U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Hazel Edmondson
Hazel Edmondson, age 73, passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2000 in a Florala, Ala., hospital. A native of Coffee County, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Theoter and Bessie Bundrick Kelley. A homemaker, she was a member of the Damascus Baptist Church in Florala.
Survivors are husband, Marvin Edmondson of Route 1, Florala; six sons, Gary and wife, Betty Edmondson, of San Antonio, Texas, Gerald and wife, Claire Edmondson, of Crestview, Fla., Greg Edmondson of Crestview, Jan and wife, Glenene Edmondson, of Rt. #1, Florala, Sonny and wife, Cathy Edmondson, of the Carolina Community in Covington County, Ala., Randy and wife, Angie Edmondson, of Lockhart, Ala.; three sisters, Amy Geohagan of Rt. #1, Florala, Malona Bess of Dade City, Fla., Clara Kuklo of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; three brothers, Emory Kelley of Chipley, Fla., Harmon Kelley of Fort Walton Beach, Randall Kelley of Milton, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Sonya, Jeremy, Travis, Cari, Caitlan, Kenna, and Dylan Edmondson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 20, 2000, from the Damascus Baptist Church with the Rev. Elmer Davis officiating. Interment in the Damascus Cemetery with Evans Funeral Home directing.
Jerome Pershing Ellis
Jerome Pershing Ellis, U.S. Air Force retired, age 82, of Schertz, Texas, died Aug. 11, 2000, at Northeast Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
Jerome was born in Johnson City, Tenn. A 1942 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Lt. Col. Ellis was a command pilot and retired in 1967 after 27 years of active service. He had flown more than 24 different aircraft and more than 3,300 hours. As a member of the 76th Fighter Squadron 23rd GP 14th Air Force, he flew missions from Lao Whang Ping China.
He was also assigned as Mag Advisor to the 1st Air Transport Wing of the Chinese Air Force. He was also Priorities Control Officer in Shanghai. In 1954, he was assigned to the 3rd Bombing Squadron, Kunsan, Korea. He was checked out on 24 different reciprocating engine aircraft from the L-5 to the B-29, some more than once. He received the "Chinese Breast Order of the Hun Yui with ribbon," the "Order of the Cloud and Banner" and Chinese pilot's wings, and one Korean medal and wings.
His last Air Force assignment was at the Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Jerome was preceded in death by his wife, Isaetta T. Ellis; parents, retired Col. USA Daniel M. Ellis and wife Carrie Belle Hicks Ellis of Valley Forge, Tenn.
He was a member of the Association of Graduates USMA, Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association; and a lifetime member of the Retired Officers' Association.
He is survived by his son, Jerome P. Ellis Jr. of Schertz, Texas; grandson, Jerome P. Ellis III and daughter-in-law, Amanda Ellis; daughter, Talley E. Hann of Fort Myers, Fla.; granddaughter, Alicia Greder of LaFayette, La.; grandson, Jerome E. Reif of Colorado, his wife, Phaedra, and two great-grandchildren, Keana and Jacob.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, followed by interment in Sunset Cemetery in Valparaiso, Fla., with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville, Fla.
Gus Simon Jr.
Gus Simon Jr., age 82, of Destin, Fla., died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000.
Trahan Mortuary Services in Pensacola, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Leo C. Novak
Leo C. "Punkin" Novak, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2000, at James E. Cartwright Care Center following a brief illness.
Age 77 years, he was born on April 13, 1923, in Saginaw, Mich. Leo married Patricia "Patsy" Foley on April 27, 1946. She survives him. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Leo was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and the Pulaski Club. He was employed at Eaton Manufacturing for 44 years until his retirement.
Surviving besides his wife Patricia are one daughter, Frances Helene Novak; granddaughter, Amanda Elliott, both of Shalimar, Fla.; Leo's brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Mary Ann Foley, Lillie Foley, Daphne Foley, Palegea Novak and Helen Novak; many nieces and nephews.
Leo was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Terrell Elliott; six sisters; and three brothers, Rose Dukjewicz, Josephine Slasinski, Mary Franek, Helen Doud, Lottie Prokop, Ann Kowalski, Mike Stann and Ed Novak, and by his devoted companions, Weenie and Niki.
Leo's family extends their special thanks to all family and dear friends, including the St. Mary's Cathedral family for their many prayers, services and visits; the staff at Covenant Medical Center-Cooper, James E. Cartwright Care Center; and to his personal, loving, special nurse, Bridget.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, in St. Mary's Cathedral in Saginaw with the Rev. Father Ronald Wagner officiating. Interment will follow in Mount Olive Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by American Legion Post 439. There will be no visiting hours at the funeral home.
Friends may call at St. Mary's Cathedral where the family will be present on Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Mary's Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Mary's Cathedral Christian Service Outreach, James E. Cartwright Care Center, Eastside Soup Kitchen, or the Home for Peace and Justice.
Arrangements entrusted to Snow Funeral Home in Saginaw.
Frank R. Deckert
Frank Deckert died Nov. 16, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was at home, surrounded by his five sons and family. He has gone to join his beloved wife of 55 years, Evelyn, and his greatest joy, daughter Lisette.
Born Sept. 30, 1922, in Chicago, he served honorably as an infantryman in the European Theater during World War II. He moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1972 to start the business, Deckhands Marina and later Leeside Inn and Marina on Okaloosa Island. Frank was a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was dearly loved and respected by his large family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
He lives on through his five sons, Rick, Ron, Frank, Bob and Tom; their wives, Nancy, Jeannie, Ellen, Mary and Judy; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Robert, Rick Jr., Amanda, Jonathon, Ricky, Christopher, Anna, Frank James, Melissa and Sean.
The family will have a private memorial after cremation. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Northwest Florida or other charity of choice.
Frances Dean Johnson
Frances Dean Reeser Johnson, age 72, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2000.
Mrs. Johnson was born on May 22, 1928, in Birmingham, Ala. She attended Shades Valley High School.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Euel Resser; parents, Curtis F. and Maybelle Swafford Pennington.
She is survived by her sons, Darrell Euel Reeser and wife Teresa of Pell City, Ala., Otis Barry Reeser of Shalimar, Fla., Bobby D. Reeser and wife Rebecca of Pensacola, Fla., and Robin D. Reeser of Mobile, Ala.; nine grandchildren, Robin Reeser Garrett, Amy Reeser Gale, Darrell E. Reeser II, Leslie Reeser, Nina Reeser, Christopher S. Reeser, Mathew Reeser, Sybil Reeser and Courtney Reeser; four great-grandchildren; one niece; and two nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at noon Tuesday at Faith Chapel North with the Rev. Glenn Jago officiating. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home, Pensacola, is in charge of arrangements.
Annie L. Campbell
Annie L. Campbell, age 99, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt went home to be with our Lord Nov. 19, 2000. She was born Sept. 26, 1901 to Dan and Eliza Lott of Laurel Hill, Fla. and lived her entire life in the Magnolia Community. She gave a lifetime of love, devotion, and dedication to her church, family, community and friends. She served Magnolia Baptist Church faithfully for over 70 years as a Sunday school teacher, clerk, WMU president, pianist, flowers hospitality, cleaning or wherever needed. She was a charter member of the Laurel Hill Eastern Star.
Annie was preceded in death by her husband, Raleigh, of 66 years in 1990; sisters, Nellie Clary and Myrtle Lott of Laurel Hill and brother, David Lott of Eunice, La. She leaves behind a legacy of talents, and her warm smile and sweet nature will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her children, Ray Clayton and Montez Campbell of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Mildred and Austin Harrison of Laurel Hill; grandchildren, Dale and Linda Harrison of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Patti and Dave Gordon of Fort Walton Beach, Debra and Leon Green of Laurel Hill, and Bob and Ditra Campbell of Fort Walton Beach; great-grandchildren, Eric Harrison of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Laura and Katie Dahlene and Sarah Campbell of Fort Walton Beach, and Allison Green of Laurel Hill; sister, Willie Harrison of Laurel Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be one hour prior to service at Whitehurst Funeral Home in Crestview, Fla. Services will be conducted Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in Whitehurst Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Harrison officiating. Private burial will follow in Almarante Cemetery in Laurel Hill. Pallbearers will be Bob Campbell, Dale Harrison, Leon Green, Don Harrison, Gary Harrison, and Dave Gordon. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Crestview Nursing Home for their care and compassion over several years, and to the many friends, pastors, and family who sent cards, brought books, flowers, "goodies", and visited her.
William Oren Cook
William Oren Cook, age 77, passed away quietly at home early Sunday morning, Nov. 19, 2000. Mr. Cook was born Oct. 13, 1923 in Franklin, Ind. Bill and his beloved Midge were married April 2, 1949, in Indianapolis. Following service in the US Navy during WWII, he was graduated with honors in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University. Mr. Cook was a member of Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi national honorary engineering societies. He was employed throughout his professional career with P.R. Mallory Company and its successors. Bill served as an elder in the Greencastle Presbyterian Church, Greencastle, Ind. After retirement, the Cooks moved to Bluewater Bay in 1991. Bill had passion for life. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. Together with Midge, they toured in Europe and recently returned from a long anticipated trip through Ireland and Scotland.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, the former Mildred (Midge) Mosiman; son, Dr. Ronald A. Cook and wife, Kathy; daughter, Sheryl and husband, Richard Fulaytar; daughter, Sandra and husband, Derek Brown; and grandchildren, Michael, Gregory, and Debra Fulaytar. He was dearly loved and respected by his family and many friends. He will be truly missed.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church, 1800 John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Fla., with Dr. Michael Swain and the Rev. Davis Rhodes officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
Arrangements under the direction of McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville. After cremation, a private memorial will be held at the family graveside in Franklin, Ind.
Era G. Carpenter
Era G. Carpenter, age 85, of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000, in a local hospital.
Born on April 11, 1915, in Coffee County, Ala., she was the daughter of the late James Monroe and Claudia Eugene Nelson Galimore.
Mrs. Carpenter moved to DeFuniak Springs in 1950 and became the owner and operator of DeFuniak Springs Wholesale Co., which she maintained for the past 50 years. She was a charter member of Baldwin Avenue Baptist Church and very active in all church activities.
Mrs. Carpenter was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence C. Carpenter who died in 1987.
She is survived by a son, Harold Carpenter and wife Hilda of DeFuniak Springs; daughter, Griselda C. Weeks and husband Garlon of DeFuniak Springs; brothers, Leo Galimore of Enterprise, Ala., Orell Galimore of Atlanta, and Durell Galimore of Elba, Ala.; grandchildren, Mac Carpenter and wife Betty of Jacksonville, Fla., Lyn Keene of Niceville, Fla., Gwyn Hanks and husband Tom of Freeport, Fla., Angie Dickey and husband Tracey of Freeport, Greg Weeks and wife Cindy of DeFuniak Springs, Chris Weeks of DeFuniak Springs, and Mark Weeks of Ocala, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Tara Carpenter, Mac Carpenter II, Landon Hanks, Marc Keene IV, Cole Weeks and McKenzie Dickey; beloved caregivers, Ramona Moorehead and Pat Wells, both of DeFuniak Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Baldwin Avenue Baptist Church with the Revs. Wilbur Kelly and Owen Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mac Carpenter, Greg Weeks, Chris Weeks, Mark Weeks, Landon Hanks and Marc Keene.
Comander Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Frank L. Willis
Frank L. Willis, age 78, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000.
He was a retired U.S. Air Force staff sergeant veteran and a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Fort Walton Beach. He was also a life member of the NCO Club and of American Legion.
Mr. Willis received an award for working with the Senior Volunteers of Okaloosa County.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Letha.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at Holy Trinity Church of Fort Walton Beach with Pastor Steve Marko officiating. Burial will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Air Force Enlisted Widows Foundation, 92 Sunset Lane, Shalimar, FL 32579.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
