All Obituaries

Margarita Gonzalez, 93, of Sebring, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2020 at Kenilworth Care and Rehab.  Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico she moved here in 2000 after having wintered several years.  Margarita belonged to the Spanish Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Sebring.  She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Galo Gonzalez; two sons, Galo (Mary Ann) Gonzalez, Jr and David (Tasha) Gonzalez; six grandchildren, Daria, Christopher, Ariana, Kayla, Kaleb and Noah;...

James J. Casey, 79, of Avon Park, passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 8, 2020 with his family by his side.  Born in Eufaula, Alabama he had lived in Avon Park most of his life.  He served in the US Marine Corps and retired from the State Department of Corrections.  He was a member of Poinciana Lodge #227, Avon Park.  He was preceded in life by his parents, James Casey and Ruth Cooper Casey Heckleman and wife, Helen Casey.  He is survived by his loving family and...

Marvin Hunt, age 84, born in Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on December 13th, 2019 at Gracie Sturdivant Care Home in Raleigh, NC. surrounded by his wife and family members. Marvin Hunt was a 30-year resident of Avon Park, Florida following retirement from the New York City Housing Authority and relocation from Brooklyn, New York. He embraced life by the lake with his loving wife Madeline. He found a passion in education at South Florida Community College teaching Adult Education....

Patricia A. Lister, 79, of Avon Park, died Thursday morning, December 12, 2019 at Somers Hospice House in Sebring.  A native of Methuen, Massachusetts she had lived here for 41 years coming from Davers, Massachusetts.  She retired from the State of Florida as an employment specialist.  She is survived by her son, Chris (Melissa) Comeau, Avon Park, FL and two grandchildren, Austin Knutson and Kayla Comeau.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Highlands County...

Mrs. Fannie Bell "Ma Fannie" Matthews, 93, of Avon Park, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019 at AdventHealth Sebring.  She was born September 29, 1926 in Somerville, Tennessee and had lived her most of her life in Avon Park.  "Ma Fannie" was a pillar in the community who loved her Lord.  She is survived by her loving family.   A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 am at The Church of...

Emmanuel J. “Stew” Stewart, 83, of Avon Park, passed away Saturday evening, November 2, 2019 at Somers Hospice House.  A native of Beebe, Arkansas he had lived here since1960, coming from Sonoma, CA.  Mr. Stewart served in the US Army during the Korean War.  He was an entrepreneur, owner operator and automobile technician.  He loved fishing, hunting, music and dancing.  He is survived by his wife of 63.9 years, Annette; two children, Michael (Robin)...

Shirley Ann Rappe, 74, of Zolfo Springs, passed away on Saturday morning, November 16, 2019 at AdventHealth Sebring.  A native of Miami, FL she had lived here for almost 40 years having briefly lived in Frostproof.  She was retired after 39 years from C.R. Melear Dairy.  Shirley was a member of First Baptist Church, Avon Park.  She is survived by her daughter, Kim Swindle; three sons, Keith Swindle, Donnie Swindle and Clint "Knothead" Swindle; sister, Reba...

Barbara J. Franklin, 72, of Sebring, passed away on Friday morning at her home.  Born in Norwich, NY to Delbert and Grace (Stevens) Dunham she had lived in this area for 42 years having lived a short time in Tampa.  She attended Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church.  Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and crocheting quilts for her grandchildren and the hospital.  She is survived by her husband, Richard Franklin; 6 children, Richard Wayne (Donna) Franklin, Jr, Tampa,...

Nathan McGill, 56, of Tampa died September 26, 2019.  He was the adopted son of Doris McGill and Woody McGill (deceased).  He is survived by son, T.J. McGill.  Condolences may be made to the family through Fountain Funeral Home, 507 US 27 N., Avon Park, FL 33825 (863) 453-3134.  

Ralph Hulon, 84, of Lorida, passed away on Saturday afternoon, September 7, 2019 at AdventHealth Sebring.  Ralph was born in Plant City, FL to William T. and Beatrice (Campbell) Hulon and moved to this area in 1948 after living in Graceville, FL. He retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  Ralph had enjoyed shooting pool in his younger days and loved playing Bingo now.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Helen "Donie" (Mott) Hulon; daughter, Lisa D. Hulon;...