Dr. Malcolm Hayman
February 22, 1919 - April 22, 2008
Funeral service for Dr. Malcolm Hayman, 89, DeLand, who died April 22, 2008, at Emory L. Bennett Veterans Nursing Home, Daytona Beach, will be Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Chapel, DeLand, with Dr. Robert Mulkey officiating. Burial will be in DeLand Memorial Gardens with military honors by the U.S. Marines. Calling hours are from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Lankford Funeral Home.
Dr. Hayman was born in Tampa, FL and was a veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific and received three Presidential Unit Citations. He was a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine who graduated from Lincoln Chiropractic University, Indianopolis, IN and opened the Hayman Chiropractic Center in 1950 in DeLand. He was a member of First Baptist Church of DeLand and the DeLand Kiwanis Club.
Survivors include three sons, Stephen Hayman, DeLand, William Hayman, Lithonia, GA, and Jerry Hayman, Sequim, Washington and four grandchildren, Jeremy (Jessica) Hayman, Matthew (Sarah) Hayman, Jesse Hayman and Melody Hayman.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler Counties, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.
Irene King Fortes
September 26, 1922 - April 26, 2008
Irene King Fortes, 85, died Saturday, April 26, 2008, from Alzheimer's disease complications. Irene King Fortes was born in Camden, AL on September 26, 1922, but moved early in life with her family to Northport, AL. She became a Christian at an early age and worked as a teenager with other youth at Northport Baptist Church. Her parents were James Davis King and Cherokee Burgess King. Cherokee died in 1952 and Davis King died in 1972. An older sister, Una, died at age 40 in Melbourne, FL, and a brother, James Davis King Jr., died in Atlanta in 1999.
Jack Fortes met Irene in 1952 when she visited Jim and Una in New Smryna Beach, where Jim and some friends built radio station WSBB. Una worked there. Jack and Irene were married January 3, 1953, at Northport Baptist Church, and returned to New Smyrna Beach where Jack was correspondent for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. In 1954 they moved to Melbourne where Jack worked for the Orlando Sentinel and Pan Am at the Cape. Kee Fortes was born July 12, 1956, and Scott Fortes was born March 18, 1960, in Melbourne.
The family moved to DeLand in December 1965, where Jack was to work with Stetson in Alumni/Development for 24 years. Through the years, Jack and Irene enjoyed bridge and other activities with Stetson and community friends. Irene was secretary to Pastor Chuck Bugg from 1976 until 1982. She loved her church. Irene was a loving wife and mother and friends missed her when she became ill with Alzheimer's. She is lovingly missed to this day by all who knew her.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Kee Fortes Strong (Ken), Durham, NC, and son, Scott (Christy), granddaughter, Madison, and grandson, Rhett, all of Jasper, GA.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in DeLand. Memorial gifts may be sent to First Baptist Church of DeLand, 725 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32724.
Victor William August Roepke
July 27, 1913 - April 27, 2008
Funeral service for Victor William August Roepke, 94, DeLand, who passed away from this life on April 27, 2008, to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, will be at 12 noon Thursday, May 1, at Lankford Funeral Home. Family will receive friends between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the funeral home.
Mr. Roepke was a Christian and a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), DeLand. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on July 27, 1913. While living in Indiana
, he owned and managed Roepke Floral Company which at the time was the largest floral company in Indiana
. On August 16, 1936, Vic married Kathryn Dee (Duncan-deceased 1999), who was his friend, helper, partner and love. Dee designed and made floral arrangements at the Roepke Floral Shop side by side with Victor, and on holidays they would still be working at 2 or 3 a.m. When Vic said "Let's go to .¤.¤." Dee would start packing for another adventure searching for the wily trout.
Vic and Dee became the parents of Gordon Ray Roepke on April 19, 1937 (deceased 1995). On June 9, 1947, daughter Rita Dee Roepke (Cook) was born in Indianapolis. Victor served briefly in the U.S. Navy until an injury left him with a disability. With the lure of warmth (which meant you could fish more often), Victor and family moved to Eustis, FL in 1949. Once settled in Florida, Mr. Roepke began land development in Lake County and Volusia County. While being successful at this, he made many friends and people thought well of him. While developing River Ridge Subdivision in Volusia County, Mr. Roepke unearthed the "Owl Totem" which was near what is now Hontoon Island State Park. He gave the totem to the University of Florida. Today there is a replica of this Owl Totem on this island park. Victor always was respectful, helpful and fair to everyone, no matter what walk of life a person was from. His entire life of altruism was done quietly, not wanting attention drawn to himself.
Victor and family spent much time cruising The Bahamas. He purchased land in Green Turtle Cay and, with Gordon's help, built a house for his family. Grandchildren DeAnn Ryals and Billy Ryals joined in the fun at the early ages of 3 and 2. There aren't enough words to describe the joy the family shared, the adventures, fun and memories garnered from years with Victor. He was a man of all men, at least to his grandson, Billy. He was always there to teach Billy the ways of the water and the fish. When Vic and family would have a long day of fishing it was a family tradition to say, "Out too far big fish," a line from Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea."
Victor was a person of vision. He had foresight in ways to help people better themselves often with just a quiet gift of encouragement. This could be giving the fish he caught on the St. Johns River to somone, giving away plants he grew in his greenhouse or other ways. Vic fished every day of his life, well, almost. His vision was most evident in Habitat for Humanity West Volusia affiliate and Habitat for Humanity in New Zealand's affiliates. He was a founding member of Habitat for Humanity West Volusia affiliate and he believed in a Bargain Barn resale shop which helped fund houses Habitat builds. Vic's love of trout fishing took him to New Zealand. There he made many friends. His vision of Habitat Resale Shops in New Zealand led to Bargain Barns development at four affiliates. Vic loved all to do with Habitat and voluntarily worked in most facets of Habitat's endeavors.
Victor's other charitable pursuits included Stetson University where he endowed several scholarships in the music department and where he attended concerts regularly. He also contributed to the DeLand Corps of Salvation Army and the Jimmy Carter Center.
In June 2000 Victor married Harriett Froescher. She has been by his side as a friend and companion while also lovingly providing for his care. Harriett and Vic traveled together many times to New Zealand. Vic was a member of the Scottish Rite 32nd degree. He was also a Shriner for 53 years. He was very involved in building the DeLand Shrine Club lodge. He continued to be a part of the club's activities for many years. He raised a good amount of money for the Shrine Club Burn Center hospitals.
Vic is survived by his wife, Harriett; a daughter, Rita Cook (Richard); grandchildren, DeAnn Ryals, Billy Ryals, and Victor G. Roepke; two stepchildren, C.M. Gant and June Frissbe; seven step-grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to Richard and Rita's home at 2253 River Ridge Rd., DeLand, following the service. Donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, Habitat for Humanity of West Volusia, 196 W. Blue Springs Ave., Orange City, FL 32763, The Salvation Army, 121-A W. Plymouth Ave., DeLand, FL 32720 or to Stetson University Music Scholarship, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32724.
Richard H. Wiskeman, Jr.
February 25, 1922 - April 27, 2008
Memorial service for Professor Richard H. Wiskeman, Jr., CPA, will be held Saturday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. at the Lankford Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Denise Earls presiding.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Richard's family moved to Allison Park, PA, when he was two years old. After high school graduation and a year of study at Carnegie University, he volunteered to join the Army Air Force. He soon found himself in England, where he served as a Tech Sergeant in the 822nd Air Engineering Squadron for two years during World War II.
During a badminton game - US vs. UK- he met his future wife, Sheila. They were married in September, 1945, before Richard returned home in February, 1946, and his wife followed some months later. It was the beginning of 62 years together. Returning home meant returning to school and playing catch-up. After two years of engineering studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Richard worked for the engineering firm of "Smoke Eater" eventually becoming the firm's Vice President.
Some years later after a visit to Miami with his parents who had retired there, he and his wife decided to move to sunny Miami. Richard could work on his masters degree and they could both enjoy the sunshine. Back to school at the University of Miami, he gained his accounting degree and his MBA while working as a graduate student. Always an excellent student, Richard later enjoyed becoming a C.P.A. while teaching at the University of Miami and overseeing his own C.P.A. firm.
Richard and Sheila traveled across Europe and Australia and spent many holidays in England. He stayed two years in London while working on his Ph.D. at the London School of Economics.
At the age of 86 years Richard quietly passed away in his sleep after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Violet Kearns and Barbara Whitcomb. Richard leaves behind his wife, Sheila; their son, Richard H. and his wife, Sandra Wiskeman, III, DeLand; sisters, Gladys Damiano, Titusville, and Lucille Good, Spotsville, VA; two granddaughters, Serena and her husband, John Chapla, and Tanya and her husband, Dr. Brett Seiger and one great-granddaughter, Sianna Seiger.
Betty L. Davis Townsend
January 22, 1929 - April 28, 2008
Funeral service for Betty L. Davis Townsend, 79, DeLand, who died April 28, 2008, at University Center West, DeLand, will be 10 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008, at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand, with Pastor Arthur Wuertz officiating. Burial will be Friday, May 2, in Daytona Memorial Park. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, at Lankford Funeral Home.
Mrs. Townsend was born in Baltimore, MD and moved here in 1976 from Towson, MD. She was the secretary/receptionist for the Florida Lutheran Retirement Center. She was a member of the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church of DeLand. She loved to dance and travel and she loved people.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon F. Townsend Sr., and her son, Robert E. Townsend. Survivors include a son, Gordon F. Townsend Jr., DeLand; daughter, Audrey D. Trainor, DeLand; brother, William D. Anderson, Frederick, MD; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Bernice "Jackie" Marie McGuire
March 25, 1927 - April 29, 2008
Funeral Service for Bernice "Jackie" Marie McGuire, 81, DeLand, who died April 29, 2008, will be 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Lankford Funeral Home, DeLand, with Chaplain Alan Gaylord officiating. Viewing will be from 4 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the funeral home.
Mrs. McGuire was born in West Jefferson, NC and moved to this area 25 years ago from her birthplace. Jackie was the co-owner of the Central Food Market in West Jefferson, NC. She later opened Discount Furniture Store and the Holiday Furniture Factory in Boone, NC.
After moving to Florida she stayed busy working with estate sales as she always enjoyed the challenge of new opportunities. In her spare time she enjoyed fishing and solving crossword puzzles, but her favorite pasttime was visiting with and caring for her grandson, Riley, and great-grandson, Nathan, whom she adored.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna L. and Buzzy Davis of DeLand and grandsons, Riley E. Davis and Nathan Wentworth Davis.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 1525 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Orange City, FL 32765.
Dennis L. Dryer
July 3, 1941 - April 30, 2008
Memorial service for Dennis L. Dryer, 66, DeBary, who died April 30, 2008, at Central Florida Regional Hospital, Sanford, FL, will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand, with the Rev. Owen Stricklin officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Cazenovia, NY.
Mr. Dryer was born in Cazenovia and moved to this area in 1985 from his birthplace. He was a paper carrier and had the DeLand dealership for the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. He enjoyed country music and NASCAR racing.
Survivors include his wife, Denise J. Dryer, DeBary; one son, Christopher Dryer of Charlotte, NC, one daughter, Robin Lamb of Raleigh, NC and two grandchildren.
William "Doug" Day
November 21, 1941 - May 1, 2008
Funeral service for William "Doug" Day, 66, DeLeon Springs, who died May 1, 2008, at Florida Hospital DeLand, will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave., DeLand, with Chaplain Art Bakewell officiating. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery, DeLand. Calling hours are from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Day was born in Ariton, AL and moved to this area in 1986 from Miami, FL. He attended Maryland University and the University of Miami. He was a retired commercial pilot and was a Captain for Northeast/Delta Airlines, having worked for several airlines as well. He also built custom homes in Miami and DeLeon Springs.
He flew during Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a civilian and was awarded the Air Medal from the Air Force in 1991 and received a medal for Outstanding Achievement in 1993. He was a member of the Quiet Birds (a retired pilot's organization) and was the charter president and developer of Lafayette Landings in DeLeon Springs.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Lorraine Day and sister, Kathy Filliez of Orlando. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Day.
