Chaplain's Corner
Dear Fellow Members 44th Engineer Battalion Association;
Summer News Message 2026
Greetings!
Hopefully this message finds you all in the best of health doing these summer days. We are in the beginning of summer and the sun is hot and the bugs are biting. The weather here in Virginia is hot one day and the next day it’s raining. Hope everyone has taken care of themselves.
The sun shines bright, the skies are blue; each moment feels so fresh, so new. A gentle breeze through trees does play, Bringing joy to every day. Laughter echoes, fields in bloom, Chasing away the smallest gloom. Summer days, a gift so sweet, A precious time that can't be beat.
Mary Mapes Dodge's "Song of Summer" reminds us of the beauty and abundance all around us. It shows how everything in nature, from the treetops to the ground, reflects God's blessings. The poem encourages us to work with purpose and joy, knowing that effort leads to thriving. As summer comes, it fills the world with hope, harmony, and a sense of renewal. (Summer Days; Poet: Catherine Pulsifer)
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool..” Isa. 1:18.
Psalm 32:4
“For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah”
Sincerely
Bishop. Dr. Johnny L. Hicks
Chaplain
44th Engineer Battalion Association
Obituaries
David Norman Clasby
Surrounded by the love and support of his family during his final days, David Norman Clasby passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, faith, country, and community. He was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara Ann (Mollick) Clasby with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Dave was born on June 18, 1933, to Lillie May (Pero) and George William Clasby, Sr. After joining the U.S. Army in 1953, he was deployed to Korea. Following his deployment, he was assigned to the 8th Engineer Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was there, in 1955, at a church dance in nearby Washington, D.C., that he met the love of his life, Barbara.
A year later, Dave and Barbara were married and began their life together with an adventurous drive across the country to California. They settled in the Los Angeles area, where Dave completed his engineering studies at UCLA and began his career at Bendix as an electrical engineer. After 14 years in California, Dave accepted a position with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, where he enjoyed a successful career until retirement. As their family grew, Dave and Barb rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on their children, then grandchildren at sporting events and other activities. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling together and creating lasting memories with their grandchildren. They especially treasured visits with family in Massachusetts; Kennebunkport, Maine; and California.
Always proud of his military service, Dave remained committed to supporting fellow veterans throughout his retirement. He dedicated countless hours volunteering for the USO and enjoyed reconnecting with the men of the 44th Engineer Battalion, where he served as secretary and treasurer of their veterans' organization. Dave was fortunate enough to take part in the Greater St Louis Honor Flight, where he and many other veterans were flown to Washington DC and honored for their service. He was escorted by his son to participate this meaningful experience.
As Barbara's health declined, Dave became a devoted and compassionate caregiver, caring for her with the same love and commitment that defined their marriage. Our family is forever grateful to their son Dave and, especially, his wife Meg, whose loving care and support sustained Barbara for many years and later provided comfort and companionship to Dave during his final years.
Dave is survived by his children, Laura; Dave (Meg); and Carol (Mark); his grandchildren, Jack and Matthew Clasby; Cady (Dan), DJ (Grace), Tyler, Cory (Lisa), and Connor Clasby; Amanda, Max, and Lindy Ebling; his great-grandson, Teddy; his great-step-granddaughter, Chloe; and his siblings, Frank (Rita) Clasby, Helen Romano, Eugene Clasby, and Kenneth Clasby. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara, sisters Louise Clasby and Elizabeth Shea, brother Geoge Clasby Jr (JoAnn), sister-in-law Nancy (Gene) and brother-in-law Pat Romano (Helen).
Dave thoroughly enjoyed his past three years living at Garden Villa North, where he formed many meaningful friendships with fellow residents and staff. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the staff for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they showed not only to Dave, but to all who call it home.
Korean War Veteran, 44th EBC - C co, 1950-1951
Robert E. Anderson
Robert Eugene Anderson Sr. passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 94. He was a resident of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Vayden Anderson; mother, Bertha Anderson; brothers, Elbert Anderson, Thomas Anderson; sisters, Dora Pendleton, Ruth Taylor, Ann Elmore, Betty Hutchins, Juanita Anderson and his wife Rena Anderson who passed soon after Robert.
He is survived by daughter, Theresa Paris (Roger); son, Robert Eugene Anderson (Sherry); sisters, Dora Pendleton, Ruth Taylor, Ann Elmore, Betty Hutchins, Juanita Anderson; brothers, Elbert (Guy) Anderson, Thomas Anderson; grandchildren, Tina Murray (Kallenberg), Chris Murray, John Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Ashley Anderson; extended family, Ronnie Mitchell and Peggy (Mitchell) Atchison.
Robert E. Anderson (Gene) as everyone called him was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Born one of seven children to Vayden and Bertha Anderson. He attended Tuscaloosa High School then joined the US Army during the Korean Conflict where he was captured and became a pow but later escaped. He finished his service and returned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he met Rena McClelland and married and became father to Theresa Anderson (Paris) and Robert Eugene Anderson (Bobby) and Papa to Tina Murray (Kallenberg), Chris Murray, John Anderson, Jennifer Anderson and Ashley Anderson. Also, great grandchildren Hudson Kallenberg, Vivien Kallenberg, Kylie Flowers, Hailee Anderson, Jaxon Anderson, Ari McCoy, Josette and Bella Moreho. He was a faithful servant to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And served proudly as deacon to his church Little Sandy Baptist Church for 64 years. He was a true patriot to his country which he loved. And loved his family dearly.
Andrew Griffin 44th Engineers Co A
CW3 (Ret) Andrew Griffin, Jr., 74, of Waynesville, MO, a retired United States Army Chief Warrant Officer, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, in his home.
Mr. Griffin is survived by his wife: AeKyong Griffin of the home; four children: Angela Griffin of Alexander, AR, Amy Griffin of Little Rock, AR, Jerome Griffin of Little Rock, AR and James Griffin of Waynesville, MO; nine grandchildren: Deante Gaskins, Jaylon Mosby, Jasmin Mosby, Jordan Griffin, Kyra Griffin, Myles Khabeer, Omarion Talbert, Amia Griffin, and Alyza Griffin; four great grandchildren: Gianna Mosby, Kai Washington, Aaliyah Mosby and Kiyomi Washington; six siblings: Hazel Walker of Little Rock, AR, Elizabeth Smith-McKinney (Tyree) of Little Rock, AR, Beverly Wade (Guy) of Little Rock, AR, Dwayne Griffin (Tracina) of Kansas City, MO, Darren Griffin of Bryant, AR, and Carlton White (Dinora) of Lawrenceville, GA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
SGM (Ret) James Franklin Wewer
James Franklin Wewer, the son of Joseph Herman Wewer and Mildred Catherine (Bonderheide) Wewer, was born on June 9, 1938, in Barling, Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Subiaco, Arkansas, and graduated with the Class of 1957 from Paris High School in Paris, Arkansas.
Just three months after completing high school, James joined the United States Army. He served faithfully for 29 years, reaching the rank of Sergeant Major. Throughout his distinguished career, James fought in two wars and received numerous awards and commendations, including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star and 1 Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal-with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal-9th Award, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-3d Level, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-6th Award, and Sharpshooter Qualification Badge-M16.
In 1966, James met Hye Cha Kim, who would become the love of his life. They were married on November 12, 1969, in Seoul, Korea, and together they welcomed their son, Jimmy.
James was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood multiple times: first in 1967, then in 1968, 1971, 1978, and 1983. After purchasing their home during his last assignment, he and his family decided to settle in the Waynesville area.
After retiring from the Army, James worked at Sellers-Sexton dealership, driving cars for several years. He enjoyed spending his free time trout fishing with military friends and other companions. James was deeply involved in his community, holding membership in several organizations. He was a 33-degree Scottish Rite Mason, belonged to Plato Masonic Lodge #469, and participated in the Joplin Valley of Scottish Rites. Additionally, he was a member of the Disabled American Veterans lodge and the Francis J. Lynch VFW Post #3168.
James Franklin Wewer passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla, Missouri. He was 87 years old.
James is survived by his wife, Hye Cha Wewer, and his son, Jimmy Wewer of San Antonio, Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister.
Although James is no longer with us, his dedication to family and country will forever remain in our hearts.