Evansville Bend Sail and Power
Squadron is a Unit of District 24
of the United States Power
Squadrons. ®.
Many Districts and Squadrons
have their own web sites. Be
sure to visit the sites and learn
more about the Power Squadron
experience and the USPS
history.
P/C Vivica A Trapp, P
Vivica A. Trapp, 57, of Evansville passed away at 4:30 pm, Thursday, April 26, 2012
at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Vivica was born August 4, 1954 In Gibson City, Illinois. She was a member of St.
Mark’s Lutheran Church and had worked for the EVSC as a cafeteria cashier.
She is survived by her husband of 33 years, John D. Trapp of Evansville, daughters,
Rebecca A. Trapp of Evansville and Conjetta R. McKenzie of Newburgh, son, David
William Trapp of Evansville, mother, Phyllis (Myer) Claycamp of Evansville, sisters,
Valarie Kingrey of Hanson, KY and Lynn Speedy of Washington, IN, brother, Alfred
“Bud” L. Claycamp of Newburgh and granddaughter, Eliza Finn of Newburgh. She
was preceded in death by her father, Alfred L. Claycamp.
Known to her friends as Vicki, she was a member of Evansville Bend for 20 years joining in 1992. She
served as commander in 2001. Vicki her husband, John, and her entire family were very involved in the
actitivties of Evansville Bend until the last four years as her illness prevented her from being as active.
In addition to serving as commander, Vicki also served as Secretary/Treasurer for many years.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at a later date.
Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville will be handling the
arrangements.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Preschool, 2300 Washington Ave.,
Evansville, IN 47714.
P/C George F. Tipsword, JN
George F. Tipsword, of Fulton, Miss., formerly of Lawrenceville, passed away at
the home of his companion, Fran Wolf, in Evansville, Ind., on April 20, 2009.
He was born Nov. 6, 1920, the son of George C. and Mary (Hershman) Tipsword.
George was married Dec. 4, 1948, to Sydney L. Onines and she preceded him in
death on August 9, 1982.
A graduate of Purdue University, George owned and operated Precision Service
Company in Lawrenceville until 1986. An avid boater, he retired to his boat in
Fulton, Miss.
George was a member of Rotary International, a life member of the Elks, a life
member of the Masons, a life member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a member and
instructor for the U.S. Power Squadron and a member of the Sports Car Club of America. He was a WWII
veteran, serving in the Pacific Theater and occupied Japan.
Survivors include two sons, George S. and Rosalind Tipsword of Houston, Texas, and Thomas R. and
Kathy Tipsword of Lawrenceville; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The body was cremated. A memorial service was held in Lawrenceville on Friday June 5th and then his
ashes were spread on the Ohio River in the Evansville on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
George was a past commander of our squadron as well serving as commander of the Wabash Valley
Squadron. He one of our “lifetime members and teacher who taught many courses, for us, including
Advanced Piloting. He joined the United States Power Squadron in 1965 with the Wabash Valley
Squadron. He had attained the grade of Advanced Piloting. George later moved his membership to
Evansville Bend where he served as commander in 1988.
George received his United States Power Squadron “lifetime member” distinction in 1991. A testament
to his service and devotion to the United States Power Squadron, George had earned 31 merit marks.
One mark is earned for each year of active service.
____________________________________________________________________.
Enoch K. Carlson Jr.
Enoch Knute Carlson Jr., age 80, of Newburgh, Ind., formerly of
Mount Vernon, Ind., died at 9:55 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 2006, at
Deaconess Hospital.
Enoch was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Mount
Vernon, Ind., having served as an elder.
He graduated high school from St. John's Military Academy in
Delafield,Wisconsin.
He volunteered for service in the Army and was decorated during World War II, and served in the Air
Force following the war.Enoch graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, in
1954, earning his bachelor's and master's in Civil Engineering.
Enoch was employed as a welding engineer for Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. in their Pennsylvania and
Alabama plants for many years. He then went to work for Babcock & Wilcox Company in Mount Vernon,
Indiana, as a senior engineer and project manager for the Nuclear Power Generation Division, retiring in
1976 after 17 years. Enoch then continued his career as a self-employed engineering consultant in the
nuclear field as a quality control auditor.
He belonged to the American Welding Society, the American Society for Metals and Model Railroad Club
of Mount Vernon. Enoch enjoyed boating, model railroading, his flower garden, bird watching, traveling
and photography. He assisted in the formation of the Evansville Bend Division of the U.S. Power
Squadron in 1975 and was elected as the first Executive Officer when the division became the Evansville
Bend Power Squadron in 1977. Later he served the Squadron as Commander in 1978.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ida Mae (Hyde) Carlson of Newburgh, Ind.; one son, Enoch
Carlson, III and his wife, Lisa, of Evansville, Ind.; two daughters, Connie Carlson and her husband, Chris
Jones, of Culver City, Calif., and Nancy Williams and her husband, Jim, of Evansville, Ind.; four
grandchildren, Crissy Lofing and her husband, Chad, of Fort Wayne, Ind., Enoch Carlson IV and his wife,
Lauria, of Poseyville, Ind., Jaimie Carlson of Evansville, Ind., and Erich Carlson of Evansville, Ind.; and
four great-grandchildren, Emily and Blake Lofing and Paige and Ellison Carlson.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2006, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel —
5330 Washington Avenue, with Reverend Laurie Anne Fields officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial
Park Mausoleum, Evansville, Indiana. The Retired Veterans Club of Vanderburgh County conducted full
military rites at the cemetery.A reception celebrating his life followed at Atria Newburgh — 5311
Newburgh Road, Newburgh, Ind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2207 E. Morgan Avenue,
Evansville, Indiana, 47711.
Alvan V. Burch
Alvan V. Burch, 87, of Evansville, went to be with his Lord on Friday, Dec. 30, 2005,
at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Alvan retired as Chief of Operations from Burch Plow Works, Inc. in 1980.During his
life, he served with many organizations and was very civic-minded.He had served as
secretary of the Commerce Regional Expansion Council, and helped with the Indiana
Agricultural Experimentation Station at Purdue University. Alvan was a long time
Republican and was a member of the Republican Presidential Task Force for the
State of Indiana, and served as a delegate for the Republican National Convention in
Miami, Florida. He served on many boards as a director, including Welborn Baptist
Hospital, Indiana 4-H Foundation, Evansville Association for the Blind, Sonshine
Valley Ranch, Sarasota Yacht Club, and was Commander of the Sarasota, Florida, Power Squadron and
a member of the Evansville Bend Power Squadron. Alvan was a member of the Reed Masonic Lodge
316, Scottish Rite, past Potentate of the Hadi Shrine Temple in 1953, and a member of Royal Order of
Jesters Lodge 102. He was appointed Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen in 1973, and was a
Kentucky Colonel.
He was a member of Bethel Temple and the Bible Fellowship Hour. In 1999, he traveled to Jerusalem to
be baptized in the Jordan River.
Alvan was a loving father to his daughters, Pamela Jane Matthews, Cheryl Lee Beane and her husband
Lyle, Virginia "Ginjr" Caine and her husband Herbert, and to his son, Alvan "Skip" Burch III, all of
Evansville. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jenifer Meredith, Brandon Caine, Joal Beane, Scott Caine;
great-grandchildren, Amanda, Brett, Jeremy, Tyler, Deagon, and Kaedin.
His wife, Virginia, preceded him in death in November of 2003.
Services were held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2006, at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800
S. Hebron Avenue, Rev. R.R. Schwambach officiated. Private burial services were held at Oak Hill
Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sonshine Valley Ranch (a ministry for persons with special
needs).
______________________________________________________________________________
Marilyn Ruth Brooks
Marilyn Ruth Brooks, 77, of Evansville, began her final voyage on Wednesday, April
14, 2004, at Deaconess Hospital.
Marilyn was born to Luther and Mildred Crotzer and raised in Chicago, Ill., and then
moved to Evansville, Ind.
She was a volunteer for the Vanderburgh Humane Society and for Bethel Manor with
pet therapy and library distribution.She also participated in aquarobics therapy at the
Rehabilitation Center.
Marilyn was a member of the United States Power Squadrons Evansville Bend. Her hobbies were
boating, sailing and genealogy. She also was an avid traveler and enjoyed family and living the good life.
In July 2003, Marilyn was asked to be the "captain" of Evansville Bend's entry into the "cardboard" boat
contest at the District 24 Summer Rendezvous at Craig's Creek. Marilyn was selected because of her
petite size and "can do" positive, unsinkable attitude.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Brooks, in 1998. Marilyn continued to be very
active in the Evansville Bend Power Squadron after Robert's death. She always had a smile on her face
and was loved by all members of Evansville Bend.
Marilyn is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Cain and his wife, Kathy, of Evansville, Timothy Cain and his wife,
Susan, of Mesa, Ariz., and Christopher Cain and his wife, Sandy, of Evansville; stepchildren, Michael
Brooks and his wife, Carol, of Jacksonville, Ore., Jennifer Dawes of Evansville and Will Brooks and his
wife, Julie, of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Eric and Adam Cain, Kristin and Sara Cain and Justin Cain;
stepgrandchildren, Jill and Jocelyn Brooks, Eric and Carl Dawes and David and Evan Brooks; and great-
grandchildren, Jerry and Madison Cain.
An informal memorial service was held 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2004, at Forest Hills Wesleyan Church
on Claremont Avenue, officiated by Reverend William Gorton and Pastor Kelly McKinley.
Past District Commander Leroy Elwood made these remarks:
"Thank you for allowing the squadron to remember Marilyn at this Memorial Service".
"Marilyn was of great service to the Evansville Bend Power Squadron earning 13 merits marks. Merit
Marks are given yearly to members who give of their time and energy for squadron activities."
"When her husband P/C Robert Brooks, AP was living, the sailing class had to show their expertise by
sailing on Kentucky Lake, after the sail the students would gather at Bob and Marilyn’s retreat at Light
House Landing for food and fellowship."
"On one occasion Marilyn was honored by winning the Squadron’s Bent Prop award. The award was
given for heaving the anchor and anchor line out, without having the line attached to the boat."
"Two years ago Marilyn attended the District 24 rendezvous at Dan’s Marina in Warsaw, KY where the
squadron had to build a boat out of cardboard in a competition with 9 other squadrons. The object of the
competition was to keep the boat afloat and win a race against the other squadrons. Marilyn was selected
to be our crew during this race, our vessel did not win, but Marilyn at 75 did not come in last, either."
"The squadron has a bell that is used to bring our meetings to order, Bob and Marilyn gave that bell to the
squadron."
"Marilyn served as Membership Chairman, was on the calling committee as well as working at the annual
boat shows. She helped proctor the Public Boating Courses in years past."
"On a personal note, Marilyn found a cat in Danville, IL that is now a member of our household. The cat’s
mother died right after birth and the kitten was hand feed until it was able to be on its own. The cat is
named ‘Puddy' and is a large, long hair black cat."
"We at Evansville Bend Power Squadron truly will miss Marilyn and her adventurous spirit!"
"Thank you."
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Vanderburgh or any local
humane society or the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be made online at www.mem.com. Arrangements were by Alexander North Chapel.
______________________________________________________________________________
Virginia 'Ginny' Burch
Virginia "Ginny" Burch of Evansville left this life on Sunday, November 23, 2003, at St.
Mary's Medical Center from complications following heart bypass surgery. She was 87.
Virginia was born to the late Art and Jane McCready of Indianapolis, Indiana. On
March 23, 1940, she married Evansville industrialist Alvan V. Burch Jr. Virginia and
Alvan moved to Sarasota, Florida, in 1982, where she was active in the Sarasota
Power Squadron and the Sarasota Yacht Club.
In 1999, the Burches returned to Evansville. A loving mother and supportive wife, she
will be greatly missed. Virginia attended Abundant Life Church in Newburgh and Bethel
Temple in Evansville and was a member of the Bible Fellowship Hour at Bethel.
Alvin transferred his membership to the Evansville Bend Power Squadron after returning to Evansville.
Ginny and Alvin attended many squadron meetings.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff of caregivers of St. Mary's Adult Intensive Care
Unit.
Virginia is survived by her husband of 61 years, Alvan V. Burch Jr., daughters, Pamela Garman
Matthews, Cheryl Lee Beane and Virginia "Ginjr" Caine and a son, Alvan "Skip" Burch III, all of
Evansville; a brother, Richard McCready of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Jenifer Meredith of San Diego,
California, Brandon Caine and Joal Beane, both of Evansville and Scott Caine of Clinton, Indiana; and
five great-grandchildren, Amanda, Brett, Jeremy, Tyler and Deagon.
Memorial services were held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 at Ziemer Funeral Home East
Chapel, 800 South Hebron Avenue, with the Rev. R.R. Schwambach officiating.
Visitation was on Wednesday, November 26, from 3 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Private burial services were in Oak Hill Cemetery.
______________________________________________________________________________
P/C G. Richard Geier Sr., JN
P/C George Richard Geier Sr., JN of Evansville, died Tuesday, November 19, 2002.
He was born in Evansville on November 27, 1915, graduated from Central High
School in 1932, and married Elizabeth Jane Humphrey of Fort Branch, Ind., on April
9, 1939.
Dick was instrumental in the leadership of Evansville Bend Power Squadron for over
25 years. For many years he was the "mainstay" of our squadron serving in many
different offices and capacities including serving as a teacher for many different
courses.
An avid sailor, Dick loved to sail "Egret" his 19'3" boat. He moored "Egret" for many
years in Kenlake Marina at Kentucky Lake.
Dick served as Commodore of the Kentucky Lake Sailing Club and was a founding member in 1975 of
the Evansville Bend Power Squadron unit of the U.S. Power Squadron. He had served as Commander of
Evansville Bend Power Squadron in 1981 and 1984. He was the first commander to serve two watch
years. Dick was Evansville Bend's first Education Officer and served in that office several years. He had
the grade of Junior Navigator and received his 25-year pin in 1997. Dick designed the Evansville Bend
Burgee,our squadron flag.
The courses Dick took were Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Junior Navigation. In addition, Dick
took these elective courses: Engine Maintenance, Sailing and Officer Training.
Dick used his creative talents to design several "teaching aids" for Evansville Bend that were used in
competition at the District 24 Fall Conferences. He provided his artist talent to design and make many of
the signs we used at various functions. For many years, he also was the publisher of our monthly
newsletter "The Pilot" and lettered the first editions with calligraphy.
A commercial artist, Dick was employed by Creative Press from 1957 to 1983, where he was Vice
President of Design. He won several national awards for his advertisements. He was a member of the
Tri-State Advertising Club and was the recipient of the first Silver Medal Award. Previously, he had
worked as Advertising and Sales Promotion Managers at Servel, Inc., art director at Hathaway
Advertising Agency, and industrial editor at both Mead Johnson and Sunbeam Electric.
In his early years, he was served as head of the Graphic Arts Department and board member of the
Evansville Museum. He taught commercial art at the University of Evansville and was active in the county
Unit School movement to consolidate township schools. He was an active member of Old North United
Methodist Church and sang in the choir. An accomplished calligrapher, he was a member of the Ohio
Valley Scribes.
Mr. Geier is survived by a son, Dr. Richard Geier Jr. of Rochester, Minn., and his wife Karen and their
children Heidi Geier of Minneapolis, Minn., Dr. Richard Geier III of Hamilton, N.Y., and Kirsten Geier of
Seattle, Wash.; a son Stefan Geier of Raleigh, N.C, his wife Sidney (Jones), and their children Dr.
Christine Childs of Little Rock, AR, and Natalie Mann of Mooresville, N.C.; a daughter, Libby Geier of St.
Paul, Minn. and her daughter, Dr. Stefana Lefko of Berlin, Germany; a daughter, Martha Geier of
Louisville, Ky., and her daughter, Sarah Kruse of Boston, Mass.; a daughter, Julie Haddan, and her
husband, Jim and their children, Max, Meredith, and Lauren, all of Evansville; great-grandchildren,
George Richard Geier IV, Erik Geier and Anna Mann.
Mr. Geier was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth, and his youngest son, Quentin, and his
brother, Philip.
A memorial service was held at Old North United Methodist Church on Friday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Old North United Methodist Church, Willard Library, Good
Samaritan Foundation, or to a favorite charity.