U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Evelyn Ruth Spurlin
Mrs. Evelyn R. Spurlin, age 91, of Niceville, Fla., died Saturday evening, July 21, 2001, at her residence in Niceville. Mrs. Spurlin was born in Camp Walton, Fla., on November 10, 1909, to Albert Augusta and Dora Steel Cadenhead and had been a lifetime resident of the Northwest Florida area.
Mrs. Spurlin had been a lunchroom worker with the Okaloosa County School Board and was also a member of the Food Service Association. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Niceville.
Mrs. Spurlin was preceded in death by her dear husband, J.P. Spurlin; daughter, Ruth Burney; brothers, Junior Cadenhead, Elzie Cadenhead, Vernie Cadenhead, Sylvester Caden-head and Cortez Cadenhead; and sisters, Mabel Mathis and Estelle Garrett.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Mary K. Hagler and Richard Simpson of Niceville; brother, Dewey Cadenhead of Milton, Fla.; sisters, Edna Williamson of Holt, Fla., Gladys Peoples of Pensacola, Fla., Vivian Harrelson of Crestview, Fla.; granddaughters, Mary Jean Spradlin, Tina Taylor, Nancy Burney; grandson, Eugene Hagler II; great granddaughter, Sheila O'Quinn; great grandson, Danny Spradlin, Bobby and Rick Taylor; great, great grandsons, Josh and David Taylor; great, great granddaughter, Meghan O'Quinn; son-in-law, Buddy Burney; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
A time of visitation will be conducted from the Whitehurst Funeral Home on Monday, July 23, 2001, from 6 until 8 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted from the Chapel of Whitehurst Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 24, 2001, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. George Skipper and the Rev. Boyce Teas officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Shady Grove Cemetery in Baker, Fla.
Arrangements and services are under the direction of the Whitehurst Funeral Home, 436 West James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida.
Kenneth E. Landowski
Mr. Kenneth E. Landowski, age 78, of Crestview, Fla., died Saturday, July 21, 2001, at the North Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview after a lengthy illness. Mr. Landowski was born in Grayton, N. D. on September 15, 1922, to Joseph and Gertie Amelia Jorgenson Landowski and had been a resident of the Northwest Florida area since 1977, after moving here from Michigan.
Mr. Landowski was Lutheran in his faith. He was a retired Chief Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force. He was a charter member and a lifetime member of the B.P.O.E. (Elks) Lodge 2624 in Crestview. He was a Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce Landowski, of Crestview; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ken Lindholm and Donna Dukleth of Portland, Oregon; several nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
A time of visitation will be conducted from the Whitehurst Funeral Home on Monday, July 23, 2001, from 6 until 8 p.m. with an Elks Memorial Service to be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening. The funeral service will be conducted from the Chapel of Whitehurst Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 3 p.m. with the Reverend Andrew Watkins and the Reverend Jim Jordan officiating. Interment will follow the service in the LiveOak
Park memorial Cemetery in Crestview, with military honors.
Floral tributes will be accepted at the funeral home, or for those who desire, the family suggests contributions to the Elks Children's Therapy Service.
Arrangements and services are under the directions of the Whitehurst Funeral Home, 436 West James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Fla.
Lorraine L. Smith
Lorraine L. Smith, age 77, of Destin, Fla., died Sunday, July 22, 2001 at her home. She was born in Chicago, Ill. She was a resident of the Destin area since 1979. She was a member of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Destin. She loved her ceramics classes and her ceramics.
Survivors include her husband, Donald J. Smith of Destin; sons and daughters-in-law, Donald E. Smith and Patricia of Chicago, Ill., Kenneth J. and Barbara Smith of Dyer, Ind.; brother, Earl Franklin of Chicago.
She was the grandmother of Francine and Russ Otte, Hedi and Gerald Lange, Tricia and Robert Schaller, and Joedy and Sandra. She had three great grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, Niceville branch.
The family will receive friends at McLaughlin Mortuary in Fort Walton Beach Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services and burial will take place later in the week from the Andrew J. McGann & Sons Funeral Home located at 107 S. Pulaski, Chicago, Ill.
McLaughlin Mortuary is entrusted with local arrangements.
Lori Kaye Klausutis
Lori Kaye Klausutis, age 28, of Niceville, Fla., passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2001. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and was also a cantor. She was a former president of the Young Republicans and was serving as treasurer at the time of her passing.
Lori graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia School of Journalism and was working on completing her MBA from the University of West Florida. She was also a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority.
She performed in "Wild Wild Women" with the Stagecrafters. She was also on the boards of the Fort Walton Beach Youth Symphony and a member of the Fort Walton Beach Jaycees.
Survivors include her husband, T.J. Klausutis of Niceville; parents, Larry and Linda Bolterstein of Marietta, Georgia; sister, Kelly Ann Bolterstein of Atlanta, Ga.; father- and mother-in-law, Norm and Carol Klausutis of Niceville; brother- and sisters-in-law, Michael and Laurie Klausutis of Valparaiso, Fla., and Kristen Klausutis of Niceville; and grandparents, Leo and Heneretta Leja of Fraser, Mich.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 25, 2001 at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Paul White officiating. Burial will follow in the Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville.
McLaughlin Mortuary is in charge of local arrangements.
Mary M. Fitzpatrick
Mary Margaret "Missy" Fitzpatrick, our "Missy," journeyed to her heavenly home on July 26, 2001, to join her father and grandparents and to be with her Lord. She was a resident of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
She was born on April 13, 1948, in Stillwater, Okla., the daughter of Ann Cassibry Fitzpatrick and the late James T. Fitzpatrick Jr. of Fort Walton Beach. She was preceded in death by her father; maternal grandparents, Kate and Oscar Cassibry; paternal grandparents, Rhoda and James Fitzpatrick; and uncle, Oscar Cassibry Jr.
Missy graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1966. She was voted the most talented girl in her senior class and was active in Madrigals and was a member of the vocal group "Van Allen Four." She attended the University of Alabama and West Florida University and received a degree in elementary education. Later, she returned to West Florida University and received a degree in psychology and her masters in psychology.
Her job opportunities took her to South Florida, where she fell in love with the area south of Bradenton - "Boca Grande." She leaves behind there many dear friends, especially Sharon Haynes and Dennis Guppy. She returned to the Fort Walton Beach and South Walton County area and was associated with the Sandestin Beach Hilton for 10 years. She leaves behind many dear friends there. The kindness they have shown her touched her heart so very much.
For the last two years she has made a courageous fight against cancer. Her indomitable spirit has been a source of inspiration to her family and all that know her. She touched so many lives in her short lifespan. She fought bravely in her final days, and God gave her peace. We shall miss her more than words can express, but her laughter and radiant smile will live in our hearts forever. Our precious daughter, sister and beloved friend - her light has dimmed on earth, but we know her star shines brightly today in Heaven.
She is survived by her mother, Ann Cassibry Fitzpatrick of Fort Walton Beach; brothers, Tom (Denise) Fitzpatrick of Niceville, David (Barbara) Fitzpatrick of Crestview, Fla.; uncle, Brig. Gen. Robert C. (Pat) Cassibry of McLean, Va.; aunts, Margaret Cassibry Tucker of Greensboro, N.C., and Janie Cassibry of Brandan, Miss.; nieces, Jann Decker of Jacksonville, Fla., Jill Whidden of Orlando, Fla., Ginny Fitzpatrick of Niceville, Misty and Rebecca Fitzpatrick of Crestview; nephew, Dave Fitzpatrick of Crestview; cousins, Fillis Cassibry Shelby, Mary Cassibry Kramer, Bill Tucker, and especially Katherine Ann Tucker of Durham, N.C. She was so kind and thoughtful to Missy in her final months. She also leaves behind her very dear friend, Joey Reyes.
Memorial services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday at McLaughlin Mortuary. Visitation will take place one hour before the service. At her request, she will be cremated.
The family, in loving memory of Missy, will graciously accept floral arrangements or donations to a charity of your choice.
McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, is entrusted with arrangements.
Dr. Harbans Sidhu
Dr. Harbans Singh Sidhu left for his heavenly abode on July 19, 2001.
Private memorial services were held in Crestview, Fla., and he was cremated in Pensacola, Fla. His ashes were peacefully scattered in the Gulf of Mexico, outside of Destin, Fla.
Memorial services will also be held at the Sikh Religious Society, Palantine, Ill., on Aug. 5, 2001.
Dr. Sidhu worked for the Lethality and Vulnerability of the Air Force Research Lab at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Prior to the Air Force, Dr. Sidhu worked as a structural engineer for Sargent and Lundy in Chicago.
Dr. Sidhu was a deeply spiritual and philosophical person with an array of talents. He studied all the religions of the world, excelled at math and physics (he had a Ph.D. in structural engineering), and was a painter and builder (of homes and of friendships). He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his calming influence, his gift for mentoring friends and family, and his easy smile.
He is survived by his wife, Bhagwant; sons, Dilraj (Nancy) of Milwaukee, and Inderjeet of Beach Park, Ill.; daughter, Gurjot (Samir); and grandchildren, Jivan and Priya of Scarsdale, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association; or to the Barrington Fire Department, 400 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Pearl Schmidt
Pearl Schmidt of Choctaw Beach, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 27, 2001. She was 84.
She is the daughter of the late James and Bertha Clark Massey. She was born in Junction, Texas, on December 22, 1916. An area resident for 15 years, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include one son, Lawrence Schmidt of Cottondale, Fla.; two daughters, Ladell Schmidt of Houston, Texas, and Marie Field of Choctaw Beach, Fla.; one sister, Minnie Blalock, of Kerville, Texas; six grandchildren, Alvin and Adam Booth, Tom and Pat Field, Richard and James Edward Field; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 30, 2001, from 2 to 3 p.m. at McLaughlin Twin Cities Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. at the chapel with the Rev. Glenn Willsey officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery, Valparaiso, Fla.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, Fla.
Edward T. Sweeney, Jr.
Edward T. Sweeney, Jr., age 64, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 26, 2001.
He retired from the United States Marine Corp as a master gunnery sergeant after 34 years of dedicated service. While in the military, he served as a nuclear, biological, and chemical defense spe#####t; an ammunition technician, a ground nuclear ordnance technician, and he also served as an instructor in each of these areas. Edward served in the Vietnam War and received several awards and medals for his outstanding service to his country.
Survivors include his wife, Joan Sweeney of Fort Walton Beach; sons, Michael Sweeney and wife Rachel of Mary Esther, Fla., and Mark Sweeney and wife Jean of Destin, Fla.; stepson David Jones, his wife Rizalina, and their daughter Diana of Cabot, Ark.; brother, Phillip Sweeney of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and sister, Nell Wetherby of Grand Rapids, Mich.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, July 29, 2001, at McLaughlin Mortuary in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
A gravesite service will be conducted 11:45 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2001, at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla.
Arrangements are under the direction of McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Avenue, Fort Walton Beach.
Maurice E. Goldman
Maurice E. (Morry) Goldman of Niceville, Fla., died Saturday, July 28, 2001, after a lengthy illness.
Mr. Goldman was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 11, 1934, and married Rita Templeton in 1985. He resided in Atlanta for 17 years before retiring from I.B.E.W. Local Union 98 in 1995 and moving to Niceville. Morry was a Union Electrician for 50 years and worked in many parts of the country utilizing his trade. He loved to boat, fish, and scuba dive but his favorite pastime was talking to his friends.
For the past two years, he had made a courageous fight against cancer. His indomitable spirit has been a source of inspiration to his family and all that knew him. He fought bravely in his final days, and God gave him peace. We will miss him more than words can express but his memory and wonderful zest for life will live in our hearts forever.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Rita.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Interment will be in Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Collingsdale, Pa.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Cecil L. Harrison
Cecil L. Harrison, age 58, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 29, 2001, at North Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview, Fla.
Cecil was born on April 13, 1943, in Dolomite, Ala., the son of the late Belivial and Mottorea Crocker Harrison. After an eight-year tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, Cecil and Donna, his wife of 34 years, made this area their home. Cecil was an ace mechanic who started Harrison Automotive Shop in Niceville, Fla., and ran it for 10 years. The name and business still exist.
Cecil was a very giving, unselfish person who would help anybody. His family looked to him for guidance and advice because he had this innate ability to solve problems.
Cecil was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Lee, in 1986. He is survived by his wife, Donna at home in Crestview; daughter, Cynthia Anne Miller of Crestview; brothers, Everett Lynn Harrison of Warrior, Ala., and Phillip Harrison of Blountstown, Fla.; and three grandchildren, Jonathan Miller, Steven Harrison and Brittany Miller, all of Crestview.
The family will receive relatives and friends at a public visitation on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home with the Rev. Arnold E. Hendrix Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Live Oak Baptist Ceremony in Crestview. It will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements under the direction of McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville.
Frances Louise Gierlach
Frances Louise Gierlach, age 73, died Sunday, July 29, 2001, in Pensacola, Fla.
Daughter of the late Steve and Helen Gierlach, she was born in Warren, Ohio, and moved here with her parents at the age of six. She attended local schools, graduating from Walton High School in 1946 after completing a perfect 12 years of attendance. She was a graduate of Pensacola Business College.
Her last job, retiring in 1991, was in the accounting office of Henko Showell poultry plant, where she completed 33 years. Miss Gierlach was Catholic by faith and a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church, where she was very active. She was over the years a member of AARP Chapter 1921, Walton County Homemakers Club, and The Golden Agers. She loved people, cooking and exchanging recipes, and also corresponding with relatives and friends.
Survivors include two aunts, and one uncle of Warren, Ohio; and many friends locally.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, closing with a vigil service at Clary-Godwin Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at St. Margaret Catholic Church with Father Joseph Caffrey officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
