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Melvin Routt
James McDermott Post 172, Tracy
09/26/1921 — 08/29/2007
 Graveside services will be Thursday afternoon at the San Joaquin Valley Veterans Cemetery near Gustine and a memorial service will be Sunday in Tracy for Melvin L. “Mel” Routt, 85, a native of Tracy who was a prisoner of war for 3˝ years in the Philippines and Japan during World War II.
He died Wednesday at the Livermore Veterans Administration Nursing Home ar the age of 85. A native of Tracy, Mr. Routt attended Tracy schools, and at the age of 18 left high school to join the U.S. Navy.
He was serving as a machinist mate aboard the USS Canopus, a submarine tender, in Manila Bay in December 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and invaded the Philippines.
When the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon fell to the Japanese, the Canopus crew scuttled the ship and escaped in launches to Corregidor, the American underground fortress in the middle of Manila Bay. After the Japanese landed on Corregidor, Mr. Routt was captured on May 6, 1942. Mr. Routt survived the Bataan Death March and spent 3˝ years in captivity, first at three prisoner-of-war camps on Luzon in the Philippines, and later in Japan, after being transported there in an unmarked ship. In Japan, he worked in a coal mine in Omuta that was operated by the Mitsui Corporation and was forced to work barefooted in the mine even after an infected toe had been amputated.
In August 1945, Mr. Routt looked up from digging a drainage ditch and saw an American B-29 flying high over Nagasaki, across the bay. That plane dropped the second atomic bomb, which ended World War II. When liberated several weeks later, he weighed 86 pounds. “I was one of the lucky ones,” he told a Tracy Press reporter years later. “Many of those men died from the Japanese brutality.” Mr. Routt, who was discharged as second-class petty officer, received two Purple Hearts, three Oak Leaf Clusters and three Presidential citations.
On returning home, Mr. Routt worked as a Tracy police officer, a rural fireman and a plant engineer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory before retiring in 1978 to his home in rural Tracy.
He became active in American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor and served as the organization’s national president in 1995-96.
Mr. Routt was active in recent decades in an effort to force Japanese firms that used prisoner-of-war labor during World War II to pay reparations to the veterans. He and other ex-POWs in Japan filed suit against the Japanese firms, including Mitsui, but the case was never brought to trial. Appeals to the Japanese government also fell on deaf ears. “We wanted the Japanese government to make an apology and establish a trust fund for the ex-POWs, but that didn’t go anywhere,” he said.
Mr. Routt was a past state commander of American Ex-Prisoners of War and a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Disabled American Veterans.
He was a founding member and past president of the West Side Pioneers Association, a past secretary-treasurer of the Tracy Rural Fire District, past vice president of the Kasson Reclamation District, a member and past master of Mt. Oso Masonic Lodge, and a member of Joaquin Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, American Legion Poat 172 PUFL and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Joyce Routt of Tracy; four sons, Leland Routt, and his wife, Leslie, of Tracy, Robert Lenning, and his wife, Bonnie,of Livermore, James Lenning, and his wife, Debbie, of River Pines, and Steven Lenning of Placerville; and two daughters, Tena McClellan of California and Nancy Wilson of Tracy. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Jacob McClellan of Concord, Guy Routt of Patterson, Tracie Estrabrook of Lathrop, Jim Routt, Richard Wilson, David Bettencourt and Amanda Rucker, all of Tracy, Jodi Rico of Livermore, Angila Lenning and Christopher Lenning, both of River Pines, Sheila Lenning and Richard Lenning, both of Somerset, and Misty Lenning and Michael John Lenning, both of Reno. He was the great-grandfather of Maddison Greenlee and Peyton, Jayden, Ashlyn and Logan Estrabrook, all of Lathrop; Siera, Jacob and Emily Wilson, all of Tracy; Haley Bettencourt, TJ Rucker, Shane Rucker, Savannah Krystal, Cannon Hunter Routt and Payton Neville, all of Tracy; Cayden Rico of Livermore; Alexx Andrea, Gary, Chris Jr., Dylan, Adam and Joey Lenning, all of River Pines; Ashley, Ashton, Colton and Emily Lenning, all of Somerset; Leland Guy Routt Jr., Noelle Hunter and Justin Hunter all of Patterson. Also surviving is a brother, Arthur Routt of Stockton.
Thursday’s graveside services will begin at 1 p.m. at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Road, in Gustine. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Oso Masonic Lodge, 1601 Tracy Blvd. Hotchkiss Mortuary, 5 W. Highland Ave., is handling arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions in Mr. Routt’s name be made to the Relay For Life, American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
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Reverend David Hugo Romeis
Walnut Creek Post 115
May 9, 1925 - May 16, 2007
Resident of Walnut Creek David Romeis, 82, a native of Elgin, Illinois, who resided in Walnut Creek for the last 48 years, passed away on May 16, 2007 after many illnesses. A loving father, husband and beloved member of the community, he founded the Four Chaplains Memorial Service in San Francisco, which he officiated for 42 years.
He was a Coast Guard Veteran of WWII. In 1959, David resigned as Assistant Chaplain at Stanford to answer a call to be the pastor at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, where he served for 25 years. Later, he was the pastor at Hope Lutheran Church for 15 years.
Pastor Romeis will always be remembered around town for his trademark hat and white Buick convertible. Many lives were touched by his ministerial care and kind heart. His true joy was preaching and on every Sunday for 40 years he spoke eloquently about the Bible's message and the integral role it plays in our lives. He was most alive when delivering his well crafted sermons. Throughout his life, he was the recipient of many awards and honors.
He is survived by his wife, Maria; son, John; daughter, Leisa; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette.
Those wishing may send memorial donations in his name to ARF, P.O. Box 30215, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, or to the American Red Cross, 85 Second St., 8th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.
--- --- --- A Giant Legionnaire Has Been Taken
by Dr. Calvin C. Turpin, National Chaplain (2000 – 01)
California Department Chaplain (1990 – 92, 94 – 95)
A giant among California Legionnaires has departed. For on May 16, 2007, the Reverend David H. Romeis, California Post 115 – District 9, transferred to Post Everlasting at the age of 82. A native of Illinois, he resided in Walnut Creek, CA for 48 years. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II.
David was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and much beloved member of his community. He served as an Assistant Chaplain at Stanford before becoming pastor at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Walnut Creek for 25 years. Later, he was the pastor at Hope Lutheran Church for 15 years. A dedicated and faithful Legionnaire, he was a valued comrade and greatly appreciated by clergy and laypersons alike.
Romeis established a long, distinguished and outstanding record of service to God and Country while serving as a chaplain. He served three terms as California Department Chaplain: 1965-66, 1976-77, and 1984-85. In 1966, under the leadership of Commander Sam Gray, Chaplain Romeis founded, planned, and officiated at the first California Department Four Chaplains Inter-Faith Memorial Service. This memorial service paid tribute to four very brave and patriotic Army chaplains who gave their life jackets, and thus their lives, so others might live. In doing so, they exhibited the finest possible example of love for God and Country. Romeis continued this outstanding ministry for 42 consecutive years. While speaking of that remarkable deed, I have said, “The record may well be the most distinguished in the history of the Department of California and probably in the entire American Legion. I know of no record either in or out of California that is more significant.” A kind and gentle man, he presided with dignity and grace.
During a March 11, 2000, California Department Executive Committee meeting at Haggin Grant Post 521, Rio Linda, California, the Department Commander presented Chaplain Romeis a plaque as a token of love and appreciation for his service to the Department of California and the entire American Legion. In addition, letters of commendation and certificates of appreciation from many were presented. President Bill Clinton; Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Congresswomen Ellen Tauscher; California State Senator Richard Rainey; and Mayor Charles Adram noted the outstanding accomplishments of Chaplain Romeis. General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Admiral Jay M. Loy, Commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard, and Chaplain (Rear Admiral) Byron Holderbee, Jr., U. S. Navy, Chairman of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board, expressed the gratitude of the military community for Romeis’ ministry. The American Legion National Commander Alan C. Lance, Sr., National Adjutant Robert Spanogle, National Chaplain David Brown, National Chaplain liaison Bob Caudell, California Department Commander Willie Wilken, and others thanked Reverend Romeis for his ministry to veterans.
Additional recognitions were forthcoming. During the 2001 Four Chaplains Inter-Faith Memorial Service, Dr. Calvin C. Turpin, National Chaplain of The American Legion, presented Chaplain Romeis a Certificate of Appreciation. At the same event Chaplain Turpin presented a Bronze Medallion to Romeis in behalf of the Chapel of Four Chaplains for his service in honoring the memory of the patriotic Army chaplains. Then the California Department of The American Legion paid tribute to Chaplain Romeis during its 87th Department Convention held at Palm Springs, in 2005. All of these tributes were well deserved.
David is survived by his wife, Maria; son, John; daughter, Leisa; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Our comrade will be greatly missed; however, his contributions will be long remembered in the life of his family, work, The American Legion, and the comradeship we all shared with him.
Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, California.
| toptop | Passed away in San Mateo on January 22, 2007. Dearly beloved husband of Anne O. Rush. They were happily married for 56 years. Devoted father of Debbie (Ron) Ciarasso, Mick (Allison) Rush, Laura (Michael) Horan and Dan (Colleen) Rush. Cherished grandfather of Nicole (Pat) Albini, Scott (Melanie) Ciarasso, Patrick and Andrew Rush and Mikey Horan. Proud great-grandfather of Devin Albini and Tayler Ciarasso. Loving son the late Russell and Alice Rush.
A native of San Francisco, William was a graduate of Balboa High School, and a Army Veteran of the Korea War. He was an active member of San Mateo Elks Club, San Mateo American Legion, former Baseball Coach at San Mateo Little League, Joe DiMaggio and American Legion, former Professional Baseball Scout for San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.
Friends are invited to visit on Thursday and Friday, January 25, 2007 and January 26, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at SNEIDER & SULLIVAN & O'CONNELL'S FUNERAL HOME, 977 So. El Camino Real in San Mateo. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1 Notre Dame Avenue in San Mateo followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge, 229 West 20th Avenue in San Mateo.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Serra High School, Baseball Program, 451 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403 preferred. | top |
William Cecil Rhodes
Reedley Post 35
September 4, 1920 January 20, 2007
William C. Rhodes of Reedley died on Saturday, January 20, 2007, at the age of 86. "Bill" was born in Kerman, California to Rosemary and Stephen W. Rhodes. He attended La Vina School in Madera until moving to Reedley at the age of 12. He then attended Mount Olive School and Reedley High School.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. military after hearing the news of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served as a B-17 bombadier in the 8th Air Force and flew missions out of Bedford, England for two years. His plane was shot down over Belgium and he was a POW in Stalag 17 for two years. Upon returning home after the war, Bill went into business as a petroleum distributor until he retired at the age of 68. Bill had a strong belief in community service and civic duty. He proudly served as a member of the Reedley Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years.
He was member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Toastmasters, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Reedley City Council. He served as mayor of Reedley from 1964 to 1966.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife Ruth; and sisters, Betty Wiebe and Dorothy Nelson. He is survived by his brothers, Stephen and Joseph Rhodes; his sister, Patricia Kent; his seven children, Suzie Johnson, Tony, Joe and David Rhodes of Reedley, Jeanne Trickey of Hughson, and Kristi Capuccini and Rosemary Rhodes of Tuolumne; 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and his loving friends Carolynne Lee and Toby Dillard.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Friday, January 26, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Reedley on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at 10:30 a.m.
Remembrances may be made to St. LaSalle School, 404 E. Manning Ave., Reedley, CA. | top |
Yvonne M. Reynolds
Martin Haydon Post 759, Covelo
Wife of District 1 Commander Mike Reynolds 2001-02
September 8, 1951-December 13, 2006
Hearts were deeply saddened on Wednesday, December 13th when Yvonne passed away at her home after battling cancer.
Yvonne loved life, the land and people. She was loved by many, many people, and Yvonne will be greatly missed.
Yvonne received her greatest joy from her children and grandchildren. Her daughter, Davna, her sons, Jason and Colter, her grandson, Quinten Babe and her granddaughters, Bailey Jae and Honey Lee.
Yvonne is also survived by her mother, Eloise, sisters, Jean and Lynne, brother, Phil, and husband, Michael.
Yvonne will be remembered at a "Celebration of Life" gathering on Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. The gathering will be held at the American Legion Hall in Covelo. All are welcome. | top | MIKE RAMIREZ, 80, of Fontana, passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on December 18, 2006. He was born on September 13, 1926, in Jalisco, Mexico.
He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a member of American Legion Post 155, in Colton, California.
Mr. Ramirez is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Frances; his daughters, Rita (Val) Stewart, Anita (Ken) Koperski, Linda (Felix) Guzman and Annette (David) Rahe; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.
Services will be held today, December 22, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 16548 Jurupa Ave., Fontana. Interment will follow at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton. | top |
Ausencio Adolph Rodriquez
Salinas Post 31
January 7, 1950 ~ December 7, 2006
 SALINAS – Ausencio Adolph Rodriquez, age 56, passed away December 7, 2006 with his loving family at his side, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Ausencio was a member of American Legion Post #31 for 31 years. He retired in July 2002 as a Correctional Sergeant from the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad after 31 years of faithful service. He was also a registered member of the Gros Ventre Tribe of Montana. He enjoyed quality family time and was a big military history buff.
Ausencio was a Vietnam vet and had one tour of duty with the Marines in Vietnam. He received the Air Medal with bronze star for the first award. He enjoyed trips to Las Vegas. Ausencio was very generous with his family and friends and was always willing to help those less fortunate. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife Violet Rodriquez of the family home; son, Corey (June) Wiley of Seattle, WA; daughter, Sara Rodriquez of Salinas; sisters, Tina (Ed) Russell of Salinas, Claudette Claymore of Billings, MT, Alvina Strohm of Salinas; and brothers, Harry (Debbie) Buckman of Salinas, Ignacio Rodriquez of Tuolomne, CA and Rudy Buckman of Billings; his faithful and loving companion, Snowy and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is requesting that a stuffed bear be donated at the Rosary or Mass in Ausencio's name.
Visitation will be held today, Tuesday, December 12, 2006 from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Healey Mortuary Chapel. Rosary will also be held at Healey Mortuary today at 6:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Madonna del Sasso Catholic Church. Burial will take place at the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Salinas, CA
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Mark Regan
The American Legion, National Organization
Assistant Director of Program Management - V A & R Division
It is with deepest sympathy that we report the loss of Mark Regan, Assistant Director of Program Management, V.A. & R Division
Viewing will be held:
Sunday, December 10, 2006 from 3-5 P.M. & 7-9 P.M.
Funeral Services: Monday, December 11, 2006 10:00 A.M.
Sterling, Ashton, Schwab & Witzke Funeral Home
1630 Edmondson Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228
In lieu of flowers the family request that all donations be made to:
American Heart Association
P.O. Box 17025
Baltimore, MD 21297-0191
Cards of condolence can be sent to:
Marcia Regan
29847 Cannon Dr., Seaford, Delaware 19973 | top | Myrna Estella Raso, 84 of Merced Post 83 died Monday October 2, 2006. Myrna and her husband Bruce have been members of our Post for over 50 years. She was the first Marine from Fresno to serve during WW II and there are articles on display in the Legion of Valor Museum in Fresno.
Funeral will be October 5, 2006, 2 PM at the Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel.
Respectfully... Bill Dacus, Adjutant | top |
Helen Rideaux
Mother of Marilyn Rideaux, Past Dept. VC Rep Women
Jackie Robinson Post 252, Los Angeles
I regret to inform you of the passing of Marilyn Rideaux's Mother, Helen Rideaux on Thu, 7/13/06.
Marilyn is doing okay (all things considered.)
The final arrangements are incomplete. Anyone wishing to send cards or any form of condolence may send to:
The Rideaux Family
2143 West 134th Place
Gardena, Ca. 90249
Respectfully reported... G. Patricia Jackson | top |
Raymond D Rhoades
Indian Valley Post 568, Greenville
Raymond D Rhoades past away January 24, 2006 at his home at Quincy, CA. He is survived by his wife Krystal and a son, who just recently came off active duty with the army. Ray was born in Los Angeles, CA on April 14,1935. Ray was retired from the US Army and had seen service in Korea and Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart.
At the time of Ray passing, he was District 3 2nd Vice Commander and Indian Valley Post 568 2nd Vice Commander. Ray had been active at the American Legion Post in Quincy before its closing.
Ray had ask for no formal services to be held for him. But he ask only to be remembered as a SOLDIER who served.
Ray wife Krystal is disabled and living on a small pension, so any donation to the family will be a great help. Post 568 PO box 462 Greenville Ca. 95947 will be taking up donation for the family. | top |
Emanuel “Dusty” Rapitis, USAF (ret)
Department Vice Commander Representing Area 6 (1992-93)
 It is our sad duty to report that Emanuel “Dusty” Rapitis has been transferred to Post Everlasting. March 24, 1930 – August 21, 2004
“Dusty” has served the American Legion, as Vandenberg Post 125 Commander, 16th District Commander, and 6th Area Vice Commander. He has held other Post and 16th District positions, such as, Post 125 Adjutant, 16th District JA, 16th By-laws Chairman, and other District committees.
SERVICES:
August 25, 2004 at 10 AM
Starbucks-Lind Mortuary, 123 North ‘A’ Street in Lompoc
RECEPTION FOLLOWING SERVICES:
Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building, 100 East Locust Avenue.
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