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R. Midkiff Obituary
Left to cherish treasured memories of being a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and friend are his loving wife of 42 years, Sandra; son, Jared; sister, Sonia and spouse/cruise buddy, Kent Smith; brother-in-law, Curtis Rakes and Anne; mother-in-law, Mildred Ellicott; nephews, Jay (Susanne), Mike (Shawn and Steven), and Chris Rakes; Ray Flora (Ashley); nieces, Alicia Causey (Steve, Hailey and Clay); Michelle Anderson; Taralyn Warren, and Emmy Walls (Dave, Mandy, Drew), and many more faithful family and special friends, (Ron, Dick, Tim, Wiley, Flo, Will, and Mike Rochelle, to name a few).
His love of God, family and country was shown daily in his involvement with his family and as a member of West Hampton Baptist Church for 57 years; a Boy Scout Leader-Troop 915 for 15+ years; officer/member of the Northampton Civic League and city committees; and NAGE R-4-11 Union president for 15+ years, member of the DAV, and American Legion. His passion for teaching young people to be better citizens resulted in many young men in his scout troop to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.
He graduated from Hampton High in '61, after starting an early work career as floor referee at Skateland Roller Rink. He later worked for NNS&DDCo., after which he was drafted into the U.S. Army, then on to the war in Vietnam. He was always a good soldier and Patriot, and was discharged in '66. His life took a new direction into Electronics with the Hampton Roads Music Corp (MUZAK). In '77, his love of music (and lots of practice) lead him to play guitar in several Rock Bands-Echoes, The Lancers, and Autumn. His final 30 years, in addition to his regular job at HQ Ft. Monroe, the most exciting and rewarding experience was becoming the contract sound engineer for Busch Gardens Concert Series ('77-'92), working with famous entertainment acts on weekends. With that same excitement and passion for excellence, he rounded out his career as the civil service supervisor for the Audio-Visual Branch at HQ Ft Monroe.
Thanks to the VA and Sentara CarePlex Hospital staffs, who provided compassion and excellent care, and all who have provided support and prayers during these difficult months.
Family visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at West Hampton Baptist Church, Aberdeen Rd., Hampton, with burial at Hampton Veteran's Memorial Gardens, Butler Farm Road, Hampton.
Favorite charities are Boy Scouts of America, Disabled American Veterans, and American Cancer Society. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Midkiff
Andrew Heil
November 3, 2009
Sandra and Jared, I'm sorry I couldn't be in town. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, I will be missing Wendell.
Mary Watkins-Ridley
October 30, 2009
Sandra, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning! God will get you thru this time.
The Woods Family
October 28, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 28, 2009
Sandra and Jared,
Jared, I think I met your father and didn't know it... one of my wife's co-workers attends West Hampton Baptist, and we visited a number of times. I believe your father greeted me one day after church. He was very kind.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time.
Chris W.
Larry & Debbie Vanderhoff
October 27, 2009
Sandra - Deb and I were really shocked to hear of Wendell's passing. We still remember the last time we saw him when he came to KS on business. Also remember all the good times we had working with the Scout Troop in Hampton. He was a real asset and I am gald we got to spend th etime together that we did. I cherish his friendship over the years and looked forward to seein gyou guys when ever we came to Hampton.
We will keep Wendell in our prayers.
Paul & Laurie Kotakis
October 27, 2009
Dear Sandra and Jared: Our deepest sympathies on your loss. Wendell was a fine gentleman who will be deeply missed. Those of us who knew him will always remember his many acts of kindness. We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Paulette Pickering
October 27, 2009
Sandra and Jared, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. I have worked with Wendell since 1986 here at Ft Monroe. It has been an experience I will never forget. His strong beliefs and desire to do things the right way helped me out on several occasions. He was a good man and I consider it an honor to have known him and worked with him. God Bless you and your family and may Wendell find eternal peace in the arms of Our Lord.
Trista Attoh
October 27, 2009
Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
October 27, 2009
Dear Sandra and Family,
We are so sad to hear about Wendell's passing and send our love and condolences during this difficult time.
With love,
Steve and Page Love Smith
John & Becky Hepner
October 27, 2009
Sandra and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this time of grief. Please rest assured knowing that Wendell is without pain and suffering and is with our Dear LORD in heaven. May GOD Bless you all.
Jim & Cindy Chaffin
October 26, 2009
Hi Sandra and Jared. I was blessed to meet Wendell and you both through scouting. It was obvious from the first time I met Wendell that he was dedicated to improving the lives of others. That dedication shown through by the countless hours he devoted to the young men of Troop 915. Wendell was in his element when we took the scouts camping, never complaining about the cold or rain but eager to teach the scouts leadership and honor. I am proud to have had the opportunity to call Wendell a friend. Our Lord gives us all a mission in this world, Wendell fulfilled his. Cindy and I enjoyed very much being a part of your family and will cherish the moments we had with Wendell.
God Bless you both.
Will Moffett
October 26, 2009
I once read an inscription that read as follows:"There are those who are alive that have never lived and there are those who are dead that will live forever." Great deeds inspire the living. We at Fort Monroe will always remember Wendell for his great deeds. He will forever be remembered as a great warrior and a great American. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family.
October 26, 2009
Sandra, Jared and family - I was so sorry to hear that Wendell had passed. My thought and prayers are with you.
Love,
Carol Hetler
Karen Strode
October 26, 2009
I knew Wendall from working at Fort Monroe and thought so very highly of him. Please except my sincere sympathy for the loss of a great man.
John Lowe
October 26, 2009
Sandra,
Our most heart felt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Wendell will be sadly missed by his friends at Hampton Cup Regatta. Wendell always had a smile on his face, even when things weren't going so well at the boat races. He was a true professional in every way.
The Hampton Cup Regatta Family
October 26, 2009
Peg and I had the pleasure of knowing Wendell through Scouting. His dedication to helping our youth grow into the leaders of tomorrow will be greatly missed. May God keep you in his loving arms during your time of grief.
Dennis Camp
Jeanette Coffman
October 26, 2009
Wendall's smile and flair will be missed by all at Fort Monroe. He was a true professional in every endevor. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Dennis Hermann
October 26, 2009
I'll remember Wendell as a natural leader who was quick to stand up to protect the rights of people in need. He took his job as Union President (sometimes a thankless job) seriously and performed it well. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.
October 26, 2009
Sandra - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean Saunders Belvin - Hayes, Va
Joyce Schuh
October 26, 2009
Sandra & Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of Wendell. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Adrian & Sallie Brandt
October 26, 2009
Sandra,
Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Adrian & Sallie
Ross Kearney
October 26, 2009
Wendell was an active member of the City of Hampton who in every task went far beyond to serve the citizens (youth) and community he dearly loved.
As former chairman of the Hampton Cup Regatta, Wendell and his staff at Monroe helped move the Regatta to a higher level and a world class event.
I will miss his wisdom - from a wonderful American!
My love to Sanra and the entire family.
Ross
Ross Kearney
Hampton Councilmember
Steve Vick
October 26, 2009
I will always remember Wendell's infectious enthusiasm for life. He was the real thing: a patriot, family man, a true professional, a great friend, bluntly honest and a rare breed of man not easily found thesedays. He and Sandra were always especially proud of their son Jared. Wendell lived a full and complete life in front of everybody he met. It was a great privilege to be considered his friend. God bless you Sandra, Jared and family.
Frances M. Doyle
October 25, 2009
Wendell and I worked on many projects together when we both worked at Ft. Monroe, and we served together on community groups. Now his physical trials are over, but he'll be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are for Wendell, Sandra, and all the family.
Robbin Miller
October 25, 2009
Wendell was so great with the boys when they crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts almost 4 years ago. His Love of scouting was so great that it spread to everyone in our group. He will be missed by us and our Troop will never forget him
Tim O'Brien
October 25, 2009
I have so many fond memories of the past; I especially enjoyed following your bands from place to place, hanging out in your garage listening to the practice sessions, our cookouts, crab feast, oyster roast, water skiing, camping trips and the vacations in Nags Head are all wonderful times I often relive in my mind. Our younger years together, with Wendell, Dickie, Ronnie, Gerald, Earl and myself, were especially fun times, we could laugh at each other untill tears ran down our faces. I can still hear Wendell's contagious laugh and it puts a smile on my face. Wendell was a person who everyone enjoyed being around, he was always kind and considerate; I never saw him get mad or loose his temper. Wendell will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Flora Randall
October 25, 2009
Sandra, Jared, Sonia and Family, my deepest Condolences on the loss of Wendell; but be blessed in knowing that he dwells in his heavenly father's home now. Wendell was a genuine kind, honest and Christian man. I met him thru the Northampton Civic League where he was serving as vice-president. You never needed to look back at records, you just asked Wendell. We will miss him, but his memories will stay on with all of us. God bless you in this hour.
-Flo
Rinda Keck
October 25, 2009
My heart is with you at this time of your loss.
Rinda Keck
Stephen Belvin
October 25, 2009
I was deeply sadend to hear of the loos of one of the great men in the leadereship and development of many young men including my son. His presance will be missed in many ways. Steve Belvin: Former 915 member.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Rick & Laverne Helmstutler
October 25, 2009
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Wendell was one of the finest and most respected men we've ever known. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Janie Imgrund
October 25, 2009
Sandra, Jared and family - We are so sorry for the loss of Wendell. He fought such a couragious battle and I know you will miss him greatly. Please cherish all the good times, laughs, and private moments only a family has of their loved one. We hold you in our thoughts and praryers. The Imgrunds - Janie, Tom, Ashley and Jeff
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