Geo. Dewey Ovens Jr.
Geo. Dewey Ovens Jr., of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., passed away Monday, Oct. 16, 2000.
Dewey was in the Merchant Marines serving in World War II in the North Atlantic and Pacific areas. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic until April 1975 in many areas of the world. He was a 52-year member of the Masonic Lodge, his home lodge being Lozahatchee in Piedmont, Ala. He was also a member of the Shriner's Temple.
He is survived by his son, Alan of Fort Walton Beach; grandson, Russel of Omaha, Neb.; and great-grandson, Branden of Omaha. He is also survived by three cousins, Dot Spivey of Piedmont, Ala., Jan Norton and husband Fred of Piedmont, and Jake Johnson and wife Betty of Piedmont; and two special friends, Carolyn Ovens of Fort Walton Beach, and Peggy Latta of Piedmont.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home with Alpha Lodge 172 F&AM of Fort Walton Beach officiating. Burial will follow in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of one's choice.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
Patricia Anne NeSmith
Patricia Anne NeSmith, age 66, of Navarre, Fla., died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, in a Pensacola, Fla., hospital after an illness.
Private graveside services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Mount Hope Cemetery in Florence, S.C., directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence.
Miss NeSmith was born in Florence County, daughter of the late Liston R. NeSmith Sr. and the late Pearl Munn NeSmith. She attended the University of South Carolina and Converse College. She was retired from Delta Airlines.
Surviving is one brother, Liston R. NeSmith Jr. of Navarre.
Richard K. Starr
Richard K. Starr, age 69, of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., died Oct. 15, 2000, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.
Mr. Starr was born on March 17, 1931, in Cleveland
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Foster K. and Helen Breen Starr.
Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of AMVETS Post 78.
He is survived by two sons, Richard T. and Scott F. Starr; sisters, Carol Dodd and husband Richard, and Sharon Konvicka and husband James David. Also survived by five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Starr's remains will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery.
Robert Perry Burr
Robert Perry Burr passed away in The Manor at Blue-water Bay on Nov. 6, 2000.
He was born in Chicago on Jan. 25, 1917, to Roy Edwin and Margarita Fahey Burr. He moved to Birmingham, Ala., at an early age where he graduated from Woodlawn High School and Birmingham Southern College.
Robert was an active servant of the Lord and served as a presiding Elder, Sunday school teacher and superintendent of Sunday school. In addition, he was very involved in civic duties as well, serving as the president of the North Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the first CB Radio Club of Birmingham, and belonged to the York Masonic Lodge and the Shriner's Zamora Temple. He worked for Continental Gin Co. and Southeastern Steel Container Co. as their advertising sales director. Mr. Burr retired in 1983 to Bluewater Bay in Niceville, Fla.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Burr; daughters, Patti Click and husband Mervyn of Birmingham, Donna Daniell of Bluewater Bay, and Carol Petrusek and husband Beau of Houston; grandchildren, Kathy, Boyd, Doug, Kim, Ripp, Beth and Lara; and great-grandchildren, Mallory, Wes, Logan, Lacy, Ethan and Paige.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at First United Methodist Church in Niceville. The Rev. Rurel Ausley will officiate at a short memorial service afterwards.
The family respectfully requests that any memorial contributions be given in his name to the First United Methodist Church of Niceville, or to the National Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave., Bob Hope Research Center, Miami, FL 33136-1494.
Edsel "Marty" Martin
Edsel "Marty" Martin of Valparaiso, Fla., passed away Nov. 6, 2000.
He was born on July 3, 1934, in Lamar, W.Va. Mr. Martin was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War era, serving his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He retired from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., as a master sergeant.
Mr. Martin is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Priscilla Lynn Martin of Valparaiso; sons, Alan Martin and wife Mina of Blanchardville, Wisc., Andrew Martin and wife Pat of Birmingham, Ala., Leonard Martin and wife Sheryl of Niceville, Fla., and Charles Martin of Valparaiso; daughter, Heather Kirby and husband Marc of Oneonta, Ala.; and many grandchildren and numerous other family members.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m.Thursday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Niceville with Pastor John Underdahl officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the memorial committee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1407 East John Sims Pkwy., Niceville, FL 32578, in memory of Marty Martin.
Audrey Woodcock
Maj. Audrey "Joy" Woodcock, age 71, of Navarre, Fla., died Nov. 7, 2000, in a Fort Walton Beach, Fla., hospital.
She is survived by her husband, Maj. Thomas E. Woodcock of Navarre; children, Karen Flores, Thomas L. Woodcock and Capt. Mark A. Woodcock; brother, Ernest (Billie) Maul of Shinston, W.Va.; and sister, Madilyn (John) Johnston of Juno Isles, Fla. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Stacey Smyczynski, Brian Flores, Thomas E. Woodcock, Patricia Snelson, Robin Woodcock, Richard Woodcock, Ashlee Woodcock and Ali Woodcock; and two great-grandchildren, Maurissa and Malayah Woodcock..
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Emerald Coast Funeral Home with Maj. Owen Gilliam of the Salvation Army officiating. Burial will take place in Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, is in charge of arrangements.
J.R. McDonald
J.R. McDonald, age 84, of Holt, Fla., passed away Tuesday night, Nov. 7, in a local hospital.
Mr. McDonald was born on Nov. 15, 1915, in Brewton, Ala., and was a lifelong resident of Holt. He was the owner of McDonald's Grocery and was active in forming the Holt Ruritan Club and the Holt Water Works. Mr. McDonald was a member of the First Baptist Church of Holt.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Della McDonald; daughter and husband, Lillian and Hansel Miller of Mossy Head, Fla.; sons, James T. McDonald of Holt, Riley L. and wife Donna McDonald of Crestview, Fla., and Gene R. and wife Carol McDonald of Holt; brothers, Ira McDonald of Pensacola, Fla., and Tom McDonald of Meridian, Miss.; sisters, Lydia Commander of Holt, Lelia Clary of Pensacola, and Ora Stokes of Central, S.C.; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at First Baptist Church of Holt with the Revs. John Stacey and David Wheat officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Home Cemetery in Harold. Mr. McDonald will lie in state at the church one hour prior to services.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
David T. Pomerenke
The Lord's faithful servant, Dave Pomerenke, went home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday night, Dec. 12, 2000.
Dave was born in the farming community of Ortonville, Minn., on May 5, 1950, the youngest of seven children. Dave was an outdoorsman who once canoed the 1,000-mile length of the Mackenzie River in the Canadian wilderness. He went to South Dakota State University and was a singer in several Christian folk groups. Dave met Debbie Auchampach in a singing group called "Pass It On," and they married in 1973. Dave was an Air Force officer (Major, retired), a T-38 instructor pilot, and an F-15 pilot. Their daughter, Angela, was born in 1982.
In 1985, Dave was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was a "long-term-survivor" of that disease, living the last 11 years with a mechanical ventilator to breathe, and unable to move or speak. Dave supported many local events always escorted by his loving caregiver and wife Debbie. He was often seen in his wheelchair at the OWCC Arts Center, Niceville High School football games, but, especially, at services and events at the First United Methodist Church in Niceville. Dave was a computer expert who used "handicapped software" to write e-mails, programs, and church budgets. He taught a class about "Knowing God" this past fall at church using the voice function on his laptop computer, with some "hands-on" help from a friend.
Dave has been an inspiration to those who have met him, or seen him, or heard about him. He referred to himself as "God's visual aid." Dave lived a life of personal courage and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in extremely difficult circumstances.
David is survived by his wife, Debra, and daughter, Angela of Valparaiso, Fla.; mother, Agnes of Plano, Texas; sisters, Elda Briden of Vandnais Heights, Minn., Grace Suckow of The Colony, Texas, Carolyn Weisheit of Tucson, Ariz., Angie Norrell of Bloomington, Minn., Beverly Waryold of Greenlawn, N.Y., and Connie DesVernine of Mount Airy, Pa.
A celebration of David's life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Niceville, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m., and the service at 3 p.m. Friday. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Fla., on Monday, Dec. 18, at 11:45 a.m., with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 214 S. Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.
Delphan M. Richards
Delphan M. Richards of Niceville, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2000, at home. He was 80 years old.
Born Oct. 18, 1920, in Bonifay, Fla., he was the son of the late Kenneth and Della Weeks Richards.
As an area resident for 50 years, he belonged to several area organizations. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Niceville; Okaloosa Masonic Lodge 312 F&AM, Niceville; Scottish Rite Valley, Pensacola, Fla.; Hadji Temple, Pensacola; and Order of Eastern Star 254 in Niceville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Richards, who passed away in 1993; and a grandson, Gabriel Harris, who died in 1994.
He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Survivors include his daughters, Theresa and husband Ronald Ogle of Niceville, and Deborah and husband Albert of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Robert Kalch, Matthew Kalch, Melanie Harris and Allen Phillips; and great-grandson, Matthew Jackson.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Pastor Gerald Reeves officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
Arrangements under the direction of McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville.
Raul A. Guiot Jr.
Raul A. Guiot Jr., age 47, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000, at his residence.
He moved to Destin, Fla., in 1992 from Columbus, Ga. Raul was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Destin. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1980 and worked for Atlantic Steel in Atlanta and also in Fort Benning, Ga., as an industrial engineer.
He is survived by his parents, Lydia and Raul Guiot Sr. of Destin; sisters, Wilma and Yvonne of Norcross, Ga.; three nieces and three nephews. He is also survived by several uncles and aunts from Puerto Rico.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Destin. A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Friday with Father Robert Morris officiating.
Committal services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in Beal Memorial Cemetery.
Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is in charge of arrangements.
Alan C. Jackson
Alan C. Jackson, age 42, of 1243 Jefferyscot Drive, Crestview, Fla., died Dec. 11, 2000, in Gainesville, Fla.
He was born in Cocoa Beach, Fla., and came to Crestview from Oklahoma.
He was a resident of this area since 1996. Mr. Jackson was city clerk for the past several years.
He was past president of the Crestview Rotary; member of the Chamber of Commerce; and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was also a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Kristine J. Jackson of Crestview; mother and father, James and Evalyn Jackson of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; sons, Alan C. Jackson Jr. of Germany, Stephen L. Jackson and James A. Jackson, both of Crestview; and brothers, Jim Jackson of Valdosta, Ga., Bill Jackson of Duluth, Minn., and
Norman Jackson of Fort Walton Beach.
A memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Crestview at 11 a.m. Friday with Dr. Billy Joy officiating.
Donations may be made to the Alan Jackson Cancer Fund at First National Bank of Crestview.
Whitehurst Funeral Home, Crestview, is in charge of arrangements.
Allan A. Foreman
Allan A. Foreman, age 63, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at his residence in DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
Mr. Foreman was born on Nov. 20, 1937, in Walton County, Fla., the son of the late Alto Lee and Bonnie Donaldson Foreman. He made his home in Prarieville, La., until nine years ago when he returned to his hometown of DeFuniak Springs. He was very family oriented and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Foreman was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Foreman and Harold Foreman.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Juanita Straughn Foreman; brothers, Gerald Foreman and Jimmie Foreman and wife DeAnna, all of DeFuniak Springs; sisters, Inez Pittman and husband Cleve of Pensacola, Fla., Dottie Drury and husband Jay of New Orleans, Jean Fazekas of Hollywood, Fla., and Sue Ellen Foreman of Panama City, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at Clary-Godwin Funeral Home with the Revs. Phil McMillian and Mike Stokes officiating. Burial will follow in Alaqua Cemetery.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are Lavon O'Neal, Jimmy Williams, Kirby Edmondston, Dewitt Bryan, Mark Storey, Woody Woodward and Keith Dunson.
Clary-Godwin Funeral Home, DeFuniak Springs, is in charge of arrangements.
Sadie Ree Sturdivant
Funeral services for Sadie Ree Davidson Sturdivant, age 80, of Toxey, Ala., were conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2000, at Needham Assembly of God Church in Needham, Ala., with the Revs. James Irby and Jimmy Moore officiating. Interment was in Bonner Cemetery in Toxey.
Mrs. Sturdivant, daughter of the late Jefferson and Mattie Bonner Davidson, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2000, at Wayne County General Hospital in Waynesboro, Miss.
She is survived by three sons, Raymond Herbert Sturdivant (Earline) of Valparaiso, Fla., Roger Lee Sturdivant Sr. (Ruby) of Saraland, Ala., and Oliver Jeff Sturdivant (Faye) of Semmes, Ala.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Charles Sturdivant, Jerry Knie, Ezell Whittington, Jimmy Booker, Nelson Sturdivant and John Paton Utsey.
Visitation was held on Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home in Gilbertown, Ala.
Robert Ray Wallace
Robert Ray Wallace, age 55, went unexpectedly to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000.
Robert was born on July 30, 1945, in Terre Haute, Ind., the son of Harry and Sara Franklin Wallace. He served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a law enforcement spe#####t.
As a 17-year area resident, Bob and his wife made Niceville, Fla., their home. Bob was an avid sports fan and will be sadly missed by those who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Ludy of Niceville; son, Randy and wife Jany of Valparaiso, Fla.; daughter, Jennifer Wallace of Los Angeles; father and stepmother, Harry and Betsy of Terre Haute; brother, Randy and wife Denise of Dallas; granddaughter, Jasmine of Valparaiso; mother-in-law, Monica Tolentino of Niceville; and nephews, Steven and Zack.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd., Niceville, with father Daniel Butler officiating. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of McLaughlin twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville.
John Wesley Petersen
John Wesley Petersen, age 55, passed away at his home in Niceville, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2000.
John was born on Jan. 8, 1945, in San Francisco to Lydia Stueve Petersen of Fremont, Calif., and the late Wesley A. Petersen. He was the loving husband of 29 years of Linda M. Goodson Petersen; and the loving father of 2nd Lt. Jeffrey A. Petersen and wife Samantha of Fayetteville, N.C., and Eric John Petersen at school in Mobile, Ala., and fiancee Nicole Bowman. He is also survived by his younger brother, Dale A. Petersen of Fremont, Calif.; aunt, Anita Senter and husband Harvey of Oregon; uncle, Robert L. Stueve and wife Faye of Paris, Ark.; aunt, Jane Ellis Petersen of Whittier, Calif.; and several cousins.
He proudly served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring from Hurlburt Field 1st SOW in 1992. He was a command pilot and flew the KC-135, T-39 aircraft and HH-43 Pedro and UH-1 Huey (all lightlift helicopters). He served three young Tiger tours to Utapao, Thailand, and one long tour to Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam and Utapao. He served in SAC, MAC, Rescue, DLA and 13th Air Force.
He was a 1966 graduate of San Francisco State College, University of SOCA Flight Safety School and Webster University. He was a member of Rocky Bayou Country Club, Northwest Florida Retired Officers' Club, and actively served on the Rocky Bayou Owners' Association.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends on his boat. He coached recreational soccer in several states and enjoyed RC car racing with his sons.
A lifelong Lutheran, his faith was always a very important part of his life. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Niceville.
A Christian memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. with burial, with full military honors, at Heritage Gardens Cemetery.
Flowers are acceptable, or memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Rose Window Fund.
McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, Niceville, is in charge of arrangements.
