Cadet Obituaries

Format: 2026

D. Donald Nowe

1946
 

D. Donald Nowe, born Jan. 30, 1928, passed into life with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Robert and Matilda Josephine Nowe; brothers Walter and Richard; mother-in-law, Margaret Tovey; father-in-law, Earl Thomas Tovey; and loving dog Bruno. Don is survived by his best friend and loving wife Marita.

They have shared a rare and beautiful love for one another since childhood. They were blessed to have 13 children, sons, David (Helen), Kevin (Noel) and Robert (Cheryl); daughters, Marita (Michael), Debbie, Pati (Dewey, deceased), Barbara (John), Alyson (Devon), Leslie (Michael), Janet, Maggie (Frank), Lisa (Don) and Teri (Brian). They were also blessed with 29 grandchildren, Ricky, Steev, Marita, Michalann, David, Jennifer, Christina, Dylan, Derek, Matthew, Dylan, Scott, Bethany, Kristi Lee, DC, Donald, Garret, Grant, Kevin, Chris, Leah, Robert, Connor, Danielle, Amber, Kayce, Brittany, Shelby and Donnie; and four great-grandchildren, Halee, Colby, Elizabeth and Austin; and his pet dog, Muffin.

Don graduated from Greenbrier Military Academy and had attended University of Pittsburgh and University of Miami. He was a successful business man, but more than that, he was a man who loved life and loved his family more than life itself. He lived to make a difference in people's lives, and that he did. He was so full of wisdom and didn't mind sharing it at every corner. He was a "Superfluous Revrosticator" and a fun loving prankster. He was a passionately caring man with a heart of gold. He was generous to a fault; just one of his many fine character qualities. He was the kind of person people loved being around and we will miss him deeply. His legacy is love of family and others and it will live on through eternity.

Frank C. Simms

1956
 

Frank C. and Phyllis S. Simms Simms Obituary

Memorial Services for Frank Carney Simms (69) and wife, Phyllis Sutphin Simms (67) will be held at the Salem Church of Christ, Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. The Simms died as a result of a fatal auto accident on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. in Waldo, Florida.

Frank Carney Simms was born November 4, 1937 in Beckley, WV to Hubert Carlin Simms and Nancy Carney Simms. He was a graduate of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV and then attended VPI in Blacksburg, VA where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He is survived by four sons, David, Frank C, II, Kevin, and Christopher; two daughters-in-law, Christina and Mariko and 9 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Kathryn and Virginia and three step daughters and a step son, Lori, Patti, Susan and Jon David. Frank is also survived by 4 nieces and 5 nephews. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Sue Ann Brown of Salem, and a sister, Nancy Benson, of Richmond. Frank was honorably discharged from the Army in Texas, returning to Virginia in the early 60s, where he owned and operated Franks ESSO Station in Richmond. In 1964 Frank began his career with Otis Elevator, now part of the United Technologies conglomerate. Beginning as mechanics helper, he quickly received his elevator mechanics license, went through the extensive sales training program in 1966 and continued to work for Otis the next 30 years, holding several district, regional and national positions for the company. Frank attended the First United Methodist Church of Salem, was the secretary of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and participated in several local and national societies and organizations.

Phyllis Sutphin Simms was born March 3, 1939 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Earl Millard Young and Anna Lee Harshbarger Young. She is survived by her mother, Anna Lee Shawver (Salem, VA); her children, Lori Cain (Raleigh, NC), Jon David Sutphin and wife, Ashley (Frankfort, KY); Patti Shepherd and husband, Dwayne (Montvale, VA), Susan Lee Bradsher and husband, Kenneth (Butner, NC), along with 11 dearly loved grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Millard Lee Young (Richmond, VA) and half-brother, Freddie W. Vest (Bent Mountain, VA) as well as 4 step sons, David Simms, Frank C. Simms, II, Kevin Simms and Christopher Simms. Phyllis was an active member and past-president of the Salem Kiwanis Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Phyllis was a long-time member of the Salem Church of Christ.

A joint memorial service honoring the lives of Frank and Phyllis was held on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at2:00 p.m.at the Salem Church of Christ, 401 West Main Street.

Jack Edward Fruth

1946
 

Jack E. Fruth, 77, died Tuesday, July 19, 2005, in St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington.

He was born June 3, 1928, in Mason, son of the late Henry Edward and Marjorie Mae Rothgeb Fruth.

Fruth is survived by his wife, Frances Elizabeth "Babs" Rhodes Fruth, whom he married in December 1950. Mrs. Fruth is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Home Economics, and originally is from South Charleston, Ohio.

They are the parents of five children: Michael Edward Fruth, Joan Elizabeth Fruth, Carol Rhodes Fruth, Lynne Morrow Fruth (John Rothgeb) and Joyce Hamm Fruth. Grandchildren are Stephanie, Christopher and Alexander Fruth, of Kohomo, Ind., Nicole and Elizabeth Trovato and Michael David Fruth, of Hurricane, W.Va., and Patrick Fruth-McCormick and Thomas Foust of Point Pleasant.

Fruth also leaves behind a sister, Kathryn Fruth and brother-in-law Louis Rossi; sister-in-law Winnie Strathern, and brother-in-law, Steve and Mary Rhodes. Also, nephews and nieces: James and Sharry Rossi, Edward and Judy Crooks, W. Gene and Nancy Crooks, Jeanettte and Danny Thomas, Amy and Boyd Taylor, Julie and Tim Heaton, Lincoln Rhodes, and a host of grand nieces and nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Henrietta Fruth Rossi and Emogene Fruth Crooks; nephew Henry David Rossi, and niece Pamela Crooks Ewing

Fruth attended Mason Grade School, Buffalo Junior High, and graduated from Greenbrier Military School in 1946. He attended Duke University from 1946-48, and graduated from The Ohio State University School of Pharmacy with a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy in 1951. He was a member of Kappa PSI Pharmaceutical Fraternity and Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity; a graduate of Dale Carnegie Course; held an honorary master's degree of public service from the University of Rio Grande in 1986, a poctovate degree of public service from the University of Rio Grande in 1999.

He was the founder and first president of Hidden Valley Country Club, was a members of Minturn Lodge No. 19, A.F. and A.M., was a member of the board of trustees at Pleasant Valley Hospital since 1958 (having served as president from 1982-83); was vice-president of the Mason County Development Authority; was former director of the Point Pleasant-Mason County Chamber of Commerce (having served as president in 1968); served on the board of directors for the Green Acres Center for Mentally Retarded from 1960-67 (having served as chairman 1962).

Fruth was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant, where he was chairman of the finance committee and a member of the board.

He was director of Peoples Bank since 1965, chairman of the bank's executive committee from 1965-1988, and chairman of the board from 1988-98. He was director of the City Holding Company from 1986-1998.

Fruth was a member of the University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees, having served as president of the board from 1996-98.

His professional activities included membership in the West Virginia Pharmacists Association, having served as president in 1973; former member of the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association; member of the Associated Chain Drug Stores, Inc. (having served on the board of directors); served as national chairman of the Affiliated Associated Drug Stores from 1989-90; and was a member of the West Virginia State Board of Pharmacy.

His awards included the Bowl of Hygeia Award For Community Service by West Virginia Pharmacists Association in 1975; the James H. Beal Award by West Virginia Pharmacists Association in 1995; the Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 1990; the Distinguished Alumni Award by College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University in 1993; the West Virginia Enterpreneur of The Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999; the Distinguished West Virginia Award by Gov. Cecil Underwood in 1999; and had the U.S. Route 35 Highway Named Fruth-Lanham Highway by Gov. Bob Wise.
Fruth enjoyed family and grandchildren and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed attending the Ohio State football games with his family.

He was a strong supporter of education in Mason County and Rio Grande University.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will take place at the church from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday

John A. Spencer

1967
 

Dr. John Alvin Spencer
(August 2, 1949 – May 14, 2005)

The Clinical & Forensic Institute, Inc. was founded by Dr. John A. Spencer, a man with an enormous heart and the strength and determination to take the South Florida Community to the highest professional levels possible. Today, he will forever be remembered for his kind heartedness and generosity which was felt by everyone with whom he came into contact. Dr. Spencer is survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter who are equipped with the same formidable heart and courage as the man to which they were so closely tied. He will be remembered forever for his love, his humor, his compassion, and for his effortless ability to invite everyone into his heart. By following closely in his footsteps, and with the best model possible, we strive to carry on his dreams and hope to continue to make a difference by providing exceptional psychological services to our community today.

Dr. Spencer was born in Richwood, West Virginia, and graduated as Valedictorian of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971. After honorable service in the United States Navy, Dr. Spencer completed the Doctoral Clinical Psychology Program at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he was the recipient of a Benedum Fellowship. Among his many accomplishments in his work with psychiatric patients, Dr. Spencer also designed, implemented, and administrated the prototype for the State of Florida’s public acute care inpatient psychiatric services for children and adolescents. Dr. Spencer also designed and oversaw the implementation of a comprehensive service delivery center for the psychological, educational, and social competency assessment of at-risk children, a joint project of the County Mental Health Division, the State of Florida Social Services, the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System, and the Broward County School System. In 1996, Dr. Spencer left public service in order to devote himself full-time to his expanding private practice, the Clinical & Forensic Institute. Until his passing in May of 2005, Dr. Spencer had conducted over 4,000 forensic evaluations, had served as an expert witness and trial consultant on hundreds of cases in state and federal court in Florida and in Tennessee, and had revolutionized the treatment for offender populations in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

James W. Reed

1946
 

ames Reed, Sr Obituary
Mr. James Wilson Reed, Sr. of Clay, WV died at his home in Charleston, WV on February 15, 2004, following a long illness. He was 76 years old. James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ray Reed and Lulu Wilson Reed, and two of his sons, Edward Clayton Reed and Thomas Hansford Reed.

James Reed graduated from high school from Greenbrier Military School and later obtained a bachelors degree from West Virginia University. In 1952 he graduated from the College of Law at West Virginia University. Later that year James was elected as Prosecuting Attorney of Clay County, WV. James served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. He was stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernadino, CA.

From San Bernadino he returned to Clay to serve three additional terms as Prosecuting Attorney. He Practiced law in Clay for over fifty years where he was a member of the West Virginia State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Clay County Bar Association, the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. James was active in the oil and gas business throughout his career. James Reed was a member of the Clay United Methodist Church for 61 years. He was a 32nd degree Mason from Clay County Lodge No. 97 and belonged to the Scottish Rites.

James was an avid fisherman all of his life and an ardent student of history. To him Elk River was a source of spiritual inspiration and inexhaustible beauty. For James Clay County was a sacred place and its people the finest to be found anywhere. All who knew James well found him to be warm, friendly, kind, personable and of a generous spirit. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and grandfather.

James Reed is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Helen Black Reed, and his sister, Mary Reed Ward of Clay, WV. Also surviving him are his son, Dr. Charles David Reed of Palm City, FL and his son and daughter-in-law, James Wilson Reed, Jr. and Candace Eskew Reed of Clay, WV. Grandchildren are Erin Melissa Reed, Sarah Reed Johnson, James Wilson Reed, III, Brian Michael Reed, Andrew Willaim Reed, Eric Eskew Reed, Jenifer Helen Reed, and Austin Hansford Reed. Mr Reed is survived by one great grandson, Michael Anthony Edward Johnson. Also Surviving to mourn his passing are his daughter-In-Law, Melody Boggs Reed of Ivydale, WV and his brother-In-Law, David R, Black and wife, Kathleen on Minnetonka, MN.

Charles A. Warden

1946
 

Charles A. "Chuck" Warden of Deland Fl formerly of Glastonbury, husband of the late Rudelle P Warden, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday (May 11, 2003). He was born in Grafton, WV son of the late Dr. Paul P. and Eleanor M. Warden. Chuck graduated from West Virginia University with an AB degree in pre-med and from Greenbrier Military School. He was Commissioned at WVU_ROTC and graduated with a BS degree in mechanical engineering in 1959. He was a Captain in the Army , serving active duty in Korea. He was a Senior Project Engineer in Acoustics at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft , East Hartford , for over 30 years, retiring in 1991. He was well known for sharing his wisdom , witty sense of humor and engineering expertise. He enjoyed many outdoor activities , including fishing, hunting , skiing and golf during which he cherished the camaraderie as much as the activity itself. He loved the cottage he built on Lake Champlain in Vermont, but his greatest love was his wife and family and sharing his passion for life with them. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands , Anne and Thomas Higgins of Avon, Rebecca and her husband , Mary and Dr. Earle Slaughenhoupt of Sumter, SC and numerous grandchildren
A private burial will be at the family's convenience in West Virginia.

Charles E. Heilman

1958
 

Charles E. Heilmann, 62, of Huntington, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2003, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Monday April 14, 2003, at 11:00 a.m., at Beard Mortuary, with Rev. Andrew J. Magnusson officiating, burial immediately followed in Woodmere Memorial Park.

Charles was born May 29. 1940, in Ripley, WV, the son of the late James Bert Heilmann and Eunice Bell Heilmann. Also preceded in death by his infant son Charles E. Heilmann II, and a Brother-in-law Glenn L. Allen. He served in the US Air Force, was a 1962 Graduate of West Virginia University with a BS Degree in Business Administration, 1965 Graduate from West Virginia University Law School, a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity, a member of Baptist Temple, member of the Cabell County Bar Association, member of the West Virginia Bar Association, and an avid Hunter, Birdwatcher and Fisherman.

He was a loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather, leaving behind many nieces and nephews, loving friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife Rose Mary Allen Heilmann, a daughter Susan L. Holsclaw and her husband Greg of Boulder, CO., two sons John D. Heilmann and his wife Erica D. Heilmann of Erie, PA., and Nathan Heilmann of Huntington, a brother James B. Heilmann II and his wife Brenda Heilmann of Ripley, WV., a sister Mary Jo McCoy and husband Joe McCoy of St. Petersburg, Fla., father and mother-in-law Robert and Elma Allen of Belle, WV., a brother-in-law Robert H. Allen Jr., and wife Lois of Scott Depot, WV., and a granddaughter Julia C. Heilmann. A special thanks to Dr. Timothy Saxe, MD, and his staff for their excellent care. Friends called on Sunday, April 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beard Mortuary.

Britton Hamilton Bruner

1962
 

Ms. Toby Bruner, Britton's wife, has informed the association of Britton's death on February 4, 1996.

Aaron Morrow Wood

1963
 

As per son David:937-382-1030

Frank David Good, Jr.

1942
 

Died in Melbourn Beach, Fl. Son Frank reported his death 5/27/2013 and reports his dad served his country in WWII at Normandy, Hurtgen Forest, Ardennes, combat years being June to December in 1944

Glenn Richard Brewster

1963
 

Sgt. Glenn Richard Brewster, a post Graduate in the class of 1963 died serving our country in Vietnam.

Ronald H. Cimala

1963
 

Ronald Cimala '63 formerly of Beckley, WV died January 20, 1968. He was a graduate of Beckley High School and Notre Dame University. He attended GMS for a post graduate year and was a member of the varsity basketball team. No furthur detail are available

Douglas"Otto" Miller

1971
 

Douglas “Otto” Miller, 66, of Palm Beach, FL, passed away on Feb. 26, 2019 in the loving arms of his children. He was born a shining star to parents Sharon and Charles Miller, on Nov. 11, 1952 in Parkersburg, WV.

He graduated from Parkersburg Catholic High in 1970 and then went on to study Business and play football at Greenbrier Military Academy, and West Liberty State University.

Otto worked as an Automotive Dealer/ Owner for 45 years, earning him his title “Otto of the Palm Beaches.” After which he continued his journey as a car connoisseur buying and selling antique cars, hot rods, along with many other luxury vehicles. Otto was known to many as being a character, one of a kind, and world’s best-dressed man. Because he had a zest for life, he was everyone’s best friend! His love for people and the world was uncanny. There’s not a city in the U.S. where he didn’t know someone. He was also known for being the ultimate prankster. There was always someone laughing and never a dull moment when ‘Otto’ was around.

He was a football enthusiast, had a huge passion for antique cars, reading, telling stories, listening to music, and unconditionally loved his children and grandchildren. Otto was honored with many awards for selling the most automobiles, including selling the most Rolls Royces in the world, one year in the ’70s. Otto also won many awards that he couldn’t share details about in public, just ask his friends.

Otto is survived by Daughter, Stephanie Miller; Son, Douglas Miller; his three most prized possessions, his grandsons, Solomon, Croix, and Kingston; Fiance, Lili; Brother, Rock Miller; and Brothers from another mother, Zack Justice and Bill Poole; as well as hundreds of cherished close family and friends. Otto is preceded in death by his parents and Brother, Joseph Miller.

The family has chosen to have A Celebration of Life which is scheduled for June 8, 2019, on National Best Friends Day at 1 pm in Palm Beach, FL. There will also be a Memorial in Parkersburg. No date yet. Please contact Stephanie Miller for further details Ottoscelebration@yahoo.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated for final expenses. Please contact Stephanie Miller for donations.

Capt. Charles W. Ehmka

1938
 

Capt. Charles W. Ehmka, GMS 1938, Port Huron, Michigan. KIA D-Day, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. US Army, Company B, 743rd Tank Battalion. Purple Heart.

The 743rd Tank Battalion was a US Army independent tank battalion in the European theater during World War II. It was one of five tank battalions which took part in the initial landings of the Invasion of Normandy. The battalion was selected to be one of the three tank assault battalions that would land with the first wave on D-Day. Companies B and C were given amphibious dual drive variant of the Sherman tank (16 in each) and began their special training in December 1943.[

Charles William Ehmka is buried or memorialized at Plot H Row 7 Grave 18, Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.

Herbert J. Thomas

1937
 

After a PG year at Greenbrier, Herbert attended VPI, prior to military service. GMS Hall of Fame

SERGEANT HERBERT J. THOMAS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle at the Koromokina River, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on November 7, 1943. Although several of his men were struck by enemy bullets as he led his squad through dense jungle undergrowth in the face of severe hostile machine gun fire, Sergeant Thomas and his group fearlessly pressed forward into the center of the Japanese position and destroyed the crews of two machine guns by accurate rifle fire and grenades. Discovering a third gun more difficult to approach, he carefully placed his men closely around him in strategic positions from which they were to charge after he had thrown a grenade into the emplacement. When the grenade struck vines and fell back into the midst of the group, Sergeant Thomas deliberately flung himself upon it to smother the explosion, valiantly sacrificing his life for his comrades. Inspired by his selfless action, his men unhesitatingly charged the enemy machine gun and, with fierce determination, killed the crew and several other nearby defenders. The splendid initiative and extremely heroic conduct of Sergeant Thomas in carrying out his prompt decision with full knowledge of his fate reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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