Author: Potomac Local News

Ralph Joseph Schweinefuss, age 93. Died at home in Alexandria, Virginia on February 15, 2014. Mr. Schweinefuss was a retired golf caddy, machine tool inspector, advertising writer, US Navy Commander, US Intelligence Official, Veteran of World War II and Korean War. He was a native of Erlanger, Kentucky. BA Degree University of Cincinnati; graduate study Tulane University, New Orleans. Interests included family, sports, portrait and landscape painting, genealogy, volunteerism, sailing, and fishing the Chesapeake Bay area.

Pre-deceased in 2002 by wife Lillian A. Kelly Schweinefuss; sister Rita S. Judd and brother Thomas Arnold Schweinefuss. Survivors include: Thomas John and wife Mary Beth Richards Schweinefuss, Alexandria; daughter Molly C. Schweinefuss and husband James Dameron, Scottsville, VA; grandsons Jonathan, Charles, and Joseph Schweinefuss, Alexandria; James R. and Lanai Dameron, Waycross, GA. Fondly-respected In-Laws include: Alfred and Jo Kelly, Mary Fiorini, Gerald Kelly, and Ann E. Kelly, all of Cincinnati; many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors and his faithful companion dog Salty.

Mr. Gavin Eldridge Tameris (USAF Lt. Col. retired), 75, died February 15, 2014, at his home in Lake Ridge, VA. He served with distinction in the United States Air Force for 30 years as a navigator receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. He followed his navigation career with computer management for the Air Force at the Pentagon before retiring to the private sector as a government contractor for US Customs, and finally retiring to work with local theater groups.

He loved attending classic car shows, computers, reading, acting and working with local theater, and spending time with his family.

Calvin Lee Whitehurst, (CMSGT, USAF, Ret.), 76, of Dumfries, VA, passed away on February 12, 2014. Beloved husband of 54 years to Pilar Whitehurst.Loving father of Susan Glynn (Tom), Dennis Whitehurst, and Rose Hellmann (Craig).Cherished grandfather of Molly Glynn, Sarah Whitehurst and Emily Hellmann. Dear brother of John Whitehurst (Gladys), and Ray Harrell (Marcie). Adored uncle of Rose Schoepke (Rick) and their children Ricky and Ryan, Annette Glass and her daughter Sarah, Bruno Zumbo (Lorraine) and their daughters Pam and Christine, and Christopher Harrell (Sherry). Calvin was predeceased by his siblings Ethel Paramore (Joe), Sarah Wood (Charles), Elsie Harrell, niece and nephews Sandy Stewart (Leo), and Bill Glass.

Calvin proudly served our country in the U.S. Air Force for almost 30 years. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Nannie “Mawmaw” Fletcher Patton was born on June 6th 1915 in Council, Virginia to parents Beverly Johnson and Mary Ellen Fletcher.

She was one of 12 children and was the last surviving member. Mawmaw lived life as a homemaker caring for her 11 children and numerous family members including her husband, Arthur Garland Patton, who suffered a massive stroke in 1963 and passed in 1969. In 1955 the entire family moved from Pound, Va. to Woodbridge, Va. and Mawmaw began babysitting for family, friends and neighbors in order to support herself and her children.

Beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and friend, Master Gunnery Sergeant James G. Kyser III, United States Marine Corps, Retired,reported for duty on the streets of heaven on 9 February 2014 after a two and one half month struggle following major heart surgery.

He was born in San Francisco, California on October 24, 1933, was a graduate of Napa High School, the University of Maryland, and American University’s graduate program. He married the love of his life, Virginia, in 1957 and spent the next 56 years on an adventure with her, and they were the perfect Marine couple. Enlisting in 1951, his 21-year career saw service around the world both in and out of conflict to include some of the most intense years of the Vietnam War.

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the transition of our dear Sister Carmen Cole. Our beloved Sister Carmen entered the presence of the Lord this past Sunday February 9th. How fitting it was for her to go home on a Sunday morning.

Her demeanor and quiet spirit was a symbol of strength and endurance.

Theodore “Ted” Geary, beloved Husband, Father and PapPap died peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer on February 8, 2014. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 54 years Isabella(Liz); his loving children Tricia Geary, Connie & Charlie Mills, Ted Jr. & Michelle Geary; six grandsons who were his pride and joy – Daniel, Theodore “Ross”, Braden and Nathan Mills and Kyle and Theodore “Connor” Geary; his 2 brothers and 3 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Thomas and parents John & Pearl Geary.

He was born in Salt Lick Township, PA on July 3, 1937 and relocated to Virginia in the early 1960s. He worked for several years as a Barber and then became a very successful Kitchen Designer for St. Clair Appliance Distributors for 34 years. Outside of work his favorite thing to do was spend time w/ his family, camping and fishing, followed closely by golf and keeping his truck shiny. Loved by many for his good nature and hearty laugh he will be missed.