Citadel Alumni Deaths

Dr. Harry Rephan Needle, of Charleston, entered into eternal rest on the
afternoon of January 23, 2012, Dr. Harry Rephan Needle, husband of Ann
Sherman Needle. Residence, Charleston, SC. The relatives and friends of Dr.
and Mrs. Harry Rephan Needle are invited to attend the funeral services of
the former, Thursday January 26, 2012 at 12:00 noon, at the graveside in
Emanu-El Cemetery, “Maryville”. Dr. Needle was born October 2, 1925 in
Charleston, SC, the son of Joseph Needle and Bertha Rephan Needle. He was a
graduate of The Citadel and Emory University Dental School in Atlanta, and
served as a First Lieutenant United States Army Dental Corps. He attended
Synagogue Emanu-El and was a member of the Hebrew Benevolent Society. Dr.
Needle was on the Board of Trustees of the Medical University of South
Carolina, a 50 – year member of the Country Club of Charleston, a member of
various dental organizations, including the Charleston Dental Society, SC
and American Dental associations. He was also a member of the Planetary
Society. He is survived by his wife of 62 years of Charleston, SC; four
daughters: Carla N. Seitz (Ronald) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Sally N. Hawes
(Verne, deceased) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Julie N. Oxley (Mark) of Chevy Chase,
MD and Susan N. Brickman(Jeffrey) of Dunwoody, GA; one brother: Morton
Needle of Charleston, SC; four grandchildren: Jake Oxley, Matthew Oxley,
Rachel Hawes, and Joseph Brickman. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC.,
DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting
our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., NY, NY 10016
and/or The Planetary Society, 85 South Grand, Pasadena, CA 91105. Visit our
guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths.

Tags: 1948

Sandmann Grueling Davies, of Pass Christian, MS, age 86, died peacefully
after a brief illness on Monday, January 16, 2012. Son of the late Nina
Sandmann Davies and Harry Davies, Sr., he is survived by his wife, June
McLeod Davies and by his children from his late first wife, Barbara Farrar
Davies; Kathy Davies Muzzey (John) of Wilmington, NC, Frank Davies II
(Shannon) of New Orleans, LA, Nancy Davies Blouin (Jerry) of Marblehead, MA
and Sharon Davies (Dani) of Kitchener, Canada and by his grandchildren,
Emily Gandolfo St. Julien, Bradley Gandolfo and Jenny Davies Gaal and three
great grandchildren. Also survived by two stepchildren, Wayne M. Bridges
(Patty), Earleen B. Waagner (Phil) and and their children. Following service
during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps., Mr. Davies
graduated in 1947, from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. with a BSC in Civil
Engineering. He was a Principal in the firm of Davies Associates, Inc.
throughout his career. He formerly served as Treasurer of the Louisiana
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; was a member of the Pass
Christian Yacht Club, Southern Yacht Club, Great Southern Club, Engineers
Club, and the Pickwick Club, and several carnival organizations. A native of
New Orleans, he lived for more than twenty years in Pass Christian pursuing
his great passion for sailing and love of the water. He was known for his
generosity, joy of life and singing whenever a microphone was available. The
family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful people who cared
for Sandy and came to appreciate his vibrant spirit and loving personality.
After a private interment at Live Oak Cemetery, relatives and friends are
invited to a celebration of Sandy’s life on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at
12:00 PM at the Pass Christian Yacht Club, 120 Market Street Pass Christian,
MS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Humane Society of
South Mississippi, 2615 Highway 49, Gulfport, MS 39501. The RIEMANN FAMILY
FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road in Long Beach, assisted the family with
arrangements.

Tags: 1947

A graveside service for James Daniel Watson III, age 68, will be held
Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 2 o’clock in Spann Cemetery, Ward, SC. The
family will receive friends at the gravesite following the service. Mr.
Watson was born April 17, 1943, in Columbia, SC. He was eldest son of the
late James D. Jr. and Susan Ann Lofton Watson. Dan was president of the
class of 1961 at Johnston High School and was a 1965 graduate of The
Citadel. He was a salesman with J.M. Tull Medals Co. in West Virginia, was a
captain in the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam and
received several medals including the National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air Medal,
Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. After his tour of duty in the Army, he
worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was also an employee of J.W. Yonce
and Sons Farms. Dan was very supportive of Wardlaw Academy and served as
volunteer football coach for a number of years. Among his many interests, he
had a love for dogs. He was a member of Johnston United Methodist Church.
Survivors include brother, John L. Watson of Greenville; special friends,
Lynda and Ken Smith of Edgefield; and a number of cousins. He was preceded
in death by his parents, and brother, Joseph Thomas Watson. Memorials may be
made to All God’s Creatures, c/o Denise Holcombe, 62 Old Plank Road,
Johnston, SC 29832.

Tags: 1965

Joseph Deer Thomas, MD, 87, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at
his home in Denmark, SC. Funeral services will be held at the Denmark First
Baptist Church on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 12:00 noon. Burial will
follow at the Denmark Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home
at 695 Guess Drive in Denmark, SC on Friday, January 13 from 6 to 8 PM. Dr.
Thomas attended the Citadel and graduated from Yale University. He received
his medical degree from MUSC in 1948. He served the area for six decades and
was honored by his fellow physicians and colleagues by being named the 1990
South Carolina Family Physician of the Year. In 2000, Dr. Thomas was awarded
The Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor of the state of SC.
Making house calls was a regular part of Dr. Thomas’ practice throughout his
years. His well-worn black doctor’s bag will be remembered by many.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, First Baptist
Church of Denmark, SC, Bethel Park United Methodist Church of Denmark, SC or
a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Mercer Funeral
Home of Denmark. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths.

Tags: 1945

George Alan (Bubba) Martin, Sr., age 63, of 141 Roanoke Road, Liberty,
passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House. 7th
generation Marion County, Mr. Martin was the son of the late George Onsby
and Margaret Tanner Martin. He graduated Marion High School in 1966 and The Citadel class of 1970. While at the Citadel, Bubba achieved company rank as
the #1 cadet his sophomore year (Guidon Corporal) and junior year (First
Sergeant). Selected Battalion Executive Officer (Cadet Major) his senior
year, he attained Gold Stars, Dean’s List, and top 10 of the 2000 man Corps
of Cadets. Other honors included Sword Drill Team, Chairman of the Beach
Committee, Vice Commander of the Arnold Air Society, and Senior Board
Director. After receiving the top rank in the Air Force ROTC program, he
served as an officer in the US Air Force. For 17 years, Bubba was one of
IBM’s most highly awarded salesman before joining Earle Youngblood State
Farm Agency in Pickens the past 21 years. He was a member of Grace United
Methodist Church and a former member of the Pickens Rotary Club. Surviving
are his wife, Pam Youngblood Martin; three sons, George Alan (Lan) Martin,
Jr. and his wife, Jessica of Dagsboro, DE, Jason Earle Martin and his wife,
Kelle of Powdersville, and Justin Bradley Martin of Pickens; a sister,
Cheryl Martin Morris and husband, Joe, of Columbia; eight grandchildren:
George Alan, Jack, Josie, Wes, Jacob, Evan, Lydia, and Madison Martin; his
father and mother-in-law, Earle and Betty Youngblood of Pickens; and
brother-in-law, Danny Youngblood and wife Lynn. Memorial Services will be
4:00 PM Friday at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens with the Reverend
Jimmy Dillard officiating. The family will receive friends in the church
Fellowship Hall from 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM Friday prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church (New Children’s
Playground Fund), 309 E. Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671. The family
is at the home. Condolences may be expressed online at
www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown
Easley, which is assisting the family.

Tags: 1970

Norton J. Schlesinger, 79, of Lake Oswego, Ore., died Dec. 24, 2011. Dr.
Schlesinger was born April 25, 1932, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los
Angeles, to Louis and Lillian D. Schlesinger. He passed away Dec. 24, 2011,
following a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his
wife, Lora Ione (Chapman) Schlesinger of Lake Oswego; brother, M.A. “”Cal”"
Schlesinger and his wife, Marilyn of Gilroy, Calif.; and sisters, Susan E.
C. Barnes of Jacksonville, Fla., and Gloria S. Patton of Lake Oswego. He was
a beloved uncle and step-father to three generations, all of whom will miss
his cheerful, optimistic and loving presence. Dr. Schlesinger was raised in
Altadena, Pasadena and San Francisco, Calif., moving with his family in 1945
to North and then South Carolina where his father, a career Marine, was
stationed. He graduated from Beaufort (S.C.) High School, then attended and
graduated in 1954 from the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Upon graduation,
Jerry entered the U.S. Marine Corps as a 2nd Lt., and served for six years.
He often said his fondest memory of that time was his two year assignment
aboard the USS Washburn as Load Master and Legal Officer. He was notably the
only Marine aboard during that tour. From 1960-64, fulfilling his childhood
interest in medicine, Jerry attended the California College of Podiatric
Medicine. Upon graduation he practiced in San Francisco with his maternal
uncle, Dr. Alfred Roos, and established a private practice in Mill Valley,
Calif., in 1966. In 1970, at the request of a colleague, Jerry moved to
Yakima, Wash., and established Podiatric offices there and in Ellensburg and
Sunnyside, Wash., practicing until 1996. He was a staff member at Providence
Hospital, Yakima Memorial Hospital and New Valley Osteopathic Hospital in
Yakima and at Sunnyside General Hospital in Sunnyside. That Dr. Schlesinger
was highly respected is demonstrated by his appointments as a Board member
and Chairman of the Washington State Podiatry Association (1982-95); ABPS
Board Certified in Forefront surgery (1991); and Fellow, American College of
Foot and Ankle Surgery (1991). Additionally, he served on multiple community
boards and service organizations, was a lifetime member of the YMCA,
Washington State Arabian Racing Assocation and the Central Washington
Arabian Horse Club. In 1984, through the Arabian Horse Club, Jerry found his
true love, Ione. They married in 1986 and in 1999 moved to her hometown,
Lake Oswego. They took part in OHSU’s YMCA Parkinson’s tri-weekly exercise
classes and the Parkinson’s Resource of Oregon activities including Movement
Classes designed specifically for Parkinson’s patients. As a highly
respected member of his communities, Jerry was a member of the Yakima
Chapter, National Chrysanthemum Society, serving as a national judge and
chairing a National Mum Show. He carried his interest in supporting youth,
beginning as a Boy Scout leader in the California Bay Area, to Washington
where, along with Dr. B. Thomas, he led Boy Scouts on annual 50 mile
weeklong Cascade Trail camping hikes. Ever the adventurer and not one to
back away from challenges, Jerry was a downhill skier and mountain climber
having conquered every major peak in Washington and some in Oregon. Rabbi
Moshe Wilhelm, Chabad of Oregon, officiated at graveside burial services in
Riverview Cemetery, Portland. The family suggests contributions in Jerry’s
memory to any of the following, Chabad of Oregon, 6686 S.W. Capitol Hwy.,
Portland OR 97219; Parkinson’s Resource of Oregon, 3975 Mercantile Dr., #
154, Lake Oswego, OR 97035; or Robison Health Center, 6125 S.W. Boundary
St., Portland, OR 97221.

Tags: 1954

Harold Joseph LeaMond, loving husband, father and grandfather entered into
eternal rest on Monday, January 9, 2012, at Horizon Bay Retirement
Community. Harold was born on August 31, 1930 in Charleston, SC, the son of
F. Julian and Catherine D. LeaMond. He graduated from Bishop England High
School in 1948, and received his Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering
from the Citadel in 1952. Harold served in active and reserve duty with the
united States Navy for 24 years and retired with the rank of Commander.
During active service he was Executive Officer on the mine sweeper USS
Dominate. He was a Registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor and
practiced engineering in Charleston for many years. Harold is survived by
his wife of 59 years, his sweetheart, Lois, his children Harold Jr.
(Debbie), William T. (Roxanne), Patrick J. (Betsy), Kelly LeaMond Cannady
(Ralph) and his grandchildren Laura, William, Julian, Sullivan, Michael,
Katie and Christopher. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold J.
LeaMond are invited to attend his Life Celebration Service at 6:00 PM,
Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah
Highway, Charleston. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until the
time of service on Wednesday. Remembrances can be made in Harold’s memory to
the Alzheimer’s Association of SC, 2090 Executive Hall Drive, Suite 130,
Charleston, SC 29407, or to MUSC Childrens Hospital Fund, 59 Bee Street,
Charleston, SC 29425. Harold’s guestbook may be signed online. Arrangements
by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation. 766-1365.

Tags: 1952

Martin Estel McCreary, age 94, died Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Unihealth
Post Acute Care in Rock Hill where he was a resident. He was born February
4, 1917 and was the husband of the late Charlotte Harper McCreary. Mr.
McCreary was a retired electrical engineer for NASA at Cape Kennedy, a WWII
veteran of the United States Army and of the Presbyterian Faith. Mr.
McCreary was the last member of his immediate family survived only by
several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Graveside Funeral Service
will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 4, 2011 by Rev. Kelvin Hinson at Bennette
Family Cemetery in Heath Springs. The Family of Mr. McCreary suggests
memorial contributions to Flint Ridge Baptist Church, 1850 Flint Ridge Road,
Heath Springs, SC 29720.

Tags: 1954

Thomas Reger Arndt, of Downers Grove, Illinois died on December 21st, on the
eve of his 89th birthday, after a long and full life. He enjoyed the
friendship of many in his native Downers Grove and around the world, and the
love of his wife Gertrude of 60 years, and his five children, Tom, Phil,
Steve, Alice and Greg, as well as his brother Pete and sister Patsy, and his
eleven grandchildren. Tom graduated from the Citadel in 1947 and served his
country faithfully, retiring from the Army reserves as a Colonel. He spent
his career in steel fabricating, working his way up to President of
Lithostrip Co., which at the time was the largest in the industry, and as
Executive Vice President and General Manager of Roper Corp, Eastern
division, where he retired in 1987. Tom and his wife Gertrude entertained
often at their home in Denburn Woods, which they built soon after their
marriage in 1951. In the years after Tom’s retirement, they traveled all
over the world, including visits to Egypt, Russia, England, Ireland and many
trips to Europe. But Tom was never happier than in his favorite chair at
home with a good book, usually a history book, and preferably a military
history. Tom was a loyal friend, a kind and generous husband and father, and
an inspiring mentor, active in his local community and a member of St.
Mary’s Catholic Church, Downers Grove. He is deeply mourned and will be very
much missed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Citadel,
Charleston, South Carolina. Funeral Tuesday, December 27th 10:00 AM Mass at
St. Mary of Gostyn Church, 445 Prairie Ave. Downers Grove. Interment St.
Michael Cemetery. Wheaton. Arrangement by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan
Funeral Home. 630-968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com.

Tags: 1944

David M. Finnegan, 46, of Idaho Falls, Idaho passed away suddenly on
December 9, 2011, while rescuing his dogs from a river. He leaves his wife,
Cheryl (Leslie) Finnegan of Idaho Falls; parents Tom and Carol Finnegan of
Worcester, brother Robert and his wife Laurie of Dudley; brother Michael and
his wife Renee of Rutland; sister Stephanie of West Brookfield; 8
nieces/nephews and one great-niece. David was born and raised in Worcester
and graduated from St. John’s High School. He received his undergraduate
degree from The Citadel of South Carolina while on a naval ROTC scholarship.
He received his graduate degree from WPI in the field of fire protection
engineering. David proudly served his country as a naval officer during the
first Gulf War. During his career as an engineer, David worked at numerous
facilities including The Naval Research Laboratory, Grinnell/Tyco, FM
Approvals and most recently at the Idaho National Laboratory supporting
nuclear research. David enjoyed exploring the outdoors, traveling, music and
playing with his dogs. A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. on January
7th at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitinsville, MA. A second service will be
held in January in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to
the “Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office”" noting “”Donation for Search and
Rescue in memory of David Finnegan”. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, 605
N. Capital, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Attn: Wendy.

Tags: 1987