Lawrence C. Yore, 87 Homosassa
Lawrence C. Yore, 87, Homosassa, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, in Brooksville.
Born July 8, 1916, in Chicago, Ill., to John and Harriett Yore, he came here from Buffalo, N.Y., in 1983.
He was a supervisor for 38 years with Western Electric & ATT, Buffalo, N.Y.
He attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Homosassa.
He was a member of BPOE 2693, Homosassa; past president of Telephone Pioneers of Western New York and Spring Hill chapters; and the Sugarmill Woods Golf and Country Club.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Virginia Yore of Homosassa; two sons, Charles P. (Nancy) Yore, and Lawrence Michael Yore, all of Grand Island, N.Y.; two daughters, Margaret Konar of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Patricia (Lee) Paine of Auburn, Ga.; sister, Mary Ganser of Chicago, Ill.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Hooper Funeral Homes and Crematory, Homosassa Chapel.
Harold E. Ayers Jr., 74, Crew Chief
Harold Ellis Ayers Jr., 74, of Lake Panasoffkee, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2003, at Lake Panasoffkee. A native of Canton, Ohio, he was a resident of Lake Panasoffkee since 1999, formerly of Tampa. Mr. Ayers was a crew chief. He was an Air Force veteran and Baptist. Survivors include two sons, Michael H. Ayers of Valrico, Fla. and Stephen E. Ayers of Lakeland; brother, Charles Ayers of Canton, N.C.; two sisters, Gladys Ayers of Asheville, N.C., Doris Ayers of Liberty, S.C.; three grandchildren, Brian, Jeffrey and Jennifer. Services were held on Dec. 3 at the Florida National cemetery in Bushnell with military honors rendered by the USAF Honor Guard. Interment at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Earl L. Moog Sr., 75, Maintenance
Earl Leon Moog Sr., 75, of Lake Panasoffkee, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2003, at Lake Panasoffkee. A native of Tell City, Ind., he moved here 22 years ago from Illinois. Mr. Moog did maintenance work. He was Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Carlotta; two sons, Earl L. Moog Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, and Rick Moog of O'Steen of Florida; daughter, Brenda Schmidt of Port St. John, Fla.; three brothers, Don Moog of San Diego, Calif., Jim Moog of McKinney of Texas, Bill Moog of Carpentersville, Ill.; sister, Betty Jean Tonasello of Chula Vista, Calif.; and two grandchildren. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Norma J. Oxendine, 58, Homemaker
Norma J. Oxendine, 58, of Webster, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003, in Dade City. She moved to Sumter County 25 years ago, formerly of Tampa. Mrs. Oxendine was a homemaker. Survivors include three sons, Eugene Oxendine of Lake Panasoffkee, James K. Oxendine of Fruitland Park and Ralph Oxendine of Brooksville; daughter, Wendy Lagrasse of Riverhead, N.Y.; brother, Jerry Overshiner of Bushnell, and five grandchildren. Services were held Nov. 29 at Purcell Funeral Home Chapel, Bushnell, with Pastor R. Jon King officiating. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Dorothy G. Thigpen, 81, Office Manager
Dorothy Gwendolyn "Gwen" Thigpen, 81, of Winter Haven, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Grace Health Care in Lakeland, due to ischemic brain infarct. She was born in Center Hill on June 11, 1922, and came to Winter Haven in 2002 from California. Mrs. Thigpen was a railroad office manager/secretary. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Murphy C. Thigpen; two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include four nephews, Robert S. Chatham of Auburndale, Fla., Adrian Smith and wife Kris of Brooksville, LeRoy Smith and wife Kathy of Center Hill, Dr. Kerry Chatham and wife Karen of Auburndale; two nieces, Marie Sweeting and Robert of Auburndale, Charlene Kjeer and husband Adrian of Riverview. Kersey Funeral Home, Auburndale, in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Girard, 67 Homosassa
Barbara L. Girard, 67, Homosassa, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at her home under the care of her family and Hospice of Citrus County.
She was born Sept. 30, 1936, in Terre Haute, Ind., to Ether and Alice Robards. She returned to Citrus County in 2003 from Fort Lauderdale.
She was a homemaker.
She was a member of the Crystal River Women of Moose Lodge 2013.
Her husband, John Girard, preceded her in death.
Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Richard and her husband, Don, and Teresa Moody and her husband, Dennis, all of Homosassa; three sons, Lonnie Trombly of Citrus Springs, Russell Trombly of Homosassa and Robert Tessier of Fort Lauderdale; two sisters; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Heinz Funeral Home& Cremation, Inverness.
Steven Hebert, 41 Beverly Hills
Steven J. Hebert, 41, Beverly Hills, died Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River.
He was born Nov. 17, 1962, in New Haven, Conn., to Kenneth and Bonita Hebert. He moved to Beverly Hills in 1996 from New Haven, Conn.
He was a carpenter.
He was Catholic.
Survivors include his companion, Karen Hutchinson of Beverly Hills; father, Kenneth Hebert of Clinton, Conn.; mother, Bonita Jefferson of Worchester, Mass.; son, Justin Hebert of Thompson, Conn.; two brothers, John Hebert of New Haven, Conn., and Kenneth Hebert Jr. of Bangor, Maine; and two sisters, Kara Franco of Clinton, Conn., and Nicole Jefferson of Bossier City, La.
Heinz Funeral Home & Cremation, Inverness.
Emma Melfi, 81 Beverly Hills
Emma P. Melfi, 81, Beverly Hills, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, in Hernando.
She was born in Isernia, Italy, to Michael and Antonia (Illonarte) Paolino.
She moved to Detroit, Mich., in 1954 from Isernia, Italy. She then moved from Detroit to Livonia, Mich. In 1976 she moved to Beverly Hills.
She was a homemaker who also operated Alterations by Emma in Beverly Hills for 10 years.
She enjoyed sewing, cooking and being with her family. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Three sisters, Ida Primerano, Lena D' Angelo and Maria Jannelli preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Nicola Melfi of Beverly Hills; son, Mike Melfi and his wife, Victoria, of Beverly Hills; sister, Anna Pacifico and her husband, Cosmo, of Beverly Hills; a granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
Fero Funeral Home with Crematory, Beverly Hills.
Donald Peacock, 76 Dunnellon
Donald W. Peacock, 76, Dunnellon, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of Citrus County.
He was born Aug. 8, 1927, in St. Petersburg to Elias and Mary F. (Davis) Peacock. He came to the area 35 years ago from there.
He was a retired union ironworker and a member of the IAOBSAOIW Local 397 in Tampa.
He was veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in World War II.
His wife, Virginia Peacock, preceded him in death.
Survivors include three sons, Lee Peacock of Tolono, Ill., Donald Peacock of Dunnellon and Robert Miner and his wife, Carol, of Homer, Ill.; three daughters, Donna Bergeron of Newark, Del., Jettie Gilbart of Dunnellon and Zola Herb and her husband, Ken, of Homosassa; two brothers Gene Peacock of Dunnellon and Horace Peacock of St. Petersburg; 21 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Strickland Funeral Home, Crystal River.
Doris W. Aaronson, 78, Teacher
Doris Woolf Aaronson, 78, of Ocala, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, at New Horizon Rehabilitation Center, Ocala. A native of New York City, N.Y., she was a retired elementary school teacher. She was of the Jewish faith and a member of the Mah Jongg Club of Oak Run. Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Arthur Aaronson of Ocala; daughter, Andrea Hitchcock of Northborough, Mass.; sister, Joyce Perry of Ocala and one granddaughter. Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, TimberRidge, handled the arrangements.
Ellis Hensley, 79, Auto body repair
Ellis Hensley, 79, of Center Hill, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003, in Bushnell. A native of Harrison, Ohio, he moved to Sumter County 16 years ago, formerly of Ocoee. He worked as a paint and body repairperson in the retail trucking industry. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Center Hill. Survivors include two sisters, Jessie M. Bass of Florence, Ky., and Dorthie Bledsoe of Harrison, Ohio; many nieces and nephews. Services were held Nov. 22 at Purcell Funeral Chapel, Bushnell, with the Rev. Mark McDowell officiating. Interment at Center Hill Cemetery, Center Hill. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Theodore H. Rankin, 65
Theodore H. "Ted" Rankin, 65, of Wildwood, died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, in Wildwood. A native of Paris, Ky., he moved here in 1968 from Lexington, Ky. Mr. Rankin worked for Avesta Polarit Pipe Company. He was a member of Whitney Baptist Church, member of the union at work and an avid hunter and fisherman. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; son, Darrel Rankin of Wildwood; daughters, Tina Rankin of Wildwood, Karen Langston (Joe) of Ocala; brother, Larry Gene Rankin of Inverness; brother in laws Bud (Sherry) Cariel, Danny Joe (Jan) Cariel, Jerry (Sandy) Cariel; sisters, Donna (Jack) Deborde of Versailles, Ky., Barbara Colfelt of Orlando; grandchildren, Jessica, Janae Ramkin and Erin, Kyle Langston. Funeral services were held Nov. 26 at Sunset Park Church of God with Rev. Troy Miller officiating. Burial was at Pine Level cemetery in Oxford. Flowers of memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society. Banks/Page Theus Funeral Home, Wildwood, handled the arrangements.
Wendall Tungate, 74, Produce Manager
Wendall Tungate, 74, of Wildwood, died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, in The Villages. A native of Battle Creek, Mich., he was a resident of Central Florida, formerly of Naples. Mr. Tungate was a produce manager and an Army veteran. Survivors include a son, Gary Tungate of Orlando; brother, Donald Tungate of Battle Creek, Mich.; sister, Ginny Harrington of Battle Creek and two grandchildren. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Rick D. Wickwire, 46, Assistant manager
Rick D. Wickwire, 46, of Bushnell, died Friday, Nov. 21, 2003, in Bushnell. A native of Galesburg, Ill., he moved to Sumter County in 1992 from Minnesota. Mr. Wickwire was an assistant manager at Hillandale Farms. He was Protestant. Survivors include his wife, Cindy; daughter, Lisa Wickwire of Bushnell; father, Jack Wickwire of Bushnell; three brothers, Patrick Wickwire of Bushnell, John Wickwire of Geneseo, Ill., and Allen Wickwire of Orlando. Purcell Funeral Home, Bushnell, handled the arrangements.
Bonnie C. Copeland, 62
Bonnie Catherine Copeland, 62, of Wildwood, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003. A native of Humphrey, Neb., she moved to Continental Country Club in 1999 from Homestead. Mrs. Copeland was a retired lieutenant with the Florida State Correctional System. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Wildwood and a member of the Continental Arts & Craft Club and gifted artist. She was an avid golfer and the Net Champion for 2003 Women's Golf Association and Continental Country Club and had two holes in one in 2003. She also enjoyed fishing. Survivors include a son, Vern West Copeland of Homestead; daughter, Kim Catherine Copeland of Boulder, Co.; sisters, Mary Lou Todaro of Wildwood, Georgia Hassebrook of Humphrey, Neb., and Norma Baranosky of Des Moines, Iowa; brothers, Thomas A. Leenerts of Kennewick, Wash., Jerry R. Leenerts of Mesa, Ariz., and Bob J. Leenerts of Pueblo, Colo.; granddaughter, Ester Lillith "Lily" Bohlinger Copeland of Boulder, Colo.; and her special friend, Bill Sheffield of CCC, Wildwood. Mass of Christian Burial was held Nov. 17 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, Wildwood, with Deacon Byron Otradovec as celebrant. A Celebration of Life was held at Continental Country Club Clubhouse was held Nov. 16. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Tree Fund, C/O Mary Lou Todaro, 401 S. Timber Trail, Wildwood, Fla. 34785.
Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg.
John N. "Toby" Fort, 96, Retired Farmer
John N. "Toby" Fort, 96, of Jacksonville, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003, in Lawty, Fla. He was born in Oxford and moved to Jacksonville in 1986 from Oxford. Mr. Fort was a retired farmer. He was baptized on Sept. 7, 1975 and is a member of the First Baptist Church of Summerfield. He was an Army veteran serving during World War II, Private First Class. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Lola Sallers of Jacksonville; sister, Eulee Caruthers of Oxford; grandson, James A. Sallers Jr. and wife Lisa of Lawty. Graveside services were held Nov. 15 at Oakgrove cemetery in Wildwood with the American Legion Post 52 Honor Guard officiating. Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home, Wildwood.
Annie M. Martin, 95, Homemaker
Annie Maye Martin, 95, of Wildwood, died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, in Lecanto. A native of Hidtzville, Fla., she lived in Central Florida all of her life. Mrs. Martin was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church of Coleman. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held on Nov. 19 at Adamsville cemetery with Rev. Craig Attaway, Bro. Claude McAdams and Rev. Gerry Martin officiating. Banks/Page-Theus Funeral Home, Wildwood, handled the arrangements.
