ColumbusBase

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our WWII shipmate Russell Ferguson, EM3(SS). He qualified on the USS Haddo (SS-255) in 1945.

Russell L. Ferguson, age 90 of Hilliard passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015. Born July 16, 1924 in Logan County, Ohio. Loving husband for 67 years to the late Winifred Jeffers Ferguson; devoted father of Debbie (Matt) Cox, Tom (Betty Blau), Carol (Greg) Godec, Matthew (deceased), Janice (Pat) Blubaugh; Grandfather of Spencer (Erisa), James (Amber), Meredith (Pat), Jackie (Kevin), Joel (Kelsey), Nick , Leslie and Scott. Great grandfather to Jesse, Dahlia, Jenna, Evan, Stella and Reagan. Loving brother-in-law to Ruth Pekar and Ivaleen Jeffers. Russ is preceded in death: by his parents Arley and Elva (Frey) Ferguson, brother Verle (Betty) and sister Vidah (Marvin) Coulter. Brother-In-law to the following deceased: Wanda (Allen) Pyers, Wilma (Harry) Winkler, Selma (Don) Royer, Frank Pekar, Jim (Margret) Jeffers, Bernard Jeffers, Naida (Al) Larson; and Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Russ was a Submariner in WWII serving in the Pacific theater aboard USS Haddo (SS-255) as an electricians mate. Electrical contractor by profession, always giving his time and skills to friends. Russ had been involved at church for many years. Memorial contributions can be made to Abundant Life Lutheran Church, PO Box 6021, Hilliard, OH 43026 or Mt. Carmel Hospice, c/o Mt. Carmel Foundation, 6150 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213.

Visitation Saturday, May 23 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Service will be held immediately following the visitation at 3:00pm at the Tidd Funeral Home. Columbus Base will honor EM3(SS) Russ Ferguson during the funeral service and vests will be worn.
Columbus Base will make a $100.00 donation to the USSVI Scholarship Fund in Russ Ferguson's memory.

We will miss you, Russ.
Sailor, Rest Your Oar.

Jim Tolson
Commander, Columbus Base

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that our shipmate Harold E Gall went on Eternal Patrol Thursday August 7, 2014. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1964 as an Engineman 1st Class on the submarine USS Sea Poacher (SS-406) and the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS-19). He qualified on USS Sea Poacher in 1960.
Columbus Base will participate with American Legion Post 239 (Leasure-Blackston Worthington) during Harry Gall's family visitation Monday Aug 11,2014 at 7 PM at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., Worthington (just south of I-270). Columbus Base will be presenting Harry Gall's Eternal Patrol Certificate to his family and we will honor our shipmate along with the American Legion.
A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 12 at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Rittman, OH 44270. Ohio's WWII Lost Submarine Memorial for USS Grunion (SS-216) is at this cemetery in Rittman. If you have any questions, please call. Submarine Veterans will be wearing vests.
Sailor, Rest Your Oar. We have the watch.

Jim Tolson
Commander, Columbus Base