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At age 13, we moved to San Leandro, Calilfornia. I went to Jr. and Sr. High School there, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy 6 months after World War II started. I was only 17 so had to have my parents sign permission, which they did. I spent 1942 to 1968 in the Navy, which was the love of my life. I spent from 1942 to 1961 in airplanes on aircraft carriers, then changed to submarines until 1968.
When I retired from the Navy, I went to work at Mare Island Naval Yard, working on submarines. I retired from there July 3, 1984.
I have the following children:
Raymond L. Bohns Jr. born January 30, 1949. His mother is Ruby Bohns. He married Debra, who was born July 11, 1959, in Pennsylvania. They have 3 girls Tammy Faye born 1967, Lisa Dawn born 1972 and 1 son. Live in Doylestown, Pa.
Steve Bohns born April 21, 1950, (mother is Ruby Bohns) in Alameda, CA. Married Kathy, have 1 son, Keith, born April 17, 1984, in New Jersey and 1 daughter, Vanessa born April 28, 1978. Live in Port Murry, N.J.
Chery L. Bohns Duarte born April 20, 1962, in San Diego, (mother is Kathy Bohns) CA. Married Steve Duarte have 1 girl, Katilin Duarte, born July 14, 1992, in Fairfield, Ca. and 1 boy, Alexander Duarte, born April 27, 1990, in Reno, Nevada. Live in Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Barbara Bohns Burley born July 20, 1966, in Hawaii, (her mother is Kathy). She has 5 children, 2 girls and 3 boys. Their names are: Victor born in 1983, Tauneisha born April 10, 1986, Christopher born June 16, 1992, Chrishawna born August 4, 1988, and Lawrence Chris born October 1998. They live in California.
Larry Dwayne Bohns born February 1964, expired 1976.
After retirement, I enjoyed Delta camping on the river. Had a motor home, drove across the country seeing America and visiting family.
My fondest memory of my mom and dad was bringing them out camping with my wife, Billie, and I at our campground in the Delta and taking them out fishing on our boat. Dad caught a 5 pound catfish with the help of my wife and me bringing it in. Dad was 92 at the time. Mom smiled all day long.
I have 4 living children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I have 3 step daughters, 7 step grandchildren and 1 step great granddaughter.
My wife is BILLIE E. CHAPMAN BOHNS. She was born November 20,1935, in Benton, Illinois. We were married August 28, 1980, in Reno, Nevada. She had 3 beautiful daughters:
Deborah H. Prichard born in Illinois January 23, 1952, in Herrin, Illinois. She married Donovan Lee Cole Sr. who died in 1995. Jessica Wynn Cole was born September 5, 1969, born in Walnut Creek, Ca. Married name Houser; Clancy Will Robert Cole born May 2, 1978 in Martinez, Ca.; Donovan Lee Cole Jr. born April 7, 1976, in Martinez.
Laura J. Prichard (Whiting) (Artry) born November 20, 1954, in Richmond, Ca. Her sons are: Amos Mac Whiting born March 24, 1976, in Gunnison, Colorado; Daniel Richard Whiting born September 29, 1978 in Concord, Ca. Her 2nd husband is Jean Philippe Artru born January 8, 1950 in France.
Sherri L. Prichard (Richardson) born December 16, 1962, in Concord, Ca. She married Dwain R. Richardson, who was born September 4, 1958 in California. Their daughter, Emily Richardson was born October 16, 1990 in Walnut Creek, Ca.; son, Daniel E. Richardson, was born November 20, 1996 in Walnut Creek, Ca.
Their father, Willie M. Prichard is deceased.
Billie worked one year as a school bus driver and 20 years in Electronics. She left Illinois in 1953 and moved to California.
We both enjoy fishing and loved to go out dancing. My health is not so good now so we have had to slow down. We are very happy that we have each other.