Wergowske, William “Bill’, devoted husband of 44 years to Mary (nee Kemper) Wergowske, loving father of Susan, dear brother of Deanna (Martin, “Mike”) Rielage. Also survived by many caring relatives and friends. Bill was a member of Purcell High School Class of 1959, Army Veteran, UC BBA Class of 1963, XU MBA Class of 1971, OH CPA 1975-2015, Knights of Columbus, Purcell Council- Past Grand Knight, St. Isaac Jogues Assembly- Past Faithful Captain and Greater Cincinnati Chapter- Past Treasurer. Passed away January 24, 2020 at the age of 78. Visitation Thursday January 30, 2020, At St. Antoninus Church, 1500 Linneman Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238, from 9 AM until the celebration of The Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Down Syndrome Association, 4623 Wesley Ave, Suite A, Cincinnati, OH 45212, Mercy Health at West Park, 2950 West Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45238 or St. Antoninus Endowment Fund.

Zachary Taylor Stoddard was born August 23rd, 1989 to Veldon and Samantha Stoddard in Tampa, Florida. He was the older brother to Adrian and Maya Stoddard. He grew up in Jonesboro, Georgia where he attended Jonesboro High School, and went on to graduate from Georgia State University with a degree in Psychology.

He was a devoted member of Jonesboro High School’s Marching Band playing the euphonium. After high school, Zach would become just as passionately active in Georgia State University’s marching band and continued to perform with them even after graduation. Zachary found immense joy and took great pride in marching band. In 2011 he helped charter the Nu Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, forging everlasting relationships and memories.  In 2017, he was awarded Kappa Kappa Psi’s J. Lee Burke Outstanding Student Leadership Award.

Zachary traveled far and wide with his band fraternity or with his Amway colleagues. Catching up with him always led to learning of his latest adventures. In 2012 he performed with the GSU Marching Band at President Barack Obama’s second term inauguration, while in 2019 he performed in the Super Bowl LIII halftime show. Always taking pictures along the way, he lived his life fervently and freely. His fearless soul allowed him to go for everything in life as he exuded strength and courage through any circumstance; remaining unique and full of personality as he never allowed his Asperger’s to be an obstacle to his success.

Zach absolutely loved cartoons and WWE, while food also held a special place in his heart as well. Some of his favorites included Popeyes, Krispy Kreme, or a package of Publix cookies and chocolate milk. He possessed an incredible ability to navigate roads, or to predict the best routes to travel. He could also remember exact dates of past events with ease. He was truly the life of the party and could often be found dancing at college sporting events and weddings. GSU family will vividly remember him putting a smile on everyone’s face while dancing to “Sandstorm”.

There are not enough ways to express the impact Zach had on those he encountered. Many will tell you that he always greeted friends and strangers alike with a big hug and a smile. He gave encouragement in all times and never allowed negativity to change his unconditional love. Zachary faced adversity with great strength and knew no limitations. He was truly an angel given to us; Christ-like in being all-accepting and unmotivated in conforming to this world. He was the true example of how we all should live our lives day today.

Zachary is survived by his parents, Veldon and Samantha Stoddard, and his two younger sisters, Adrian and Maya Stoddard. Without a doubt we are comforted as he watches over us beside God saying, “I love you. Always have, always will.”

We love you, too, Zach. Always have, always will. Catch you on the flip side. **************************************************************************

The memorial service for Zachary will be Saturday at noon January 11,2020 at the Stoddard Interdenominational Church located at 3042 Georgia Rd in Gray Court, SC.

Internment will follow at Stoddard Memorial Gardens.

Send flowers to the service of Zachary Taylor Stoddard

Gustave Jasper Huff, Jr. passed away peacefully on December 27th, 2019 in Tyler, Texas after complications from strep pneumonia. Jasper was born in Henderson, Texas on April 18, 1936 to the late Gus and Ima (Keeling) Huff. He lived in the east Texas area all of his life, receiving his High School Diploma from Leverett’s Chapel, an Associates Degree from Kilgore Jr. College, his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Stephen F. Austin. Jasper’s work ethic began at the age of 11, when he made .50 per hour delivering groceries. He then drove cars for his father, who owned a body shop in Henderson. After graduation from college, Jasper began his career as an educator, serving many public schools in East Texas as a Band Director for 38 years and a principal for 8 years. He taught at James Bowie, Hughes Springs, Naples, White Oak, Lindale, Henderson, Hooks, Troup, Lindale (again), Chapel Hill and Van. He was a principal for the Lindale and Troup schools. To make ends meet, Jasper also drove for the Trailways Bus Company for 20 years. He loved taking tour buses of people all over the country. He also drove for Lightning Courier and Hertz. Jasper was a leader for many years in Churches of Christ around the area, where he led congregational singing for more than 50 years, served as a Deacon and served as an Elder in the church. Another past-time he enjoyed was singing. He loved singing with family, and enjoyed singing with the barbershop group The Sound Connection. He also played his saxophone with the Lake Country Symphonic Band for many years. Jasper is predeceased by his brother Floyd Huff and his granddaughter Deanna Hodge. He is survived by his life-long companion and best friend of 60 years, Joanna Huff and three children, Jan (Huff) and Greg Hodge of Crowley, Texas; Julie (Huff) and Jerry Monholland of Texarkana, Texas; and Jerry and Jennifer (Frazier) Huff of Chandler, Texas. Other grandchildren are: Jana (Monholland) and Tyler Barnes with their children Mason, Connor, and Reese; Jessica (Monholland) and Jake Jackson with their sons Case and Carson; Geoffrey Hodge; Krista Huff, Kalli Huff, and Hunter Huff. Brother, Harold and Pat Huff of Citrus Heights, California, Sisters Ima Gene and Danny Thomas of Grandview, Texas, Margaret and Richard Bee of Houston, Texas, sister-in-law, Betty Huff of Houston, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family.

Visitation will be on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Caudle-Rutledge Daugherty funeral home in Lindale, Texas from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at the Church of Christ in Whitehouse, Texas on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with Jerry Monholland officiating.

Memorials can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Tyler or Hospice of East Texas of Tyler.

Dr. Ron Alan Hufstader was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on March 18, 1946. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Virginia, his brother Robert and his grandson Christian. Ron passed away on December 9, 2019 at the age of 73 with family and friends surrounding him while at the Hospitals of Providence, Sierra Campus.

When he was in fourth grade, his family moved to Great Falls, Montana, and three years later to Hickory, North Carolina. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University and then moved to Greensboro, North Carolina where he taught band for the next three years. He earned his Master of Music Education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then continued studies at the University of Iowa earning his Master of Music Performance degree (trombone) and a Ph.D. in Music Education.

Ron began teaching music education and low brass classes at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1976. After completing one semester, he was named Director of Bands leading the Marching Miners, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble as well as teaching conducting classes and applied low brass.

In 1990 Ron was elected chairman of the UTEP Department of Music. He served in that position while continuing to conduct the Wind Ensemble and teach conducting. During this period of his career, he began a series of recordings resulting in ten highly acclaimed CDs with Mark Records. These composers included David Holsinger, Andrew Boysen, Roger Cichy, Frank Ticheli, Julie Giroux, David Gillingham, James Barnes, Robert Jager, Mark Camphouse and Robert W. Smith. During this time, he also served seven years as the conductor of the UTEP Orchestra. As an accomplished trombonist, Ron performed principal trombone for twenty-seven years with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.

Teaching was one of the great joys in Ron’s life and music his greatest passion. He melded the two and dedicated his life to mentoring and developing young musicians. There was nothing that brought a bigger smile to his face and warmed his heart more than witnessing the accomplishments of his students.

He founded the El Paso Wind Symphony in 1996 comprised of about fifty members, most of whom are successful area band directors. The El Paso Wind Symphony continues to perform six concerts per year. The group’s Holiday Concert will be Friday, December 13, 2019 at UTEP in Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall at 7:30 PM. The El Paso Wind Symphony released one CD for Summit Records.

Ron retired from UTEP in 2016 and was awarded the honor and status of Professor Emeritus in Music. Ron’s memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association, College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Phi Beta Mu, Pi Kappa Lambda and was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Association’s Hall of Fame. He became an elected member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association which is the highest honor that is bestowed to those in the instrumental band world.

Ron is survived by his wife Nancy Taylor of El Paso, Texas; his daughter Lindsey Erin Hufstader of Austin, Texas; his niece Trina Hufstader of Ashville, North Carolina; nephew John Hufstader of Ashville, North Carolina; cousin Robert Hufstader of Middleberg, Florida; aunt Vera Walker Virden of Kahoka, Missouri; and the mother of his child Catherine R Hufstader of Austin, Texas. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions be made to El Paso Animal Services, 5001 Fred Wilson Ave; El Paso, TX 79906 (915-212-7297). Services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird Dr.; El Paso, TX 79912 at 11 AM (915-584-3912). Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West www.martinfuneralhomewest.com

William Molnar III, 56, passed away in his home in Las Vegas on December 6, 2019. He was born on January, 29, 1963, in New York City and was raised in West Milford, NJ.
He attended West Chester University and graduated with a BS in music education. He received a master’s degree from Montclair University and a second master’s degree from The College of New Jersey, in addition he proudly received his doctorate from Walden University.

He was a music teacher for the Irvington Public Schools, and for 23 years in the Jersey City Public Schools.  He was an avid traveler and stamp collector. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was involved in many activities within the Catholic Church, including being a lector and member of the choir.

He is survived by his spouse, Taria Sumler. His parents, William and Theresa Molnar, of Galloway, NJ. His sister, Valerie Molnar and nieces, Kathleen, Erin, and Alanna O’Malley.
He is also survived by his former wife Anne Molnar, of Northampton, PA.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 from 1pm until 2pm at the Wimberg Funeral Home 211 E. Great Creek Road, Galloway, NJ 08205. A Funeral Service will follow at 2pm. Burial will be held at Germania Cemetery, Galloway.

Stephen Piatt McEuen, 71, of Mansfield, died Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at his home.

Steve was the husband of Susan Laib. He was born on April 26, 1948, in Santa Fe, N.M., the third son of Richard and Gilberta (Piatt) McEuen.

Steve was an emeritus professor at Mansfield University, having taught trombone/low brass in the Music Dept. for 36 years. Over the years, he enjoyed performing with the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Williamsport Symphony, occasional tenor tuba performances with the Binghamton Symphony, and of course, the Almost World Famous Wellsboro Town Band and Spare Parts Dixieland Band. Steve was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Elmira, N.Y. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Vietnam Era.

Steve is survived by his wife, Susan Laib; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Matt and Jill McEuen of St. Louis, Mo., Brian McEuen, also of St.Louis, Mo., Davey McEuen of Mansfield; and a brother, Mike McEuen, of Albuquerque, N.M. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard “Dick” McEuen.

Christoper Robin Haughee, 68, passed away suddenly in Lakeland, Florida on Sunday, November 10.   Born on October 9, 1951, in LaPorte, Indiana, Chris lived most of his life in Tallahassee and Lakeland, Florida.  He received his Bachelors and Juris Doctor degrees from Florida State University where he was a member of the Marching Chiefs and of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity; and where he met his wife, Nancy.  Professionally, Chris served on staff for The Florida Legislature, then as an attorney in Tallahassee, Tampa, and Bartow, Florida.

Throughout his life, Chris served Kappa Kappa Psi, dedicating his time and talent to the advancement of the fraternity’s mission and members: earning the fraternity’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal, in 2003.  Included in his time in Kappa Kappa Psi leadership, Chris served as the SED Governor (1989-2005), a member of the Board of Trustees (2009-2013), numerous committee assignments, a regular as National Parliamentarian, as well as serving as a colony advisor and chapter discipline investigator.

In 2005, he followed his passion for student leadership development, serving as Assistant Director of Greek Life for the University of Michigan.  He retired back to Lakeland in 2011, developing a network of friendship and competition with fellow tennis and golf enthusiasts.

Chris is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy, and her family; a sister, Linda Jones (Buddy), and four brothers, Jon Haughee (Mary), Tim Haughee (Fran), Mike Haughee (Margo) and Bill Haughee; nine nieces and nephews, and nine grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Babette, and sister-in-law, Genevieve.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 7, at the Cleveland Heights Golf Club, 2900 Buckingham Avenue, Lakeland.

Chris felt deeply about the work of several service and charitable organizations.  In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to be made in Chris’ honor to any of the following:  Kappa Kappa Psi, The Carter Center, The American Cancer Society, The American Civil Liberties Union, and The Human Rights Campaign.

Thomas Marvin Stidham, 78, conducted his final coda October 1 at Bridge Haven in Lawrence. He was born December 31, 1940, in Sylva, North Carolina, the son of Joe and Lois Stidham. Tom grew up with brother Charles (DeeDee) and sister Sally Clair (Earl). He attended school in Lake Placid, Florida where grade cards often remarked that “Tommy ate a good lunch”. After graduating from Lake Placid High School, Tom attended the University of Florida where he received a BFA in 1962 and a M.Ed in 1965. He returned to Lake Placid High School in 1962 where he began his band directing career and married the “preacher’s daughter”, Linda Spillman on June 14, 1963. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Tom was Director of Bands at Paxon Senior High School in Jacksonville, FL , Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and Baylor University in Waco, TX. He arrived at the University of Kansas in 1975 to assist his friend, Robert E. Foster, in administering the KU Band and Midwestern Music Camp programs. Tom was involved in every aspect of the KU Band program until his retirement in 2012. For many years, he organized the KU Band Day and was also the longtime director of the men’s basketball band. Trombone was his instrument and he played many professional gigs but was also in demand as a guest conductor and clinician.

Tom believed in f-words – faith, family and food. He was a committed Christian and lived his faith everyday with everyone he met. He was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church and served many years as the Director of Music.

One could not spend much time with Tom, without seeing how proud he was of his family. He bragged about them shamelessly! He worked into nearly any conversation that his wife Linda, was a dedicated and talented teacher; first born Mark had a wonderful natural musical talent; Tom shared a passion for football with Coach son Scott and if you darkened the doors of St. Luke’s hospital in KC, you could be sure that he would have his favorite nurse, daughter Marci, drop by your room.

When he arrived at KU, the KU Band instantly became part of his extended family. He maintained an open door policy and it was rare not to find a student, staff member or faculty member sitting in a chair by his desk, gaining his undivided attention. He always had time to listen and had a strong desire to solve other people’s problems. It was not unusual to hear him say to both male and female band students, “You look like I need a hug”! His sense of humor framed everything that he did and he was one of those rare folks that enjoyed laughing even when he was the brunt of the joke. Storytelling was his forte and he practiced it often to the delight of his audience.

Tom loved to cook and delighted in having a houseful of people to feed. He was accomplished with a grill and smoker and was proud to be a certified KCBS barbecue judge. Holidays will not be the same without a turkey and/or ham smoked by Tom. His home-made ice cream was unrivaled and favorites such as chocolate pecan, cinnamon, tutti fruitti, and peppermint were enjoyed after many a meal in his home.

Tom held professional memberships in ABA, KBA, TBS, KKPsi, CBDNA, NBA and The Friday Night Club.

Tom is survived by his soul mate Linda, sons Mark (Mary Cello) and Scott (Stacy) and daughter Marci (Dave) and grandchildren, Landry, Nolan, Nash, Chloe, Kennedy, Abigale and Caroline.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be made to the Tom Stidham KU Band Scholarship fund sent in care of: KU Endowment, 1891 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047 and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

The family would like to express immense gratitude to the staff at Bridge Haven and Avalon Hospice for the professional and loving care that Tom received during his months there. He went there as “the new guy” and left as family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Southern Baptist Church, 4300 W 6th, on October 12, 2019. A Visitation will be held from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m.

Ernest John Medina, 45 of Roswell, NM went to be with our Lord on Thursday, September 19, 2019 from natural causes. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church located at 1413 S. Union Ave. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery.

Ernest was born in Roswell, NM to Ramona M. Medina and Alfred J. Medina on January 18, 1974. Ernest was preceded in death by his sister Brenda L. Contreras; father Alfred J. Medina; mother Ramona M. Medina; grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

Ernest served the music world as a well-known and respected band director in Roswell, NM, having taught at all levels from Kindergarten through High School. He was also a vibrant member of the music community in Roswell, serving various churches and organizations as a musician and musical coordinator. Many students taught by Ernest have ventured into the field of Music Education, and some are even Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi just as he was.

Those left to cherish his memory are his godparents/uncle and aunt Mike and Christina Garcia; uncle Manual and his wife Lola from La Mesa, CA; niece/goddaughter Vanessa Contreras; nephew Steve Contreras both of Roswell; godson Logon Stewart of C.D.A; aunts Margaret Maez of Alamogordo, NM Elaine Young of Albuquerque, NM, and Lena Connell of Roswell, NM; cousins Susie Connell and Doris of Roswell, NM, Debbie Connell of Alamogordo, NM, and Randy Connell of McAllen, TX and aunt Bessie Aragon of McAllen, TX. Also surviving him numerous godchildren, cousins and friends.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Mark Anthony Salas, Steve (Jr) Contreras, Santiago Herrera, Amanda Ware, Sara Coleman and Vanessa Contreras. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Contreras Sr., TJ Coleman, Doug McGraw, Noah Cook, Susie Connell and Lena Rene Vallejas.