THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 27, 1995 TAG: 9507270338
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: KNOXVILLE, TENN. LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
David H. Straight, 77, passed away at 8 p.m. July 18, 1995, at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville, with his family at his side.
David Straight was born on Jan. 17, 1918, in International Falls, Minn. He was the son of Ben Haskell and Maude Bigelow Straight and resided in Big Falls during his formative years. After departing the area, he embarked on a career in the United States Navy. He was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, serving principally in the Pacific Theater.
Among his many assignments, he was especially proud of his time on the USS Chevalier (DD-451), which was lost in combat, and the USS Clarke (DD-361). He was a well-liked and respected shipmate and was very active in sustaining the memory of these two ships and shipmates, including those lost in battle, through his involvement in their respective associations.
After World War II, he continued his distinguished career in the United States Navy, which culminated in his attaining the rank of Master Chief, and subsequently being nominated for Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
After retiring from the service, he resided in Norfolk, Va., with his wife, Jacqueline, and his daughter, Linda. He then embarked on a second career as a marine equipment consultant, thereby affording him the opportunity to continue work with and be of service to the U.S. Navy. This also gave him the opportunity to concentrate on some of his other hobbies, which included reading, writing and traveling. He also wrote a book about a fictional ship and crew in World War II, drawing from his experiences.
A true gentleman in the finest sense of the word, he was a good conversationalist, who was well-read and world-traveled. He enjoyed people and was well-respected and liked by everyone with whom he came in contact and thus touched many lives.
After the passing of his wife Jacqueline, in 1980, he spent a great deal of time with his daughter, son-in-law, and his grandchildren, traveling extensively with them and eventually moving to Knoxville and taking up residence in West Knoxville. He had a very special relationship with them and will be truly missed, but his memory will live on through them and the lives of his grandchildren and their children.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Straight Stuvek; son in-law, Fred Stuvek Jr.; and his two grandchildren, Arik David and Trey.
David H. Straight will be placed beside his wife, Jacqueline, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, in Norfolk, Va. A memorial service will be held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Friday, July 28, at 4 p.m. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the David H. Straight Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Education and Research Endowment Fund, care of the University of Tennessee Medical Center, 600 Henley St., Suite 60, Knoxville, Tenn. 37902.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB