Science
Russell Milligan, 56
Died February 10, 2021.
Center Grove High School, Greenwood, IN
Chemistry, Softball
Russell H. Milligan, age 56, of Greenwood, IN, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Community South Hospital in Indianapolis.
Russ was born in Escanaba, MI to James and Margaret Milligan. He was a 1982 graduate of Concord High School in Goshen, IN and a 1986 graduate of Wabash College where he earned a degree in Biology. Russ started his teaching and coaching career in Frankfort, IN. He then left Frankfort in 1990 to become a chemistry teacher and assistant football coach at Center Grove High School. Russ has taught Chemistry at Center Grove High School for 31 years and has been the Varsity Girls Softball coach for 27 years. He will forever be remembered for his blunt honesty, his love of teaching and love of high school athletics. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and many students. To honor his memory, please always remember, “Life is pretty simple.”
Survivors include his wife Alisha M. (Lemons) Milligan; parents, James and Margaret Milligan of Chesnee, SC; sons, Jacob Russell Milligan of Lander, WY and Alex Milligan of Indianapolis; brothers, James Milligan (Katrina) of Sevierville, TN and Scott Milligan (Michelle) of Belfast, ME; and many beloved friends and students.
Due to the pandemic, the family will have a private family gathering on Saturday, February 13 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel. A celebration of life will be held later this spring to commemorate Russ’ life and celebrate his love of Center Grove Trojan Softball.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The United States National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/donate.htm
Jeffrey Kaplan, 61
Died January 29, 2021.
Bishop Brady High School, Concord, NH
Mathematics, Science, Lacrosse Coach
The Bishop Brady High School community in Concord is mourning the loss of one of their own. Jeff Kaplan was a beloved teacher and coach at the school.
Kaplan died over the weekend due to complications from COVID-19, he was 61, but his legacy lives on far beyond the halls of Bishop Brady.
A native New Yorker, it was a job at Plymouth State University that brought Kaplan to New Hampshire. There, he coached offensive and defensive line, which started a decades-long coaching and teaching career in the Granite State.
“it would make me incredibly proud to see my dad on the sideline,” Kaplan’s son Matt Kaplan said.
Matt Kaplan is one of Jeff’s eight children. He said he and his siblings did not mind sharing their father with the hundreds of students he coached over the years.
“I know how great of a parent Jeff Kaplan was, and for other kids to experience not only his knowledge but again, sort of his lessons and his ideologies behind how to do things,” Matt Kaplan said. “It makes you proud as a son.”
Kaplan coached for several schools including Bishop Brady, John Stark, Pembroke Academy and Franklin High School where he started the school’s wrestling program.
“I always admired having him on the side with me when we coached wrestling together,” Former colleague Cam Sinclair said. “Because my voice, when I yelled to get my wrestler’s attention, my voice would get high and squeaky, but Jeff had this huge booming voice. So, I would yell something, and he would repeat it, so they could hear it. So, we worked well together.”
A big guy, with a big voice, but also a big heart. Someone who understood his students and knew how to lead.
“He was this kind of guy that made the kids feel good about themselves,” Former colleague Craig Kozens said. “He was demanding and knowledgeable. Just a great-hearted guy.”
Joe Diaz Jr., 52
Died December 30, 2020.
Edwin M. Wells Middle School, Houston, TX
Science
Joe Diaz Jr., age 52 of Spring, TX. Entered into eternal rest on December 30, 2020. Joe was born on December 1, 1968 to Joe and Guadalupe Diaz Sr. in San Antonio, TX.
Joe is preceded in death by his mother Guadalupe Diaz and brother Robert Valencia.
He is survived by Wife Gabriela Morales; Father Joe Diaz Sr.,Sister Sylvia Gutierrez (Robert), Sister Debbie Ramirez (Alfonso), Brother Albert Diaz (Joanne) and Brother Ruben Diaz (Erika). Including uncles, aunts and several nieces and nephews. Also includes step-children Angelica, Alicia, Alfredo Escalona and Step-grandchildren Mario Noriega and Zavian Escalona.
Joe graduated from Austin High School and was an Alumni from The University of Houston. After Twenty years in the Finance Industry he decided to become a teacher. He taught 7th Grade Science at Wells Middle School for Spring ISD. He enjoyed working with students on science projects.
He enjoyed taking “Adventure” walks with Gaby and step-grandson Mario. He looked forward to family gatherings from poker nights to birthday cakes and Sundays at the Catholic Charismatic Center with family.
Joe was a good listener to all, telling him our many stories. He also, made us laugh with his sense of humor, smile and his big heart. We will truly miss Joe.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Felix H. Morales Funeral Home, Houston, Texas.
A Rosary will be held Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at Felix H. Morales Funeral Home, Houston Texas.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021, 10:00 am at The Catholic Charismatic Center, 1949 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77023.
Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
For the safety of all guests, gatherings at our facility will be limited to 60 family members and guests. Individuals at increased risk, sick or not feeling well should not attend the service. Please visit https://www.moralesfuneralhome.com/covid-19-updates/ of COVID-19 updates and regulations.
All services are under the care of Morales Funeral Home. For any questions or concerns regarding the services for Joe Diaz, please contact Morales Funeral Home at (713) 223-1167
Cathy Falkner, 47
Died January 7, 2021.
Ellison High School, Killeen, TX
Science
A Killeen Independent School District high school teacher has died from complications with the coronavirus, officials said Friday.
Cathy Falkner, 47, a science teacher at Ellison High School, died Thursday night, Killeen ISD officials said.
David Dominguez, the principal of Ellison, released a statement Friday to parents and students.
“We are heartbroken this morning to hear that Ms. Falkner has passed away as a result of complications from COVID-19,” Dominguez said.
He added that a long term substitute has been scheduled to teach Falkner’s classes.
Falkner was last on campus Nov. 20, before the Thanksgiving break and was hospitalized for COVID-19 in December, according to the district.
“The students and staff of Ellison High school will remember the positive impact she made on their lives during the three years she was on campus. Despite the illness, Ms. Falkner’s main concern was for her students and their continued success in her class. Her dedication educating students will be greatly missed,” according to a statement from KISD. “We offer our condolences and prayers to her family during this difficult time. Support services have been made available for grieving students and staff.”
Rick Beaule, the president of the Killeen Educators Association, issued a statement in response to the news on the KEA Facebook page.
“There have been those who question why we continue to advocate for the safety of educators in Killeen ISD when it seems like there is no hope,” the statement said. “Though not a member, Killeen Educators Association mourns the passing of an Ellison High School teacher from COVID-19. May the light they shined on their students continue to light our paths as we remember their legacy.”
There have been 1,056 positive cases of the coronavirus among both students and staff within the Killeen Independent School District since March as of Friday.
At the elementary level, 201 students and 291 staff have tested positive. At KISD middle schools, 108 students and 101 staff have tested positive, and 162 students and 113 staff have tested positive at high schools, according to the district’s COVID-19 dashboard, https://www.killeenisd.org/dashboard. A total of 80 staff members have tested positive at KISD’s non-campus buildings.
Simone Parker, 46
Died January 2, 2021.
Trigg County High School, Cadiz, KY
Chemistry, Physics
Simone Elizabeth Parker, age 46, of Cadiz, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz, where the family will receive friends after 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Funeral services will be at Goodwin Funeral Home at noon, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. Burial will follow in Trigg Memory Acres in Cadiz.
Born March 28, 1974, in Hopkinsville, she was the daughter of the late Harry Lee Whipple and Elizabeth Ann Rohrer Whipple. She was a 1992 graduate of Trigg County High School and a graduate of Murray State University, where she earned her B.S. in Chemistry and later attained her M.S. in Environmental Education. She worked briefly as a chemist at LWD in Calvert City before answering her true calling and beginning her teaching career at Trigg County High School in 2000. A respected teacher and colleague, she served as president of the Trigg County Education Association and was a member of KEA, as well as NEA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Joseph Whipple, II; father-in-law, Charles Parker; and brother-in-law, Bryan Snowden.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 24 years, William Parker of Cadiz; sisters, Candice Anne Whipple of Cadiz, and Jennifer Lee Snowden of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; adopted brother, Jonathan Pepper of Cadiz; mother-in-law, Louise Parker of Lamasco; brother-in-law, Brian Parker of Cadiz; and uncle, Jack Whipple of Clarksville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cadiz Rotary Club, In Memory of Simone Parker, P.O. Box 713, Cadiz, KY 42211.
Jeff Larson, 60
Died December 25, 2020.
Milton High School, Milton, FL
Science, Football Coach
Jeff Larson, a longtime Milton High School science teacher and football coach, passed away on Christmas Day due to COVID-19.
Larson was 60 years old and had been a teacher at Milton High for the past 25 years.
Santa Rosa County School District Superintendent Karen Barber confirmed Larson’s death to the News Journal, saying the school and entire Milton community had lost an incredible teacher and man and that he would be missed by his students and fellow faculty members.
“Jeff had been sick, he had not been in school for the previous two weeks (before Christmas break),” Barber said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “He had been in the hospital for several weeks receiving treatment for COVID before he passed away. It had been a long, very, very difficult treatment, they were trying to save his life.”
Larson’s wife teaches at Rhodes Elementary School and their daughter teaches at Pace High School, Barber said.
In a public Facebook post, former Milton Mayor Wesley Meiss honored his late coach and mentor, saying Larson was a “Christian (who) set an example for my own walk with Christ.”
“He was more than a coach; he was a mentor who helped set the stage for my adult life,” Meiss wrote. “Many have wondered just how he took a group of average/undersized offensive linemen and delivered them to the doorstep of a Florida State Championship? Answer: ‘Technique.’ … His technique turned young boys into the men we are today.”
Larson’s death is the latest in a string of COVID-19 deaths to rock the Milton High community.
The school’s longtime track and field coach Joe Austin died in July after battling the disease for many weeks, leaving behind his wife and young son. The school’s assistant principal, Benjie West, also lost his 80-year-old father to COVID on Christmas day. The elder Benjamin Howard West was laid to rest on Tuesday.
“We’ve had so many loved ones pass away, we’ve had mothers and fathers, spouses,” Barber said. “It’s just one of the worst things I’ve had to deal with as superintendent. We have monthly meetings with our senior staff, principals and vice principals, and this month I made us meet virtually, because having 70 people in a room right now maybe isn’t the best for mitigating the spread of the virus.”
Barber has consistently stood by her decision to keep Santa Rosa County schools open despite the rising COVID cases, saying health department inspectors have determined spread is not happening within the schools.
Barber said grief counselors will be available for students and faculty once school is back in session on Jan. 4.
John Krol, 40
Died December 20, 2020.
Swift Creek Middle School, Clayton, NC
Mathematics, Science, Football and Baseball Coach
A longtime Johnston County teacher and coach died Sunday from COVID-19 complications, say friends and colleagues now mourning his death.
John Krol, 40, taught seventh grade science at Swift Creek Middle School in Clayton. He died after experiencing a blood clot in his lung, principal Kerri Evans said in an email.
Lisa Krol told CBS17 her husband had a temperature and felt tired last week but continued to teach online.
“It’s his calling. Like teaching, coaching,” shr told the station. “He loved what he did and he loved his school and he loved his students.”
Krol’s death comes as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise across North Carolina and the country.
At Swift Creek, 11 students and four staff members are under active quarantines, according to the Johnston County Public Schools dashboard.
Johnston County’s schools had in-person classes until the beginning of December, but reverted to online learning at least until Jan. 15, after the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services determined the county had critical community spread based on its case rate, percentage of positive cases and the impact on hospitals.
“He (Krol) has been an integral part of who we are today because of his commitment and dedication to students through teaching, coaching and mentoring at Swift Creek and the greater community,” Evans said in a statement. “The passing of Mr. Krol is a loss for our Swift Creek Wolf PACK and he will be greatly missed by our staff, students, and community.”
Krol, a father to five children, began teaching at Clayton Middle School after he moved to Johnston County from Ohio in 2003. He taught at McGee’s Crossroads Middle School for many years before joining Swift Creek when it opened in 2017. He was its head coach for football and baseball.
“I’m talking to several of his colleagues and friends and we are still struggling with this,” Krol’s friend John Wood wrote in a text message.
John was one of the most positive, loving, compassionate people I’ve ever known, and he loved ALL of his students,” wrote Wood, who taught with Krol at McGee’s Crossroads. “This is just a horrible, senseless tragedy,”
FAMILY IN QUARANTINE
Lisa Krol had written in a Facebook post that the family was quarantining Dec. 19.
“We kind of thought everybody was probably OK from her being casual about the post,” said April Jones Lee, a friend and former coworker. But Krol began having trouble breathing, his health declined quickly and he died Sunday, Lee said.
Lee and Krol taught sixth- and seventh-grade geography and math at McGee’s Crossroads. Their children were friends, too.
“He was an encourager and concentrated on their (the students’) potential and not letting each other down and not letting them fail,” Lee said. “Whatever he did in the classroom was also reflected in his life and the kind of person he was.”
Lee said it is going to be very difficult for students and the community.
“You can’t lose a member of a school family, the community without acknowledging it and dealing with the emotions of the kids who are in his classes,” she said. “And I know Johnston County Public Schools will do a phenomenal job of having support in the building when kids come back. It’s going to be a hard day.”
Lee is also the president of the Johnston County Association of Educators. Krol’s death has been hard on teachers as well.
“We’re just incredibly sad, and at the same time, we’re incredibly angry,” because nobody mentions the adults in conversations about reopening schools, she said. “We have families with children and fathers and mothers.”
“I want us to be open. I just want us to be able to open safely. I don’t want to think that we can lose somebody else,” Lee said.
DECIDING WHETHER TO REOPEN SCHOOLS
Lee hopes the decision about whether or not to reopen Johnston County schools after Jan. 15 is based on data.
Johnston County has had more than 10,000 COVID-19 cases, according to the county’s website. There had been 97 deaths and 62 people currently hospitalized as of Monday. Roughly 1,500 children in the county have tested positive.
Tristen Alexander, 21, one of Kroll’s former seventh-graders, said he remembers Krol fondly as a coach.
Alexander played soccer and ran track at McGee’s Crossroads. He described Krol cheering the team on from the sidelines during matches.
“No matter what the score, he would say, ‘Just go out there, have the best time you can,’” Alexander said. “He is probably the best coach I’ve had.”
Alexander said Krol taught him lessons he will never forget. One day, the soccer players messed up some equipment in the gym. It was not immediately clear who did it. Instead of identifying a single person to punish, Krol taught the boys to be a team by making all of them do sprints as a punishment.
Amy Peterson, president of Swift Creek’s Parent Teacher Student Association, said Krol taught her son science in the seventh grade.
“I’m going to miss seeing him,” she said. “He was one of those funny (teachers), always keeping things entertained.”
Krol gave his students tough love, but always let them know he cared, Peterson said.
“My soon-to-be fifth-grader will be going there (Swift Creek),” she added. “I wish he could have been there.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover Krol’s funeral arrangements and future expenses for his family at tinyurl.com/yccunn2z.
Krol’s family has asked for cards or notes written to Krol’s children about how he has impacted people in the community, Evans wrote in an email to Swift Creek parents. Cards can be mailed to Swift Creek Middle School, 325 Norris Road, Clayton, NC 27520 (attention Krol Memorial) or dropped off after Jan. 4.
Richard Martin, 65
Died November 23, 2020.
Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School, Fayetteville, NC
Science
Richard “Rick” Alan Martin, 65, passed away Nov. 23, 2020 from COVID-19.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Marilyn Martin. He was happily married to his wife, Lynn Fann Martin.
Rick is the beloved father of Nate Martin and girlfriend (Sindy Ortega) of Davie, Fla. Admired stepfather of Gina (Eric) Tew of Dunn, Matt (Danielle) Sutton of Seattle; cherished Pops to Carson and Wesley Tew; dear brother of David (Sharon) of St. Clair Shores, Mich., Nancy (Joel) Grumm of Lake City, Mich., Peggy (Tom) Kmiec of Troy, Mich; loving uncle of Justin Martin, Lauren Grumm Bieszka, Philip Grumm, Adam Kmiec, and Kate Kmiec. He was much loved by his large extended family and many friends.
Rick was a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he studied Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. He graduated from South Lake High School in 1973.
For the last 15 years Rick worked at Cumberland County Schools — Luther “Nick” Jeralds Middle School. He cherished his years as a teacher, looking forward each year to setting up his classroom and meeting the new students. He often told stories of Mr. Bones, his classroom skeleton.
Rick was a wonderful, devoted husband. He enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time with his family, morning coffee on the deck, and watching his grandsons play baseball. He looked forward to visits from Nate, annual trips to Michigan, and retirement plans. He was planning to retire at the end of the 2020/2021 school year.
Kenneth Maddox, 69
Died November 21, 2020.
East Middle School, Great Falls, MT
Science / English Teacher and Coach
Kenneth “Ken” Maddox, 69, of Great Falls, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020, from a Pulmonary Embolism due to complications of Covid-19.
A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at O’Connor Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Manchester Cemetery.
Kenneth Wayne Maddox was born August 18, 1951, the fourth of five children to the late Robert L. and Mamie L. Maddox in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kenneth was affectionately known as “Kenny” or “Ken” by his family and friends.
Ken located to Great Falls in 1975, after graduating with his Bachelors. He then taught in the Great Falls Public School System for over forty years. Ken was a coach and mentor to all and was very giving of his time and had patience with everyone. He always put the needs of others before his own.
He was educated in the public school system and graduated from Robert A. Taft High School in Cincinnati. He attended Knoxville College, and in the fall of 1970, transferred to Montana State University. Ken majored in education and fulfilled his passion of working with children. Ken later achieved his Masters of Education online through MSU.
Ken and Billie met in 1986, at the good ole Gold Rush and on May 27, 1989, they made it official. They were together over 32 years. Although they never had children, he helped raise her children Lea and the late Scott Wetzel. They also raised a grandson, Jake Wetzel since he was the age of 7. Then along came the apple of his eye; KeAynnan “JoJo” Devereaux, who she referred to as “PaPa.”
He received many accomplishments, awards, and honors throughout his lifetime. Ken volunteered his time with various community organizations and programs. Ken was known all over the State of Montana and surrounding areas but made the Great Falls Community his home.
Ken leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Billie Jo Maddox; children, Lea Wetzel of Great Falls, Kennedy Anderson of North Dakota, Khalin (Anni), and baby girl, Anderson of Butte; siblings, Duffie L. (Marilyn) Maddox, Eddie L. Maddox, and Regina (John) Robinson all of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Gregory (JoAnn) Maddox of Covington, Kentucky; grandson, Jacob Wetzel of Missoula, Robert Wetzel of Helena, JoJo, and Lil Keith Devereaux of Great Falls; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Michael Wanner, 61
Died November 3, 2020.
Plant City High School, Plant City, FL
Science
Michael Dean Wanner, age 61, of Plant City, FL passed away on November 3, 2020.
He was the son of the late Leonard and Delores Caskey Wanner.
Survivors include wife, Ara Wanner, children, David (Heather) Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Alex Wanner, Evan Wanner, sister, Lori Donaldson Rotter, and niece Amanda Donaldson. Michael worked as a Science Teacher at Plant City High School; he also was a Scout Master for Troop 5. He enjoyed Reading, woodworking, leather crafts, and trivia.