U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Harry Ronald Buchanan
Harry Ronald Buchanan, U.S. Navy retired, age 61, of Fort Walton Beach, passed away Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, in a local nursing home.
Mr. Buchanan was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Pontiac, Mich. to Mary Ruth and the late Harry Alfred Buchanan. He moved to Fort Walton Beach eight years ago from Biloxi, Miss. Mr. Buchanan was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 7674 and the D.A.V. Chapter HS 5 in Gulfport, Miss. He is a member of the American Legion Post #235, Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge #2787, Moose Lodge #2193, AMVets, Fleet Reserve Association #22 and Eagles Aerie #4045. He proudly served 35 years in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict, cold war and Vietnam War. Mr. Buchanan was shot down seven times. In one of the downings all the crew was killed except for Mr. Buchanan and he spent four years in the hospital. Mr. Buchanan retired from the Navy in December 1969 in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Buchanan is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sue Buchanan of Fort Walton Beach; son, Ryan B. Buchanan of Fort Walton Beach; son, Laird B. Kelly and wife Genevieve of Gatewood, Missouri; son, Jamie Easterling and wife Amy of Post, Texas; daughter, Lisa Easterling of Euless, Texas; sister, Margaret Ann Houk and husband John of Bernie, Missouri; brother, Robert Buchanan and wife Patricia of Crossett, Ark.; brother, Barry Buchanan of Seneca, Ill; brother, Gary Buchanan and wife Betty of Ortonville, Mich.; brother, Terry Buchanan and wife Teresa of Shelby Township, Mich.; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mr. Buchanan will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999, in the Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.
Friends may visit between 5 and 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted, but those who wish may make donations to the local D.A.V. in memory of Mr. Harry R. Buchanan.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy Jean Matharan
Dorothy Jean Matharan, age 65, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, in her sister's home in Slidell, La.
Mrs. Matharan was born on March 11, 1934, in Cook Springs, Ala., to the late Columbus Whitney and Silla Seale. She was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1959, moving here from Abilene, Texas. Dot was a member of Wright Baptist Church and worked with their foreign ministry programs.
She drove a school bus for 28 years for the Okaloosa County school system.
Mrs. Matharan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Leon Matharan; and brothers, William, Jack and Albert Seale. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Tadevich and husband Daniel of Alexandria, La.; daughter, Debra Czajkowski of Kopalei, Hawaii; daughter, Deanna Douglas and husband Don of Fort Walton Beach; daughter, Derinda Church and husband Joseph of Des Allemonds, La.; daughter, Darlene Rider and husband Dave of Fort Walton Beach; sister, Pauline Jensen of Slidell; sister, Virginia Jenkins of Slidell; brother, Carl Seale and wife Susie of Clearwater, Fla.; brother, James Edward Seale and wife Jean of Hartford, Conn.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many, many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 490 Highway 85 North, Suite C, Niceville, FL 32578, in memory of Mrs. Dorothy Matharan.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
John Sidney Hoyt
John Sidney Hoyt, age 73, of Destin, Fla., passed away Sunday evening, Oct. 10, 1999, in a local hospital.
Mr. Hoyt was born on Oct. 2, 1926, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Raymond and Irene Hoyt. He was a resident of Destin since 1991, moving from Alexandria, Va. Mr. Hoyt served as administrative assistant to U.S. Congressman Samuel L. Devine from Columbus. He was a member of the Masons in Ohio and the Okaloosa Republican Executive Committee.
Mr. Hoyt attended Destin United Methodist Church. He enjoyed sailing, swimming and his computer.
Mr. Hoyt is survived by his wife, Lois A. Hoyt of Destin; son, Mark Alan Hoyt of Santa Barbara, Calif.; son, Michael Arthur Hoyt and wife Cathy of Dayton, Ohio; daughter, Kim Hoyt-Konrad and husband Ervin of Columbus; sister, Ann Hoyt McDonald and husband Lee of Akron, Ohio; grandchildren, Jeremy, Jessica, Amanda, Cody, Dylan and Keefe; and other extended family.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Destin United Methodist Church with Dr. John C. Friedman officiating. Interment will follow at 1:15 p.m. in Barrancas National Cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, 222 N.E. Hospital Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, in memory of Mr. John Sidney Hoyt.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Eugene Charles Metzler
Eugene Charles Metzler passed away Monday, Oct. 11, 1999, at the age of 87, in a local hospital.
He was the son of the late Andrew J. Metzler and Mary Heinrich; brother of the late Mary Metzler Rodriguez and Andrew Metzler; stepbrother of Charles Bordes; uncle of the late Irvin Rodriguez. He is survived by his nephew, Eugene N. Rodriguez.
Mr. Metzler was an Army veteran and a member of the VFW and Senior Friends.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at McLaughlin Mortuary, with a rosary prayer service conducted at 9:30 a.m.
A funeral Mass will be conducted from St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Cherup as celebrant. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., entrusted with arrangements.
Robert A. Madden
Another member of the greatest generation flew his final flight on Oct. 11, 1999. Lt. Col. Robert A. Madden was born in St. Louis on June 20, 1925.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth C. Madden; sons, Robert A. Madden Jr. and William B. Madden; daughter-in-law, Francis; and grandchildren, Matthew and Conner, all of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Bob and Betty returned to the Fort Walton Beach area to raise their family following his final assignment to the Pentagon in 1969.
Bob attended Webb Prep School in Bellbuckle, Tenn., where he received an academic scholarship to Princeton University. He attended Princeton for one year before World War II interrupted his studies. After the war he attended Washington University and graduated with honors, earning a bachelor of science degree in business administration. An exceptional athlete, avid sports fan, and dedicated golfer, he played baseball one season for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team as a pitcher. He was a life member of the Air Commando Association, along with many other civic organizations.
Bob was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. During World War II, he was assigned to the China-Burma-India Theater and flew in the 6th Fighter Squadron of the 1st Air Commando Group. In Korea he flew the T-6 Mosquito as a forward air controller for the 25th Infantry Division. He was shot down behind enemy lines on June 1, 1952, and spent 15 months as a POW. He served two tours in Vietnam, first as an advisor to the O-1 Squadron under the Military Advisors and Assistance Group, and second as the commander of the 1st Air Commando Squadron, flying the A-1E. He returned there after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force as a civil service employee.
Col. Madden flew the P-40, P-51, T-6, F-86F and H, F-100C and D, O-1, T-28, and A-1E. He received numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He flew in operational units in three wars and logged more than 550 single engine combat missions. He was truly one of the great men of the greatest generation.
Donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association, in lieu of flowers, are appreciated.
Friends will be received at Emerald Coast Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14.
The Rev. Bobby C. Turner will preside over graveside services, with military honors, at Barrancas National Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 15, at 1:15 p.m.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, entrusted with arrangements.
James Paul Potthast
James Paul Potthast, age 61, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 1999, at his residence.
Mr. Potthast was born on Nov. 13, 1937, in Highland, Ill., to the late Frederick Edward and Rose Mary Potthast. He had been a resident of Fort Walton Beach since June 1986, moving here from Yankton, S.D., and before that Greenville, Ill.
Mr. Potthast was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, being past Grand Knight of the Third Degree, past Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree and Captain of the Honor Guard.
Mr. Potthast owned KEP Inc. in Greenville and was currently working as an electrical engineer with STC Keltec, a defense electronic government contracting company, for the past 13 years. Mr. Potthast served four years in the Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He is survived by his wife, Fannie L. Potthast of Fort Walton Beach; daughter, Mary E. Potthast of Fort Walton Beach; son, James P. "J.J." Potthast Jr. of Gainesville, Fla.; daughter, Charlotte M. Potthast of Naples, Fla.; brother, Alfred J. Potthast and wife Helen of Butte Valley, Calif.; sister, Annie M. Candelaria of Morro Bay, Calif.; brother, John W. Potthast of Montpelier, Vt.; and many extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Sean Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. There will be a rosary service at 6 p.m.
Pallbearers will be members of Knights of Columbus.
Flowers will be accepted, or those who wish may make donations to the Knights of Columbus Council 4444 in memory of Mr. James Paul Potthast.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Jack Viverette
Jack Viverette, age 73, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Oct. 10, 1999, in Wilson, N.C.
Funeral services will be conducted at noon Friday, Oct. 15, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Barnett and Dr. Micky Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery, Union, Miss.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Nell Mizelle of Fort Walton Beach; grandsons, John Paul Mizelle of Huntsville, Ala., and David Bryant Mizelle of Wilson, N.C.
Mr. Viverette was born and received his education in Union. He lived in the Meridian, Miss., area for 10 years and moved to Jackson, Miss., where he resided for 25 years. After retirement, he and his late wife, Mrs. Elouis Kelly Viverette, relocated to Fort Walton Beach.
Friends may call from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Stephens Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Viverette had requested donations be made to a favorite charity.
Stephens Funeral Home, Union, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Woodie D. Mulkey
Mrs. Woodie Dickey Skelton Mulkey, age 79, passed from this life on Oct. 9, 1999, at a local hospital after having been diagnosed with cancer only a few months ago.
She was a resident of Eastdale Estates in Montgomery, Ala., for the past four years, having lived in Fort Walton Beach and Mary Esther, Fla., for over 30 years. She was a member of Vaughn Park Church of Christ.
Mrs. Mulkey was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Fred M. Mulkey; her first husband, Dean D. Skelton; sister, Dorothy Harris; brother, Herbert H. Dickey Jr.; and parents, Herbert and Veria Dickey Sr.
Survivors include her son, Larry Dean Skelton, and his wife Carolyn; grandson, Bryan Mobley Skelton and wife Keri of Nashville, Tenn.; grandson, Patrick Dean Skelton of Montgomery; sister, Jean Dickey Lewis of Montgomery.
There will be a private family burial in Montgomery.
Memorial donations may be made to Southern Christian University, P.O. Box 240, Montgomery, AL 36124.
William L. Yessick
William L. Yessick of Shalimar, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999, on his 83rd birthday.
Mr. Yessick was born in Warrior, Ala., to the late Jonah Franklin and Sarah Ellen Flowers Yessick. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1951 and worked for the Wimberly-Thomas Wholesale Hardware Co. in Birmingham, Ala., for many years before going to work for Woodward-Wight Wholesale Hardware in New Orleans as a sales consultant before his retirement. He currently worked part-time for the Fasteners Service of Dothan, Ala.
Mr. Yessick was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Niceville, Fla. He had resided in this area for the past 21 years.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maoma Yessick of Shalimar; daughters, Mary Alison Yessick of Shalimar, and Carol Ann Yessick of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; sisters, Gertrude Yessick Buckner of Clinton, Ala., and Ola Yessick Moore and Mattie Yessick Robbins, both of Gardendale, Ala.; and her only grandson, Eric Selkirk Bailey of Huntsville, Ala.
The family will receive friends at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rurel Ausley officiating. Interment will follow in Heritage Gardens Cemetery, Niceville.
Floral contributions are acceptable, or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4 Jackson St. N.E., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, entrusted with arrangements.
Katherine Louise Fell
Katherine Louise Fell of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., died Oct. 12, 1999, after a long illness at home.
She was born on Sept. 29, 1939, to Edward and Katherine Dempster and was a member of Faith Assembly Christian Church. She was an employee at Wal-Mart in Destin.
Survivors include her sisters, Mrs. Anna Walker of Greenville, Pa., and Mrs. Lawrence (Betty) Dittman of Suitland, Md.; children, Judy Hetrick of Stafford, Va., Brenda Reichard of Colorado Springs, Colo., Joseph A. Brink of New Braunfels, Texas, and Tina Koenig of Destin, Fla.; grandchildren, Harold Hetrick of Hadley, Pa., Judy Coats of Dumfries, Va., Kristina and Katie Koenig of Destin; and great-grandchildren, Samuel and Andrew Coats of Dumfries.
She was preceded in death by her son, Edward Reichard; father, Edward Dempster; mother, Katherine Gallino; and stepfather, Joseph Gallino.
Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in Faith Assembly Christian Church, 306 S. Geronimo St., Destin.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Louise Fells' name to Bay Medical Center Hospice, 155 Crystal Beach Drive, Suite 135, Destin, FL 32541.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
