The national office recently learned of the passing of five past national officers and a national officer spouse.
Tom Eller
Tom Eller, F189521 (July 12, 1941 – September 10, 2024). Tom served as FMCA Southeast Area president from 2009 to 2011. He also served on the Convention Committee (2009-2011), Membership/Member Services Committee (2009-2011), and Executive Director Search Committee (2010).
Tom graduated from Camden Military Academy in 1962 and from The Citadel in 1966, where he was a member of Charlie Company. He married his wife, Lorna, in 1966, and they had two sons. He joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 with the 101st Airborne Division. During his combat and military tour of duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service, Air Medal, Army Commendation, and numerous other honors. Afterward, he served as an assistant professor of military science at the University of Mississippi; a tactical offer at West Point; head of the Military Science Department at Bucknell University; Army advisor to the South Carolina National Guard; and commandant of cadets at Camden Military Academy. Upon retirement, Tom and Lorna began RVing and joined FMCA in 1995.
Darrell Gilliland
Darrell Gilliland, F153488 (December 9, 1931 – September 27, 2024). Darrell served as South Central Area president from 1996 to 1999. He also served on numerous national committees, including Legislative Advisory (1996-1997), Membership/Member Services (1996-1999), Convention (1997-1998), Policy and Procedure (1997-1999), and Constitution and Bylaws (1998-2000).
In 1951, during the Korean War, Darrell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida; he also completed international assignments. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, he married Grace Louise Kelly. Residing in Oklahoma, he pursued degrees in psychology and worked as a school psychologist in Tulsa. Later, at Central State College in Edmond, his roles included teaching psychology and serving as director of counseling and testing services, director of admissions and enrollment, and registrar. After retiring in 1992, Darrell and Grace bought a motorhome and joined FMCA. Darrell was heavily involved in the South Central Area. He and Grace assisted in forming the Red River Rovers chapter and also were active in the Happy OK Wanderers chapter. Grace died in 2017. Darrell is survived by a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and companion Diana Frank.
Genny Jennings
Genny Jennings, L26 (July 23, 1923 – October 11, 2024). Genny and her late husband, Howard, were among the original families who helped form FMCA in 1963. Genny served as national secretary from 1967 to 1970; held several national vice president positions from 1974 to 1977; and served as Great Lakes Area president from 1982 to 1986. She also served on the Member Services Committee (chairman, 1984-1986); FMCA Review Council (1978-1979, 1996-1997), and Nominating Committee (chairman, 1979-1980; 1989-1990).
The Jennings family started as tent campers. Then, in 1958, Genny and Howard purchased a school bus and converted it to accommodate them and their nine children. She held officer positions in FMCA’s Michigan Knights of the Highway chapter, including president, and was a familiar sight at well over 70 FMCA international conventions. In 2017, Genny was honored with the Kenneth T. Scott Pipe Dreamer’s Award, which recognizes an FMCA member for exceptional service to the association and to RVers. Genny also was devoted to church, family, friends, and country, and was said to be proud of her service in the U.S. Marine Corps. She celebrated her 101st birthday on July 23, 2024. Genny is survived by five children, 32 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.
Jack Jones
Jack Jones, F327809 (July 18, 1947 – September 15, 2024). Jack was the husband of current Rocky Mountain Area president Connie Jones. He served on the Cincinnati Support Committee and held several FMCA chapter officer positions.
Jack was a lifelong Colorado resident, living mostly in Colorado Springs. He was called a true native who loved everything about the state, including “his mountains.” He became a paint contractor and was still painting up until the time of his death. He also worked for the Dignity Funeral Home system for a number of years. Jack and Connie joined FMCA in 2003 when they purchased their first motorhome; Jack took great pride in RVing all across the United States, enjoying the fun and friendships made along the way. In addition to Connie, Jack leaves a son, two stepchildren, and many other family members and friends.
David Kessler
David Kessler, F101741D (September 14, 1944 – September 16, 2024). David served FMCA as International Area president from 2014 to 2018. He also served on the Audit Committee (2015-2017), Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee (2015-2018), Long-Range Planning Committee (2016-2017), and Member Services Committee (2014-2016).
David was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He married his wife, Patsy, in Augusta, Georgia, in 1971, and they settled in Lewisville, Texas, where they raised their son. David was employed by Delta Airlines for 38 years, providing ground support that ranged from ramp to supervisory customer service roles in Miami, Chicago, and Dallas. He retired in 2001. David and Patsy were avid travelers, especially upon retirement. They enjoyed visiting national parks and attending RV rallies. As an FMCA member, David served as vice president of the Newmar International chapter. He also was a former Eagle Scout and was actively involved in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. For 50 years, he promoted boater safety in and around Lake Lewisville. David is survived by Patsy, his son, and two granddaughters.
George Schipper
George Schipper, A17603 (June 1936 – September 20, 2024). George served as Southeast Area president from 2003-2007. He also served on several FMCA committees, including the President’s Council (2001-2002, 2007-2008), Long-Range and Development Committee (2003-2007), and Convention Committee (2004-2006).
George met his future wife, Ann, on a blind date to a roller rink in Zeeland, Michigan, in 1955. They married in 1957 and had five children. As beginning RVers, they traveled throughout Michigan in a Montgomery Ward Western Field pop-up trailer, which sparked their love of camping and meeting new friends. Eventually, they relocated to Florida. The couple progressed to motorhome travel and joined FMCA in 1976. That same year, they helped form the GMC Great Lakers chapter. They also were involved in the formation of the Southeast Area Motor Coach Association. George was known for his faith and service to others. He was actively involved in the First Methodist Church in Zephyrhills, Florida; attended many community events, including high school sports; and participated in the Rotary Club, among other activities. Ann passed away in 2022.
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