Taps
Byron Rousseau, staff sergeant of Cannon Company, 395th, died April 22, 2002, following a long illness. He joined the company at Camp Maxey and served throughout the war. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. He was president of the 99th Infantry Division Association in 1985-86. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of 1400 Dousman, Green Bay WI 54303, and two sons.
George Leras, H/394, died recently. He was 81 years old. He was a staff sergeant in the 99th. He and his wife, Helen, were married 60 years and had a son and daughter.
Richard B. Reck, AMED, died April 18, 2002, as reported by his daughter, Dolores Topper of Hanover PA.
Erwin C. Bannister, G/394, 77, died Dec. 31, 2001, at Anderson SC, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was inducted in 1943 and discharged in 1945. He served as a staff sergeant and received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a supervisor with Asplundh Company and retired after 42 years of service. Survivors include his wife Ann, two daughters, a son, and four grandsons.
Robert W. Warner Sr., K/395, 76, died March 30, following a four-car accident near Salisbury MD. His wife also was injured in the accident. He served with the 99th until honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1946. He received the Bronze Star for saving squad members during combat at the Remagen Bridge. After his discharge he joined the Army Reserves and became a captain. He was a salesman and sales manager for General Motors car dealerships for almost 40 years. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, two sons, four daughters, and 20 grandchildren.
James R. and Thomas R. Berger, twins who served together in Service Co., 395th Inf., died in the past few months. James died Jan. 8, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Mae and three children. Thomas died March 21, 2002. His wife died in 1974 and he is survived by seven children. The brothers were 79 years old and lived in Fort Mitchell KY. They were extremely close, never separated, even worked together at the Charles H. Bilz Insurance Agency.
Gilbert B. Northcott, K/393, 79, died April 11, 2002. He was a sergeant, light machine gun squad leader in the 4th Platoon. He was wounded Nov. 18, 1944, by an artillery shelling. Active in his church, he was a salesman for a wholesale distributor for 36 years. Survivors include his wife, Ernestine, a daughter, son, and granddaughter.
Ralph Kinder, F/394, 82, of Lone Rock WI, died April 13, 2002, driving home from Dells Motor Speedway where he had watched his oldest grandson race. He attended many 99th reunions. He was retired from the University of Wisconsin where he was employed for 20 years making ice cream and cheese at Babcock Hall. Survivors include his wife, Helen, four children, two stepchildren, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Howard Rood, D/324 Medical Bn., 80, died March 21, 2002, at his home in Susquehanna PA. He was retired from IBM Corporation after 30 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Rena, one daughter, three sons, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
John Shelton, B/324 Engineers, 80, died March 19, 2002, at Columbus OH. He was a graduate of Ohio State University, served in the 99th Infantry Division where he was awarded the Bronze Star, and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include a son, daughter, and niece.
Lloyd Gregory, N/394, 79, died Feb. 14, 2002, at his home in Columbus OH. He served in the 99th and was captured and received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. He retired from Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Co. after 32 years of service. Survivors include three daughters and grandchildren.
Linn Fink, K/393, 87, died March 8, 2002, at his home in Concord NC. Survivors include two sons and two grandchildren.
Buster Newman, B/393, 80, died March 31, 2002, at Valley AL. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Survivors include his wife, Christine, one daughter, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Harris Cathey, M/395, 84, died Dec. 29, 2001, in Guthrie OK. He was a career U.S. Army officer serving in World War II and Korea. He retired in December 1962 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Richard Kinard, 80, died Feb. 26, 2002. He was in the 99th G-2 Intelligence during WWII. He was employed in the bonding division of Reliance Insurance Company, Philadelphia PA. A member of Grace Presbyterian Church, he was an elder, deacon, and trustee. Survivors include his wife, Jane, and a son.
John G. Hopkins, 77, Dayton OH, died Feb. 28, 2002. He served as a scout in Headquarters Company, 3rd Bn., 395th Infantry. His entire career was aerospace-related. Survivors are his wife, Lois, three children, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Louis Hagen, 80, died Feb. 24, 2002, at Fostoria OH. He was a technician fourth class in the motor pool of 394th Infantry. He was one of 16 from the Fostoria area who served in the 99th Division. He retired in 1979 as a foreman from Allied Signal (Honeywell), after more than 35 years of employment. Survivors include his wife, Luella, son, daughter, and four grandchildren.
Autry Hailey, T/394, 82, died March 18, 2002. He was awarded the Bronze Star during the Battle of the Bulge. He retired as master sergeant from the Air National Guard. A member of the VFW and Fort Lee Baptist Church, he is survived by his wife, Irene, daughter, four sons, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
George Poulos, B/924, died Feb. 15, 2002, in Akron OH. Survivors include his wife, Catherine, two daughters, and two grandsons.
Ike R. Stone, M/395, 82, died March 28, 2002, at Monroe GA. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. He was given a military funeral which was attended by several local dignitaries as well as former governor of Georgia, Lester Maddox. U.S. Senator Max Clealand also called to express his condolences to his wife, Jewel. Two daughters also survive.
Floyd Sizemore, H/395, of Sacramento CA, died Dec. 21, 2001. Survivors include his wife, Ethel, son, daughter, and three grandsons. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening.
Other deaths
Naomi F. Sines, wife of James Sines C/324 Engineers, died June 7, 2001. The Sines attended many reunions and made many friends in the 99th. She suffered from Alzheimer's Disease.
