Vinton Claude Vint

VINT, VINTON CLAUDE March 31, 1917 to Sept. 8, 2004 Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather "Vinnie", as he was known by some of his closest friends, was extremely busy throughout his life. In addition to being a devoted family man, he served his country proudly and never stopped working. Born in the small Kansas town of Glen Elder, one of seven children, Vinnie spent his younger years helping on the farm. After the depression, upon finishing high school, he enlisted in the Navy in 1936. Vinton married Louise Marian Ogden on May 25, 1941 and had four sons: Vinton C. Vint II, M.D., Thomas Vint, Jerry Vint, and Capt. Robert Vint, USN (Ret.). He spent four years in the Pacific during WWII, and in 1943, Vinton was appointed Warrant Officer and commissioned Ensign in 1944. He commanded Landing Ship Tanks (LST's) 133, 896, 997, and 1097 during and after World War II. He also served on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War, and on four destroyers. His final tour was as the Commanding Officer of USS BLUE (DD 744), and he retired from the Navy in 1962 after 26 years. Vinnie started his college degree while in the Navy, but it wasn't until after his retirement that he received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and later his Masters in Education from SDSU. It was a special honor that both he and his eldest son shared in receiving their bachelor's degrees, and four years later, their secondary degrees at the same time. He taught high school math for 12 years at Abraham Lincoln and Patrick Henry High Schools before attempting to retire again. However, for Vinton, working was something he loved to do and he worked part time at H&R Block and later the Internal Revenue Service. Besides teaching high school math, he spent 15 years tutoring students at his home. He was also a volunteer for many years at Alvarado Hospital assisting the "older" terminally ill patients, and at Grossmont Hospital's Cancer Treatment Center. When he wasn't teaching, tutoring, volunteering and visiting the family, he spent time playing golf. Nothing gave him more enjoyment then playing golf with his sons. He taught them to play golf so that he would always have a foursome, and his favorite course was Admiral Baker where he was a member of the Men's Club for 46 continuous years. He also marshaled at the San Diego Open Golf Tournament for 43 continuous years. His sons will carry special memories of their last round of golf together, which happened to be on their dad's 87th birthday just six months ago. Vinnie and Louise publicly celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries with family and friends. A private celebration was held with family on their 63rd anniversary. Vinton is survived by his wife, Louise, his four sons, two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two younger sisters: Emily Gale and Beth Feerer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Memorial service will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on September 28, 2004, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 4015 Wilson Blvd., 10th Flr, Arlington, VA 22203. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com