Robert Gene (Bob) Pilcher
1931-2017
Robert Gene (Bob) Pilcher, DMC, USN, Retired, passed away, at home, on May 16th.
He was 85 years old when he left to join his three children Forrest Kent, Robert Glenn and Virginia Jean (Ginger) and four of his five younger siblings.
He was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Oct. 19, 1931, to Robert E. and Eugenia Pilcher and was the oldest of 6 children. His family moved to Riverside, CA when he was 9 and he was raised there. He resided there until the age of 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and he liked it well enough to serve 20 years, retiring as a Chief Illustrator-Draftsman, at the age of 37. His last tour was served at The Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Military Command Center, at the Pentagon. He loved telling the story about the night he went to the W.H. to update a briefing and President Johnson showed up in his PJ's and robe. The president said that he had never met a Chief who didn't have a cup of coffee in his hand. When Bob told him that the coffee mess was off limits to briefers, the president turned to someone and told him to get the Chief a cup of coffee. The coffee flowed freely from then on.
Bob retired from work many times. After the Navy he worked as a planner/scheduler at the North Ana Nuclear Power plant in VA. When the plant became operational, he moved to planning and scheduling on the D.C.Metro system. He was in a tunnel when he received word on his radio that his first grandchild was waiting to meet him above ground. Cherokee Dawn Gorman had arrived. Bob rode on test cars and left for another adventure before completion, but he returned, years later and rode on the real thing.
Bob was the most considerate and supportive husband any woman could want. He was also ahead of his time. In 1974, he left his job in VA. to go with his wife who was offered a transfer to
Los Gatos, CA.. He shocked so many people for his willingness to be the follower and not hold to a traditional role of men being the bread winner. So, the second retirement.
He went back to college and earned a degree in business management. He worked for a while at a firm that designed marketing material. Next came the start up of his own business of designing and remodeling kitchens. He was so well liked that he had a long waiting list. His next retirement, number 3, came when his wife took a one year leave of absence, the sale of their home, and full time travel in their motor home. Two weeks was the maximum stay and the year was fun packed with trips to cities and towns all across the U.S.A. Retirement number 3 really agreed with him and he enjoyed a social life, playing golf, dominoes, and pinochle.
When early retirement was offered to his wife, two years later, they were free for the next 8 years to criss-cross the country, go north, south, east or west. He loved being behind the wheel. They were known as The Happy Travelers, and happy they were. It was not only a happy time but a true testament that two people could live in a 34' RV and still like one another.
He would have traveled forever but his wife grew tired of moving so often and expressed a desire to have a permanent place to park. Supportive still, he agreed and they bought a piece of property in their favorite place, Lakehills, TX. Someone asked where the property was located and his reply of “Downtown Lakehills” had people roaring with laughter. 23 years later, they are still trying to find Downtown in Lakehills.
Golf took up most of his time and no course was too far. One thing he hated was yard work and golf conveniently spared him that chore, but he bought his wife a riding mower to make it easier for her. Still supportive.
He was a voracious reader and built beautiful bookcases for his library. He even had shelves made for paperbacks in the hallway When the shelves became filled to beyond capacity, the library benefited with some great reads.
He overcame some serious medical problems until things happened which couldn't be fixed. Then his memory started to fail and towards the end he had conversations with many people in his past, including his daughter. He not only conversed with them, he would laugh loudly at what they said. The consolation was that his memories were happy ones. He had a great sense of humor and it served him well to the end.
Bob leaves a wife of 58 wonderful, fun filled years, Carmelina (Cam) Pilcher. Other survivors include his granddaughter, Cherokee Gorman Sigers and her husband, Fred and their son, Trent of Front Royal, VA, a grandson, Casey Gorman, a great grandson, Ashton Gorman and his nephew who is more like a son, Billy Gene Pilcher, of Lawton, OK., and many nieces and nephews.
To Bob they say, you left us with wonderful memories to help us carry on and they hope that their remaining years will be conducted as he would wish. He is so greatly missed. Fair winds and following seas, Chief. as you make your way to the final tour of duty under the Supreme Commander in the Sky.
According to his wishes interment of his ashes was held at Fort Sam Houston National cemetery in San Antonio, May 24th.
Willard Earl Graves
2017
Lt. Col. Willard Earl Graves, USAF Ret. passed away on Saturday, June 10, in Bandera. Another of the Greatest Generation has died.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Willard is survived by his wife of 20 years Erlmon Elizabeth Graves; two daughters and one son, from a previous marriage; one step son and numerous extended family members.
Services with military honors will be held in Tucson, Arizona at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera.
Jeffrey J. Cadle
1948-2017
Jeffrey J. Cadle, 69, of Medina, lost his year long battle with cancer in his loving wife's arms on June 12. He was born in Altoona, PA to Norman and Nancy Cadle on January 31, 1948. He married
Nancy Carol Harwood on July 6, 1971 in Lawton, Okla.
Jeff went to school in Hollidaysburg, PA. During this time he became active in Civil Air Patrol; rising to Cadet Colonel of all squadrons in PA. Jeff attended 3 years at Penn State with a major in microbiology. It was here that he joined Pershing Rifle. Then Jeff was wounded while serving as an Award and Declaration clerk on the DMZ in Vietnam.
After returning from Vietnam, he continued to work at Gerald Patton's antique shop where he also acquired his auctioneer's license. At the age of 30, he opened his own shop in Duncansville, PA. Jeff and his wife, Carol moved to Ingram, TX in 1991 and opened Just Antiques in Fredericksburg, TX and then the Comfort Antique Mall in Comfort, TX. Jeff really loved his job and managed the Comfort Antique Mall for 20 years. He was also very active with the Comfort Chamber of Commerce.
He was so loved by his wife and family. He was generous, kind, thoughtful, and knowledgeable and is missed so very much!
Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Norman Cadle, his mother, Nancy E. Cadle, his precious great niece, Maura McConnell, his nephews, Josh and Ben Cadle, and his niece, Peggy Osborn.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol Cadle, his three brothers: Roland (and Kathy), Steve, and Bruce along with three nieces, a nephew, his five great nephews, and three great nieces, a brother-in-law and sisters-in-law (Bill, Sherry, Barbara, and Linda plus their 8 children) as well as numerous family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted later in a private ceremony on the family ranch.
Memorials may be given to Comfort Chamber of Commerce, Comfort and/or Medina Volunteer Fire Department, or the Medina Library or the Comfort Library.
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Fredericksburg Hospice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
Marie (Underwood) Thompson
1928-2017
Our loving mother, Marie (Underwood) Thompson, passed from this life on Sunday, July 9 at Bandera Rehabilitation & Health-care Center, where she had been a resident since October, 2014. She was born August 19, 1928 in Stonewall County, to Thomas J. and Velma Kate (Bassham) Underwood.
As a young child, Marie helped her mother by caring for her younger siblings, and keeping of the home. She also worked in the cotton fields alongside her dad. Though The Great Depression made for economic hardship for many, her large family was tight knit and fun loving, which made the most difficult times easier to bear. Marie married
her sweetheart, Travis Thompson, in Fluvanna, on January 3, 1942. They were an example of love and married
devotion for 73 blissful years until his passing on January 18, 2015. Early in their marriage they moved to San Antonio and remained there until Travis retired in 1973, at which time they moved to Bandera, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Possessing a true servantës heart, Marie spent many years of her life teaching Bible classes for small children. She was an exceptional partner to Travis in the role of an Elder's wife at South San Antonio church of Christ and later at Stringtown Road church of Christ for a combined time of nearly 50 years. As a devoted woman of God, she excelled as a loving wife, mother, mamaw, sister, daughter and consummate homemaker. Her outward beauty was matched by her inward beauty in such a way that no one she met was a stranger for long since conversations with Marie were easy and comfortable. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.
She will forever be remembered by the children who loved her; Marie Campbell and husband, Joe, of San Antonio; Marty Jost and husband, Jim, of Fredericksburg; and Judy Judkins and husband, Robert, of Midland; grandchildren, Mike Gillaspia and wife, Shannon, of Portland; Steven Gillaspia of Denver, CO; Brenda Beachy and husband, Brian, of Augusta, GA; Tarah Judkins of Midland; and Jason Campbell and wife, Tracy, of San Antonio; five great-grandchildren; plus extended family and a host of friends who loved her and whom she loved.
Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Travis Thompson; parents, Tom and Velma Underwood; brothers, Doyle, Hazel, Morris and William Underwood; and sisters, Ellen Claxton, Faye Sutterfield, Katie Ann Shipp and Meda Mae Butler.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many forms. We especially extend our heartfelt appreciation to the nursing and administrative staff at Bandera Rehab. & Healthcare Center. Especially for the kindness and gentle care extended to both Marie and Travis during their time of residency. We also wish to express appreciation to Dr. Robert Schnitzler and nurse, Vicky Paparelli, for their excellent medical care.
Visitation is on Friday, July 14 from 9 am to 5 pm at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera.
She will always be: Our Angel that lived, loved and laughed. Graveside services will be at 11 am, Saturday, July 15, at Oak Rest cemetery in Medina. The minister officiating will be Charles Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Bandina Christian Youth Camp, Donations, PO Box 3383, Alice, TX 78333 or to Stringtown Road church of Christ, PO Box 167, Medina, TX 78055, or to a memorial of one's choosing.
Kenneth Eugene Mayer
1955-2017
Kenneth Eugene Mayer, better known to most as Kenny, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, July 15, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. Kenny was born on June 18, 1955 to Donald and Dorothy Mayer in Bluffton, IN.
Kenny joined The United States Navy in 1973 and served on the USS Coral Sea. Kenny served his country stateside and in Vietnam at the end of that war and was honorably discharged in 1978. Upon return to Indiana, Kenny started working for Fleetwood Motor Home Company where he advanced from the production line to become one of the architects of the service department. He not only developed but created and illustrated service manuals that he used while training and certifying technicians at dealerships nationwide. He later owned and operated his own company, Mayer's RV Repair in Bluffton, Indiana. Prior to his illness, he was employed at Ancira RV in Boerne, Texas as the body shop collision repair technician. He was the creative force behind the Spurs Experience RV, a promotion of the Spurs Sports and Entertainment Division. And he designed and built the HEB/San Antonio Express News History in Motion traveling history exhibits for elementary schools.
But above all things, Kenny was a loving family man. In 2000, he married
the love of his life, Trish Bash, who remained faithfully by his side through the years. He was a man simply contented, fulfilled by a day of working with his hands to build or fabricate or restore, always eager to help another and never expecting a thing in return. He'd do anything for a friend, more for a stranger, and showed his sons, Dylan and Ryan a shining example of what it meant to be a man of strength, integrity, and character. Kenny was so very proud of the young men they became.
Kenny was welcomed into Heaven by his mother, Dorothy and sister Arlene and the best dog ever, Cody.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife Trish Mayer; his father Donald Mayer of Bluffton, Indiana; sons Dylan Mayer of Pipe Creek; Ryan Wolfe (Tiffiany) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and daughter, Audrey Bash of Oregon; brothers Steve Mayer of Pipe Creek, Ron Mayer (Pat) of Wilshire, Ohio, and Alan Covey of Bluffton, Indiana; sister, Janet Harshman (Jeff) of Poneto, Indiana; grandson Jacob Wolfe of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and numerous nieces, nephews and many many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 11 am. at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kenny may be offered to the family in care of Grimes. Come wearin' your jeans, boots and relaxed attire – Kenny never was a tie kinda-guy!
"May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand." ~ Irish Blessing
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Bandera.
