Thelma M. Flow
Thelma M. Flow, age 94, died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001, at her residence in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
She was born on Sept. 17, 1906, in Westville, Fla., the daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson and Sarah Sutton Ward. She was a lifelong resident of Walton County, Fla., where she was also a schoolteacher for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Flow.
Survivors include her sister, Wynell B. Fridrich and husband Ernest of Camarillo, Calif.; brother-in-law, Howard Flow and wife Sarah of DeFuniak Springs; sister-in-law, Lucille Wise and husband Ronald of DeFuniak Springs; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs with the Rev. Bob Penton officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ward Leslie Fridrich, Joe Beckham, David Ward, Stanley Hobbs, George Ralph Miller, Kelvin Wells, Landrum Cawthon and Roy Lee Best. Honorary pallbearers are Bud Clauss, Buddy Wilkerson, Dr. Don Wennerberg, Robert Nelson, Quinn McMillian, P.C. Rutherford, Buddy Pickard, Carolyn Nelson, Jannell Griffin, Emily Dannelley, Mary Pickard, Ann Barnes, Thelma Hobbs, Tina Wells, Bonnie Yerdon, Jackie Rutherford, Olene Bass, Mary Katherine Miller and Faye Hardy.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs. Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Beverly W. Mathies
Beverly W. Mathies, an active and enthusiastic member in the Destin, Fla., community, sadly passed away Sunday, Aug. 12, 2001.
Born to Agnes Brandt and George Weber in Hopkinton, Iowa, on Aug. 14, 1931, she grew up surrounded by a family of 14. She later moved to Minnesota to obtain a degree as a medical technician at the College of Saint Benedict. In 1964 she married Dr. James Mathies and moved to Denver where she helped raise their two children, Jim and Laura, while working for Mercy Medical Center.
Retiring in northern Florida after her husband's death in 1990, Beverly is treasured for her generous contributions to a number of organizations in the area, including the Seagrove Garden Club, the Church of the Resurrection and the Coastal Branch Library. Touching many people throughout her life, her endless strength, love and devotion will not be forgotten.
To pay last respects, memorial services will be held at the Church of the Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 20. In lieu of flowers, donations in Beverly's honor may be sent to "Friends of the Coastal Branch Library."
Joseph Ephriam Trapanese
Jo Trapanese was named after her two grandfathers. Jo was born may 18, 1915, to Ada and Marshall Wesson in Clanton, Ala. She met and married her surviving husband David Trapanese in 1945. They had their 56th wedding anniversary April 18, 2001. Together, they have traveled all over the world with the USAF. David retired in 1971 here in Northwest Florida and they have made Fort Walton Beach their home for over 30 years.
She is also survived by one daughter, June and husband James Taraldson of Bluewater Bay; two grandchildren, Jeff and wife Caryl Taraldson of Sunnyvale, Calif., and granddaughter Jo and husband Bob vonSchoeler, also of Bluewater Bay and three great grandchildren, Rebecca, Patricia, and Kathryn Jo vonSchoeler.
Known as "Eppy" to her nieces, nephews and cousins in Alabama and Georgia, she will be loved and missed always.
Jo was also loved and will be missed by a large Trapanese family in New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Washington.
Jo's name caused lots of fun and tons of frustration during her lifetime. She even received a draft notice call. She never considered changing her name because it was something her mother had given her. She had a loving heart and was a true servant to our Lord.
We would like the thank Dr. Mauri Lunderman who cared enough to be there for us.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach is in charge of services.
A visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2001, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, August 20, 2001, at 2 p.m. with Frank Dole from Hospice of Northwest Florida officiating at Heritage Gardens Cemetery 2201 North Partin Drive in Niceville, Fla.
Aubrey Starling
Aubrey Starling, age 70, of Holt, passed away Friday night, August 17, in a Pensacola hospital. Mr. Starling was born on February 15, 1931, in Arcadia, Fla., and had resided in Okaloosa County for the past 25 years. He retired from the USAF as a SSGT with 22 years of service, having served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Mr. Starling was a life member of the DAV Chapter 57. He was a member of the Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Mr. Starling received a degree in criminal justice from Troy State University and worked for the federal prison system in Atlanta and at Eglin. He was a former board member of Auburn Water System, a member of the Dogwood Good Sam's Club and the family motor coach club.
He enjoyed catering and was an avid supporter of the Laurel Hill Hoboes, having served as a Little League coach.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Florence Starling of Holt; two sons, Michael Aaron Starling and wife Shantele of Fairmont, W.Va., David William Starling of Fort Benning, Ga.; one brother, Ronald Starling and wife Johnna of Orange Park, Fla.; and one granddaughter, Lilly Rayann of Laurel Hill.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 20, from the Woodlawn Baptist Church with Dr. Billy Joy officiating. Mr. Starling will be taken to the Gordon Harrison Funeral Home in Jesup, Ga., for burial on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Screven Cemetery with full military honors.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Flowers are appreciated or contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of the arrangements.
Diane Hill
Diane Hill, age 57, of Mary Esther, Fla., departed this life on Aug. 17, 2001, at her home.
She was born on May 3, 1944, in North Carolina.
She is survived by her mother, Ruthie Mae Harding, along with her five brothers, John, Jimmy, Jerry, Donald and Ronald Harding; five children - four daughters and a son, Brenda Melton, Robert Fair, Kimberly Sconiers, Donna Fair and Rhonda Keys. She is also survived by her 12 loving grandchildren.
Before she is laid to rest at sea, a wake will be held at 48 Robinwood Drive, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, for family and friends wishing to attend. You may call 796-0532 between 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday.
The family would like to thank the Florosa Fire Department, the chaplain and all other volunteers.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints of snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die."
Jovita Nanay Manalo
Jovita Nanay Manalo, age 79, of Mary Esther, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2001.
Nanay enjoyed karaoke and spending time with her family and special friends.
She is survived by her four daughters, Minda, Nida, Shirley and Lelia; and sons, Virgilio and Chris. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Linda, Sherry and Barbara; and three great-grandchildren, Lashae, Darius and Savannah; and a special friend, Cora.
The family would like to sincerely thank Barbara and Jason Thompson for opening up their home to care for Nanay in the last moments of her life.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, with a rosary service at 6 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted on Friday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul White officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Northwest Florida, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Lisbeth M. Zagaruyka
Lisbeth Martha Zagaruyka of Niceville, Fla., passed away Aug. 16, 2001, at the age of 68.
She was born on Dec. 26, 1932. She came to the United States in the 1960s from Wiesbaden, Germany. In 1987 she became a U.S. citizen.
Lisbeth was an Air Force wife and traveled about the country. In 1970, she and her husband settled in Niceville. She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Niceville.
Lisbeth is survived by her husband of 44 years, Leo Zagaruyka; son, Edward Leo Zagaruyka, along with his wife Vicki Louise and six children, Jasin Lee, Joseph Leo, Jacob Niclaus, Jesse Edwin, Jordan Brandon and Jarrad Chance; daughter, Lisa Marie Campbell, along with her husband Dennis Micheal and four children, Beth Ann Butcher, Kera Marie Butcher, Micheal Edmond Hopkins and Andrew George Campbell; son, Paul Niclaus Zagaruyka, along with his wife Lisa Renee and two children, Lisbeth Dawn and Leo Xabier; and two brothers and six sisters.
She was preceded in death by her son, Freddie Zagaruyka; father, Otto Wagner, along with his wife Frieda Martha. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend to all she met.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Kingdom Hall in Fort Walton Beach.
Visitation will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martha Ellen Burkett
Martha Ellen Taylor Burkett, a resident of Sandestin, Fla., went to be with our Lord early Saturday morning, Aug. 18, 2001.
She died from complications of a previous surgery. Martha Ellen was born on Aug. 19, 1920, in Greenfield, Tenn. She moved as a young girl to Union City, Tenn., with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Curtis ("Dick") Taylor, and resided on 1011 Exchange St. She attended Union City public schools and on Oct. 13, 1940, Martha Ellen married Leon Burkett. She resided in Union City with her husband until 1955. She raised two lovely daughters, Beverly Burkett Ingram and Joyce Lee Burkett Scruggs; lived in Memphis and moved to Sandestin in 1985.
Mrs. Burkett was preceded in death by her mother and father; her brothers, W.P. "Dubb" Taylor; sister, Nell Taylor Wilkerson; and her daughter, Beverly Burkett Ingram. She is survived by her husband, her daughter and son-in-law, Joyce Lee and Dan Scruggs; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Martha Taylor; and grandchildren, Ansley "Alva" Ingram, Ashlee Scruggs Aldridge, Taylor Lee Ingram Jensen, Daniel Martin Scruggs Jr., and Amanda Burkett Scruggs Vied. Her precious nine great-grandchildren also survive her.
In loving memory of the most gracious and godly woman they have ever known, the family will have a graveside service at Memorial Park in Memphis on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. CST to honor this lovely wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend.
There will be a memorial service to follow later in the week at Santa Rosa Community Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorials be given to the Santa Rosa Community Church Building Fund, Mirror Ministries of Scottsdale, Ariz., or to your favorite charity.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William E. Patton Sr.
William E. "Bill" Patton Sr. passed away Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001, at the age of 67.
Bill was born on Feb. 2, 1934, in Lacy Chapel, Ala. There he met and married Sybil Smith on March 17, 1956. Bill, Sibyl and their three children headed for Huntington Beach, Calif., in 1968 in a Volkswagen bug with all they owned in search of a new life together. In his new beginning he worked his way up the ladder at Northrop Aircraft from mechanic to design engineer. He had accomplished one of his many dreams in this lifetime.
Mr. Patton retired from Northrop in February 1985 and began another dream by moving to Destin, Fla. Once there, he landed at the Grand Mariner, again with Sybil at his side. There he also met many new and dear friends and one special angel, Joann White (let the party begin). His final dream was a project with the famous environmental artist, Wyland. He wanted to take part in a whaling wall on the sides of the marine building just as you enter Destin. Time and other factors however did not allow Mr. Patton to achieve this dream with Wyland, but we know the whaling wall will still be completed at another nearby location.
Mr. Patton will be saving a place for his wife, Sybil Patton; son, Ed Patton; daughters, Mellisa Powell and husband Carl, Kathy Cantrell and husband Lance; grandchildren, Trey, Jessica, Alicia, Jason, Jonathan and Destin; great-grandchildren, Adrianna and Elijia Powell; and his beloved pet, Sonja.
Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Grand Mariner in Destin.
Arrangements entrusted to McLaughlin Mortuary, 17 Chestnut Ave., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Don E. Hilton
Don E. Hilton, age 69, of Baker, Fla., passed away Aug. 20, 2001, at a local hospital.
He was born in Holt, Fla., on Jan. 22, 1932, to Daisy Herndon Hilton and the late Walter P. Hilton.
Mr. Hilton was retired from the State of Florida Division of Driver's License. Originally starting his career as a radio operator with the Florida Highway Patrol in 1956 and then retiring from the Division of Driver's License in 1990.
Mr. Hilton was preceded in death by his father, Walter P. Hilton; and a brother, Glen Dolan (Red) Hilton.
Survivors include his loyal wife of 44 years, Leona Hilton; mother, Daisy Hilton; son, Keith Hilton of Baker and wife Melody; daughter, Donna Hilton of Baker; and grandchildren, Kay Hilton and Kevin Hilton.
Surviving brothers and sisters-in-law are Doyle Hilton of Crestview, Fla., and wife Doris, Wade Hilton of Crawfordville, Fla., and wife Margaret; sister-in-law, Joyce Hilton of Tallahassee, Fla. Mr. Hilton is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of North Okaloosa Medical Center for their sincere kindness and professionalism during his illness.
Active pallbearers are Troy Day, Carlton Daugette, Kendall Helms, James Herndon, Billy Robertson, Clinton Sasser and George Whitehurst. Honorary pallbearers will be current and retired employees of the State of Florida Division of Driver's License and the Florida Highway Patrol.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Baker with the Revs. Don Smith, Mark Seagle and Jim Jordon officiating. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Pilgrim Rest Cemetery.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Janice L. Dixon
Janice L. Dixon, age 67, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2001.
She was born on March 19, 1934, to Donald E. and Laura M. Decker of Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her.
Janice is survived by her husband, William D. Dixon of Fort Walton Beach; son, William D. Dixon III of Fort Walton Beach; daughter, Caroline Dixon Smith and husband John of Germany; and grandson, Brian C. Dixon of Fort Walton Beach.
No services are scheduled at this time.
McLaughlin Mortuary is entrusted with arrangements.
Frances Gunter Posey
Frances Gunter Posey went to be with the Lord at the age of 81 on Friday, Aug. 23, 2001.
Mrs. Posey was born on Jan. 28, 1920, in Covington County, Ala. She was a resident of Baker, Fla., and moved to this area from Opelika, Ala. She was a homemaker and Baptist by faith.
Mrs. Posey was preceded in death by her parents, H.B. and Ina Wilder; husband, Hiram Gunter; and brother, Claude Wilder.
Survivors include her husband, Preston Posey; stepson, James Edward (Brenda) Posey; daughter, Cindy (Curtis) Gunter Prince; brothers, Cecil Wilder of Wetumpka, Ala., and John Wilder of Opelika; sisters, Eva Mae Henderson of Montgomery, Ala., and Sue Bowdin of Andalusia, Ala.; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be conducted following a visitation at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. The visitation at Jeffcoat Trant will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, and burial will be in Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Willis Bill Wilder
Willis "Bill" Wilder of Freeport, Fla., age 64, passed away Aug. 24, 2001.
Mr. Wilder was born on Sept. 2, 1936, in Philadelphia, Miss., and was a resident of Freeport since 1965.
Mr. Wilder had a great love of country music and played for several radio stations in the 60s and early 70s in Mississippi and Tennessee. He was a member of The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO for the past 32 years. He worked at Chicago Bridge and Iron from 1962 to 1982.
In 1982, he started working for the newly-formed Freeport Shipbuilding, where he worked until his retirement in 1993. Upon his retirement he pursued his favorite pastimes, which included landscaping, gardening, playing his guitar, fiddle and banjo. But his most enjoyable time was spent with his newest granddaughter, Savannah Brook Beaver, in which he took great pride in loving and watching grow every day.
Mr. Wilder was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Burnside, Miss.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Carol McCormick Wilder of Freeport; sons, Michael Willis Wilder and wife Patsy of Banner, Miss., and Vincent Charles Wilder and daughter, Danyel Nicole Wilder of Freeport; daughters, Barbara Rose Collins and husband Richard of Star, Miss., Sara Jeanette Golden and husband Bobby of Macon, Ga., and Tammie Annette Beaver and husband Charles of Freeport; brother, Franklin Wilder of Philadelphia, Miss.; sisters, Rachel Agent and Opal Little of Philadelphia, Miss.; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Clary-Godwin Freeport Chapel.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, at New Beginnings Church of Freeport with the Revs. Louis Taunton and Hugh Coley officiating. Burial will follow in Black Creek Cemetery.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Vernon Lee Bosch
Vernon Lee Bosch, age 66, of Shalimar, Fla., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2001, at his residence.
He was born in Worland, Wyo., on Dec. 7, 1934, to Ann and George Bosch. He graduated from the University of Wyoming and served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Bosch was employed by Hughes Aircraft Co. for over 30 years as an electrical engineer and was involved in the space program. Over the years the company's development, systems of all types, engaged his critical engineering skills from GBU15 to AMRAAM simulation, to AMRAAM flight test. He was familiar with test activities at Eglin Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, PT Mugu Naval Air Station and many other sites.
Vern will be remembered for his outstanding skills, total dedication to the job, and a dominate personality insisting on doing things right.
After his retirement he enjoyed many rounds of golf at Shalimar Pointe and Fort Walton Beach Municipal golf courses.
Mr. Bosch was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Loretta.
He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl L. May; son, George John Bosch; grandchildren, Julie, Michael and George John Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Brittany. He is also survived by a longtime love, Bonnie Baldwin.
A memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, with Pastor Jerry Nelson officiating.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the University of Wyoming Alumni Fund.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Devin Reed Fugett
Devin Reed Fugett of Crestview, Fla., was taken off life support and died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001, at West Florida Regional Medical Center in Pensacola, Fla., of non-specific encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. He was 21.
The only child of Bryan and Pamela Fugett, Devin collected myriad friends as he explored the energy of the world around him. His friendships spanned the country and knew no borders, family members said.
Throughout his short life, Devin developed a passion for music and art. He was an avid swimmer and enjoyed diving and snorkeling in the waters off the Emerald Coast, a sport he first learned at the tender age of 5 in Key Largo, Fla., where the family lived until 1995. Devin was born Feb 15, 1980 in Bitburg, Germany and grew up in Key Largo. He attended Fort Walton Beach High School. He graduated in 1999. He planned to enter the U.S. Air Force.
He is survived by his parents and grandparents Tom and Janet Burt of Crestview; Sonja Fugett and Charles O. Fugett Jr. (deceased) of Dauphin Island, Ala.; and Jack Malone of Cumberland, Ky.
His extended family includes Rob Malone and Ralph and Debbie Davis of Crestview; Lynn Beck of Whipple, Ohio; Britt and Tiffany Malone of Frisco, Texas; Mark and Vickie Fugett of Mineral Wells, W.Va.; Craig Fugett of Savannah, Ga.; Luke and Michelle Fugett of Sanwood, N.J.; and numerous cousins.
He was loved and will be sorely missed by many dear friends, including Skye Ehrnhard and Mark Gutierrez, both of Mary Esther; and Brandon Miller of Fort Walton Beach.
Trahan Mortuary in Pensacola is in charge of the cremation. Devin's ashes will be scattered in the waters off Key Largo, where he hoped to return some day.
A New Orleans style celebration of Devin's life will be held in the future.
Donations to the family may be made to: Pamela A. Fugett c/o Tom and Janet Burt, 3930 Poverty Creek Rd., Crestview, FL 32539
William Henry Gilbert
William Henry Gilbert, age 71, of 52359 CR 113 North, Elkhart, IN 46514, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2001, at his daughter's residence.
He was born on June 16, 1930, in Elkhart to Carl Gilbert and Donabelle Fuller. He married Lily Webber in 1975 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (deceased July 16, 1995). Mr. Gilbert was a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1968 and resided in Fort Walton Beach for 26 years.
He was a member of VFW 7674, American Legion 235, both in Fort Walton Beach, Eagles 395 in Elkhart, and 70th Air Refueling Association.
Survivors include a son, Gary Gilbert; daughters, Sandra Price, Barbara Crussemeyer and Beverly Kessler, all of Elkhart; stepdaughter, Judith Wilber of Fort Walton Beach; stepson, Arthur Webber of Freeport, Fla.; nine grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; one great-grandchild; five stepgreat-grandchildren; and brothers, Harry Gilbert of Elkhart, and Robert Gilbert of Navarre, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at VFW 7674 in Fort Walton Beach. Burial will be in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements by Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, Ind.
Donald B. Mathewson
Donald B. Mathewson, age 78, of Destin, Fla., passed away Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001, after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his wife, June, and they had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by two nieces from Minnesota and many friends.
Funeral services will be held in Dayton, Ohio, next week.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Covenant Hospice, 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
