VIDAS, Capt. Charles Michael: Died 1983

VIDAS, CANADAY, GROARK

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 11/18/2021 at 07:14:32

**Handwritten: V.B. Register 2 June 1983

LAST RITES . . .

Capt. Charles M. Vidas

Memorial services for Capt. Charles M. Vidas, USAF were held on Saturday, May 28, 1983 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville, Iowa. Capt. Vilas, a native of Centerville, was killed in an aircraft accident over the North Sea off the coast of Germany on April 26, 1983. Capt. Vilas was the pilot in command of an F111 aircraft from RAF Lakenheath, UK and was conducting a normal training mission at the time of the mishap. High winds and sea turbulence prevented recovery of any wreckage.

Capt. Vilas was a member of the last graduating class from Parsons College and was the only AFROTC member to receive a commission from Parsons. He was a command pilot with ten years of military flying experience and had served in Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nebraska, California, Texas and with the Iowa Air National Guard before assignment in March 1982 to England.

Capt. Vidas is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Canaday, Birmingham, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vidas, Jr., formerly of Centerville and one son, Timothy age 3 1/2. Mrs. Vidas is expecting their second child later this summer. He is also survived by two brothers, one sister, and both grandmothers.
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**Handwritten: 7 July '83 VB Register

Captain Charles M. Vidas

Graveside services for Capt. Charles Michael Vidas, USAF, were held Thursday, June 30 in Maple Hill Cemetery with the Rev. David Kennedy officiating.

Vidas was killed April 26 in an aircraft accident over the North Sea off the coast of Germany. An F111F jet fighter pilot, he was a member of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at RAF, Lakenheath, England.

The accident also claimed the life of Lt. Stephen Groark, Melrose, Mass., weapons system officer. The bodies of both men were recovered and returned to the U.S. Arrangements for Capt. Vidas were in charge of Burch Funeral Home in Birmingham.

A resident of Centerville, Vidas was a member of the Air Force ROTC unit at Parsons College and a member of the college's final graduating class in 1973.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Canaday of Birmingham; a son, Timothy; his parents, Charles and Theresa of Centerville, and a brother, Tim Vidas.

(Note: Both of above are transcribed as published.)

Source: "Scrapbook 1981 - 1985", Pg. 150,
Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Van Buren Co., IA