OBITUARIES - APRIL 2021

April 1, 2021

John (JB) Barner

JB Barner, 83, of Lady Lake, Fla., died on April 17.

Barner had been involved in the game of softball for more than 60 years as a player, umpire and coach. He got his start while in the military, where he was a member of the Navy working air traffic and air cargo. He retired from the Navy after 23 years of service.

JB Barner knew how to take the heat  -- and the cold -- which was great training for his umpiring career. In his years as an air traffic controller for the Navy, JB spent time in Thule, Greenland, about 300 miles from the North Pole and had another stint on a sliver of an island 700 miles south of Hawaii. 

But the native Philadelphian (who was a big Phillies and Eagles fan), retired in Delaware and later moved to Florida where he chalked up a remarkable umpiring career.  JB was Deputy ASA Commissioner of Delaware in charge of umpires from 1984-1990, umpiring the Nationals in Long Island in 1985 and the Class A Women’s Championships in Marietta, Georgia in 1989.

JB was named Umpire of the Year for USSSA in 1999 and was the Disney UIC for 7 years.

“JB became the Eastern National Umpire in Chief for Senior Softball-USA in the late 1990s and was instrumental in training umpires all along the Eastern Seaboard,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA’s chief executive officer.  “JB had a wicked sense of humor and a very kind heart.”

Barner was a former Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) National Director and also held the position of 60+ Commissioner for the Florida Half Century Amateur Softball Association (FHCASA) Board of Directors.

For his efforts, Barner was inducted into both the SSUSA International Hall of Fame in 2011 and the FHCASA Hall of Fame in 2015.

George W. LaCombe

George LaCombe, 73, of Las Vegas died on Feb. 4.

In SSUSA, LaCombe was a member of Doughboys 70 (2017-2019) and Desert Heat 65 (2014-2016).

Additionally, LaCombe was a member of the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA) for over 12 years.

LaCombe served his country in the United States Air Force for over 22 years, retiring to serve the Las Vegas community as an AFJROTC Instructor at Rancho and Palo Verde High Schools for 20 years.

Vern Enriquez

Vern Enriquez, 73, of Clovis, Calif., died on Feb. 15.

Enriquez was a long-time member of SSUSA, managing NOR-CAL STIXX 70s, we well as the 65s, 60s, and 55s teams.

Enriquez led his NOR-CAL STIXX 70s Major team to the exclusive Triple Grand Slam title in 2019 -  winning the Western National Championships, the U.S. National Championship Game and the World Championships.

“It's a sad day,” said George Garcia, who played on the NOR-CAL STIXX 70s team in 2019 and 2018. “I played for Vern the last two years and the most fun I had playing softball was under him.  Vern was a very good manager, as well as a very good friend. My wife and I talked about Vern often.  He was just a good and kind human being. He was like family and will be missed.”

“I am so grateful to have known Vern,” said Johnny Melvin, a long-time member of NOR-CAL STIXX, playing on the 60s, 65, and 70s teams. “I am heartbroken to hear of his loss. And my sincere condolences to the Enriquez‘s family. Vern was not only a good coach, but a kind and generous man. Thank you for all of our softball memories. Rest in peace old friend.”

John C. Miller

John Miller, 72, of Huntington Beach, Calif., died on Feb. 27 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

In SSUSA, Miller was a member of Mustangs (formerly OC-Mustangs) for over two decades, playing on the 50s, 55s, 60s, 65s, and 70s teams.

Miller last played in the 2019 SSUSA Winter World Championships (2020 roster event).

A throat cancer survivor, Miller received overwhelming love and support from many in the Senior Softball community, and was able to recover and return to play more years of the game he loved.

“John was a Mustang for life,” said Ernie Stucki, manager of the Mustangs. “He and I played together for 20 years on a friends and family team in our youth. John started playing with the Mustangs in 2000 and was our all-time Home Run King. He was always the most supportive of anyone in need and always reached out to help. He was a Vietnam veteran and had a special place in his heart for other vets and Vietnam Veterans Radio. I witnessed him handing a homeless vet $100 when $5 would have made that man's day.”

On Jan. 10, the Mustang family gathered at Miller’s house for a "walk by” visit. Miller was able to come outside and greet many loved ones. Those who couldn't attend sent photos, which were added to the poster showing their love for John (see photo below).

Darrell Ray Pinkerton

Darrell Pinkerton, 81, of Oklahoma City died on March 19.

In senior softball, Pinkerton was a player, coach, and team sponsor for over 25 years. His teams included OKC Relics 60, Oklahoma Street Outlaws, and OK-ARK 70, among others.

He also previously served as president of the Oklahoma City Metro Senior Softball Association.

For his efforts, Pinkerton was inducted into the Oklahoma Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Professionally, Pinkerton worked at Tinker AFB as a computer programmer for over 30 years.

James Roger Teate Jr.

Roger Teate, 57, of Panama City, Ala., died on March 27.

Teate recently played in the 2020 Winter National Championships (2021 roster event) with Bob Sykes BBQ/Hitmen 50. He also previously played with Dudley Demolition 55 (2018), and Alabama Brick 50 (2015 & 2016).

Teate served his country in the United States Army and the Army National Guard. Professionally, he worked in the finance and automotive industry, and was a volunteer coach for Dothan Youth Sports and Houston Academy.

Lt. Erik Larson Lloyd

Erik Lloyd, 53, of Las Vegas died on July 29, 2020.

Lloyd served as player/manager with Sin City Heat 40 in 2013, with the team playing in the 40s March into the Desert Madness, Southwest Championships, and World Championships.

A native of Downey, Calif., Lloyd attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he studied Hotel/Hospitality Management and Criminal Justice. He was also a member of the UNLV Rugby team.

In September of 1990, Lloyd began his career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He coached the LVMPD softball team for over 25 years.

CLICK HERE to read an article on Lloyd that appeared on 8 News Now in Las Vegas.