Barry M. Stephens
Barry M. Stephens, age 51, owner of B-Line Wrecker Service passed away Sunday night, Sept. 12, 1999, unexpectedly at his home with his wife by his side.
Barry was born on April 21, 1948, in Pensacola, Fla., and moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1950. His family owned Stephens B-Line in Fort Walton Beach from 1949 to 1979. After working many years in the family business, Barry started B-Line Wrecker Service in 1979.
Barry's dad, Miles E. "Ted" Stephens, preceded him in death. Barry is survived by his wife, Kathy; mother, Josephine Stephens; daughter, Pamela Stephens; stepdaughter, Christina Tartar and husband James; stepson, Daniel Nelson; brother, David Stephens of Fort Pierce, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law, Barbie and Carlton Edge of Crestview, Fla.; granddaughter, Madison Gates; and first wife, Oneida Hosfelt and husband Max.
Barry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at McLaughlin Mortuary Chapel.
Floral tributes will be accepted, or donations may be made to the Children's Advocacy Center in Barry's name.
McLaughlin Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
Herbert Allen Ottewill
Capt. Herbert A. Ottewill, U.S. Navy retired, of Niceville, Fla., passed away Sept. 12, 1999. He was 88.
Born in Flushing, N.Y., to Ella S. and William B. Ottewill, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia.
Survivors include his wife, Ginger; son, William and wife Peggy of Shalimar, Fla.; son, Robert of Denver; daughter, Ann of Overland Park, Kan.; sister, Catherine of New Jersey; grandson, Doug of Hugo, Colo.; and granddaughters, Alice of Birmingham, Ala., and Marianne of New York City.
Herb had a lifelong love of aviation, having soloed at Roosevelt Field, N.Y., in 1933. He worked in the fledgling aviation industry in the New York area until being hired by Trans Continental and Western Airlines (now TWA) in 1941.
Before going to work for the airline he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy. He was commissioned a lieutenant (jg) and received his Wings of Gold at Pensacola, Fla., in 1941. He flew Naval Air Transport aircraft throughout World War II in Alaska. He returned to civilian aviation and TWA after the war, while continuing to serve in the Naval Reserve, where he retired as a captain in 1961. During his career with TWA he commanded aircraft ranging from the DC3 to the Boeing 747. Retiring from TWA in 1970, he continued his association with aviation as a flight instructor, then acquired his own J-3 Piper Cub, which he flew until 1997. At age 70 he flew the 65 horsepower Cub round-trip cross-country from Long Island to California without benefit of radio or modern navigation equipment.
Herb's aviation memberships included Quiet Birdmen, the Caterpillar Club, the Long Island Early Fliers, the Bayport (NY) Aerodrome Society, the Museum of Naval Aviation, and the Retired Officers' Association.
A memorial will be held in his honor at Bayport Aerodrome at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Friends for Long Island's Heritage, 1864 Muttontown Road, Syosett, NY 11791-9652.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Valeria June Watters
Valeria June Watters, age 65, passed away Sept. 12, 1999, after a lengthy illness.
She is survived by her husband, Isaac W. Watters Jr.; children, Ike and Dawn Waters and her grandchildren, Tabitha and Anneka; Thomas and Toyia Watters; Robert and Gina Watters and grandchildren, Wendi and Timmy and Tim's wife Yolanda; Robin and Pam Watters and grandchildren, Robin Jr., Christopher, Billy and Matthew; sister, Phyllis; niece, Julie Dawn and husband Steven and their children, Thomas and Faye; and nephew Stephan, who reside in the United Kingdom.
The family would like to extend thanks to all who helped care for Val during her illness.
Val will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. "Rest well, Grandma. We love you."
A visitation will be held at McLaughlin Mortuary Chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at McLaughlin Mortuary Chapel.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is entrusted with arrangements.
Leidy D. Zern Jr.
Leidy D. Zern Jr., age 67, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Monday, Sept. 13, 1999, in a local hospital.
He was born in Keymar, Md., on Oct. 18, 1931, and was a retired engineer with the U.S. government.
Survivors include his two sons, Leidy D. Zern III of Ashville, N.C., Eric R. Zern of Frederick, Md.; three daughters, Pamela S. Toms of Woodsboro, Md., Faytha A. Terry of Mount Airy, Md., and Nancy Zern of Middletown, Md.; two brothers, John Zern of Augusta, Ga., and Richard Zern of Fort Walton Beach; one sister, Mildred Harshman of Mount Airy; 19 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his fianc�e, Mary Stephens of Fort Walton Beach.
He was preceded in death by his wife, M. Nancy Zern; and a sister, Elaine Staley.
Memorial services will be conducted at First Christian Church "Disciples of Christ Church" on Tuesday at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Jimmy Scarborough officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Disciples of Christ Church, P.O. Box 2319, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
William R. Bell
William R. Bell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999.
Mr. Bell was born on Oct. 3, 1914, in Flat Top, Ala. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, Ala., with a degree in architecture. He was a veteran of World War II. For over 40 years Mr. Bell owned and operated construction companies in Montgomery, Ala., and Fort Walton Beach. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Montgomery and First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach.
Mr. Bell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Velna Long Bell of Fort Walton Beach; children, William R. Bell Jr. (Jane) of Auburn, David L. Bell (Sandra) of Pass Christian, Miss., and Caroline Rebecca Bell of Auburn; grandsons, William Francis Bell, David Bowman Bell and Joseph William Bell; sisters, Dorothy (Mrs. Maurice Brigance) of Mobile, Ala., and Elinor (Mrs. Warren McClure) of Kokomo, Ind.; and sister-in-law, Mrs. Fred R. Bell of Mobile.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. in McLaughlin Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Howard Gates officiating. Burial will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of Mr. Bell's Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Sanctuary Fund of First Baptist Church, 21 S.E. First St., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, or to their favorite charity, in memory of William R. Bell.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
Margaret Ann Dieters
Margaret Ann Dieters of Bluewater Bay, Fla., passed away in her home on Sept. 12, 1999, after a long battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband, William; her sons, Richard Pastor of Kenosha, Wisc., Daniel Pastor of Palmetto, Fla.; stepson, David Dieters of Holiday, Fla.; and stepdaughter, Janette Roy of Eagle, Alaska. Also her grandchildren, John and Julie Pastor of Kenosha, and Darrin, Jannelle and Eric of Holiday will miss her very much.
Margaret Ann was born in Charleston, W.Va., on April 28, 1926, and attended Ohio University, where she graduated in 1948.
A memorial service for Margaret Ann will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Niceville at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16.
Please, in lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578, would be appreciated. Their love and care of Margaret Ann will never be forgotten.
Wallace Hamilton
Wallace "Tom" Hamilton lost his battle with cancer on Sept. 13, 1999, at his home in Portland, Fla.
He was born in Portland on Jan. 26, 1923, to the late Rufus and Lula Boone Hamilton.
Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his brother, Earnest; and sisters, Almer, Christeen, Ethel and Lola. Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Ruth Cuyler Hamilton; his children whom he dearly loved, Colleen A. Davis (Craig), Betty Jane DeGroat (Brian), Thomas R. Hamilton and fianc�e Rita; and John D. Hamilton; and his grandchildren who were more precious to him than life itself, Megan Ruth Hamilton, Cory and Christina Davis, and Justin and Jeremy Hamilton; as well as brothers, Knolice, O.Q. and wife Wynnona, and Jay Hamilton; and sisters, Ruby Norris and Joyce and husband Wayne Macan; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hamilton enlisted into the U.S. Army on Feb. 19, 1943, and was a survivor of World War II. He later transferred into the U.S. Air Force, where he was one of seven rescue divers for the boat squadron at Eglin Air Force Base and a member of the AAF-USAF Crash Rescue Boat Association. He was also a veteran of the Korean conflict. He retired from the Air Force on Nov. 1, 1963, with 20 years of military service. Mr. Hamilton was also retired from the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Department, where he was a licensed waste water operator.
Mr. Hamilton was at his best when he was doing what he loved the most - mullet fishing. He was known as the "best roe mullet fisherman around." He built his own boat and hung in his own nets - a true fisherman. He loved the water.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Freeport with the Rev. Lowrey Brown, Alvin Early and Father Joseph Caffrey officiating. Interment will follow in Hatcher Cemetery in Freeport, where he will receive full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Active pallbearers are Daniel Hamilton, Michael Hamilton, David J. Callen, Mike Burnett, Ray Edge and Buddy Brown.
Honorary pallbearers are J.D. Edge, Bill O'Neal, Norris Daughtery, Delmar Walker and W.T. Baxley.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Ronie G. Duke
Ronie G. Duke, age 90, died Monday, Sept. 13, 1999, in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
Mrs. Duke was born on Jan. 30, 1909, in Gainer, Ala., to Jessie and Sally Pridgen Gill. She was a resident of Walton County, Fla., since 1930. She was a member of Eight Mile Primative Baptist Church. She loved sewing, gardening and fishing.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel E. Duke. Survivors include her son, Daniel Owen Duke and wife Betty; sister, Ester Baker of DeFuniak Springs; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Caney Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Joey Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in Caney Creek Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Clary-Godwin Funeral Home.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Sylvia Durden
Sylvia Durden, age 60, of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., died Sept. 12, 1999, at Walton Regional Hospital.
She was a homemaker.
Memorialization will be by cremation.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Herbert Allen Ottewill
Capt. Herbert A. Ottewill, U.S. Navy retired, of Niceville, Fla., passed away Sept. 12, 1999. He was 88.
Born in Flushing, N.Y., to Ella S. and William B. Ottewill, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia.
Survivors include his wife, Ginger of Niceville; son, William and wife Peggy of Shalimar, Fla.; son, Robert of Denver; daughter, Ann of Overland Park, Kan.; sister, Catherine of New Jersey; grandson, Doug of Hugo, Colo.; and granddaughters, Alice of Birmingham, Ala., and Marianne of New York City.
Herb had a lifelong love of aviation, having soloed at Roosevelt Field, N.Y., in 1933. He worked in the fledgling aviation industry in the New York area until being hired by Trans Continental and Western Airlines (now TWA) in 1941.
Before going to work for the airline he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy. He was commissioned a lieutenant (jg) and received his Wings of Gold at Pensacola, Fla., in 1941. He flew Naval Air Transport aircraft throughout World War II in Alaska. He returned to civilian aviation and TWA after the war, while continuing to serve in the Naval Reserve, where he retired as a captain in 1961. During his career with TWA he commanded aircraft ranging from the DC3 to the Boeing 747. Retiring from TWA in 1970, he continued his association with aviation as a flight instructor, then acquired his own J-3 Piper Cub, which he flew until 1997. At age 70 he flew the 65 horsepower Cub round-trip cross-country from Long Island to California without benefit of radio or modern navigation equipment.
Herb's aviation memberships included Quiet Birdmen, the Caterpillar Club, the Long Island Early Fliers, the Bayport (NY) Aerodrome Society, the Museum of Naval Aviation, and the Retired Officers' Association.
A memorial will be held in his honor at Bayport Aerodrome at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Friends for Long Island's Heritage, 1864 Muttontown Road, Syosett, NY 11791-9652.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
