Vernon (Vern) Peters
July 14, 2017
Vernon (Vern) Peters was born to Francis and Anna Mininger Peters, on July 17, 1929, at home in the rural area near Ithaca, Michigan. He was the first of seven children in the family. He departed this life on July 12, 2017, in Atmore Nursing Center, Atmore, AL, reaching the age of nearly eighty- eight years. His death was the result of complications related to old age.
He received his formal education in the rural Smith Allen School in Gratiot County, Michigan.
At an early age, being energetic, he left home and worked for area farmers. His interest was to be independent and self- employed, later buying a gas station in Alma, Ml.
On July 20, 1949, he married our mother, Dolores Ruth Detwiler.
In December of 1953, he with our mother and children moved to Walnut Hill, FL. It was here they began to attend the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. During the winter revival they felt the call of God and surrendered their lives to the Lord and were baptized on January 22, 1954, by Min. Harry Wenger. The faith and church were precious to him and he embraced them to the end. He was very studious in the Bible and church doctrines and took a very active part in Sunday School. Many called him for interpretation of scriptures.
Vern tried different occupations to support his family such as poultry and farming. Finally, he started a machine shop. This turned out to be a very successful business. He was in this business over thirty years and it also provided work and education for his sons. This business was known as Vernz Fabrication and Welding.
Upon retirement, Dad and Mom started the Apple House and Bakery. He built his own cider press and grinding mill. Many people from far and near enjoyed his fresh apple cider and their home baked goods. On April 7, 2010, his wife, Dolores, passed away, leaving him very lonely. He lived in his own house until the last months when his physical condition required more nursing skill. He appreciated the care given him and often thanked the nurses.
He loved his family and friends, often interceding for their salvation. He also reached out to those carrying a burden.
Those left to cherish fond memories are three sons and one daughter: Larry Bill and wife Wanda of Wrens, GA; Deborah and husband Jon Litwiller of Middleton, Ml; Randy and wife Cyndi Peters of Nyssa, OR; Erich Peters of Walnut Hill, FL. Our sister Lorinda Lumbert joined our family in 1996. There are two brothers and four sisters: Wilbert and Imo Peters of Walnut Hill, FL; Beatrice Riggs of Moundridge, KS; Verle and Vesta Peters of Walnut Hill, FL; Louise and Abe Ensz of Hillsboro, KS; Lois and Willie Eicher of Walnut Hill, FL; Kathleen and John Wenger of Walnut Hill, FL. Additionally, there are 16 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; two brothers and four sisters, a host of friends and acquaintances. Preceding him in death are his wife Dolores and one daughter in law.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 16, 2017, at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church with Rev. Doug Salsbury, Rev. Galen Harms and Rev. Maynard Peters officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.
Ward Stewart Eicher
July 14, 2017
Just before midnight at Oakwood Manor, on July 9, 2017, God graciously took my husband, our father and grandfather, Ward Stewart Eicher, home to be with Him.
Ward Stewart Eicher was born August 24, 1923 to Leland Herald and Hannah Johnson Eicher on August 24, 1923 at home in Ithaca, Michigan. He was the second child in a family of 10 children. At the age of 16, Ward answered the call of God and was baptized at the Senora Hall in Summerdale, Alabama, by Minister Harry Wenger. These vows meant much to him and he was faithful to them to the end. Ward went to 1W Service at the age of 21. He served with the Forestry Department in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Sequoia National Park, California. These years held special memories for him.
On February 23, 1947, Ward married Dolly May Holdeman, at the Senora Hall in Summerdale, Alabama. They enjoyed seventy wonderful years together. In 1949, they moved to the new vongregation in Walnut Hill, Florida. Here they built up their dairy farm with hard work and muscle. Ward and Dolly welcomed two sons and four daughters to their home. He was a loving father and husband. We as children remember our Dad as a spiritual father with a very positive outlook on life. He was a good provider and a hard worker. Singing was an important part of his life. He was a song leader for much of his life and taught us to love music too. His prayers were a meaningful part of his life and were an inspiration to all of us.
In July 1973, we as a family lost our youngest son and brother, Glenn Allen, age eight, in a tragic farm accident. It was a heart-breaking time for us and we all look forward to meeting him in heaven.
During the 1990’s, Ward and Dolly spent time in voluntary service in New York City, Gallup, New Mexico; Homestead, Florida; Albany, Georgia and Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have many good memories of these times and learned to love the many young people that gave their time in service.
In their later years of life, August 2010, Ward and Dolly built a cottage at Oakwood Manor. They enjoyed the past seven years in this close-knit community of Brooksville, Mississippi. They gratefully benefited from the loving care and the positive environment of the manor.
Missing him are his loving wife, Dolly; one son: Greg and wife Rita, Fountain Run, Kentucky; four daughters: Vicki and husband Greg Benner, Newbern, Alabama; June and husband Gale Unruh, Fountain Run, Kentucky; Rosalie and husband Galen Schmidt, Walnut Hill, Florida; Andrea and husband Galen Harms, Century, Florida; and a Gallup daughter who became a part of our family, Lana and husband Amos Yost, Montezuma, Kansas. Eighteen grandchildren and
thirty great-grandchildren. Three sisters: Eunice Smith, Oakwood Manor; Imo and Wilbert Peters, and Althea Dyck, all of Walnut Hill, Florida. Three brothers: Willie and Lois Eicher, Wallace and Judy Eicher, Wendell and Mary Eicher, all of Walnut Hill, Florida; one sister-inlaw, Wanetta and Mel Huxman, of Moundridge, Kansas, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ward was preceded in death by one son, parents, parents-in- law, two sisters, one brother, five brother-in- laws, and three sister-in- laws.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the many friends and caregivers at Oakwood Manor.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Claudia Beatrice “Bea” Flowers Anderson
July 11, 2017
Claudia Beatrice “Bea” Flowers Anderson, age 84, of Crossville, TN, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017.
Mrs. Anderson was born in Winnsboro, LA, on January 16, 1933, to the late Ovid Earl and Florence Faye Dunham Flowers. She was a computer programmer and a member of the Mayland Baptist Church. In addition to her parents Mrs. Anderson is preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Wendell Anderson, son, Carl Daniel Deron, two sisters, Faye Delagrange and Lou Harper, three brothers, WC, Clarence and Ovid Flowers.
Left to cherish her memory is one daughter Shala Vee Ross (Randy) and one son, Walter Adene Deron. Nine grandchildren, Sabrina, Sydnie, Terrill, Derrill, Nikki, Tory, Swala, Deni and Noah. Many great grand-children also survive.
The family will receive friends at the Goff Funeral Home at 205 E. Cleveland Avenue in Monterey, TN, on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, from noon until to 2 pm with services following at 2 pm.
A private interment will take place in Pensacola Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Sarah Barrineau Strand Creel
July 9, 2017
Sarah Barrineau Strand Creel, 86, of Pensacola, FL passed away Friday, July 7, 2017.
Sarah was born February 3, 1931 in Pensacola, FL. She was a lifelong learner and educator. She believed that if you can read, you can accomplish anything. Her love of teaching, reading, and family touched many in the Florida communities of Molino, Barrineau Park, and Pensacola.
Survivors include Clifton “Bud” Creel; Elizabeth Strand (Craig) Fulford; John Strand, Jr.; Elizabeth Creel (Michael) Doyle; Melissa Creel (Kent) Peckenpaugh; Patricia Creel (Joe) Clement; Greg Hayes; Erin Hayes (Chris) Zagotti; Isabella and Caroline Zagotti; Meaghan Doyle; McKenna and Adam Peckenpaugh; and Sarah and Connor Clement.
Visitation will be held 5-7pm Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be 10:30am Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
William Campbell (Bill) Hurston
July 9, 2017
William Campbell (Bill) Hurston, 91, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2017. He was born, September 16, 1925 to Carl Grady Hurston, Sr., and Neta Campbell Hurston, in Laurel Hill, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Floris Blackwell (Herman), Montgomery, AL, Mayme Steele,(Quentin),Ft. Walton Beach, and brother Grady Hurston, (Essie Dell), Crestview.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Pilcher Hurston and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April. He is also survived by his sons, Stanley (Laura) Hurston, Mobile, AL, and Rod (Berta) Hurston, Gulf Breeze; and daughters, Jane (Gary) Hermann, Pensacola and Jean (Tim) Walden, Paxton; grandchildren, Blake(Michelle) Hurston, Mobile, Len (Connie) Hurston, Marion, AL, Gail (Rebekah) Hurston, Mobile, Chad Hurston, Atlanta, Kimberly (Tad) Allen, Powell, OH, Lindsey (Jerrod) Sharp, Navarre, Jenny Hermann, Pensacola, Susan (Chris) Crenshaw, Tallahassee, Daniel Walden, Paxton and 10 great grandchildren.
Bill grew up in Laurel Hill and attended school there through high school. His senior year in school he was drafted into the U.S. Army and returned from basic training to graduate with his senior class and then deployed to England and served in a military hospital until WW II ended. He was discharged from the U.S. Army and returned home. He attended Massey Business College for a time in Montgomery, AL and then in 1947 started working at Eglin Field in Base Central Supply and the Base laundry in Administration until 1963.
n 1963 he received a Presidential appointment by President John F. Kennedy as Postmaster of Laurel Hill, FL and served until 1978. He also served as City Clerk for the city of Laurel Hill a number of years. In 1978 he and Margaret moved to Pensacola and he became Assistant Postmaster at Cantonment, FL Post Office until his retirement in 1983.
Bill grew up in Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and served that church as Elder, Sunday School Supt., and Church Treasurer for many years. When they moved to Pensacola, he and Margaret were active in several local Presbyterian churches including Trinity, Pinewoods, and Northminster, and are now members of Pine Forest United Methodist Church.
Bill was an avid New York Yankees and Florida Gators fan and loved watching his favorite teams. He was a joyful, happy, courteous, and generous man who was friendly to all and ethical and professional in all his postal and administrative job positions.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Monday, July 10, at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with funeral service to follow at 4:00 P.M. officiated by his grandson, Reverend Len Hurston.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to Covenant Hospice or to a charity of your choice.
Paul N. Crenshaw
July 9, 2017
Paul N. Crenshaw, 73 of Atmore, AL. passed away Wednesday July 5, 2017, in Mobile, AL. He was c-owner with his wife of Paul Crenshaw Machine Shop in Bay Minette. Born in Bay Minette, AL. on June 2, 1944 to the late Edward James and Bessie Wilson Crenshaw. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and served in the Army National Guard.
He was a member of St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by His Parents.
Survivors are his wife, Brigitte G. Crenshaw of Atmore, AL; two sons Martin (Sandra) Crenshaw of Robertsdale, AL and Benjamin Crenshaw of Atmore, AL; five brothers: James Crenshaw of Jay, FL, Jerry Crenshaw of Perdido, AL, Larry Crenshaw, Tim Crenshaw, and Richard Crenshaw all of Bay Minette, AL; one grandchild Sylvestor Crenshaw and one great-grandchild Lannie Crenshaw..
Services will be Monday July 10, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. from the St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church, with Father Gordon Milstead officiating. Interment will follow in Serenity Gardens with full military honors. Active pallbearers will be Marvin Crenshaw, Jeff Crenshaw, William Taylor, Tim Battles, John Schaloux and Ditto Gorme.
Family will receive friends at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home July 10, 2017, from 9-10 a.m.
Harold L. Pickens
July 7, 2017
Harold L. Pickens, 89, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 6, 2017 due to cancer. He was born in Castleberry, AL, and later moved to Cantonment, FlL.
He retired from Monsanto Textile Plant where he worked as a machinist. Harold served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and part of the Berlin Air Lift. He was a member of Allen Memorial United Methodist Church. He was active in the Allen Memorial Food Pantry, Men’s Club, Golden Rockers and ran the annual pumpkin patch.
Harold was a loving husband, wonderful dad and a great PawPaw.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Roy and Beatrice Adams Pickens. He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Dean Pickens of 63 years; daughters, Donna Pennington, Dianne Pickens and Dana Huggins (Carl); son, Andy Martin (Karen); grandchildren, Jennifer Owens, Noah Huggins, Josiah Huggins, Meghan Powell, Andrew Martin, Katrine Owens, Amber Rhoden, Candace Huggins and Brandi Lee; seven great-grandchildren and a sister, Naomi Holland.
Visitation will be Monday, July 10, 2017, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at the funeral home at 10:00 with Reverend George McClure officiating. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Robert Glenn Thrower Jr.
July 7, 2017
Mr. Robert Glenn Thrower Jr., 55, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017, in Dixie, Alabama.
Mr. Thrower was a resident of Walnut Hill, FL, and a resident of Atmore, AL, for most of his life. He was a 1979 graduate of Earnest Ward High School and a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He was employed with Poarch Creek Indians for 25 years where he served as a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for 14 years. Mr. Thrower had a deep and abiding love for his tribe and a true commitment to preserving their culture and history. He followed in the footsteps of his mother, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ first tribal historian, and was respected throughout Indian Country for his knowledge of Indian culture, history and religious tradition. He is preceded in death by his mother Gail Thrower.
He is survived by his wife, Dana Thrower of Dixie, Al; four daughters, Rachel Thrower of New Orleans, LA, Cheryl Thrower (Joey) of New York City, NY, Sehoy Thrower of Walnut Hill, FL and Caymond Hodge of Dixie, AL; one son, Ozzy Meadows of Dixie, AL; his father, Robert “Glenn” Thrower, Sr. Walnut Hill, FL and one sister, Lori Sawyer (Thomas) of Walnut Hill, FL.
Funeral services will be Saturday July 8, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Gafford officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday July 8, 2017, from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes is in charge of all arrangements.
Michael Benjamin Flores, Jr. “Ben”
July 7, 2017
Ben Flores, age 46 of Milton, Florida passed away July 2, 2017 at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola. He was born in Pensacola, Florida on January 10, 1971. Ben owned his own business in Pensacola, M & M Sports Cards and Collectibles, where he formed many lasting friendships.
Ben married the love of his life, Rachael in 2013. His other two loves were his kids, Ava, and Noah, whom he adopted in July 2016.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael B. Flores, Sr. and Betty Jean Kennedy Flores; and one sister, Lura Flores Pearcy (Brian), all of Pensacola.
He is survived by his wife and children, Rachael Meadows Flores, Ava Grace Flores, and Noah Frank Flores, all of Milton, Florida. Three brothers, Glenn Flores (Jennifer) of Fruitland Park, Florida; Lenzy Flores of Cantonment, Florida; and Stephen Flores of Milton, Florida. Mother and Father-in-law, James (Dooley) and Vivian Mathis of Century, Florida; Sister and Brother-in-law, Becky and Darrell Lambeth of Atmore, Alabama; and a very special “Aunt” Linda Nowlin of Pensacola, Florida. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ben was a member of First Baptist Church in Milton, Florida. Dr. David Spencer and Pastor Jonathan Russell will be officiating at Johnson Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, Alabama on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017. Public viewing will begin at 2:00 pm and the funeral will begin at 3:30 pm. Burial will be at Pineview Cemetery in the Pineview Community off Hwy 113, 5 miles north of Flomaton, Alabama.
Pall bearers are: Jerry Meadows, Chris Howard, John Zalusky, Mike Hilburt, Darrell Lambeth, and Nathan Carraway.
Raymond A. Woodard
July 7, 2017
Raymond A. Woodard, son of Orville Raymond and Gertrude Mae Woodard, was born November 20, 1942 in Indianapolis, IN.
After serving in the United States Navy he chose Pensacola, FL as his home where he and his lovely wife raised their family.
Raymond went home to his heavenly father Tuesday, June, 27, 2017.
Visitation will take place Sunday, July 2, 2017, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel North.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 3, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Chapel North with Rev. Keith Mott serving as officiant.
Interment will follow at Christian Home Cemetery in McDavid, FL.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.