James L. Keith
Msgt. James L. Keith, USAF retired, age 69, passed away Monday, June 11, 2001, at his home in DeFuniak Springs, Fla. He was born in Caryville, Fla., to the late James Vermon and Naomi Lee Foxworth Keith. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with over 22 years of active service.
He was also a retired administrator with the Odessa Medical Center in Odessa, Texas. Mr. Keith was a Baptist by faith and was a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida except for his military career.
He is survived by his son, Byron Keith, and wife, Vicky, of Whitehouse, Texas; daugthers, Lisa Carden and husband, Danny of Pinckney, Mich., and Katurah Keith of Seattle, Wash.; brothers, Kenneth V. Keith and wife, Virginia of DeFuniak Springs, Charles P. Keith and wife, Barbara of Lynchburg, Va. and George W. Keith and wife, Sarah of DeFuniak Springs and two grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the Comander Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, June 14, 2001, at 10 a.m. with a U.S. Air Force Chaplain officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow beginning at 1 p.m. at the Bagdad Cemetery in Bagdad, Fla. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held Wed., June 13, 2001 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Comander Funeral Home.
Comander Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Scott Lynwood Kimrey
Scott Lynwood Kimrey, son of the late Bill Kimrey and Dane Jennings, and surviving stepfather William K. Jennings, passed from this life into eternal life on Tuesday, June 26, 2001.
Scott graduated from Walton High School. He attended Atlanta Art Institute in Atlanta. He was well-known locally in the Destin, Fla., area as a D.J. and sound technician.
Scott loved his family, friends, life, music and water sports. Most of all, he loved his young daughter, Kayla.
His parents predeceased him. His daughter, Kayla Josie Kimrey of Pensacola, Fla.; his sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Jeff Bowen of Destin; niece, Lindsay; nephew, Wade; and great-niece, Kylee, survive him. Also surviving are two aunts, Tanya Staats and her family of Panama City, Fla., and Nancy Watson and her family of Donaldsonville, Ga.
Memorial services will be conducted on Tuesday, July 3, at Harbor Docks, 538 E. Highway 98, Destin, at 2 p.m. on the deck downstairs.
Scott's remains will be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico, that he loved so much, at a later date.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Stanley Pianowski
A memorial service for Thomas Stanley Pianowski, age 72, will be held at St. Simon's-on-the-Sound Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., on Sunday at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church at 2:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Mr. Pianowski died on June 28, 2001. He was born in Schenectady, N.Y., graduated from Illinois State University, and received an honorable discharge after serving in the U.S. Army, Korean War era. He spent most of his career with Northwest Florida Wholesale Liquor Distributors. He was a manager at Gator Distributors in Fort Walton Beach, and was an advertising representative of Pensacola Engraving and Printing Co. that published specialty news guides.
He was also a member of Elks Lodge 1795; American Legion Post 235; Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce; and a longtime member of St. Simon's Episcopal Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen Pianowski of Schenectady, N.Y.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Jim Hilson Pianowski; children, Walter Hilson Merrill M.D., and wife Morgan of Nashville, Tenn.; daughter, Marianne Merrill Moates and husband James T. Moates Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala.; grandchildren, Virginia Merrill, Gibson Merrill, Mary Knox Merrill and Hilson Merrill of Nashville, Benjamin Moates of Destin, Fla., Michael Moates M.D., and family of Houston, Seth Moates of Birmingham, Ala., and Maribeth Moates of Birmingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a favorite charity.
Joyce Lynne Kase
Joyce Lynne "Jackie" Kase, age 58, of Shalimar, Fla., passed away peacefully at her parent's home in Valparaiso, Fla., on Wednesday, June 27, 2001, after an extended battle with cancer.
She is survived by her parents, Bettie and Carl Klink; her husband, Tom; her children, Sherri and Jason; her siblings, Carla and Kris; her grandson, Harrison; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Born in Indianapolis on May 8, 1943, Jackie was a caring and loving daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. Her laughter and sense of humor brought joy to everyone she encountered. She was an animal lover that opened her heart and home to all creatures great and small. Jackie was an active member of the Okaloosa Kennel Club, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, and a nationally recognized breeder of champion Wheatens.
A dedicated and cheerful member of her community, she served others through her participation as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, member of the PTA, Booster Club, the Shalimar United Methodist Church, and many other organizations. Helping others as a nurse locally for 17 years, she was most recently employed at the Bridgeway Center.
Her parents, family, friends, Hospice of Northwest Florida, and doctors provided immeasurable and loving care, comfort and support during her illness.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Shalimar United Methodist Church with the Revs. John Collins, David Chunn and Jerry Hollis presiding on Monday, July 2, at 2 p.m. The celebration will continue in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Tampa Bay, earmarked Rescue Mission Fund, Kase; care of Karen Kormos, 5024 Inverness Drive, Sarasota, FL 34234; or Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
She will be interred in a private ceremony at Fort Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fla.
Raymond T. Hilliard, Jr.
Raymond T. Hilliard, Jr., age 73, died of natural causes on June 16, 2001, at the Methodist Hostal in Houston, Texas. Born in Houston on Feb. 3, 1928 and raised most of his life in California, Hilliard was a resident of Fort Walton Beach for 15 years. He retired from the U.S. Army after 31 years of service and was employed with Yellow Cab until he became ill.
He was a devoted husband and loving father of two daughters, Karen Hilliard and Sheri Burdick; four stepdaughters, Joleen of Fort Walton Beach, Donna of Pennsylvania, and Theresa and Carole of California; and stepsons John and Mike Kiefer of California. He also leaves behind a loving sister, Loretta and her husband John Wiens in California. He will be truly missed by all.
Memorial services will be held at Eglin Air Force Base Chapel No. 2, West Gate, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on July 2, 2001, and at Barankas National Cemetery in Pensacola with full military honors at 1:15 p.m. on July 3, 2001.
Alva A. Butler
Technical Sergeant (retired)Alva A. Butler, born Jan. 16, 1918, in Matheson, Colo., passed away June 29, 2001, at a local nursing home. He was 83 years old. Mr. Butler is preceded in death by his parents Charles Francis Butler and Ora Downer Butler; brother Lloyd Butler, Sr.; sister Edna Butler Riley; and son-in-law Michael Byrne.
He is survived by former wife Laverne Stabler, Niceville, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law Steve Butler and Donna Johns, Navarre, Fla.; daughter and son-in-law Vicky and Duwayne McNaughton, Anniston, Ala.; daughter and son-in-law Joanie Byrne and Eugene Elliott, Niceville, Fla.; granddaughters Leah and Bethany McNaughton, Anniston, Ala.; Megan and Cristin Byrne, Niceville, Fla.; sister Oma Butler Klaus, Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister and brother-in-law Vera and Ed Jackson, Mertztown, Penn.; and Jan Sheridan, Seaside, Calif. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Butler served in the United States Navy during World War II. He joined the United States Air Force in 1953, where he served until his honorable discharge in June 1965. He was employed by Civil Services at the machine shop at Eglin AFB from 1965 to 1976.
During his youth, Al lived on the sheep ranch owned by this father in Matheson, Colo. His father died when he was nine years old and his mother passed away when he was 12. At that time, Al and his younger sister were cared for at an orphanage in Nebraska, where his older sister Edna was employed.
His great passion was the art of making gold wire jewelry. He was instructed in this art at the early age of 16 by his brother Lloyd. His jewelry, in the form of name pins, cross necklaces, tie clasps and earrings, has been worn and enjoyed by countless people. He was also an avid fisherman, harmonica player and pool player extraordinaire.
Because he lost his parents at such a young age, and having lived through the Great Depression, Al's top priority in life became to provide sustenance and financial stability for his wife and children. He was a generous man with a big heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers at the Manor at Bluewater Bay nursing home with heartfelt gratitude to Wes Drain, Michelle Snapp, Paula Anderson, Kathy Scott, Barb Harrington, Tameka Pittman, David Pinner, Denise Wilson, Marsha Wilson, Bonnie Cruz, Donna Johnson and Brookes Patterson. Appreciation goes to the staff at the Northwest Florida Hospice with special thanks to Jean Nolin.
A celebration of Al's life will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, 2001, at McLaughlin Funeral Home in Niceville. Viewing will take place one hour prior to the service. Taking care of arrangements is McLaughlin Funeral Home in Niceville. After cremation, his ashes will be interred at Heritage Gardens in Niceville.
Curtis Riggins
Curtis Riggins, age 80, of Shalimar, went home with our Lord on Friday, June 29, 2001.
Curtis was an avid sports fan, loving husband and Pop-Pop. He enjoyed life, his family and friends. He could always be seen at Burger King's morning crew and at the Waffle House with his wife Betty. Curt never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be truly missed.
In addition to his loving wife Betty, Curtis is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Debra and Don Oliver, and Cheryl and David Gorman; a son, Curtis W. Riggins; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three sisters and two brothers.
Services are private. Arrangements are under the direction of Emerald Coast Funeral Home, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
William F. LaPlante, Sr.
William F. LaPlante, Sr., age 72, devoted husband, father and grandfather died Monday, June 25, 2001, in Hartford, Conn., after a battle with leukemia. Born in North Haven, Conn., on December 18, 1928, Bill is survived by Marion Legowski LaPlante, his loving wife of 53 years; sons William F. LaPlante II of Naples, Fla., Robert J. LaPlante of Seacrest, Fla., Brian K. LaPlante of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and daughter Donna M. LaPlante of Tallahassee, Fla.
Bill also leaves his sister, Mildred Chykinda, and husband Bob of Rocky Hill, Conn., and daughters-in-law, Thea M. LaPlante, Caroline LaPlante and Susanne LaPlante. Bill's four grandchildren are Guy and Lauren LaPlante, Jake LaPlante and Caitlin LaPlante. His parents, John and Catherine LaPlante of Rocky Hill, Conn., are deceased.
Mr. LaPlante was employed as a master machinist by the General Electric Co. of Plainville, Conn., for 32 years. He was an avid carver of wooden marine birds and mammals. He prided himself on being "able to fix anything but a broken heart." In retirement he traveled extensively, settling and building new residences in his adopted hometowns of Sober Island, Nova Scotia, and South Walton County, Fla.
A veteran of both the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Army, Mr. LaPlante served in the Signal Corps under General Douglas McArthur in Japan until his honorable discharge in 1948.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 2, 2001, at St. Rita Catholic Church with Msgr. James Flaherty officiating. Burial will follow at the Gulf Cemetery in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., with a Military Honor Guard in attendance.
A viewing was also held at the Ahern Funeral Home in Unionville, Conn., on Wednesday, June 27, 2001.
Clary-Goodwin Freeport Chapel is in charge of the local arrangements.
Susan Holly Philpott
Susan Holly Philpott, devoted wife and wonderful mother, was tragically taken from this world on Friday, June 29, 2001, in Niceville.
Many in this community knew Susan as the "walking lady with the big blue stroller." Her husband said, "Susan always enjoyed talking with the people she met on her walks and tried to inspire others to exercise. Susan loved her children with all of her being and gave her life to protect them. Her love will be a part of our home and hearts for always." Words cannot express how much she will be missed.
Susan was born on Nov. 30, 1966, in Manhasset, N.Y. She received her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University in hotel and restaurant management, received a Bachelor of Science degree at New York University, and a master's degree in social work at Adelphi University in Long Island. She was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of Florida and worked at both the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and COPE Center at DeFuniak Springs.
Susan is survived by her husband Luke Francis Philpott, her twin daughters Abby and Erin, and her son Cory James (CJ), all of Niceville, Fla; her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Mountain of New York; her mother, Joyce W. Davis of Terrytown, N.Y.; her father, Donald W. Davis of Fort Walton Beach; her three brothers, Jonathan Davis and his wife Deb of Boston, Mass., Scott Davis and his wife Susanna of London, England; Chris Davis and wife Angie of Houston, Texas; four nieces, Morgan, Sara, Mimi and Annabelle and nephew Bradley. Luke's family includes parents Richard and Mary Philpott of County Cork, Ireland; and three brothers, James Philpott of Boston, Mass., and Allan and Mark Philpott of Ireland.
Visitation will be held in the Nave of St. Jude's Episcopal Church, 200 Partin Drive, Niceville, Fla., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 2. There will also be a visitation on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. prior to a Memorial Eucharist service at 4 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Arnold Bush and the Rev. Marty Conner. A reception will follow the service in the administration building of the church. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers in care of St. Jude's Episcopal Church, 200 Partin Drive, Niceville, Fla., to be divided between a care fund for the children and the building fund.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Ona Mae Glasscock
Ona Mae Glasscock passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2001, after a blessed and happy life of 94 years.
Born in Bonifay on May 8, 1907, she was a lifelong resident of this area. A member of the First Assembly of God in Destin and the Eastern Star in Bonifay, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall Glasscock.
She is survived by her daughter, Willadean Wright, Destin; grandsons Alan Pate and his wife Sandy, Knoxville, Tenn., and James Pate and his wife Nina, Destin; six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at the First Assembly of God, Destin, with Rev. Joseph A. Rogers, Pastor, officiating.
Burial will follow at Destin Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until service time at the church on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to their favorite charity in Mrs. Glasscock's memory.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
