Guys, I am very sorry to let you know that we lost Ron Carey. Ron wrote "The War Above the Trees" about the 119th Assault Helicopter Company and the 4th Infantry Division's Operation Wayne Gray in the Plei Trap Valley in March 1969...

He was one of the good guys. His son told me that he'll be buried wearing the flight jacket he wore with the 119th.

Bob Kilpatrick

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Ronald W. Carey

60, a lifelong resident of Plainfield, IL. At peace May 14, 2009, at his home with his family at his side. He was born April 29, 1949 in Chicago, IL to Ronald J. and Dorothy (nee Dolak) Carey. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Carla (nee Dean); his three children, Ronald J. (Jennifer) Carey, Deanna "Shelly" (James) McDaniel, and Scott (fiance' Marlis O'Leary) Carey; seven grandchildren, Ronald "Will", Mia, and Evan Carey, Brittany, Zachary, and Colby McDaniel, and Ryan Lorz; his mother, Dorothy Carey; his siblings, Robert (Lisa) Carey, Sandra (Russ) Bennett, Thomas (Pam) Carey, James (Sue) Carey, and Dorothy Carey; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald J. Carey. Ron was a graduate of Plainfield High School, Class of 1967. He proudly served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and received 2 Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Ron enjoyed coaching baseball and softball for many years for PAC. He was the best dad and pappo and spent every moment he could with his family. In 2005, Ron was honored to have his book, "The War Above the Trees - Operation Wayne Grey" published. Visitation will be at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home on Sunday, May 17, 2:00 PM until the time of Funeral Services at 5:00 PM with Pastor Fran Lehman of LifeSpring Community Church, officiating. A private family interment will take place at the Plainfield Township Cemetery. OVERMAN-JONES FUNERAL HOME 15219 S. Joliet Road (Corner of Rts. 30 & 59) Plainfield, IL 60544 Info: (815) 436-9221 or www.overmanjones.com

Here's the link for his Obit & Guestbook:

http://legacy.suburbanchicagonews.com/STNG-HeraldNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=127341143

R.I.P. Ron

I didn't know him, but he sounds like a very fine person.