T A P S
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LET US PAUSE TO REFLECT UPON OUR ALUMNI WHOSE DUTY IN THIS LIFE HAS BEEN FULFILLED...MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
We are saddened to report the passing of Louisa Hardy Wheeler, wife of Richard G. Wheeler, Past Chairman of the Admiral Farragut Academy Board of Trustees on Thursday, September 26, 2008, after a long illness. Mrs. Wheeler, “Lou” was an institution at AFA for over 30 years with her generous volunteer leadership. Mrs. Wheeler was always there cheering our cadets in all of their endeavors, whether of an athletic or academic nature. Over the years, well over 2,000 alumni will remember her for her Sweet encouraging smile.
She was honored in 1999 with the dedication of the Admiral Farragut Lower Division in her name. She was preceded in death by her son Ronald Wheeler. She is survived by her husband, Richard G. Wheeler of Treasure Island, FL; two sons (and their wives) Louisa Hardy Wheeler Richard G. Wheeler (Kathy) of Gainesville, FL, and Roy Wheeler (Linda) of St. Petersburg; brother and sister‐in‐law Sid and Mary Beth Hardy of Oklahoma City; and four grandchildren Colin, Laurel, Marissa, and Julie Wheeler. Services were held Monday, September 29, 2008 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be made to the Admiral Farragut Academy Foundation In Memory of Louisa Wheeler. Donations may be mailed to the Headmaster’s Office, 501 Park Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.
Commandant Frank Steele ’57— ’67 – We are saddened to note the passing of a gentleman who greatly influenced the lives of a large number of cadets here at Admiral Farragut Academy. I quote from one of his former cadets, “Frank Steele passed away last night at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land‐o‐Lakes, FL. While his passing will be noted by few in today's selfish world I would mention that many, many AFA grads will cherish his memory and influence on their lives. Personally I will remember him not only as the no excuses Commandant of Cadets at AFA but as a personal friend over the years who helped me understand the great sacrifice our soldiers, sailors and airmen made in WWII. As a member of the famous 29th Infantry Division Frank Steele made the 6 June 1944 Normandy landing and fought against the Nazi legions until their final defeat in May 1945. Only many years after AFA did I learn of his many unselfish near death experiences against the enemy. He earned the Bronze Star, Silver Star and Purple Heart while in ETO. He was deeply upset when Dennis Babers one of AFA's most popular battalion commanders was KIA in VietNam. Every AFA Alumni will remember Franks influence on our lives. His granddaughter Nikii at 813‐833‐8868 can provide you with further information. It was Franks wish to have a military funeral after cremation but did not leave written instructions. I have provided the family with 29th Division Association contact information.” Best regards, Don Doornbos ’63. 44
He will be missed by so many former cadets!