Close-up portrait of an older African American man with gray hair and glasses, smiling softly.

In Memoriam

This In Memoriam page is dedicated to the enduring memory of those we have lost. With profound respect and deep gratitude, we honor their lives and the lasting marks they left on our hearts and our community. May their memory be a blessing.

In Loving Memory of ​​Gerald William Gordon  (Full Obituary Link)
September 25, 1937 – August 24, 2025
​Gerald William Gordon, a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cousin, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, in Dixon, California, at the age of 87, after a courageous battle with cancer.
​Born on the family farm in Beloit, Wisconsin, Gerald’s life was defined by his dedication to his country and his family. He proudly served 21 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant after two tours in Vietnam. For his combat service, he was awarded the Bronze Star medal. Following his distinguished career, he dedicated another 19 years to the Tosco Oil Refinery in Martinez, California. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a strong supporter of the Veterans Affairs (VA), and a proud member of the Tuskegee Airmen Association.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1127 Davis Street, Vacaville, California, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, with a repast to be held back at the church. All who knew and loved Gerald are invited to join the family in honoring his memory.
In Loving Memory of ​​Richard (Ric) Deems  (Full Obituary Link)
September 7, 1949 – October 14, 2026
​Richard "Ric" Phillips Deems passed away in Vacaville, California on October 14, 2026. He was the second son of Phillip Deems and Katharine Mitchell Deems. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and grew up in Squirrel Hill. His father passed away while Ric was quite young and his mother remarried, The family then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. where Ric lived until he graduated high school and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was trained as a helicopter pilot and flew "Hueys" in Viet Nam. He made several good friends while in the army, some that he remained in touch with until his passing.
After being released from the army in Seattle, WA. he moved to the Los Angeles area and met his future wife, Dottie, at a giant house party. On November 18, 1973 they were married in the home of Dottie's parents. They were married by a singing Jewish Rabbi, Will Kramer, although Ric did not convert.
Ric and Dottie lived in Santa Monica for several years before they moved north to San Jose and then even farther north to Vacaville in 1993.
Ric had taken drum lessons while still in school and honed his skills "playing out" after moving to Vacaville. From that point on there was always a set of drums in the garage or in the studio he rented nearby.
He had a very gregarious nature and loved meeting people. He was a natural salesman, first working as a jewelry salesman. He became a gemologist and started his own business as a jewelry appraiser. When he filled Dottie's fingers with diamonds and colored stones, he moved on to become a car salesman. Not just any car, but with great pride he eventually went to work selling Mercedes Benz. He loved it when he was able to buy his first Mercedes, then his second, third, and fourth. Ric loved luxury.
It was obvious that Ric loved people, meeting, greeting, and being an everlasting friend. He made friends everywhere and he kept them. He was happy to help anyone and he made friends for life. He became a member of our local Disabled American Veterans chapter in Vacaville and welcomed becoming the president of the group several years ago. He was also very proud of being a member of the Color Guard at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
Ric was kind and caring, helping wherever he could.
Funeral services for Ric will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:30 am at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620. There will be a reception following the services at the Vacaville Veterans Hall, 549 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688.

 FAQs

  • Once you become a member of the DAV, you are a member for life. The lifetime membership fee is $300. Payments can be made for as little as $10 / month.

    After we collect a minimum of $40 toward your life membership, you'll be considered a part-life member. You will receive your membership card and access to DAV’s Member Advantages Program. The remaining balance is paid in interest-free installments.

    All dues payments received are applied to your life membership account, and once $300 is received, you'll be recognized as a full-life member with no further dues payments required. Life membership payments are non-refundable and are not tax deductible.

    Veterans age 80 and older are FREE.

  • Eat, play, shop, and travel! National has recently expanded its Member Advantages program to give DAV members more access to special discounts and savings on national and regional brands. At our local level, our members are provided special discounts at participating businesses.

    Questions about National’s expanded member discounts? Email: partners@dav.org

    Questions about our local businesses, talk to our Chapter Commander or any of our Chapter Officers.

  • Chapter member meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee, snacks, and fellowship begins around 9:30am and Chapter meetings begin promptly at 10:00am.

    The meetings include updates on current events and activities, planning for future events, and an exchange of useful information for the members. The meetings usually last about 90 minutes.

  • Our Chapter has a number of committees who work on various aspects of the Chapter operations. Each member is encouraged to join one or more of the committees to help guide the organization’s programs, events, activities, and services to our members and their families.

  • While events and activities will vary throughout the year, you will typically see our Chapter’s Veterans Outreach Information Booth at local community events, doing fundraisers at Travis AFB, and participating in patriotic events such as 4th of July parades, Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, and annual POW / MIA recognition events.

    Our DAV Chapter can also be found participating in special homeless and disabled veterans outreach and education events throughout the year.