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Joseph Alexander Scarlett III
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:41:30am
DELAND -
Legendary DeLand attorney, dies
Joseph Alexander Scarlett III was born Nov. 8, 1929, at DeLand Hospital on North Stone Street, to Joseph Alexander Scarlett II and Dorothy Storm Scarlett of the Buckeye State.
Both father and son were graduates of the Stetson University Law School, as was a nephew, James Scarlett Rogers of DeLand.
The elder Scarlett was a state attorney; the younger, a public defender, both working from the Volusia County Historic Courthouse in Downtown DeLand. These were the days when African-Americans were relegated to the balcony galleries, and the men could be heard from the street below, as the windows were open for air. The attorneys were in short sleeves with no coats and, perhaps, smoking at the counsel table.
Joseph Scarlett III tore the signs off the courthouse bathrooms that labeled the facilities for “white” or “black” persons.
The Scarlett family were Irish immigrants migrating from Kentucky and Ohio in the 1800s to start up in the citrus industry in DeLand.
Senior Joseph Alexander Scarlett built three homes in the northwest area of DeLand off Orange Avenue for his son, his daughter, his overseer and himself. All but one are still standing, and one is still occupied by family.
Joseph Alexander Scarlett III graduated from Stetson Law School on June 2, 1952. He raised his right hand, and the judge swore him and Ted Husfeld in at the same time in the old courthouse to start their respective practices of law.
As Mr. Scarlett II had died six weeks earlier, the young attorney never got to practice with his father.
The greatest pride of Joseph Scarlett III’s years as an attorney was working for “the all-time” Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida Glenn Terrell, as a law clerk 1960-62, and being allowed to humbly serve as a pallbearer at Terrell’s death.
Gov. Farris Bryant appointed Mr. Scarlett to serve Volusia, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Brevard and Osceola counties as Juste of Industrial Claims for two years; later, he was replaced by three judges for the same area.
In 1964, Joseph Scarlett III undertook a daunting (and failed) election attempt against his good friend Dan Warren, for the office of state attorney. During the campaign, a chagrined young son of Dan’s handed Joseph Scarlett III a flier urging him to vote for his daddy.
Again, an appointment by Gov. Hayden Burns saw him assume the position of public defender, 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida, the second term since the enactment of the office, which he served 1965-69.
His law practice spanned 57 years in a variety of law that gave him the time to serve the best in helping with estates and real estate, as well as those desperate for a defense, having been accused of murder or rape. At the time of his service as public defender, rape was a capital death offense.
Not only was he admitted to all Florida courts, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, but garnered certification by the Supreme Court of Florida in all courts of mediation.
Socially and civically, he spent much time helping through Big Brothers, as president of the Quarterback Club, as a life member of the Elks Club, and by representing indigents without fee.
Joseph Scarlett III died June 28, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, by two sisters, Elizabeth Scarlett Rogers and Storm Scarlett Dougherty, and by his youngest daughter, Deborah Ann Bach.
Loved ones surviving him are his wife of 29 years, Sheila Ann Scarlett; two daughters, Alexandra Kane Hess and Shirley Storm Scarlett, both of DeLand; his three nephews, James Scarlett Rogers of DeLand, Michael Scarlett Dougherty of Tampa, and Marshall Harding Dougherty of Lakeland; grandchildren Courtney Storm Hyatt, Jodi Elizabeth Long, Brian Stewart Hutson, Joseph James Hess and Kayle Campbell; nine great-grandchildren; and good North Georgia friends Ed and Mary Adele Kane Davis, Mrs. Davis being the mother of Mr. Scarlett’s three daughters.
Interment shall be at Oakdale Cemetery at the Scarlett family plot at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 3. Directly after, there will be memorial services at the Volusia County Historic Courthouse, 125 W. New York Ave., in Courtroom 1 on the second floor, and lots of good food and libations will be served directly after that service at the Scarlett home, Sol y Sombra, on North Stone Street in DeLand.
All friends are warmly invited to attend any and all of the above. The events have been scheduled in consideration of the heat and rain, to serve our family and friends best.
Lankford was in charge.
Helen A. Gifford Bennett
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:39:06am
SEMINOLE - Helen A. Gifford Bennett, 93, a former DeLand resident for 81 years, died June 28, 2009, at Oak Tree Manor. Calling hours will be 10-11 a.m. today, Thursday, July 2, at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home, 126 E. New York Ave. in DeLand, to be immediately followed by a memorial service officiated by the Rev. Michael Modica. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, at the corner of West Plymouth and North Clara avenues in DeLand.
Mrs. Bennett retired in 1988 from the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services after 50 years. Born in Perth, N.D., she moved to Seminole from DeLand in 2002.
She attended local schools and Stetson University in DeLand.
Mrs. Bennett was a member of First Assembly-DeLand and First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks.
She was preceded in death by her sister, LaVerne G. Moore. She is survived by one niece, Sheron M. Godcharles of Seminole, two nephews, Terrence G. Moore of St. Augustine and Gary A. Moore of Jacksonville, five grandnieces, three grandnephews, two great-grandnieces and five great-grandnephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Mrs. Bennett’s churches, Christian missionaries, or charities that help families or children. Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Norma Jacob Garrington
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:38:22am
DELAND - Norma Jacob Garrington, 84, died June 30, 2009.
Mrs. Garrington retired in the mid-1980s from Sherwood Medical Industries. Born in DeLand, she was a lifetime resident of West Volusia.
She loved spending time with her family, and fishing.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Ken Keefer
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:37:37am
GENEVA - Ken Keefer died June 27, 2009. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Friday, July 3, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 155 Clark St. in Enterprise. Dinner will follow the service.
Mr. Keefer loved to fly, scuba dive, smoke and camp, and, most of all, he loved to live, never enjoying life more until he became a grandfather.
It has been said love took on a whole new meaning if you knew Kenny — you really knew love.
Tri-County Cremation was in charge.
Lyda Liotti
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:36:57am
DELAND - Lyda Liotti, 90, died June 25, 2009. A memorial service was held June 30 at Constantino Funeral and Cremation Services in DeLand.
Mrs. Liotti retired as a bookkeeper. She moved to this area in 1975 from New Jersey.
She was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Ruth Virginia Short
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:36:14am
MARIETTA, OHIO - Ruth Virginia Short, 95, a former resident of DeLand, died June 28, 2009, at her home. A memorial service was scheduled for today, Thursday, July 2, at the Columbarium in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden in Marietta, with Father David Ruppe officiating.
Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Mrs. Short worked in the Stetson University Physics Department, and for the County of Volusia. Earlier, she retired from the personnel department of Standard Oil of Ohio.
She received a bachelor’s degree in English in 1934 from Mount Union College in Ohio.
Mrs. Short was a member of AAUW and Kappa Delta Sorority, and enjoyed playing bridge and participating in community theater, playing many roles with Shoestring Theatre and Sands Theater Center in DeLand.
She was preceded in death in 1989 by her husband, William D.; her parents, Frank C. and Virginia Geisinger Lloyd; one brother, Franklin Lloyd; and an infant brother. She is survived by two stepchildren, Susan Peairs of St. Petersburg, Pa., and Dean Short of Philadelphia; one sister, Marian Kurner and her husband, Charles, of Marietta; and numerous stepgrandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Home Nursing Service and Hospice, P.O. Box 97, Marietta, OH 45750. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cawleyandpeoples.com. Cawley and Peoples Funeral Home was in charge.
Donna Jo Tapscott
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:34:01am
BARBERVILLE - Donna Jo Tapscott, 54, died June 29, 2009, at the West Volusia Hospice Care Center in Orange City. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. today, Thursday, July 2, at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home, 126 E. New York Ave. in DeLand. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, in the Allen-Summerhill Memorial Chapel in DeLand. Burial will follow at Purdom Cemetery, on Purdom Cemetery Road, off U.S. Highway 17 in Barberville.
Mrs. Tapscott was a Realtor and an office manager. Born in Paterson, N.J., she moved to this area in 1983 from Texas.
She was a member of the Board of Realtors®, and enjoyed going to the beach, traveling, shopping, and, most of all, being with her family.
Mrs. Tapscott is survived by her husband of 20 years, John Patrick; one son, Austin Gibbs Tapscott of Barberville; one daughter, Shannon Tapscott of Barberville; her parents, Joseph Tarutis of DeLand and Jean Mullen of Daytona Beach; one brother, Gary Phillips of Cincinnati; one sister, Karen Tarutis of Barberville; two nieces, Lauren Cogswell and Caylen Ownby; and four nephews, David Tapscott, Christopher Cogswell, Zachary Ownby and Josh Phillips.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Carmen R. Thomas
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:33:19am
CASSADAGA - Carmen R. Thomas, 83, died June 29, 2009.
Born in Spain, Mrs. Thomas was a member of First Assembly of God.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Elsie M. Thomas-Frey
posted Jul 2, 2009 - 10:32:32am
PIERSON - Elsie M. Thomas-Frey, 85, of Church Street, died June 26, 2009, at Deltona Health Care.
Mrs. Thomas-Frey retired as a teacher at the University of San Juan. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, she moved to Central Florida in 1987 from Fairfax, Va.
She was a member of Celebration Church of Lake Mary, where she did volunteer work in the church library.
Mrs. Thomas-Frey is survived by two sons, Nicholas Thomas of Pierson and John Thomas of Aliquippa, Pa.; two daughters, Shelby M. Banks and Annette Thomas, both of Sanford; three brothers, Hector Beauchamp of Honduras, Justo Beauchamp of San Antonio, and Pete Beauchamp of Fort Worth, Texas; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Deltona Memorial was in charge.
Betty Dunn Becker
posted Jun 29, 2009 - 9:19:26am
CLARKSVILLE, TENN. - Betty Dunn Becker, 85, a former resident of DeLand, died June 22, 2009, at a nursing home in Tennessee. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 3, at MacDonald Funeral Home in Tampa.
Mrs. Becker retired as a first- and second-grade teacher in Tampa with Hillsborough County Schools after 22 years. Born in Dunnellon, she moved to DeLand after retiring, and moved to Tennessee in 2006.
She was active in bowling leagues in DeLand, and was a member of the Volusia County Retired Teachers Association, serving as secretary.
Mrs. Becker was preceded in death by her husband of 12 years, Norman, whom she had met through bowling. She is survived by one daughter, Connie McDonald and her husband, Alvin, one first cousin, Beacon columnist Bill Flowers, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Condolences may sent to the family at www.macdonaldfuneral.com. MacDonald Funeral Home in Tampa was in charge.
Richard L. Avrett
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:40:18am
DELAND - Richard L. Avrett, 51, died June 19, 2009, at his home.
A longtime resident of DeLand and a U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Avrett enjoyed horseback riding.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; one son, Randy; one daughter, Rebecca Gauthier; his mother, Elizabeth Avrett; two brothers, Herbie and James; two sisters, Lavone Harris and Cathy Avrett; and six grandchildren.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Dr. Everett John Crawford
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:39:37am
DELAND - Dr. Everett John Crawford, 88, died June 17, 2009. Calling hours are 7-9 p.m. today, Thursday, June 25, at Constantino Funeral and Cremation Services, 935 E. New York Ave. in DeLand. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Lighthouse Christian Church, 1525 S. State Road 15A in DeLand.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Paul William DeStefano Sr.
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:39:01am
DELAND - Paul William DeStefano Sr., 49, died June 20, 2009, at his sister’s home. Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 359 W. New York Ave. in DeLand.
Born in Altoona, Pa., Mr. DeStefano was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand and Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Pennsylvania.
He was a meat cutter, and enjoyed hunting and playing darts.
Mr. DeStefano is survived by three sons, Joe of Altoona, Ben of Daytona Beach, and Paul Jr. of DeLand; his wife, Jackie of DeLand; one stepson, Kevin of Fort Bragg, N.C.; four sisters, Phillis Bizzaro and Camey Provenzano, both of DeLand, Deena Dodson of Horseheads, N.Y., and Jan Litzinger of Trenton, Fla.; three brothers, Joe DeStefano and Herman Lardieri Jr., both of Altoona, and Dave DeStefano of Missouri; one grandchild, Parker James; and several nieces and nephews.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Mary Myrtice Gillis
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:38:07am
DELAND - Mary Myrtice Gillis, 90, died June 20, 2009, at her home. Pastor Gary Juopperi officiated at a memorial service June 23 in the Allen-Summerhill Memorial Chapel in DeLand. Her final resting place is at DeLand Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Gillis was born in Americus, Ga., on Sept. 26, 1918, and moved to this area from Lake Wales in 1958.
She enjoyed gardening and traveling, having traveled extensively through the U.S. and Canada.
Mrs. Gillis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Tyrus R. Gillis Sr. She is survived by three sons, Tyrus R. Gillis Jr. of Satellite Beach, and Lester Gillis Sr. and Tony Gillis Sr., both of DeLand, 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129. Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Margaret Kay
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:37:25am
ORANGE CITY - Margaret Kay, 93, died June 20, 2009. Father Dave Gillis was scheduled to officiate at a funeral service at 2 p.m. today, Thursday, June 25, at Constantino Funeral and Cremation Services in DeLand.
Born in Rochester, N.Y., Mrs. Kay moved to this area in 1972 from Rush, N.Y., where she had worked for the U.S. Postal Service.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Gail Mignella
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:35:18am
DELEON SPRINGS - Gail Mignella, 61, died June 19, 2009, at the West Volusia Hospice Care Center in Orange City. A memorial service was held June 22 at Lighthouse Christian Church in DeLand.
Mrs. Mignella was an assistant manager at the Children’s Home Society in DeLeon Springs.
She was a member of Lighthouse Christian Church, where she was involved with many social groups.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
John Carlton ‘Carl’ Reynolds
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:34:00am
DELAND - John Carlton “Carl” Reynolds, 94, died June 21, 2009, at his home. The family will greet friends 10-11 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave. in DeLand. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. June 26 at Lankford Funeral Home.
Born in Albany, Ga., Carl moved to Lake Helen in 1921 with his parents, Lonnie and Catherine Reynolds, and six siblings.
Always eager to be self-supporting, Carl delivered major newspapers, including The Florida Times-Union, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, The Miami Herald and the DeLand Sun News, throughout Central Florida, especially in Volusia, Putnam, Lake and Seminole counties. He also distributed numerous magazines. Delivering newspapers enabled Carl to get to know the citizens of Central Florida, both as homeowners and business owners. It also helped him to acquire his keen interest in serving and helping people, as well as fostered his deep-rooted concerns in politics.
He and his parents moved from Lake Helen to DeLand in the late 1920s. In the early 1940s, he started working for the Florida Loan Company owned by Henry “Pop” Coleman Sr.
In 1950, with his acquisition of the Parrish citrus and homestead property, Carl became extremely active in the citrus business. He was a charter member of Florida Citrus Mutual. He was also relied upon for his accurate freeze warning and rainfall advice.
In 1952, he joined with Jim Tribble to form Tribble and Reynolds Finance Company and Tribble and Reynolds Discount Company, which was in operation through 1973. With his growing interest in politics, he actively took community and citizens’ concerns to city, county and state leaders. He also had an open line of communication with national leaders in Washington, D.C.
Carl remained active in politics until 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Hester Reynolds; his son, Richard C. Reynolds and his wife, Christine; his granddaughter, Lacey E. Reynolds; and his nephew and niece who were his caregivers, Dale and Jean Davis, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.
Carl will be remembered as a successful businessman, a strong supporter of Florida citrus, and an advocate of government with integrity. Most of all, he will be remembered as a man who dearly loved his family and friends and lived his life trying to do what God would want him to do.
Memorial donations may be made to Vitas Hospice, 533 N. Nova Road, Suite 206, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Lankford was in charge.
Evelyn Trundle West-Mills
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:32:14am
DELAND - Evelyn Trundle West-Mills, 83, a well-known businesswoman and community leader, died June 18, 2009.
Mrs. West-Mills owned Stetson Flower & Gift Shop, was a floral instructor at Daytona Beach Community College, and was a leading floral designer for the Teleflora selection guide used worldwide.
She served as a DeLand city commissioner, and was a member of the Stetson University board of trustees 1980-82.
Lankford was in charge.
Henry Wooster
posted Jun 25, 2009 - 11:31:28am
LAKE HELEN - Henry Wooster, 86, died June 20, 2009, at the West Volusia Hospice Care Center in Orange City.
Mr. Wooster owned and operated the Hank Wooster Septic Service in Waterford, N.Y., for 30 years.
He was a member of the Rock Church of Daytona Beach.
Mr. Wooster served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Helen Bryant Mitchell
posted Jun 22, 2009 - 9:56:08am
DELAND - Helen Bryant Mitchell, 83, died June 17, 2009, after a brief illness. Calling hours will be 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Allen-Summerhill Funeral Home, 126 E. New York Ave. in DeLand. A funeral service will follow in the Allen-Summerhill Memorial Chapel in DeLand.
Mrs. Mitchell served others for more than 50 years as a registered nurse working in hospitals, including labor and delivery at Fish Memorial Hospital in DeLand, in Dr. David Rauschenberger’s office, and as a resident nurse at John Knox Village in Orange City.
She was an active member of Eastside Baptist Church in DeLand, working in the nursery and the prayer ministry, and visiting local nursing homes.
Mrs. Mitchell was preceded in death by one grandson, David Morrow, who is praising God with her in heaven, where they both thank the Lord Jesus Christ for going to the cross to atone for their sins. She is survived by one daughter, Susan Morrow; one son, Christopher Riley and his wife, Elizabeth; one sister, Virginia Bryant Hamrick; four grandchildren, Richard Morrow and his wife, Heather, Jonathan Morrow and his wife, Meredith, Lauren Riley Brown and her husband, David, and Christopher Riley Jr.; and two great-grandchildren, Russell Morrow and Rebekah Morrow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Eastside Baptist Church Missionary Fund, 700 S. Massachusetts Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Thelma Irene Ray
posted Jun 22, 2009 - 9:55:07am
DELAND - Thelma Irene Ray, 90, died June 17, 2009, of natural causes. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25, in the Lemon Room at Bill Dreggors Park, 230 N. Stone St. in DeLand.
Mrs. Ray and her husband, Roy R., founded DeLand Metal Craft in 1967. Born in West Frankfort, Ill., she moved to Florida in 1965.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129.
Ted R. ‘Josh’ Berg
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:14:55am
DELAND - Ted R. “Josh” Berg, 54, died June 12, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Berg was a vault installer for Quality Vaults. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, he moved to DeLand in 1991 from Washington state.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Joyce N. Campbell
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:14:19am
DELAND - Joyce N. Campbell, 76, died June 14, 2009. A funeral service was scheduled for 10 a.m. today, Thursday, June 18, in the Allen-Summerhill Memorial Chapel in DeLand. Burial was to follow at DeLand Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Campbell worked for The House Next Door for many years.
She was a former deacon of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, and was a member of the Junior Service League and the DeLand Garden Club.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Florence B. Cleveland-Hunt
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:13:37am
DELEON SPRINGS - Florence B. Cleveland-Hunt, 88, died June 12, 2009.
Mrs. Cleveland-Hunt was born in Morganfield, Ky.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Michael ‘Joe’ Hogan
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:12:33am
DELAND - Michael “Joe” Hogan, 34, died June 11, 2009, at his home. A memorial service was held June 17 at Lifegate Church in DeLand.
Born in Sarasota, Mr. Hogan was a sales representative for AT&T.
He was a member of Lifegate Church in DeLand.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
Chester Hunter
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:10:06am
DELEON SPRINGS - Chester Hunter, 71, died June 14, 2009. A funeral service was held June 17 at the Church of God of Prophecy in DeLeon Springs. Burial followed at Lake Dias Cemetery in DeLeon Springs.
Mr. Hunter retired as a supervisor with the Volusia County Road and Bridge Department after 44 years.
He loved to hunt, fish and cook.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Kenneth R. Kent
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:09:26am
ORANGE CITY - Kenneth R. Kent, 55, died June 11, 2009.
Mr. Kent was a bartender.
New Life Cremation and Funeral Chapel in Ormond Beach was in charge.
Ruth Inez Shank
posted Jun 18, 2009 - 11:08:49am
DELAND - Ruth Inez Shank, 95, went home to the Lord and her beloved husband, Harry, June 12, 2009.
Born in New York City on Nov. 23, 1913, Ruth was reared by her fraternal grandparents. She made the most of growing up in New York, riding public transportation alone from the age of 10, and seeing city life firsthand.
As a single young woman, she found a job selling compacts at Macy’s. She loved to tell about the rules that required the salesgirls to wear white cotton gloves when showing the compacts, not to mention the necessity of having perfectly straight seams on their nylon stockings.
On May 6, 1937, Ruth and her cousin went to Lakehurst, N.J., to see the docking of the airship Hindenburg. They were eyewitness to the horrific explosion and tragedy. Ruth’s personal account was chilling as she recalled the sight of the men holding docking ropes too long and falling to their deaths.
After Ruth married Harry Bender Shank, they and their young son moved to DeLand in 1951, where they established DeLand Motor Sales and Service, which is still in operation. Years of hard work and personal happiness followed until the death of Harry in 1991.
Once widowed, Ruth determined to see the world, and at the age of 86, she hit the road. She rode the train across Canada, made several trips to London, walked the Great Wall of China, and sampled the wines of California’s Napa Valley.
Ruth leaves behind one son, Michael and his wife, Dinah, of DeLand, one daughter, Susan Shank of DeLand, and two granddaughters.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring people from Hospice of Volusia/Flagler for their kindness and compassion during Ruth’s final days. Lankford was in charge.
Leonard G. Bates
posted Jun 15, 2009 - 10:20:51am
DELAND - Leonard G. Bates, 87, passed from this world in the early morning of May 28, 2009, in Orange City. He leaves behind his wife, Ethel; his children, Leonard Jr. of Texas and Barbara of Florida; his grandchildren, Emma, Jenny and Jesse, all of Texas; and his brother, Herbert Wendell Bates of Ohio.
Leonard was born in Bismarck, N.D., in 1922. He was fortunate to have had a wonderful and exciting life, filled with adventure, health, and happiness. He met Ethel when they were both teenagers in Kentucky, and neither of them ever looked at anyone else ever again; they were soul mates and lovers till death parted them, and, I believe, beyond.
Leonard survived the Great Depression, during which he learned the value of the dollar, and World War II, during which he served his country as both a musician in the USO shows, and as a cargo pilot in Asia. Although he flew many types of aircraft in many locations and earned many awards, Leonard primarily flew the cargo plane C-46, achieving the distinguished title of “Hump Pilot.” He was one of very few pilots during the war to fly over the Himalayan Mountains between Burma (now Myanmar) and China.
Following his years in the U.S. Army Air Forces, Leonard had many jobs, but eventually pursued a career in the food industry of General Foods (now Kraft). He achieved the titles of “General Regional Sales Manager” for both Baker’s Chocolate and Baker’s Coconut, for both the Southern and Western regions of the United States. (One could say that he had the jobs of four men.) He retired from General Foods in 1977, after 25 years of service.
Following General Foods, Leonard was offered and accepted an opportunity to work for one of his brokers. He began another career with Mr. Edgar Marx of Marx Brothers Inc. in Birmingham, Ala. He was promoted by Edgar Marx, in a mere three years, from salesman to the position of vice president of the corporation. Leonard retired from Marx Brothers in the late 1990s, and eventually relocated to DeLand, where he and his wife could be close to their daughter.
Leonard, being very rarely ill, was diagnosed with dementia in 2004, and began a long, hard, and heartbreaking battle for his life. He was able to maintain his personality, sense of humor, and love for his “gal” to the very end of this battle. Leonard was the best husband and father a person could ever be blessed with; I know, because I am his daughter.
I love you, Dad. See you later.
Allen-Summerhill was in charge.
Dorothy Rance Bomar
posted Jun 15, 2009 - 10:18:18am
COCOA BEACH - Dorothy Rance Bomar, 74, a former resident of DeLand, died June 10, 2009, at Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach. A celebration of Dorothy’s life was held June 14 at Cocoa Beach Community Church.
Born on July 11, 1934, in Mount Morris, Mich., to Walter and Estelle Morris Rance, Dorothy was the youngest of five and born at home. Her snooping brother Bill was excited to announce the family had a new baby pig!
The family moved to Florida, where Dorothy graduated from DeLand High School in 1952. A beauty-contest winner, she captured the heart of Troy Bomar Jr. Shortly after high school, Dorothy moved back to Michigan to live near her sister. Troy followed her and married her Nov. 29 of that year. Their union was blessed with three children, Cynthia “Cindy,” Marian and Troy III.
While being a full-time Mom, Dorothy graduated from the University of Delaware in 1980, with degrees in psychology and sociology. She took up snow-skiing about the same time, enjoying that sport for more than 20 years. After relocating to the Space Coast with husband Troy, she worked in real estate in Cocoa Beach. Her exceptional management skills greatly benefited the real-estate firms for which she was employed. After retirement, she concentrated on her music passions.
Her love of music was well-known. Her perfect pitch was noted at the tender age of 3. She wrote the musical score for the off-Broadway production of Tinker’s Dam, in addition to writing custom pieces for her church, Cocoa Beach Community Church. Her work has also been performed by the Greater Canaveral Barbershop Group and the Space Coast Pops. One particular piece that was written for former CBCC Pastor Sam Askew is still being performed regularly by Askew.
Dorothy was an active member and officer of the Boeing Women’s Club and the Space Coast Pops board of directors.
She is survived by her husband, Troy; one brother, Bill; one daughter, Marian; one son, Troy III; grandchildren Troy Washington Bomar IV, Bear Sidell, Kimberly Sidell, Erin Shaw, Heather Shaw Haubenschild, Chalanne Bomar Stockman and Teresa Michelle Simon; and great-grandchildren Jenna Sidell, Madison Stockman, Myammi Stockman, Lily Simon and Canyon Simon. Her older daughter, Cindy, preceded her in death in August 2007. Her brothers Jack and Jim, and her sister, Marian, also preceded her in death.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at beckman-williamson.com. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach was in charge.
Peggy Kincaid
posted Jun 15, 2009 - 10:13:20am
ORANGE CITY - Peggy Kincaid, 76, died May 13, 2009, at her home.
Mrs. Kincaid was a member of First United Methodist Church of DeLand, and enjoyed shopping, flowers, and car racing.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfandcs.com. Constantino was in charge.
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