, Sandra Diederich and husband, Butch, of Oberlin, Kansas; brother, Mike Lepper and wife, Sherry, of McCook; sister, Laurie Dybdahl and husband, Sam, of McCook; sister-in-law, Lois Lepper of McCook; brother-in-law, Melvin Harper of Hastings, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Mary Lepper of California; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday afternoon, December 16, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Jim Jones and Michael Simmonds providing words of comfort. Committal services will take place at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska with full military honors.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Rusty’s name. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Rest in peace Rusty.

ROBERT W “BOB” CARLSON

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Date He Passed Away: MAY 3, 2022
Unit ( Sqd/Trp ) Served: AIR CAVALRY TROOP, 11th ACR
What Year of Service: 1968-69
Name of Funeral Home or Church: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Street Address / City / State / Zip Code: 39901 PLEASANT STREET, SANDY, OR 97055
Date & Time of Visitation: 2:00 PM, MAY 21, 2022
Funeral Service Location: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Date & Time of Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, MAY 21, 2022
Street Address & Town / City / State Zip Code: 39901 PLEASANT STREET, SANDY, OR 97055
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Flowers or Donation Information: 11th ACVVC SCHOLARSHIP FUND (SEE TEXT BELOW)

Robert (”Bob”) William Carlson of Troutdale, OR passed away on May 3, 2022, at the age of 73 years with his wife of 54 years, Jerelyn Carlson, by his side. He was born on January 21, 1949 in Raymond, WA to Florence and Conrad Carlson. Bob graduated from Centennial High School in 1967.

He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served for 8 years, including 2-1/2 years in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic in the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment) in the Vietnam War in 1968-69. He was honorably discharged and was a Life Member of the 11th ACVVC.
During his time in the Army he married his high school sweetheart, Jerelyn Wagner. They raised their two daughters, Dayna and Kristin, together in Gresham, OR. Bob worked in residential construction for his high school friend where his handy woodworking skills were used. Then he worked in the service industry as a coffee service/repairman for several years. Later in his career, Bob was a coffee and juice salesman.

Bob’s pride and joy was his family, including his four grandchildren: Hunter, Walker, Tyler and Emma. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, watching his grandkids play sports and attending their various school activities and was always supportive and by their side.
Bob was always the first to volunteer to do handyman work for others and was very generous with his time and skills. He helped people at church, friends, family and anyone he could. He knew a lot about plumbing, electrical and just generally how things worked. Bob was known to frequent nearby casinos and was quite lucky at the slot machines wherever he went. He also volunteered to teach basic wood shop skills to high school students. Bob took pleasure in sharing his wood working knowledge with others.

Once Bob reached retirement age, he re-discovered his love for old cars and started his passion for tinkering on them and attending car shows as often as he could. Bob’s first classic car was a 1955 Ford Fairlane which he nicknamed Flo. His second classic car was a muscle car, a 1966 Ford Mustang. His third classic car was a more modern car, a bright yellow 2000 Plymouth Prowler. His fourth and final car was a 1970 El Camino which he recently took on a 5 day road trip to Redding, CA to attend the Kool April Days car show. He enjoyed the camaraderie with all of the other car show enthusiasts. Bob loved talking about anything car-related. He especially enjoyed showing people his car and all the improvements he had done.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dave Carlson. Bob is survived by his brother, Ray Carlson of Redmond, OR, his wife, Jerelyn, his two daughters, Dayna Wright (and her husband Travis) of Gresham and Kristin Antich (and her husband Steve) of Beaverton, his four grandchildren Hunter & Walker Simmons, Tyler & Emma Antich.

At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought, but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared; not our competence, but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love.

Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia (Scholarship Fund) to be sent to:

Ollie Pickral
11th ACVVC
571 Ditchley Road
Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Checks should be payable to “11th ACVVC Scholarship Program.”

Bob’s services will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 39901 Pleasant Street, Sandy, OR, 2 pm, May 21st. All Blackhorse Troopers in the Sandy, Portland, Gresham, Tigard, Beaverton and Hillsboro area are urged to attend Bob’s services.