Mr. Pete Kelley, Sr.
Game fish everywhere can rest a bit easier from now on. Bradenton lost one of its most avid fishermen as well as one of its finest plumbers when Pete Kelley Sr. died early Sunday morning, May 19, 2013. Pete Sr. was born
July 17th, 1935, and grew up in New Jersey. After serving as an artillery specialist in the Army from 1957-1959, he took over the family plumbing business. He moved to Bradenton in 1999 where he reestablished his plumbing business with his oldest son, Pete Jr.
Just like in New Jersey, Pete Sr. helped out and made friends with hundreds of people in the area. He will be remembered for his fair and generous spirit, his charisma, sense of humor, fierce independence, and for being a stalwart provider for his family.
He died at home surrounded by his wife, Audrey, his four children; Pete Jr., Chris, Elaine, and Will; and his seven grandchildren. Pete Jr. will carry on the family business while the entire family will carry on Pete Sr.’s fishing legacy.
Memorial services will be held at “The Meeting Place,” 7704 CR 675 in Bradenton on Tuesday, May 21 from 3 to 6 pm. All are welcome.
Mr. John O. "J.J." Jenkins
John O. "J.J." Jenkins, Jr., 67, Parrish, passed away May 13, 2013. John was born
January 29, 1946 in Jacksonville, FL to the late John O. Sr. and Ruthie Mae (Dobbs) Jenkins. John was a true gator fan, graduating from University of Florida, and was an avid hunter. He moved to Manatee County 22 years ago coming from Charlotte, NC. He was retired from Honda Cars of Bradenton as the General Manager, member of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Advisory Board, and past member of Rotary. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Vicky ‘’Pooch’’ of Parrish, daughter, Kristi (Mike) Kraus of St. Louis, MO, son, Ben (Narissa) Jenkins of Orlando, brother, Jim (Suzanne) Jenkins of Ruskin, and six grandchildren; Kalee, Kaycie, Christian, Chloe, Kami, and Kane. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, 1015 14th St. W., Bradenton. The family request that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 in his memory.
Mrs. Yoshiko Taylor
Yoshiko Taylor, 76, Bradenton, passed away May 5, 2013. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 17, 2013 at Harvest Chapel, Bradenton.
Mrs. Susan Hull Lea McGowan
Susan Hull Lea McGowan, 97, Bradenton, passed away May 12, 2013. Susan was born
on November 8, 1915 in Red Banks, Mississippi to the late William and Marion (Snow) Lea. She was a former resident of St. Simmons Island, GA, Holly Springs, MS, and North Ft. Myers, FL. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Ft. Myers, First Presbyterian Church in Holly Springs, and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Bradenton. She was predeceased by her loving husband Edward Roberts McGowan, Jr. in May of 2006, one brother, two sisters, and two grandsons. She is survived by her son, Edward Roberts (Margaret) McGowan, III of Lake Alfred, FL, daughter, Marion McGowan Proctor of Atlanta, GA, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Services 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, May 25, 2013 in Chapel at Westminster Towers Retirement Center in Bradenton. Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton.
Mr. Larry J. Swab
Larry J. Swab, passed away May 12, 2013. Larry and his wife Jill moved to Anna Maria in 2007 from Bellbrook, Ohio, joining his sister Patty Hunt and partner Leslie Vandenberg as permanent residents of Anna Maria. Larry enjoyed fishing, walking his dogs, kayaking and loved being out in the Florida sunshine. Larry was a kind and gentleman who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration honoring him and his life will be held at a later date with his family and friends.
Mr. George Donald Shaffer
George Donald Shaffer, 81, Bradenton, passed away May 2, 2013. Don was born
April 24, 1932 in Buffalo, NY to the late George Donald, Sr. and Evalena (Monroe) Shaffer. Don graduated from State University in Alfred, NY before moving to FL in 1955. Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He spent most of his life in Bradenton except for about 10 years out west in Wyoming where he worked for Getty Oil Co. While living in Bradenton he worked for Manatee Fruit Co. until his retirement in the late 1990’s. His favorite vacation spot was Walt Disney World in FL. It always put a smile on his face. One special occasion was when the family came to Disney to celebrate his 75th birthday, and other times when the family spent vacations together at Disney. It was his happy place. He also enjoyed various plants and gardening. Don was also a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton, where he taught 4th grade Sunday School as a young man and sang in the choir. In later years he was a member of the Braden River Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Yvonne (Knight) Shaffer, daughters, Sharon Shaffer Reed, Diane Shaffer Vollmer, Debbie Shaffer Byerley, sons; George Donald III and Michael P. Shaffer, step-daughter, Jeannie Poling Timchal, step-sons; Mark W. and Brian C. Poling, grandchildren; Doug and Glenn Reed, Crystal Vollmer Playdon, Brendon Vollmer, Brittany and Bronson Byerley, Brittany Shaffer, step-grandchildren; Robert Poling Phillips, Trey Timchal and Megan Poling Oliveras. Great-grandchildren; Lyla and Levi Playdon, best friend Ross Johnson of Washington State, and many extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1 P.M. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, 1015 14th St. W., Bradenton with services to follow. Committal to follow at Mansion Memorial Park, Ellenton. The family request that memorials be made to the Parkinson’s Assoc. of S.W., FL at www.pasfi.org in his memory.
Mrs. Mary Evelyn (Tate) Rogers
Mary Evelyn (Tate) Rogers, 83, went home to be with Jesus on April 30, 2013. She was born
November 6, 1929 in Enterprise (Coffee Springs), AL to the late James Daniel (J.D.) Tate and Camilla Tee (Cassady) Tate
Mrs. Rogers was a native of Coffee Springs, (Enterprise) Alabama and had lived in Bradenton, FL for over 50 years before moving to Tallahassee, FL.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Rogers; brother, Charles Barnes; two sisters, Mildred Barnes White and Annie Ruth Tate Carroll, and is survived by two sons, Jimmy (Carol) Rogers of Elijay, GA, Joe (Sarah) Rogers of Parrish, FL, two daughters, Elaine (John) Croston of Tallahassee, FL, Elizabeth (Jerry) Armstrong of Columbia, AL; two sisters, Elizabeth Tate Levan of Monroeville, AL, B.J. Tate DeGruchy of Bend, OR, ten grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
The family will always remember the deep love and devotion she so freely gave to them during her life. To others she will be remembered as an accomplished seamstress. Evelyn was beloved by many and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Samoset Baptist Church, 3200 15th Street East, Bradenton, FL, 34208 with services to immediately follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Antioch Rogers Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Samoset Baptist Church where she was a dedicated member.
Ms. Destinee Ann-Marie Gross
Destinee Ann-Marie Gross, 1, of Bradenton, passed away on April 21, 2013. Destinee was born
on June 14, 2011 in Bradenton to Phillip Wayne Gross, Jr. and Debra Ann-Marie Meneely. She is survived in addition to her parents by a brother, Phillip Wayne Gross, III, paternal grandmother and step-grandfather; Stella and Billy Ray Parks Davis, maternal grandfather and step-grandmother; Terrance and Lee Meneely, her maternal great-grandparents all of Bradenton, and many extended family members and friends. Private family services will be held at a later date and time.
Arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton
Mrs. Lois H. Bailey
Lois H. Bailey, 87, Bradenton, passed away on April 24, 2013. Lois was born
on August 22, 1925 in Bradenton to the late Charles Edward and Lois E. (DeForce) Henrickson. She was a lifelong resident of Bradenton, and worked as an Insurance Secretary for Wyman Green & Blalock Insurance Company in Bradenton from where she retired with over 39 years of service. Lois was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton where she was a member of the Choir, card ministry and volunteered in the church office. She was predeceased by her two loving husbands, Melvin E. Erickson in 1962, and James Sharpe Bailey in 1996, and is survived by her step-son; Jay (Bernie) Bailey of Alpharetta, GA, sister; Ruth E. Webb of Orlando, FL, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nephew, Christopher A. (Julie) Jones of Raleigh, NC, niece, Elizabeth K. Carter of Orlando, FL., and many extended family members and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10-11 A.M. at Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, 1015 14th St. W., Bradenton with services to follow at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be private. The family request that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church Choir in her memory.
Mr. Taylor John Davis
Taylor John Davis, 27, Bradenton, passed away on April 6, 2013. Taylor was born
on July 4, 1985 in Pinellas County, Florida to Glen and Kimberly (Stock) Davis. He moved to Manatee County at a very young age. Taylor worked as a loader and driver for a local moving company until his health forced his retirement at a very young age. He is survived by his loving wife Christina (Mays) Davis of Bradenton, two step-sons; James Davis of Bradenton, Jonothan Mays of Marietta, GA, two step-daughters; Summer Davis and Skyla Mays both of Bradenton, his parents; Glen Davis of St. Petersburg, FL, Kimberly Stock-Davis of Sarasota, brother, Colton Davis of Sarasota, sister Lily Davis of Bradenton, and his grandparents, and many extended family members, friends and acquaintances. A memorial celebration of Taylor’s life will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Emerson Point on Snead Island in Palmetto, Florida. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, Bradenton.
Mr. Robert D. Hughes, Sr.
Robert D. Hughes, Sr., 83, Bradenton, passed away April 21, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born
on Aug. 1, 1929 in Poultney, VT to the late David H. and Myfanwy Hughes. Robert served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict. He also served as a Supervisor and firefighter for the Naval Underwater Systems Center in New London, CT, was a volunteer firefighter with the Niantic Fire Department for over 50 yrs., Fire Marshall for the town of East Lyme, CT, and was a life member of the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Poultney. Robert moved to Florida in January of 1986 and was a member of the American Legion Post 312 in Oneco, and past member of the Loyal Order of Moose of Bradenton. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Loretta (Goff) of Bradenton, two sons; Robert D. Jr. of East Hampton, CT, Wayne L. of Niantic, CT, three daughters; Gwen Zarkos of Niantic, CT, Renee L. Fekete of Lawrenceville, NJ, Monique Rowley-Samperi of Ashford, CT, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Private family services will be held at a later date and time. The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Poultney, VT, Niantic Fire Department or TideWell Hospice in Robert's memory.
Infant Abriyona Nevaeh Davis
Abriyona Nevaeh Davis, infant daughter of Amanda R. Wood and Kyon L. Davis of Palmetto was called home on April 8, 2013. She is survived in addition to her parents by maternal grandparents; Richard R. and Lisa Wood, Janet and Carl Wilks, paternal grandparents; Felix Davis and Bonita Burrell, all of Palmetto, maternal great-grandmothers; Marie Harmon, Diane Bass both of Palmetto, paternal great-grandmother, Thomastine Samuel of Palmetto, maternal great-great-grandmother, Edna Mae Hardin of Palmetto, and by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Abriyona will be forever loved, gone but not forgotten by her loving family. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Charlotte Ross Kieffer
Charlotte Ross Kieffer, 97, passed away quietly on April 2, 2013. Born in Akron, Ohio, Charlotte came to Bradenton with her husband Ted from Massillon, Ohio after she retired as a legal secretary for the Massillon Municipal Courts in 1982. Charlotte was employed in Bradenton by Baber Court Reporting until she was in her late 80’s. She was preceded in death by beloved husband Ted and is survived by daughter Karen Kieffer of Ocala, FL, son Ross, daughter-in-law Laurel and granddaughter Brooke Kieffer all of Akron, Ohio. There will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA of Manatee County, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, Fl. 34209.
Mrs. Alice E. Richardson
Alice E. Richardson, 99, Bradenton, passed away April 9, 2013. She was born
on Feb. 4, 1914 in Irvine, KY to the late Homer and Ida (Wright) Taylor. Alice retired as a bookkeeper with 20th Century Fox Motion Pictures, and moved to Bradenton in 1976 coming from Norwood area of Cincinnati, OH. She was a member of the West Bradenton Baptist Church, and the Manatee River Garden Club. Alice was predeceased by her husband J.R. Richardson, and is survived by her three nephews; Robert (Rita) Broun of Cincinnati, OH, Mark Stone of Bradenton, David (Carolyn) Stone of Ft. Worth, TX, two nieces; Lois Shiffman, Melody Snyder both of Ft. Myers, FL, and many extended family members. Services will be held in Cincinnati, OH under the direction of the Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home with interment at the Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mt. Healthy, OH. Local arrangements by Shannon Funeral Home Westview Chapel, Bradenton.
Mr. James N. Wood, Jr.
James N. Wood, Jr., 88, Bradenton, FL, passed away on April 8, 2013. James was born
on April 26, 1924 in Richmond, VA to the late James N. Wood, Sr. and Norella (Jennings) Wood. Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp and was called to active duty in March of 1943. He received his P-51 training in Bartow, FL and then left for the United Kingdom in April of 1944 where he was assigned to the 487th Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group at Bodney. He flew his first mission on June 2, 1944, and flew his 4th and 5th missions on D-Day. He continued flying combat missions until VE-Day. During his military career he flew 89 missions in a P-51 Mustang, destroying three German planes in the air and one on the ground. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters, and numerous other medals and citations. He was also credited with many extraordinary P-51 experiences such as landing one dead stick, one afire, and one junked because of combat damage. During his military career he trained many P-51 pilots in combat tactics at Bodney thru VJ Day. He was discharged to the Reserves in December of 1945 as a Captain, and retired from the Reserves in 1958 as a Major. After his military service he graduated from the University of VA in 1950 with a BA Degree. He then worked as a commodities merchant in Memphis, TN for F.M. Crump & Co. and then later on for Bunge in Mobile, AL. There he and his wife, Kathleen, were very active in the civil rights movement. In 1968 he moved to Atlanta to work as the Business Manager for the Southern Regional Council, or SRC. The SRC was an organization dedicated to the ideals of equal opportunity for all people in the region. One of its most important initiatives while James was there was the Voter Education project which helped support voter registration efforts across the South. James ended his working years as Director of Customer Service for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority during the years in which it built the system throughout Atlanta. He lived in the Druid Hills and Stone Mountain areas of Atlanta for over 30 years until moving to Bradenton in 1999. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years Kathleen (Kitchen) Wood on January 2, 2011, and is survived by his son James N. ‘’Chip’’ Wood, III of Atlanta, GA, daughter, Susan (George) Evans of Bradenton, FL, and two grandsons, George W. Evans, III, and Timothy P. Evans, both of Brooklyn, NY. Private family services will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to the University of Virginia.
Mrs. Aileen Cadweel Haskell-Haines
Aileen Cadwell Haskell-Haines, 88, formerly of Michigan, died April 8, 2013. She was born
in Highland Park, Michigan, attended public schools in Ferndale, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan. Her 35 year career in social services was focused on service to children and families. Aileen was active in the Bradenton Branch, American Association of University Women and a member of the Manatee Branch A.A.U.W. She was a member of the League of Women Voters and a member of Unity Church in the Woods. She was preceded in death by her husbands; George Atwood Haskell, Sr., and Paul Gerard Haines. She is survived by a son, George A. (Linda) Haskell Jr. of Northport, Fl., daughter, Victoria Lynn of Ellenton, grandson, Lawrence Haines(Megan) Lynn of Weston, FL, granddaughter, Tracy (Lt. Col. Chad) Harding of Korea; brothers; Robert (Karen) and David (Dana) Cadwell of Black Mountain, NC, and three great-grandchildren. Contributions may be made to Manatee Children’s Services, Sarasota Child Protection Center or Bradenton Branch AAUW Scholarship Fund.
