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At random: In a fraction of a second they are projected into eternity and will never possess a final resting home.They have graves without bodies, they are an exceptional breed of people....It is of utmost pride to me to have met these men, those lords that I salute, praise and admire. - Winston Churchill on Clearance Divers September 1944

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Coyote

Posted 2026-01-28 9:32 AM (#105888)

Master and Commander

Posts: 1373

Location: NE Florida

Subject: Wednesday Obits

https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/

The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.

I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.

SMITH .. .. .. James Anthony Smith was born in 1941 in California, and passed away in San Francisco on December 8, 2025.
James grew up in Santa Cruz, CA and developed a passion for basketball at Santa Cruz High School where he was named All-American.
From high school, he was recruited by Pete Newell to play basketball at UC Berkeley. After Berkeley James went on to UCSF Medical School, followed by an internship in Pasadena.
James joined the US Navy and served as a medical officer on a Polaris submarine. Just after leaving the Navy, James met his soulmate, Maureen Frances O'Hara, in San Francisco and they married in 1973. Maureen was originally from Wimbledon, London, England and she had lived in Paris for several years. Their combined world travelling spirits led to decades of travel and adventure.
Professionally, James was accepted at Langley Porter Institute in San Francisco where he did his Residency in Psychiatry. During his decades-long career as a psychiatrist his focus was on helping severely mentally ill patients for whom he had great compassion.
James loved his small plane which he used for business trips and for pleasure. Once, he joined six other small plane enthusiasts and flew from the Bay Area to Barrow, Alaska on the Arctic Ocean. Another time he flew to Martha's Vineyard, MA on a trip.
James was a very good athlete. Whatever sport he played, he played it well including basketball, baseball, tennis, skiing and golf. He joined Maureen to hike the High Sierra Loop, and trek some of the beautiful hikes in New Zealand. James was a 50-year member of The Olympic Club, San Francisco.
James believed in protecting the environment, and he loved dogs.
James was predeceased by his parents Charles and Rose Smith of Santa Cruz. James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Maureen, his brother Dr. Steven Smith and Steven's wife, Kristin, of Watsonville, CA and their children Sarah (Hans) Schwing and their daughter, Harbor, of San Diego, CA and Stefanie (TJ) Humphries and their son Hayes and daughter Larkin of Lafayette, CA.

FILLMORE .. .. .. Walter H. Fillmore, 89, experienced that day on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Monroe Manor in Barron, Wis.
He was born Feb. 22, 1936, to Melvin and Anna Violet (Lathe) Fillmore in the town of Arland. He graduated from Prairie Farm High School in 1954 and worked on a farm near Birchwood for one and a half years. He joined the Navy and began a long career of serving his country.
After basic training at Great Lakes, Ill., Walt was transferred to Key West, Fla., where he served on the USS Sarsfield EDD837 for four years. His next assignment was attending Submarine School and Nuclear Power School in Groton, Conn. Walt served on four subs from 1960 until 1973.
He was the Navy recruiter in Minot, N.D., for three years. His last tour of duty in the Navy was on the USS Orion AS18, stationed at Charleston, S.C., where he served as Electrical Officer. Walt retired from the Navy in 1975.
Walt's military service required a lot of time away from his family. He married Evie Robarge on May 16, 1959, and they were blessed with three children, Michelle, Alwyn and Duane. Walt and Evie's strong love and commitment to family values sustained them through many moves, as well as time spent apart. God was always the center of their life and love.
After retiring from the Navy, Walt and his family moved to Janesville, where Walt worked in the electrical field for 10 years. In 1985, Walt and Evie moved to Hillsdale and Walt started an electrical contractor business, retiring in 1998.
Walt was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Barron, serving as trustee, deacon and working with the youth programs. He and Evie were committed to teaching the youth to know Christ as their personal Savior.
Walt and Evie always kept busy, but were willing to take a break and share a cup of coffee and piece of pie with friends and family. Their many hobbies included fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping and traveling.
Walt liked to hunt big and small game, and hunting season was always a special family event at their house. Walt also had a commercial pilot's license, and he and Evie enjoyed many cross-country flights. He also enjoyed giving rides to friends who liked to fly.
Walt enjoyed helping people and could fix almost anything with MOH (materials on hand)! He and Evie also did volunteer work in the SOWER ministry for many years. This is a group of Christian retired couples with RVs doing maintenance work at youth camps, churches, boys' and girls' homes, and Christian schools throughout the country.
Walt had a dry sense of humor and was always ready with a one-liner. He also seemed to carry his coffee cup with him everywhere. Walt was a very special person who demonstrated his love for Jesus and his family in all he did and said.
Although he will be greatly missed, Walt wanted his family and friends to celebrate his life as he enters his heavenly home. Apparently, God has a few fix-it jobs for him!
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 66 years, are sons Alwyn and Duane (Laura); a daughter Michelle (James) Borchardt; grandchildren Jessica, Tyler, Katie, Sabrina and Marissa; great-grandchildren Dominiq, Noelle, Felicity, Symphony, Jeremiah, Shekinah and Nehemiah; a sister-in-law Joyce Robarge; and a brother-in-law Harlan Robarge. Walt was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson Chris; and a brother Emmet.

COATS .. .. .. Russell M. Coats, 99, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026 in Osage Beach, Missouri. Born on November 3, 1926 in Columbia, Missouri. He lived a long and full life marked by dedication to family, faith, community, and country.
Russel was the son of James Allen Coats and Mary Louisa Roberts. He was one of thirteen siblings and was preceded in death by twelve brothers and sisters: Andrew (Buffalo) Coats, Mattie Brown, Lena Maude Nichols, Orville Coats, Mable Hoffman, Ethel Garrett, Pauline Baumgartner, James Coats, Aubrey Coats, Harold Coats, Leon Coats, and Albert Coats – who passed away during the flu epidemic of 1920 at just eleven months old.
A proud graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia in 1945, Russell joined the United States Navy shortly after graduation. He served honorably as a torpedo-man aboard the USS Ronguil submarine in the South Pacific during the final stages of World War II.
Upon returning from the military, Russell married his high school sweetheart Vera Francis (Frenny) Jacobs. The couple enjoyed 67 years of marital bliss until Vera passed in 2017.
In 1957, Russell co-founded COMO Tire Supply, Inc. with a business partner in Centralia, Missouri. The company initially focused on serving the agricultural community – a connection Russell maintained throughout his life. In 1961 they relocated to Columbia where it evolved into a more retail-oriented operation. Despite this shift in focus, Russell never lost touch with his agriculture roots or the farming families who formed the foundation of his early customer base. Known as an honest businessman with a strong work ethic and deep integrity, he earned the respect and trust of countless customers over decades of service.
Russell was a devoted family man. He is survived by two sons: Russell (Rusty) Coats and Larry Coats; two daughters-in-law: Melanie Coats (Rusty) and Paula Coats (Larry); three grandchildren: Cortney Teague (Matt), Greg Coats (Diana), James Coats (Layla); as well as numerous great-grandchildren whose lives were brightened by his presence.
He had a deep love not only for his own family but also for his wife’s family - the Jacobs’ . His warmth extended beyond immediate relatives to all those fortunate enough to know him.
A man of faith throughout his life, Russell was a strong and faithful member of Olivet Christian Church. His commitment to his church community reflected his value of kindness, humility, and service.
Outside of work and worship, Russell found joy in simple pleasures – he loved playing golf and hunting quail. These hobbies brought him camaraderie and peace throughout his later years. A naturally social person with an easy smile and welcoming demeanor, he built lasting friendships wherever he went.
Russell’s legacy is one of steadfast devotion – to his country through military service; to his community through honest business practices; to his church through unwavering faith; and most importantly to his family through unconditional love.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as an enduring example of a life well lived.
ELSEN .. .. .. Charles (Chuck) Donald Elsen, of Lakewood, Colorado, age 86, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.Chuck was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on May 22, 1939, to George and Lavina Elsen. He somehow mastered the art of being both stubborn and generous, quiet and hilarious-and always certain he was right. He said, "I love you," and he showed it by showing up, usually with a tape measure in hand, ready to fix whatever needed fixing.Chuck had strong opinions. If you disagreed, that was fine-you were just wrong. He loved his family, his country, and his American Legion Post 178 family. Proud in his own way and loyal to his core, Chuck left a mark on all of us that won't fade.After graduating from high school, Chuck joined the United States Navy and the Silent Service, serving aboard submarines. He began on diesel-electric boats as a torpedoman, and later moved to the Polaris nuclear ballistic missile submarines-the first ballistic missile submarines-serving from 1957 to 1976. During his Navy career, he completed 16 patrols and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.After retiring from the Navy, Chuck perfected his woodworking skills through an apprenticeship under a master cabinet maker. In 1979, he founded Professional Wood Care, repairing and maintaining office furniture and features using a wood-care cleaner and a restoring oil of his own creation. After more than 30 years of success, Chuck retired from Professional Wood Care-but retirement only gave him more time to serve.Chuck dedicated his later years to American Legion Post 178 in Lakewood. He served as a Patriot Guard rider and as part of the color guard honoring service members at funerals. During a visit to his nephew in Oregon, Chuck saw ceiling tiles at a local American Legion painted with unit emblems, which inspired him to begin a similar project for his own post. Over the years, he created nearly 100 panels featuring unit emblems, ship crests, award winners, and other tributes-honoring those who served and called American Legion Post 178 their home.Chuck is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Elsen of Lakewood, Colorado; his oldest son, Todd Elsen (Jennifer) of Hays, Kansas; and his younger son, Trevor Elsen (Susan Bencivenga) of Bulverde, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lavina Elsen of Manson, Iowa; his brother, Ronald Elsen of Manson, Iowa; and his sister, Shirley Muenthaller of Ankeny, Iowa.Chuck's "Going Away Party" (A Celebration of Life) will be held at American Legion Post 178.

CODAIR .. .. .. Robert Codair, born June 12, 1985, in Charlestown, MA, passed away on December 26, 2025, after a time of illness. He was surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was the beloved son of William Codair Jr. and Barbara Codair (Davol).
Robert was an amazingly devoted father to his four children, Tia, Aiden, Sadie, and Aubrey, and being a dad was the greatest joy of his life. He was also a loving and devoted husband for 15 years to the love of his life, Kimberly (Hodges) Codair, with
whom he shared a deep and enduring bond. His family meant everything to him, and his love for them was evident in all that he did.
Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy for nine years, working aboard submarines as a sonar technician. Following his service, he continued to pursue the things he loved most, including photography, fishing, and especially
gaming. Robert had a huge heart for animals and treated every pet as part of the family. At the time of his passing, his home was filled with love and life, shared with two dogs, three cats, and four birds-all of whom were deeply cherished.
His family finds comfort in knowing that he was welcomed into heaven by his beloved Nana, Elizabeth A Randall Codair-Trimble, and his cherished puppy, Rosie. Robert is survived by his parents William and Barbara Codair; his wife Kimberly Codair; his children Tia, Aiden, Sadie, and Aubrey; his sister, Kimberly Codair; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Robert will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to his family, and the love he so freely gave. He will be deeply missed by all
who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Robert did not wish to have a wake or funeral. He asked his wife to do a celebration of life as he did not want to be mourned, but to be remembered for the good he did, the shared laughs, and stories.

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