April 17, 2015

Chico Enterprise
June 21, 1943
“Some Gave All”
Death Takes Honor Student
Naval Trainee Washington Simeon Randle, 17, native of Chico and son of Mrs. Fred Chivington of Lone Pine Avenue, died at 1:30 p.m. yesterday at the post hospital at Chico Army Air Field. Young Randle, a seaman second class in the service since April 3, 1943, returned on leave shortly before he was scheduled to receive his Chico High School diploma, became ill and was taken to the hospital about two weeks ago suffering from an affliction of the inner ear. Post hospital officials disclosed today his death was caused by a cerebellar abscess. Major A Blumstein, neuro-specialist from Mather Field flew up Saturday evening in an attempt to save the youth’s life. For several hours prior to his death he was given oxygen. Young Randle was an honor student throughout his four years at high school and graduated in mid term. He was born November 13, 1925, and received his education in Chico. He had trained at Farragut, Idaho, Naval Training Base. Survivors are his mother and step-father, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Chivington of Chico, a half brother, Richard Abbott; a half-sister, Mrs. Luella Davis: and two nephews, Richard and Timothy Abbott, all of Vallejo. Services are pending at Black and Johnson Funeral Home.

Chico Enterprise
June 23, 1943
Military Rites Held For Simeon Randle, Sailor
Scores of friends and relatives attended the last rites conducted at the Black and Johnson Funeral Home this morning at 10:30 o’clock for Simeon W. Randle, of the U. S. Navy, who died at the base hospital at Chico Army Flying Field last Sunday. Beautiful floral offerings banking the casket and chapel were tributes of respect for the young sailor who was so popular in local schools and with all of his associates. Rev. Henry Searle of the Christian church and Chaplain H. McKain of the army school post officiated at the services and Sergeant Roy E. Garden sang “Sometime We’ll Understand.” And accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Lillian Cook. Entombment followed at the Chico Memorial mausoleum with full military honors. Casket escorts were: Sgt. Hoyt T. Fleming, Sgt. Robert M. Martin, Cpls. Hugh P. Andrews, Arthur Schultz and Antony Vascasseno. Pvt. Clifford Spenct, Seaman 2nd Class Arthur F. Gakle and escorts of honor.

Stu’s Notes:
All of my many stories of those that died in the service of their, Our Country, are sad but this above story is especially sad to me. I felt sad when I first read it. It was given to me by Joan Lee Van Campen, years ago, who lost her brother to Vietnam in 1965, Thomas Van Campen. I put this story aside at the time I didn’t feel like doing it. Recently I came upon it again, so above it is. I will be sad when Lynn types it and I proof read it, then she corrects what I find, my poor grammar and lack of commas, etc. If all goes right with our old computer, she sends it to our Editor Steve Shoonover and now you are reading it! I know it will bring a tear to your eye. I beg of you, if you know anyone in Chico let them know of this long forgotten story of Young Washington Simeon Randle, a Hero at 17, he didn’t have to join the Navy and there was a good chance he caught his ear infection at the training camp. I’m sure he read the Chico Enterprise one of two Chico papers at the time the other being the Chico Record, and read the stories of so many young men who died in the war, many from Chico. He could have gone to Chico State and been probably at his young age exempt from the War, but no he chose to go and fight for his Country and he would have but for the illness that took his life. He must Not Be Forgotten. Chico, help us put his name in Stone for all to see. It is on a plaque at Chico High School, as long ago I went there and saw it.

This last week I had the honor and thrill to talk to two Heroes of Oroville, California and America. Missourian, Ken King and Mark Thurman an Oroville High Graduate. Ken, a WWII Hero and Mark, a Hero of the war in Afghanistan. I know they might not be happy with my use of the Hero word so don’t tell them I used it. More on these two men soon.

Wine Tasting Come support the Veterans Memorial Park with Grape Friends Table Mountain Golf Course Present another “Hand in Hand” Enjoy 10 great Red & White Wine varieties, Gourmet Cheese Samples from our Deli Dept., Wine Raffle Prizes, MEGA raffle tickets also available for S.F. Giants Getaway. Cost: $10 per Person for 6 tickets good for 2oz. Sample per ticket, Friday April 17th 5-9pm, Table Mountain Golf Club, 2700 Oro Dam Blvd. Contact Mike at Grocery outlet for more Info 534-3940.