Theodore R. Worthman

Thoedore R. Worthman, 89, of Goshen and formerly of Millersburg, was found in his apartment at Greencroft on Monday morning, February 2, 2009. He was born in New Bremen, Ohio, on June 29, 1919, to Rudolph and Hulda (Reppert) Worthman.  He married Harriet Ann Miller on May 31, 1942 in North Carolina.  She preceded him in death on December 27, 2006. Mr. Worthman proudly served in the US Navy from 1938 through 1946 and throughout World War II.  He sailed over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during most of his tour and crossed the equator numerous times.  He was a Chief Radioman (Sparky) and later was commissioned an Ensign Officer and became a member of the flag personnel serving under Admiral Halsey of the Third Fleet and Admiral Spruance of the Fifth Fleet.  He served on the USS Vincennes, USS Wasp, USS Indianapolis, USS New Jersey, USS New Mexico and USS Lexington. Mr. Worthman  was a survivor of the sinking of the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier on September 15, 1942.  The USS Wasp was ferrying British aircraft to the island of Malta when torpedoed in Guadalcanal by a Japanese submarine and sunk.  He served on the USS Wasp from its commissioning to its destruction. He was decorated with the American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 9 Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Personal Commendation Ribbon awarded by Admiral Spruance. After his service he started a Radio and TV business in Millersburg which he operated over 40 years. Mr. Worthman has been a long time member of the Wasp Stinger Club, an organization composed of surviving Wasp personnel called “swim-a ways” from the sinking ships. He has compiled a memoir with photos and articles about his experiences during his tour of duty which has been read and enjoyed by many family and friends over the years. A long time member of the Zion Community Church in Millersburg, Mr. Worthman, was also a member of the Millersburg Lions Club for 50 years. He is survived by a son, David (LuAnn Flowers) Worthman of Rochester; two daughters, Carol (Kevin) McMurray of Birmingham, Alabama, and Sue Worthman of Carmel, Indiana; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth Worthman of Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his wife, and a brother, Paul Worthman. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, February 5, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where an 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2009, funeral service will be conducted.  Pastor Bob Doane, former minister of Zion Community Church, Millersburg will officiate. Burial will be in Brown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Millersburg Lions Club.