THE FORT MYERS PRESS, April 12, 1926 - Mrs. P. Porter Nalle, wife of the prominent Fort Myers real estate dealer, died at her home on First Street yesterday morning at six o'clock after an illness extending over a period of two years. Funeral services were held at 4 this afternoon from Englehardt's with burial in Fort Myers Cemetery. Mrs. Nalle is survived, in addition to her husband, by one son Billy Nalle, four years of age. Mrs.Nalle had been a resident of the city since moving here from Virginia with her husband about 16 years ago. She was born in Culpepper, Va., 35 years ago. Mrs. C. T. Jennis, Mrs. Nalle's mother, arrived today from Culpepper following word received several days ago that her daughter was seriously ill, Mrs. Nalle passing away while her mother was enroute here. Dr. Brodie C. Nalle, a brother of Mr. Nalle, who had been called here in consultation, arrived Sunday.

Fort Myers News-Press -- June 11, 2005 -- William T “Billy” Nalle of Fort Myers, Florida, died on June 7, 2005. He was born in Fort Myers April 24, 1921, and is survived by one sister, Maria Bogia, of Massies Mill, Virginia. Billy graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1939 with the distinction of having received the American Legion School Honor Award. From 1933 to 1939 he was pianist of the Al Linquist Jazz Orchestra of Fort Myers. Following his audition at the Julliard School of Music, New York, he received a full scholarship for the study of piano and organ. His principle teachers were the organ and piano virtuoso: Gaston Dethier, and the celebrated jazz pianist: Teddy Wilson. Nalle served in the U.S. Navy, 1943 to 1946, and during his last year of service was assigned to the U.S.N. Entertainment Unit, where he and Bob Fosse toured the Pacific Ocean military bases. During 1947 and 1948 he did postgraduate studies at The Julliard School, and then began a 26 year career of music in New York City for more than 200 major network television shows on CBS, NBC, and ABC. In 1975 Billy accepted the position of Artist-in-Residence at the Century II Center, Wichita, Kansas, where the world famous New York Paramount Theatre organ had been installed. For eleven years he played concerts in the Wichita Pops Series, made numerous recordings, and concertized nationally. He received international acclaim in 1993 when the American Theatre Organ Society voted him into the Theatre Organists Hall of Fame. In 1995, Nalle ended a fulltime career and returned to Fort Myers, Florida, where he lived until his death. Burial will be in the Nalle Family plot at the Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 17 Jun 2007 -- Flavia Leal Naranjo was born on October 20,1907 in Brownsville, Texas. In 1960 she moved to Fort Myers to accommodate the special needs of her youngest son at the Sunniland Center which was exclusive to Florida. From 1970-2007 she lived with her daughter Lupe Garcia & her son-in-law Pilar Garcia. After his 20 year stay, Flavia decided that even in her compromised health that she needed him with her. He passed away in 2003 at fifty four years old. She passed away on June 13, 2007 in her Fort Myers home. She leaves behind ten children: Lily Martin of Ukiah, California, Ramiro Naranjo of Brownsville, Texas, Romeo Naranjo of Chino, California, Elva Martinez, Martha Longoria, Rosa Sanchez, Nena Martinez, Maria Garcia, Julia De Leon, and Paula Martinez, all of Fort Myers, Florida. She also leaves one brother, Jesus Leal of La Puente, California and of course her many friends. Flavia is now reunited with her husband, Jose A. Naranjo, Sr., and her sons Benito & Jose A. Naranjo, Jr. She had ninety-nine grand-children, one hundred and thirty eight great-grand-children, and fifty six great-great grandchildren. Flavia lived all of her ninety-nine years to their fullest, touching thousands of people's hearts along the way with her strong faith & enlightened words. The capacity of love she had for our Lord and in her many children, grand-children and great-grand children is an inspiration to all of us. There must be millions of memories of her that we have collected in our hearts over the years. Some of us will probably remember her in her garden, kneeling to care for her plants. Some of us will think of her spirit and charisma and the way she always carried the cross of her life without complaints. Others will remember the times they each sat with her in her room and opened their hearts to her; Remembering the way she never judged, but always had the right things to say. But one thing we all remember is that Flavia Naranjo was always proud of her family and she will forever remain a woman of God.Special Blessings she received: Pope John Paul II in 1981; Emmo Sr. Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez & Maradiaga; Priest in charge Aureliano Santa Olaya in 2003; Anointing of the sick on June 2, 2007 by Father Remigious Ssekiranda. Dona Flavia requests donations to Hope Hospice in lieu of flowers. Services in her honor will be held on Monday June 18, 2007. The viewing will begin at 9-10 AM at Jesus Umbrero Catholic Church. Mass commences at 10 AM, followed by a procession to the Fort Myers Cemetery

Bob Nash

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 16, 1936—Alfred E. Nault, 69-year-old Ballard road resident, dropped dead at his home last night as the result of a heart attack after eating supper. He had been in ill health for some time but was downtown yesterday and appeared to be in good spirits. Mr. Nault is survived by 10 sons and two daughters. They are Ephren, Paul and Joe Nault of New York, Nelson Nault of Boston, Charlie, Albert, William, Majoric, Henry and Otto of Fort Myers, Miss Olivetta and Miss Louise of Fort Myers. Funeral services will be arranged by Lawrence A. Powell

Fort Myers News-Press, Oct 13, 2008-- Beatrice S. "Bea" Naylor, 87, of N. Fort Myers passed away on October 11, 2008. She was born on September 27, 1921 in Milan, GA, a child of Wilson D. and Elizabeth (Taylor) Kitchens. Bea moved to Fort Myers in 1930 and often talked about seeing Thomas Edison on his daily drives down McGregor Blvd. and in 1931 saw him cut the ribbon to the new Edison Bridge on Fowler St. She graduated from Fort Myers High in 1941.A local business woman she and her husband, Billy owned the Snack Drive-In on Heitman St. from 1950-60. They also owned Naylor Flower Farms from 1954-86 where they grew, packed and shipped Gladioli and for over 10 years they owned the Bee Hive, a very popular dance club for teens.In 1958 she got her real estate license and met with the Rosen brothers and said every one laughed and thought they were crazy for their plans to develop Cape Coral. She was very active in the Republican Party but later became a Democrat. She had many friends through the years and more recently was involved with the lunch bunch and Red Hatters clubs.She was full of love for so many people and even animals. She always said her poodle "Beau'' was the 'love of her life'. She would always feed ducks and squirrels and even the lizards in the back yard. She was still strong and full of life to her very last day.Bea is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wallace E. "Billy" Naylor, her children, Sylvia S. (Norm) Carlson of Gainesville, FL, Wallace "Wally" of N. Fort Myers and William David (Pamela) Naylor of Deer, AR, her grandchildren, Wallace "Ed", Angela, Johnny, Jimmy Jayden, William David Jr., Christopher and Ashby Naylor, David W. Carlson, Misty Carlson Raley and Shannon Carlson Lestor, her great-grandchildren, Taylor Carlson, Scott and Blake Lestor, her sister, Lessie Hartle of Winston-Salem, NC and her nephew, Jimmy Hartle.A Memorial Service will be conducted TONIGHT, Monday, October 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to Billy Naylor for her grandchildren's college fund.

Fort Myers News-Press, March 22, 2009-- David Naylor, 59, passed away at his beloved cabin in Jasper, Arkansas on March 18, 2009. David is survived by his three cherished children, sons David (28), Chris (26) and daughter Ashby (23), his father Billy (FMHS 1939), brother Wally (FMHS 1964) of Fort Myers, sister Sue Carlson of Gainesville, FL, and many, many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his dear mother Bea Naylor (FMHS 1941) who passed away in October of 2008. Having been born and raised in Fort Myers, David also had countless friends. As a young teenager David, his brother Wally and good friends, Ray Steen, Shep Beasley, Randy Frost and Mike Mathis formed "The Bees", a rock and roll band. The band entertained Southwest Florida teens throughout the 1960's. There was always a place to dance, listen to music and gather with friends when "The Bees" were playing at the family owned "Beehive" on Fowler Street. The band also performed at fraternity parties at the University of Florida, and numerous towns scattered throughout the state. Their original recording "Shy Boy" was a local hit and was played regularly on the radio. David entered the Air Force in 1968 with buddy Pat McInnis. After boot camp the two were separated. David served four years at which time he was stationed in Virginia, Karat, Thailand, and Patrick AFB in Florida. He received his honorable discharge and returned to Fort Myers. In the late 70's and 80's David worked with his family at Naylor Flower Farms in, what was then a thriving Gladiola business, during the time Fort Myers' slogan was "Welcome to Fort Myers - Gladiola Capital of the World." While his children were growing up, David was an active, involved father, coaching his sons in baseball and his daughter in soccer. He led his daughter Ashby's soccer team, The Heartbreakers, to win two championship titles. David loved horseback riding, reading, music, sports and was also an avid history buff. In 1998 he moved to the Ozark mountains and fell in love with the peacefulness and the quiet beauty of northern Arkansas, where he lived and enjoyed the remainder of his short life. David will be missed so much by his children, family and all who loved and knew him. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 7 PM at Southside Christian Church, 7800 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

The News-Press, 9/16/2008-- Ramon I. Nazario, Sr.,72, of Fort Myers, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2008. Ramon was born November 2, 1935 in Guanica, Puerto Rico to Ramon and Lenor (Rios) Nazario. He was a retired chef from Brooklyn, New York, where he owned and operated Millie's Pizza Spot until he closed its doors in 1978. He has been a Fort Myers resident since 1983. Ramon was a past member of Jesus the Worker Catholic Church in Fort Myers. Ramon is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Carmela, his 2 sons, Ramon Nazario, Jr. of Dade Co., FL and Antonio Nazario of Lehigh Acres, 2 grandsons, Ramon Joshua Nazario and Antonio Miguel Nazario, a great-grandson, Joshua Jayden Nazario, 2 sisters, Nilda Bonnilla and Gladys Alma both of Port Charlotte, and two brothers, Wilfredo Irizarry of Costa Rica and Enrique Irizarry of Tallahassee. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 18th, 6-8 pm, at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19th, 10:00 am, also at the funeral home, with internment to follow at Lee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations me be made to Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, 10051 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Condolences may be offer to the family at: www.harvey-engelhardt-metz.com.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, October 13, 1969-- Carlisle Needham, 79, of 2515 First St., died Sunday afternoon. He had lived here for the past 10 years. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Reba Needham of Fort Myers; daughter, Mrs. Ralph E. Ferguson of Long Island, N.Y.; brothers, Dr. Henry M. Needham of Fort Myers and George F. Needham of Raleigh, N.C.; sisters, Sister Mary Gabriel Nneedham, Miss Ethel R. Needham, Mrs. Mary Needham Clarke, all of Jacksonville, Mrs. John W. Hendry of Saluda, N.C. and Mrs. Hawley Royall of Coral Gables, Fla.; one grandson, Ralph Edwin Ferguson of N.Y. Mr. Needham was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church and the Elks Lodge.Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Father E. Paul Haynes officiating. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

Reba Needham

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, December 26, 1939-- J. B. Neel, 67, died yesterday morning at his home on Palm Beach Boulevard after a long illness. Mr. Neel broke his hip nine years ago when station agent for the Coast Line railway company here and had been in ailing health since that time. He had made his home here since 1915, coming from Arcadia. He is survived by his wife; three sons, J. B., Jr., Robert P. of St. Petersburg, and Edward of Detroit; one sister, Mrs. Daisy Wood of Tampa. Lawrence A. Powell is in charge of funeral arrangements.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thurs., Jan. 13, 1938--Mrs. Rinda H. Neel, 68-year-old wife of O. W. Neel of Palmona Park, who died late Tuesday night, will be buried at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Fort Myers cemetery with the Rev. C. L. Crider in charge of graveside services. Mrs. Neel came to Lee county 13 years ago from New Philadelphia, O. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, Otto, Claude and Clyde Neel, all of New Philadelphia. The Spooner and Engelhardt funeral home has charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS PRESS, August 14, 1933-- Thomas E. Neel, the 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Neel, Garrett Street, died of lockjaw at 6:15 o'clock this morning at the Lee Memorial Hospital. A week ago yesterday while playing at his home, the boy, who was barefoot, accidentally stepped upon a rusty nail. The nail penetrated the ball of the right foot a quarter of an inch and although the wound was painful it was not regarded at the time as serious. Home remedies were applied and when threatening symptoms developed a physician was promptly called. The boy was removed to the hospital; anti-toxin was administered and everything that medical science offered to combat the dread disease, tetanus, was employed to no avail. Yesterday when the condition of "Tommie", as he was affectionately known, became critical it was seen that his young life was ebbing and shortly after 6 o'clock this morning death ended the boy's sufferings. The body of the boy was prepared for burial at the Mortuary Home of L. W. Engelhardt. This afternoon at 3:30 o'clock the funeral was held at the home of Tommie's parents on Garrett Street. The service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. G. W. Benn, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Burial took place in the Fort Myers Cemetery. Mr. Neel is the efficient ticket agent of the Atlantic Coast Line here. He and his family have the sincere sympathy of a sorrowing community in their bereavement.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, Sept. 14, 1930--Funeral services will be held at 4 pm today for Peggy Ann Nelle, eight months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Nelle, the Rev. G. S. Roberts officiating at the Lawrence A. Powell funeral home. Burial will take place at the Fort Myers cemetery. Besides her parents the child is survived by two brothers. Peggy ann died last Wednesday at Hendersonville, N.C., from injuries sustained when her five-year-old brother fell from a tree and struck her to the ground. The children and their mother were visiting in Carolina at the time of the accident. Mr. Nelle is an employee of the Seaboard freight department here.

Fort Myers News-Press March 16, 2008-- Eleanor M Valenta Nelsen, age 82, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away suddenly on March 13, 2008, at Lee Memorial Hospital, in Fort Myers, Florida. Born on September 3, 1925, in Endicott, New York, she was the daughter of the late Febronia (nee Gerek) and the late Bous Valenta. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Nelsen and was a nursery school teacher for many years.Mrs. Nelsen is survived by her siblings, Rosemarie Foytlin, Fr. Stephen Valenta, O.F.M.C., Thomas Valenta, Ted Valenta, George Valenta, Mary Ann Hranek, Dolores Cassin, Lillian Valenta, Anthony Valenta, David Valenta, Jerome Valenta, and Christine Sams. She is also survived by her Aunt Mary Jasper, 44 nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, starting at 10:30 AM from Fuller-Cape Coral Funeral Home-Cremation Service, 3740 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 and to participate in her Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 PM from St. Andrew R.C. Church, 2628 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, Florida 33904. Entombment will follow in Coral Ridge Cemetery, Cape Coral, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Nelsen's name to a charity of the donor's choice would be deeply appreciated by the family.Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fuller-Cape Coral Funeral Home-Cremation Service, 3740 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904. (239) 542-3161

Fort Myers News-Press April 24, 2009 Our loving mother Ella Hazel Buie Nelson, 79 died peacefully on April 20, 2009. She was born in Fayetteville, NC, and grew up in ST. Augustine, FL, then continued on to raise her family of four here in Fort Myers. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, William "Buddy" Nelson, her mother, Mary Buie, and both brothers Charles and Thomas Buie. Surviving are her sons, William Gary Nelson and Donald Jay Nelson (Gina) along with her daughters, Sharon Ann Brod (Thomas) and Mary Gail Nelson Haffner. She was devoted to her grandchildren Jason, Melissa, Lauren, Carol Ann, Kirstin, Cameron, Palmer, Rickey and Maria. As well as her three great grandchildren Madison, Sydney and Riley. A private celebration of Hazel's life will be held on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to Hope Hospice or the Alvin Dubin Alzheimer's center.

Fort Myers News-Press, 10 May 2007 -- Jewel Mae Carter Nelson, 79, of Matlacha, FL passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, FL. Mrs. Nelson was born May 3,1928 in Buckingham, FL, a daughter of the late Hardy and Mabel Rewis Carter. She was a former owner in the Restaurant Business and was a lifelong resident of Lee County. She is survived by her son, Tony Darby of Bokeelia; daughters, Linda Stampler of Jacksonville, FL, Candee Darby of Matlacha and Evelyn Goff of Fort Myers, FL, 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.Visitation will be held Friday, May 11, 2007 from 3-7PM at Coral Ridge Funeral Home. Private graveside services for the immediate family will be held at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ft Myers News-Press 01-07-98 -- Stephen F. Nemeth, 83, of Fort Myers, passed away January 6, 1998. He is survived by his daughters, Darlene Stewart of Ft. Myers, Gloria Bacon of Hartford, Ohio, and Gail Lyden of Warren, Ohio. He also leaves his brother Dave Nemeth as well as 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois who passed away in October 1997. All of the family was with them as they celebrated their 60TH Wedding Anniversary on July 19TH 1997. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home with FR. Mark Wrightson officiating. Interment will follow in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home. Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home

Fort Myers News-Press Jun 7, 2000 Ashley Marie Nesvik, 16, a Fort Myers native died Sunday, June 4, 2000. She was born in Fort Myers on June 22, 1983. Ashley was a member of the National Honor Society completing her junior year at Fort Myers High School. Ashley was a member of the Cypress Lake United Methodist Church. She is survived by her parents Craig and Bobbi, two sisters Andrea and Amy, brother Craig, Jr., and her maternal grandmother Laverne Hrabak, all of Fort Myers and her paternal grandmother Connie Nesvik of Orlando, FL. Funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00 PM at the Cypress Lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Sami Wilson officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family would prefer in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made in Ashley's memory to the Cypress Lake United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 8570 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers, FL. 33919. FT. MYERS MEMORIAL GARDENS FUNERAL HOME 1589 COLONIAL BOULEVARD 936-0555

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-11-20 - James Edward Neuner, 72, of N. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, died Thursday, November 18, 2004 in Ft. Myers. He was born October 12, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to his parents William James and Elizabeth Neuner. Served honorably during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Clare who died in October 1999. He is survived by his loving daughter, Darlene Gabauer and son-in-law David; grandson, Jason Gabauer, granddaughter, Tracy Burk, granddaughter, Christy Gabauer, great-grandson, Nicholas Burk, great-granddaughter, Morgan Gabauer and great-granddaughter Alexis Burk. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 22, 2004, 10:00 AM at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 1922 SW 20th Ave., entombment will follow. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Metz Chapel, 1306 Lafayette St. The Metz Chapel of Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Homes & Crematory of Cape Coral are in charge of arrangements. 542-2134.

Fort Myers News-Press, Feb 6 2005-- Norman Nevitt of Cape Coral passed away at his home on Friday, Feb. 4, 2005. James Nevitt was an ardent supporter of the freedoms offered by this great country and promoted causes that allowed for the human spirit to reach its greatest potential. He never believed that quitting was an option and that any obstacle in life was too great to overcome. The legacy of his life was ingrained in his family, friends, and co-workers and will live on for years to come. He taught by example and walked through this life believing that honesty, integrity and hard work were the essence of one's existence. As an avid trophy winning bass fisherman, he often related that if you could teach a child to fish, you had taught them something about life that would be with them forever. His daily presence in his families life will forever be missed, but the lessons he gave will go on for generations to come. We say good-bye to our beloved friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and shall be blessed always for the greatness of his spirit which survives his passing. He is survived by his loving companion and fiance' Nan Rodriquez, his four daughters, Debi (Don) Justham, LaDonna (Leon) Hill, Sharon (Gary) Brown and Norma Hansen. He is also survived by the mother of his daughters, Eleanor Uzzle, and grandchildren Eric Justham (Kayla), Jennifer Justham, James Stark (Trish), Mary Dawn Stark, Hope Stark, Trey Stark, Daniel Hill, Kenneth Brown, Justin Brown, Michael Hansen and one great-granddaughter Alexis Stark, two brothers in Kentucky, Tom and Edward and a sister Jane Walsh. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at St. Raphael Catholic Church at 1:30 PM. Visitation will be on Monday at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice of Cape Coral, FL, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy., East, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Sunday Morning News-July 20, 2008-Pauline Elizabeth Nelson New Born Dies LABELLE, FL. -- Pauline Elizabeth New Born, age 57 passed away suddenly July 14, 2008. She was born June 20, 1951 in Miami to the late Norwood D. Nelson Jr. and Pauline Elizabeth Nelson. Survivors include her husband James New Born of LaBelle, daughter Priscilla Ann Pipkin of Kissimmee, mother Pauline Elizabeth Nelson, sister Suzanne Harper of Clewiston, and grandson Peter James Aquina. She was preceded in death by her brother Norwood Nelson III. A celebration of life by friends and family will be held Saturday July 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the New Born family residence at 3615 Double J Acres Road E, LaBelle. Cremation arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home. Her remains will be intered in Waynesville, Ga. next to her brother Sonny , her dad Junior , and her grandmother Polly Parrott.

FORT MYERS NEWS PRESS, Feb. 21, 1932, Estero, Feb. 20--(Special)--Mrs. Hattie Newcomb, oldest member of the Koreshan Unity here, was buried yesterday afternoon a few hours after her death. Mrs. Newcomb, who came to Estero from Chicago nearly 40 years ago when the cult selected the little Lee county community for its place of residence, was 89 years old. Survivors include a daughter, Miss Vesta Newcomb, who was 10 years old when she accompanied her mother to Estero, and a son, James Newcomb of LaBelle. Mrs. Newcomb had been ill for some time and preparations for burial had been completed several days before death actually occurred. Under the cult ritual, bodies are consigned to the earth a few hours after death. The Koreshans, who believe in a spiritual reincarnation, look forward to the third day after death as the time when the spirit leaves the body to join other spirits in its celestial world.

Fort Myers News-Press, 28 May 2007 -- Lorraine Porter Newell, 98, passed away Wednesday. Her daughter-in-law, Teen, was at her bedside when she passed. Lorraine Newell, was known as "Granny" to all who knew her. Granny was born in 1908 in Fort Myers. To use one word to describe her would be "loving". Everyone who knew her would agree. In 1925 Granny was voted Miss Fort Myers and in 1926 she was voted Miss Lee County. Granny worked downtown at McCrory’s for over 20 years and later retired from Ohio Medical. Granny is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Newell, her son, Jimmy Conway, her grandson, Gary Carter, sister, Lilly Mae Nemec, brother, Ellis Porter, and her parents, Pauline and George Porter. Granny leaves behind her sister, Annie Lee Talley, her daughter, Doris Carter, daughter-in-law, Teen Conway, six grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 30th at 11:00 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home on Palm Beach Blvd. Calling hours will be from 10-11 AM. Pastor Bob Williams will be officiating the services. Pallbearers will be Tommy Conway, Aaron Parvey, Justin Terriaco, Jesse Wallace, Pete Zielinski, and Robert Zielinski. Burial services will follow immediately afterwards at Fort Myers Cemetery. Donations can be made in her name to your favorite charity. Granny will be missed by all who knew her.

FORT MYERS NEWS PRESS, Feb. 29, 1932—Orley(sic) E. Newland, 53 years old, a resident here for the past year, died yesterday afternoon at the home of his sister, Mrs. A. R. Turner, at 829 First street. Death followed a lingering illness. Mr. Newland had come to Fort Myers for his health from Detroit. He had been in ill health for more than five years. Death was caused by cancer of the liver. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock this morning at the Powell funeral home. The Rev. F. A. Shore will officiate, assisted by the Rev. W. F. Bell The body will be sent to Montgomery, Ala., for burial. Mr. Newland had not been actively engaged in busines for some time. He spent much of his time while in Fort Myers fishing and had a large circle of acquaintances. He had been asociated with the Dodge Brothers Motor company for several years during the war. In addition to Mrs. Turner, Mr. Newland is survived by two other sisters, Mrs. Arthur O. Lifsey of Montgomery, Ala, and Mrs. W. B. Brann of Huntington, Ind., and a brother, Charles Newland of Detroit. All the relatives arrived here a short time ago. They will accompany the body to Montgomery for the funeral. Mrs. J. H. Watson, who attended Mr. Newland, also will accompany the body. Also listed as Onley Edwards Newland

Fort Myers News-Press, 16 Mar 2005-- Hamilton Smith (Tony) Newsom, Jr., 80, founder and owner of Midwest Nut & Seed Co. and The Home Economist Stores and owner of Newsom Brokerage Co., died peacefully March 12, 2005 in Fort Myers, Florida under the care of Hope Hospice. He had Alzheimer's disease. Tony was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Wheaton and Naperville, Illinois. He was graduated from Naperville High School in 1942. He then entered DePauw University where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. His studies were interrupted in 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he served as a radar observer in night fighters during World War II. Following his service Tony returned to DePauw to complete his studies, receiving a B.A. degree in Psychology and Economics in 1948. Tony then went to work for the family business, Newsom Brokerage Company, in Chicago. He was recalled by the Air Force to serve in the Korean War in 1951. Through his extensive international travels as a nut broker and importer Tony developed personal contacts with growers around the world. Drawing on the concept of open food markets, he pioneered an innovative bulk food store concept starting with one store in Lombard, Illinois, and expanding to nine stores in the Chicagoland area. He named the business after his wife Margot, a Home Economist, whom he had married in 1963. While longtime residents of Hinsdale, Illinois, the family also spent a year in Guadalajara, Mexico with a dual purpose: to instill in the children an appreciation of other cultures as Tony worked toward merchandising Mexican cashews. Tony and Margot raised and showed flat-coated retrievers, several of whom became champions. An avid nature lover, Tony spent many hours walking the trails of Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Il. He also spent time with his sons volunteering at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, helping grind telescope mirrors and constructing telescopes. Tony and Margot together enjoyed many seasons of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Music was always an important part of his life. In 1988 Tony and Margot retired to Fort Myers, Florida where they lived on Connie Mack Island. There Tony extended his love of trees and landscaping by creating a mini jungle of native hardwoods and exotic palms and bromeliads around his home. Tony was especially proud of his children. His sons Peter and Gordon both earned medical degrees from the University of Illinois. His daughter Martha earned a master's degree in public policy from Rockefeller College (SUNY-Albany). Tony is survived by his wife Margaret (Margot) Copeland Newsom and three children: Peter Newsom (Stephanie), Gordon Newsom (Kari), and Martha Saccocio (Damian). He was pre-deceased by two sons: Hamilton Smith "Smitty" Newsom III and Michael Newsom. Tony was also blessed with six grandchildren: Michael, James and Clara Newsom and Gabriella, Aidan and Finian Saccocio. He is also survived by his brother Barrett Newsom and his sister Marcia Newsom Hinman. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, Florida 33908-3600; or The Alzheimers' Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Ste.1700, Chicago, Il 60601-7633, www.alz.org./donate (specify:research); or the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 16 1999-- James D. Newton, 94, of Fort Myers Beach, passed away Dec. 13, 1999, at his home. He was author of "Uncommon Friends" and President of James D. Newton & Associates. Mr. Newton was born in Philadelphia, PA the son of Dr. Robley D. Newton and Mrs. Jane Todd Newton. He first came to Fort Myers in 1924. His mother and father joined him, and Dr. Newton became Thomas Edison's personal physician. He founded James D. Newton Realty Company, which planned and developed Edison Park. This led to a friendship with Thomas and Mina Edison that lasted the rest of the Edison's lives. Mr. Newton assisted Thomas Edison in the entertainment of Edison's guests and he organized the annual celebration of Edison's birthday, which was always a major event in Fort Myers. His book 'Uncommon Friends' details his friendship with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Charles Lindbergh and Alex Carrel. In 1936, Mr. Newton joined the staff of Moral Re-Armament, a program to foster institutional and national revitalization though personal renewal. He has been active with this organization since 1936 and has maintained worldwide friendships throughout it. During WWII Mr. Newton served in the U.S. Army which he left in 1946 as a Major. While in the Army, he was responsible for instruction in the use of infantry weapons for over 10,000 soldiers. He later went to the Philippines where he was part of a task force planning the invasion of Japan. Since his return to his home in Fort Myers Beach in 1967 he has been involved in countless community volunteer activities. In 1992, the Southwest Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America awarded Mr. Newton its Distinguished Citizen Award in recognition of 'outstanding service to the community.' In 1995 The News-Press in Fort Myers named Mr. Newton and his wife "People of the Year" for their service to Lee County and Fort Myers. Aside from his achievements in business and international relations, one of the outstanding features of James Newton was his capacity for humor and sustained friendship. Mr. Newton is survived by his wife of 55 years Eleanor "Ellie" Forde Newton, his first cousin, Isabella Jennings and her husband Tom, and their two daughters Judith and Ellen and families; his niece Mina Creech, her husband Barnes, their two children Lila and Dudley and their families, his niece Robley Greilick, her husband Donald and family; his nephew Robert N. Whittemore, his wife Jean and their 5 children and families. Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, December 18,1999, at 1:00 PM at McGregor Baptist Church, 3750 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers with Dr. Richard A. Powell and Rev. James O. Holbrook officiating. Private interment at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, Fountain Section, will follow. Harvey-Engelhart-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd. Ft. Myers.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Jan. 27, 1937--Mrs. Estelle Niblack, 75, died yesterday at her home on Edison avenue after a short illness. Mrs. Niblack, who had made her home in Fort Myers for the past 27 years, is survived by a son, Tom of Fort Myers; two brothers, John Hunter of Madison and Reet Hunter of Fort White, Fla. Services will be held at 4 o'clock this afternoon at the Grand Avenue Methodist church with the Rev. Robert H. Carr officiating. Rebekah members are requested to meet at the church at 4 o'clock and at Fort Myers cemetery at 4:30 to hold a graveside service for Mrs. Niblack. Pallberarers will be J. S. Tarrer, O. C. Kersey, Clyde White, Harry Thornton and Oscar Hill. Lawrence A. Poweell, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 07 1982 -- Benjamin Matheson Nichols, born in First Myers, First Generation Floridian, died Dec 5, 1982. He was the grandson of the late Dr and Mrs G P Matheson, pioneer physician and wife of this area. He attended Staunton Military Academy, Staunton VA, and was graduated with an AB Degree from Emory University in Atlanta GA. He was residing in Boca Raton Fl where he was employed in merchandising for Alice-John Rogers store, Royal Palm Plaza. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am Wednesday with the Rev Donald F Padgett and Rev James C Charnley officiating. They will be assisted by Rev R Bruce Ryan of St Luke’s Episcopal Church. Internment will be conducted at Fort Myers Cemetery, Michigan Avenue. Active pall bearers will be Dr Sasser Watson, Salem Rogers, Wayne Zlecke, Dale Konyn, “Bud” George Carl, Ronald Heller, Dr James Gaunt, J Thomas Smooth Jr, Ben Smoot, David Black and Howard W Daubman. Honorary Pall bearers will be Directors of the First National Bank and John K Willis, John W Sheppard, Lewis Barber, and Will Dryden. Musical selections will be provided by Mrs Louis (Eloise) Barber.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Tuesday, May 11, 1976 Joseph Lee Nichols, 65, of West Palm Beach, died Sunday in a Hollywood, Fla. hospital. He had been a lifetime resident of Hollywood. Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Lawson of Macon, Ga.; three sons, James Nichols of Fort Myers, Joseph Lee Nichols, jr. of West Palm Beach and Danny Nichols of Tampa; two brothers, Lonny Nichols and Broward Nichols of West Palm Beach; a sister, Maggie West of Winter Haven and five grandchildren.Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Fort Myers Cemetery with the Rev. Aaron R. Howze officiating. Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 24, 1950 Mrs. Martha Jane Nichols, 68, died at her home at 764 Seminole Ave., yesterday. She had made her home here since 1916. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Bratten of Fort Myers, and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today at 4 p.m. at the Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. Ed Norman officiating. Pallbearers will be Clarence Sherouse, Harry Frazier, R. E. Ellicott, Perry Prevatt, Mack Prevatt and Anson Brecht. Interment will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, April 28, 1927--An electric light wire obstructing the passage of a ditch digging machine on which he was employed electrocuted Royal R. Nichols, 23, early yesterday morning. The wire was hanging low across the corner of Estero and Willard streets, and Nichols climbed a dirt pile to hold it up while the machine passed under. The shock killed him instantly. B. A. and R. B. Morgan, who were working with Nichols, rushed him to the hospital within five minutes after the accident. A nurse pronounced him dead and Dr. J. C. Nowling, who was called, found he could do nothing. Nichols was an employe of Walker and Elder company,who have the contract for digging the new city sewers, and he was engaged in this work when he met his death. Grover E. Gerald, local manager of the Florida Power and Light company, who investigated the accident yesterday, said that the street light was strung from a pole to an unwired stud on the opposite corner and as this pole was at the end of a line, an underground support had been placed against it to keep it from leaning across the road. The construction had knocked out this support in their excavations, Mr. Gerald said, causing the street light to drop down several feet. The company had not been notified, he said, and did not learn of the accident until late yesterday. Mr. Gerald found that the insulation of the wire was not faulty but said that even a heavily insulated high voltage wire wuch as this would electrocute a person touching it. Nichols' home is Hartford, Ala., and his body will be shipped there this morning, accompanied by J. A. Marsh, his cousin.

Fort Myers News-Press, March 27, 2008 Husband, Dad, brother, uncle, friend, coach, Maritime Captain, Lt. Mark Niedermeyer, he was all these things and more. Mark died Friday evening during a benefit football game between the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Lee County Firefighters.Mark left behind his devoted wife Julia Niedermeyer, loving children Cydney, Clayton and Carly, sister Nichole Cunningham, and many more family members and friends.Mark was born May 22, 1963 in Dearborn, MI, moved to Fort Myers in 1983. He joined the Lee County Sheriff's Office in 1994. When he wasn't protecting and serving he could be found with his family and friends, or at the soccer field coaching his 3 kids' soccer teams. Words cannot describe how much you are loved and will be missed.A viewing will be held Friday, March 28th from 6PM to 8PM at First Christian Church and on Saturday, March 29th from 10AM to 12PM and the church service celebrating his life at 12PM at First Christian Church, 2061 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901.In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been set up at Fifth Third Bank for his children. Donations made out to "Niedermeyer Children Fund" can be deposited at Fifth Third branches. Donations also are being accepted at LCSO headquarters, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Attn: Terri Taylor.

Fort Myers News-Press Feb 7, 2009 Thomas Walter Nickell, 50, of Charlotte, died April 7, 2002 at Carolinas Medical Center. Born in Cincinnati, OH, son of the late Walter M. and Nancy R. Nickell, he had lived in Charlotte since 1985. Tom worked for many years for Terminex Services inc., and was also very active at First Baptist Church of Matthews. Tom spent many hours building model ships and watching NASCAR races. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pamela Tucker Nickell, of the home; three daughters, Tonya Marie Lovelace and husband Kevin of Kings Mountain, NC, Stacey Louise Nickell and Nancy-Joe Nickell of the home; twin brother, Timothy M. Nickell of Greensboro; and uncle, Millard Nickell of Florida; and stepmother, Jeanette West of Port Orange, FL. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara Nickell Wilhelm. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, at First Baptist Church of Matthews with The Reverend John M. Butler officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mint Hill Chapel of McEwen. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of Matthews, P.O. Box 248, Matthews, NC 28106. Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, Mint Hill Chapel. FMHS 1969

Fort Myers News-Press, 2 May 2007 -- Srecko Nikolich, 89, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on April 30, 2007. Mr. Nikolich was a retired Maintenance Supervisor and also was in Real Estate Sales had resided here for the past 21 years coming Des Plaines, IL. He was a POW during WW11 and spent 4 years in a German labor camp. He was a member of the National Serbian Defense and the Serbian Brothers Help Organization. Srecko was a Bodyguard for the late King Peter II during his visits to the United States. Srecko organized and led a Serbian Youth Band that specialized in Serbian National Music. Mr. Nikolich and his wife Erika were instrumental by sponsoring and bringing relatives to the United States. Surviving are his wife, Erika Nikolich of Cape Coral; his son, Gojan (Leslie) Nikolich of Eagle, CO; his granddaughter, Lauren (Aaron) Ray of Denver, CO. 2 brothers, Ljubomir (Zika) Nikolich and Tatomir (Ruza) Nikolich in Bosnia; his sister, Rajka (Dusan) Eric of Elk Grove Village, IL Several nieces and nephews including, Lilly (Mic) Spaic and there daughter, Olga and Lillys sister, Vickey Ludwig and her daughter, Natalie.Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 12 Noon in the chapel of Coral Ridge Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:00AM-12 Noon at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Coral Ridge Cemetery

The News-Press, 8/31/2008-- Thelma (Gearhard) Nile (93) passed away on May 20, 2008 at the home of her Step-Grandson, Sean Nile of Cape Coral, Florida. Thelma was born in Brackenridge, PA on November 24, 1914 and later lived in Sarver, PA and Fort Myers, FL. She was the Head Telephone Operator at the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation plant (Brackenridge, PA) prior to her retirement in the early 1960s. Preceding her in death were her husband (Harry Nile, Sr.) in 1981; her parents (John Herbert Gearhard and Ella Anna Younghans); five brothers (Jimmy; Leo; Franklin; Raymond; and John); and three sisters (Edna Mae Gearhard; Esther Buzzard; Elda Mae Hanna). Surviving is one sister (Margaret Eyberger of Tarentum, PA), a step-son (Harry Nile, Jr. of Fort Myers, FL), a sister-in-law (Erika Gearhard of Brackenridge, PA) and numerous nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren. Services and interment were held at Lee Memorial Park, Fort Myers, FL. She was a member of the former First Congregational Church in Tarentum, PA.

The News-Press from 1/23/2009 - 1/24/2009--Sarah Niosi of Lehigh Acres, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. She was born in Montclair, New Jersey. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Caroline Comasco. She is survived by her twin sister, Nicole Trovato of Toms River, NJ; sister, Antoinette Woods of Jacksonville, FL; daughter-in-law Betty Zezzo of Lehigh Acres, FL; nephews, Frank, Larry, Bernie, Joseph, Ricky and Lee; nieces, Carol Ann, Judy, Carolyn and Barbara. Sarah was also a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church for many years, Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Columbus, and Italian-American Club. Visitation will be held from 5-7PM Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at Anderson Funeral Home as well as from 9-10AM Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 24, 2009. With interment to follow at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. Anderson Funeral HomeLehigh Acres, FL(239) 368-7080

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Oct. 31, 1932--Funeral services for Betty Delorise Nipper, four-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam A. Nipper, who accidentally hung herself Saturday, were held yesterday afternoon at the Lawrence A. Powell chapel. The Rev. C. T. Tew of the First Baptist church read the serice.

Fort Myers News-Press, 21 Dec 2006-- Charles "(Chuck") Harry Nipper, age 72, native of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on December 18, 2006 in Tomball, Texas. He was the eighth of nine siblings born to Samuel Aaron and Florence Wells Nipper. He is survived by son, Michael Nipper of Fort Myers, Florida; son, Charles S. Nipper, resident of Beijing, China; daughter, Dell Mekolan and husband Michael, Wyandotte, Michigan; brother, Cecil B. Nipper and wife, Dorothy, of Texarkana, Texas; brother, James O. Nipper and wife, Sara Beth, of Tomball, Texas; three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.He was an Army veteran of the Korean War from 1952 to 1955 and served the U.S. Government in Civil Service for 38 years in the Far East. He earned many awards for his outstanding and excellent work, before retiring and returning home in 2002. He was a professional engineer with licenses in industrial, electrical and civil along with being an amateur sociologist. He was the author of the book, "Being Sweet", written for juveniles about a young boy growing up in south Florida in the 1940's.Visitation will be Saturday, December 23, from 1 until 2 PM with funeral beginning at 2 PM at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida. Burial rites will be in the Veteran Garden at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd. Memorial Gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 1935--Funeral services for Mrs. Clara F. Nipper, 64, who died Sunday at her residence north of the river after an illness of two weeks, will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Lawrence A. Powell funeral home with the Rev. J. J. Mussellwhite officiating. Burial will be in the Fort Myers cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, June 11, 1945--Mrs. Ellen Nipper, 33, of Palmona Park died yesterday morning at Lee Memorial Hospital. She is survived by three daughters, Clara, mary and Patricia; a son, Clayton Nipper; two sisters, Mrs. Pearl Kemp and Miss Bernice Crawford; two brothers, George Crawford adn Millard Crawford; and her father, Coleman Crawford. Funeral arrangements are in charge of Lawrence A. Powell and will be announced later

Fort Myers News-Press Jun 21, 2006 Richard Edwin Nipper, 62, a native of Fort Myers passed away Sunday June 18. He was born September 29, 1943 to the late Ben and Mary Nipper. Richard played Little League Baseball in Fort Myers and was honored in 2005 for outstanding records that are still unbroken. Richard was a coach for Pop Warner Football and Little League. He served in the US Army and was a member of the National Guard, he worked for nearly 30 years for Merita Bread and retired as an area manager. He had a great love for people and never met a stranger.Mr. Nipper is survived by his wife Janet, 5 children: Cheryl, Tracy, Kelly, Ricky, Barbara, 2 stepsons: Stephen and Daren Shiver, 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; his brother Robert Nipper of Fort Myers and sister Patricia Nipper of Fort Myers. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Wayne Nipper. A funeral service celebrating his life will be conducted in Wesleyn United Methodist Church, 4141 DeLeon St., Fort Myers, on Wednesday at 11 AM, the family will receive friends at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5-8 PM.FMHS 1962

William J Nipper

Fort Myers News-Press Nov 1, 2006 Barbara Loyd Noack, 67, of Lawrenceburg, TN died Monday, October 30, 2006 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN. A native of Fort Myers, she was co-owner of Noack Electric.She is survived by her husband Pete Noack of Lawrenceburg, TN; 3 daughters Janie Chapman, Shelbyville, TN, Petrina Noack, Lebanon, TN, and Barbie Miller, Lawrenceburg, TN; four brothers Larry Loyd, Macon, GA, Jerry Loyd, Fayetteville, TN and Charlie Loyd, Lawrenceburg, TN and four grandchildren; Jeremy Chapman, Elizabeth Miller, Alex Noack and Sarah Noack and well as several nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Ave., Lawrenceburg, TN. Graveside services and interment will be held at Loyd Cemetery, 1 PM Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006 with Gary Vance officiating. Condolences may be sent to: www.nealfuneralhome.net

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, July 2, 1935--Fred Noble, 84-year-old Lee county farmer, died yesterday at his residence on Lucile avenue, neart Michigan avenue. His son, Maynard Noble, became alarmed when he heard no sound in the older man's bedroom and investigated to find he had died, presumably in his sleep. Noble came to Florida from Germany when he was a young man and has farmed successfully in Lee county for more than 50 years. He is survived by his son, Maynard, and relatives in Atlanta. Funeral arrangements will be made by Engelhardt and Sons.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2003-07-02 - Bonnie Belle Nobles, age 97 of LaBelle passed away June 30, 2003, at home under the care of her loved ones assisted by Ms. Bonnie Pascher and Hope Hospice. Bonnie was born Jan. 14, 1906, at Culberson, NC. to the late Marshall Raper and Mary Jane Nicholson Raper; the wife of Lewis J. Sr., for 67 years, who preceded her in death in 1992. She was a member of the First Baptist Church at LaBelle. Survivors include her son, Lewis J. Nobles, Jr. (Geraldine), LaBelle; daughters; Dorothy Mae Pinion, Plant City, June M. Howard (Carl) of Alva, Jo Anne Craft of LaBelle, brothers, Horace Raper, Ronia Raper, Sisters, Hazel Smith and Charlene Scott all of Kannapolis, NC., 10 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be Thursday, July 3, 2003, at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 PM with Rev. Frank Deerey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at the Ft. Denaud Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press June 17, 2009 Lewis Jackson Nobles Jr., age 82, of LaBelle, passed away June 14, 2009 in Lehigh Acres. He was born Feb. 8, 1927, in Kannapolis, NC, to the late Lewis Jackson and the late Bonnie Belle (Raper) Nobles Sr. He moved to LaBelle with his family at an early age. After graduating LaBelle High School, he attended the University of Florida graduating with a B.S. in Accounting. He was a Veteran of World War II in the Navy, serving aboard the U.S. S. Perry. He began his farming career in the Devil's Garden Area of Hendry County, in 1951, later moving to the Immokalee area of Collier County. Today Nobles Farms are in Immokalee and LaBelle. He formerly served as a Member of the Board of Directors of United Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Association, Board of Directors of Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Chairman of the Florida Tomato Committee, Chairman of the Florida Tomato Exchange, Chairman of the Board of Hendry County Bank and Florida Community Bank. In local government, he has formerly been a Member of the Hendry Board of Public Instruction, Treasurer Commissioner and Mayor of The City of LaBelle.His other interests included Flying, Membership in A.O.P.A., supporting the youth of LaBelle and Hendry County, especially the local F.F.A., 4-H Programs and the elderly in Collier and Hendry Counties. He was founder of the L.J. Nobles Jr. Senior Center in LaBelle. Survivors include his wife: Geraldine (Burchard) Nobles, son Lewis J. Nobles, III (Tracy), LaBelle, daughters, Gaye N. Murrah (David), LaBelle, Mary Beth Nobles, Charleston, SC, grandchildren: Christopher Murrah, Emory Murrah, Kara Lynn Nobles, Elizabeth Miller (Matt), Lewis G. Nobles, great-grandchild, Madison Elizabeth Murrah, sisters, Dorothy Mae Pinion, Lakeland, June N. Howard (Carl), Alva, and Jo Anne Craft, LaBelle.Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Community Harvest Worship Center, LaBelle with Pastors Jorge and Asia Rodriguez officiating. A private interment will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery.Visitation with family and friends, Wednesday, 6-8 PM, will take place at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle Chapel.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to New Life Ministries Building Fund, P.O. Box 1584, LaBelle, FL 33975 or Food For the Poor, Inc., 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073, 800-487-1158 (Ref# 67187). Donations in his name to the charity of your choice are also greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

NEWS-PRESS, Tuesday, April 21, 1992-- Lewis Jackson Nobles, Sr., 90, passed away Friday. He was a resident of LaBelle for 60 years. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Bell Nobles of LaBelle; one son, L. J. Nobles, Jr. of LaBelle; three daughters, Dorothy Mae Pinion of Plant City, June M. Howard of Alva, and Jo Anne Craft of LaBelle; brother, Lovie Nobles of Danville, GA; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be today at 2 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Chapel with Elder John Townsend officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery. The family requests donations to Hope Hospice. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home of LaBelle.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, October 18, 1951 Funeral services for Linda Diane Nobles will be held today at 4 pm at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. D. L. Lemons officiating. Interment will be in Fort Myers Cemetery. She is survived by her parents, Mr.and Mrs. Dayton Nobles Jr., two sisters, Melody Ann and Katherine Don of Mineral Wells, Texas, and grandparents, Dayton Nobles and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Lawrence of Fort Myers.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, April 29, 1974 - Minnie Clara Nobles, 92, a pioneer of St. Petersburg, died in Lee Memorial Hospital Sunday.  She was born in Gulf Port and was a resident of Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota Counties for many years.  She was a Gold Star Mother of World War I.  Her eldest son was killed in Bristol Channel on Sept. 26, 1918 on the U.S.S. Tampa. She was the mother of 11 children.  The family also included 34 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren. Toale Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota is in charge of arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press, 18 Feb 2007-- Mr. Howard Eddie Nolen 76, of Ft, Myers passed away February 13, 2007. Eddie was born to Ed and Laura Vick Nolen on November 2, 1930 in Ft. Myers. Eddie married his high school sweetheart Katherine, both of whom were born and raised in Lee County when the population was around 10,000.He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Clayton, two sisters Betty Hicks and Lora Douglas.He leaves behind his wife Katherine Ingram Nolen, a son Michael (Mary) Nolen; daughter Susan Foster; a sister Marjorie (Terry) Bethune; grandsons Kyle (Loretta), Aaron, Alan (Jamie) Nolen and Ryan Foster; six great grandchildren Kendall, Jessica, Lane, Zachary, Zoey, and Emily.A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday February 20, 2007 at the Buckingham Presbyterian Church.The family request memorial contributions be made to Hope Hospice 2430 Diplomat Parkway Cape Coral, Florida 33909

Fort Myers News-Press, no date -- James R. Norman, 53 of Rudy Ct. died Wednesday . A twenty-seven year resident. formerly of Downers Grove, IL. Mr. Norman is survived by his wife Lorraine, of Ft. Myers; his mother Mrs. Marie Norman of Naperville, IL; and one daughter Miss Michele Norman of Ft. Myers ; and three sons Mark and Gary of Ft. Myers and Gregg of Lehigh Acres; five brothers Roger Norman of Napierville, IL and Jack, Larry and Dick Norman of Downers Grove, IL and Ralph Norman of Joliet, IL; and a sister Mrs. Betty Noble of Morris, IL .Mr. Norman was a member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and was a former Boy Scout master of the church troop. He was an umpire of the Ft. Myers Little League and was a purchasing agent for Bob Dean Supply Co. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 7:30p.m. from the Chapel of the Harvey Funeral Home , 1600 Colonial Blvd. with the Rev. John Few and Dr. Goddard Sherman officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 7-9 p.m.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 8, 1942 Clayton L. Norris, Park Stand Owner, Dies at Hospital Popular Fort Myers Man Succumbs to Illness of Two Weeks Clayton Lamar Norris, popular 37-year-old owner and proprietor of the Norris sandwich stand on First Street across from the city park, died yesterday at the Lee Memorial Hospital where he was taken Thursday after an illness of two weeks. An examination by physicians showed that death was caused by a rare malady known as acute yellow atrophy affecting the liver.Clayton Norris was one of the most popular young busines men in Fort Myers. He came here from Lakeland in 1925 to accept a position with the Evans-Smith pharmacy which is now known as Marines. Five years ago he established the Norris sandwich stand which has been a favorite place for young people to congregate. Norris was born in Swainsboro, Ga., but lived in Lakeland several years before coming to Fort Myers. He was a member of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church.Mr. Norris is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Henderosn Norris and two young daughters, Barbara Winkler Norris and Margaret Hill Norris; two brothers, William B. Norris of St. Petersburg and Lewis Norris of Lakeland; two sisters, Mrs. Eulia Stephens of Pearce and Mrs. R. J. Winchester of Manchester, Va., and his father, William F. Norris of Bartow.Funeral services will be held at 5 o'clock this afternoon at the Episcopal church with the Rev. Andrew D. Milstead officiating. Active pallbearers will be Bill Newton, Dr. Harvey J. Stipe, Claude Carter, Bill Dehon, Frank C. Alderman, Jr., and E. D. Griffin. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. C. Gordon Merrick, Dr. Fred Bartleson, J. B. Parker, W. J. Green, Ernest McDonald, W. F. Gordon, P. D. Marine, J. L. Clarkson and R. A. Henderson. Lawrence A. Powell has charge of arrangements. Interment will be at the Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press Apr 18, 2007 Memorial service for Jack E. Norris was held at 1:00 PM on Friday April 13, 2007 at Beyers Funeral Chapel, Lady Lake, FL. with Father Mark Niznik, Officiating. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., 1501 NW 9th Ave/Bob Hope Rd, Miami, FL. 33916 Beyers Funeral Home-Lady Lake, Florida, (352) 753-4444.FMHS 1949

Fort Myers News-Press, Oct 1, 2007 -- Nancy Jane Spurlock Norris, age 67, of Alva, passed away September 29, 2007 in Fort Myers. She was born April 13, 1940 in Fort Myers to the late James Elmer Hart and the late Mary E. (Palmer) Hart. Survivors include her husband: Marlin Norris, son: James (Karen) Spurlock of Fort Myers, step son: Scott Marlin (Claire) Norris of Fort Myers, daughters: Mary (Johnnie) Carbone of Alva, JoAnn Broxton of North Florida, Laura (Mark) Griffin of Alva, step daughters: Tammy (Nick) Libretta of Cape Coral, Lisa (William) Vince of Tennessee, sisters: Olene (Arthur) Gilbert of Alva, Betty Jackman of Fort Myers, fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband: Marvin Spurlock Jr. and sister: Rose Wheeler. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 10:00 am at Alva Church of God, with Reverend Clifton Mathis officiating. Interment will follow at Alva Cemetery.Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Fort Myers.Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - Fort Myers.

Fort Myers News-Press, 15 May 2007 -- Lela Mae Northcutt, born July 5, 1922 in Gilford County, North Carolina, and long time resident of Alva, Florida passed away Saturday evening, May 12, 2007.Lela was dedicated to her family and friends. She was a helping hand and a comfort to those in need, and a strong willed determined woman to everyone. She was a self-taught pianist, and played for the First Baptist Church of Alva. Her love of children led her to service at the Sunland Training Center, and the Florida Baptist Children's Home in Lakeland, Florida.She is survived by her children Jerry Kennedy (Jo), Jean Styles (Richard), Larry Kennedy (Carol), grandchildren Jerry Kennedy, James Kennedy, Tony Kennedy, Richard Styles, Jeanette Woodrum, and great-grand children Andrew Carver, Charles Kennedy, Amber Kennedy, Tyler Kennedy, Phillip Styles, Kayla Styles, Victoria Durrance, and Jessica Vohs. One great great-grandchild Emmily Carver.A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date.

Fort Myers News-Press , 27 Oct 2006 -- Margena Silvia Nunez was always smiling.That’s what coworkers and family members who were mourning the sheriff’s deputy said during visitation time Friday afternoon.“She was funny, first of all. She’d make you smile,” said the Rev. Paul Edwards, Nunez’ brother, who will be officiating at her funeral today.“She was an excellent worker, faithful, dedicated, on time -- a supervisor’s dream, that’s what I called her,” said Lt. Holly Christiano, Nunez’ former supervisor. “Smiling all the time, she always had an upbeat attitude.” Nunez, 44, who moved from corrections to street patrol about a year ago, was working a traffic accident Oct. 21 on State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres when she was hit by another driver. Augustin Lara-Nonez, who was driving the car that hit Nunez, is charged with one count each of negligent homicide, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence while causing the death of a person. He also faces misdemeanor charges of traffic offense DUI and damage to property.The tragedy unfolded at about 10 p.m. that night when sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of a fatal accident at 40th Street Southwest and State Road 82 in Lehigh Acres.Authorities said Mateo Mendoza, 36, crossed into the eastbound lanes of the road and struck a car driven by Melissa G. Dunn, 35. The Florida Highway Patrol said Mendoza had apparently been drinking.Dunn, of 132 Blackstone Drive in Fort Myers, was killed and her daughter, 6-year-old Amanda Dunn, injured.Nunez was working the accident, redirecting traffic shortly after midnight Oct. 22 when Lara-Nonez, 36, of 3218 17th St. West in Lehigh Acres, slammed into her patrol vehicle, despite the flashing lights and flares meant to detour traffic around the area, according to FHP.Nunez was in her patrol car at that time, but the impact threw her out of it, reports said.“It was very devastating, a huge loss to the agency,” Christiano said.She said that when Nunez worked under her, she was a direct supervisor of inmates, mostly women and those who were considered medium or minimum security.Direct supervision means Nunez worked one-on-one with the inmates, Christiano said. She was firm with the inmates, but she was also very fair,” she said. “She had a lot of respect from them.”Nunez started in law enforcement at the sheriff’s office in 1999 after working as a medical clerk in the jail and as a nursing assistant.About a year ago, she got a chance to work on the streets.“She was very excited about that,” said Rose Marie Aikman, her sister. “She just mastered everything. She was wonderful, and she loved what she did.”Nunez, whose father was a police officer, left behind a 15-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son.“She knew the risks, and we were nervous, but this is what she really wanted to do,” Aikman said. “She prepared her children, strange as it seems.”Edwards said Nunez had told her children if a group of police officers ever comes to the door, she wouldn’t be coming home.He said the family wants to start some kind of fund to educate more people about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.“It causes a lot of harm,” he said.The funeral for Nunez is today at 10 a.m. at Riverside Baptist Church, 8660 Daniels Parkway, followed by interment at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82.

Fort Myers News-Press, 29 Oct 2006 -- She was a mother first.A police officer second.That's how friends want Margena Nunez to be remembered. Nunez, a Lee County sheriff's deputy killed last week in the line of duty, was laid to rest Saturday in front of her two families — a biological one and her brothers and sisters in law enforcement.Guests attending Saturday's funeral at a standing-room only Riverside Baptist Church in Fort Myers simply had to watch a short musical slide show to see Nunez in her prime element: Faith Hill's "There You'll Be" accompanied photos of Nunez posing with her children through their adolescence and joking with her colleagues on the job. Just one day before her death, Nunez received a commendation for saving the life of a person threatening to commit suicide. "My mom was, and is, a great person," 19-year-old Anthony Nunez said.Margena Nunez's brother, the Rev. Paul Edwards, said the sudden death is a lesson for all that time is precious, and one never knows when God will decide time has run out."Life must be lived in this moment," Edwards said. "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is not promised. "Our time is now."Nunez, 44, was hit by a vehicle on Oct. 22 as she was directing traffic around another fatal crash in Lehigh Acres. Augustin Lara-Nonez, 36, is facing charges of negligent homicide, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence while causing the death of a person in Nunez's death. Family members said Nunez prepared her children, Anthony and his 15-year-old sister, Faith, for the possibility life might be cut short without warning."We know all too well that the next call might be our last call," Sheriff Mike Scott said.Nunez, who moved to Lee County after Hurricane Andrew destroyed her Miami-Dade home, is the eighth Lee County deputy killed on the job. She initially pursued a career as a nursing assistant before switching tracks into law enforcement. After Nunez kept a watchful eye on community activity for almost a decade, pastor Joan Ewan is asking for an extra set of eyes to now beam down on Nunez's teenage children."Remember the children, Lord," Ewan said. "Put a fence of protection around them."

Fort Myers News-Press-August 5, 2008- Andrew J. Nychyk, 88, of Fort Myers, entered into the presence of his Lord on August 3, 2008. Born in the town of Radisson in the Saskatchewan province of Canada, his family moved to Wauchula, FL in 1922 where Andy grew up helping his father on the family farm. After leaving home at the age of 14 to support himself, he worked on farms in the area and did odd jobs. He helped construct the Navel Air base in Key West in 1940, then drove a bus for Glades Motor Line during the war years. It was while he was driving a bus that he met Mazie K. Unwin of Pahokee, FL, who became his wife on August 28, 1944. Andy left the bus line and they moved to Arcadia in 1949 where they started farming. A year later, they moved to Fort Myers and farmed gladiolus flowers first in Tice, then on a piece of property off US 41 in South Fort Myers until 1958. Then he grew vegetables on that property and others. Andy and Mr. Barney Daniels cleared a path through the brush from US 41 to their farms. This graded trail later became Daniels Road, then Daniels Parkway. Andy was also one of the founding members of Lee County Farm Bureau, and putting his bus driving experience to use, he very much enjoyed driving the Fort Myers Green Wave Sports Teams to their events on the team bus in the late 1960?s. He retired from farming in 1979 and delighted in visiting with his farming friends, playing Gin with his buddies, and traveling with family and friends.Andy professed Jesus as his Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Fort Myers in 1979. He continued to be a member there until his passing and, up until a few years ago, he enjoyed working on the grounds of the Church as part of his service to his Lord and his Church family. He served as a member of the Baptist Foundation and gave assistance to many in need.Andy and Mazie had been married for 55 years when she went before him to live with their Lord. He is survived by his sons: Andrew, Jr., (Crystal) and Timothy Jon (Nona); his grandchildren; Randy (Nikki), Tim, Jr., (Heidi), Gary (Heather) of The Dalles, OR, Brandis Rodriguez (Pete), and Rebecca; and his great-grandchildren; Marissa, Julia, Randall, Emma, Nathan, Taylor, Maycie, and Jackson. His older sister, Susie Gatesman, of Wauchula, FL, also survives him.The family will receive friends on Friday, August 8th, 5-7 pm, at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 9th, 10:00 am, at First Baptist Church, 1735 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, with entombment to follow at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital of Fort Myers-Barbara's Friends, 9981 S. Healthpark Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements