Fort Myers News-Press March 16, 2008 Don Taggart, age 76, N. Fort Myers, died at home on March 11, 2008. Don was born in Houston, Texas, and moved to Florida in 1931 at the age of 5 months, to the late Robert and Jessie Taggart. Don served in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean conflict. After his stint in the service, he worked in the flower industry in Lee County for many years. Don was owner of Fountain Fire Equipment from 1969 to 1992 at which time he retired. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Fort Myers, Southwest Florida Historical Society and Southwest Florida Archaeological Society. Don was, first and foremost a family man, who loved spending time with his family, as well as with his many close friends. He also enjoyed fishing, archaeological digs, kayaking and woodworking. Don is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Peggy Thoroman Taggart, a daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Bill Koontz, a son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Michelle Taggart, grandchildren, Kelly Davis, Justin Koontz, Jessica Taggart and Michael Taggart, his mother-in-law, Tressie Thoroman. Funeral services will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Monday, March 17, at 10:00 AM with Father Phillip Read officiating. Burial will follow immediately afterwards at Memorial Gardens on Colonial Blvd., and a reception will follow the burial service at St. Luke's Church in the parish hall. Contributions in memory of Don may be made to Fallen Heros Fund, C/O Lee County Sheriff's Department, 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912, or National Kidney Foundation National Kidney Foundation National Kidney FoundationNational Kidney Foundation of Florida, Inc., 1040 Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando, FL 32803

THE SUNDAY TROPICAL NEWS, Dec. 23, 1928--Funeral services will be held this afternoon for Ulame Mae Talley, two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Talley, who died yesterday. The services will be held at the Engelhardt chapel at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. C. T. Tew, pastor of the First Baptist church. Burial will be held in the Fort Myers cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - October 4, 1970 Mrs. Daisy M. Tanner, 88, of 1555 Billie St., died Saturday morning. She had been a resident here for the past 41 years. Survivors include two sons, Desso Tanner Sr., Fort Myers and Purdom Tanner, Arcadia; daughter, Mrs. Nellie Faye McKenna; sisters: Mrs. Mable Reddy, Buford, SC, Mrs. Nell Goodwin, Gainesville, Mrs. Ferrell Crews, Inverness; brothers, Preston Davis, Waycross, GA, Carlton Davis, Jacksonville, Elzie Davis, Valdosta, GA; 11 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. David Land officiating. Burial will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press--Sept 21, 2008 Judy Ann Lamb Tanner, 57, a native of Fort Myers, FL, passed away on Thursday. Judy is survived by her husband, Bill Tanner, son, Josh Tanner (Tanya Tanner), daughter, Nikki Baird (Ben Baird), Brother, Larry Lamb (Sharon Lamb) and 7 loving grandchildren. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Bascum (FMHS 1942) and Irene Lamb .Judy was employed by Lee County Sheriff's Department for 16 years. Visitation will be on Monday, September 22, 2008 from 10-11 am, at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 S.R. 82, Ft. Myers, with a funeral service to follow at 11 am.(239) 334-4880. The pallbearers are Jacob Jones, Justin Jones, Allen Tanner, Gary Carter, Anthony Carbone and Ben Baird. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice.

Fort Myers News-Press, 10 March 2006 -- Missouri M. Tanner, 91, of Fort Myers passed away on March 8, 2006. She was born in Moultrie, Georgia on May 3, 1914 and moved to Fort Myers as an infant. Missouri graduated from Fort Myers High and married Allen Desso Tanner, Sr. in 1932. She retired after many years of service from Shady Rest where she worked as a nurse. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Allen Desso Tanner, Sr; son Allen Desso Tanner, Jr. and daughter-in-law Grace Tanner. She leaves behind her loving family including three sons, Jack Tanner of Ocala, Stanley Tanner and wife, Theresa, and Bill Tanner and wife, Judy; one daughter, Daisy Howard and husband Alfred and daughter-in-law, Kay Tanner of Fort Myers,; 20 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visitation for family and friends will be at Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers on Saturday, March 11, 2006 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM with services beginning at 11 AM. Final resting place will be at Fort Myers City Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS Oct 2 2003 - Scott Alan Tanner, age 34, of Felda, passed away Sept. 30, 2003 in Devils Garden. He was born April 16, 1969 in Clewiston to Frances Lucille Taylor Williams and Dean Tanner. Scott attended Eastside Baptist Church in LaBelle, was a leader of Felda Hog Hustlers 4H Club in Felda, a Director of LaBelle Youth Livestock and Agricultural Exhibition in LaBelle, and an avid sportsman. He was a lifelong resident of Felda. Survivors include his wife: Winn of Felda; sons, Nicholas and Zachary; daughter: Brittney; mother: Frances Williams; father: Dean Tanner and wife Dot; brothers: Steve Williams and Eric Taylor and sisters: Romy DeLaCruz, Sherry Passmore, Nerissa Williams and Stephanie Stratton. A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003, 10:00 a.m. at Felda Cemetery with Rev. James Caves officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, Oct. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Scott Tanner Children Educational Fund c/o Florida Community Bank, 155 N. Bridge St., LaBelle, FL 33935 or LaBelle Youth Livestock and Agricultural Exhibition, P.O. Box 1542, LaBelle, FL 33975. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle

Fort Myers News-Press-June 24, 2008- Gwendolyn Jones Tate of Pointe Royale in Fort Myers, Florida, entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 20th after a long illness. Mrs. Tate was born in Okeechobee, Florida on October 27, 1931 and was a third generation native of Florida. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys T. Jones, her father, Conrad J. Jones, Sr., a brother, Jerry Jones, and her husband, George H. Tate.She is survived by her brother, Conrad J. Jones, Jr., of Lake Charles, Louisiana and two step-sons, Peter Tate of Princeton, New Jersey and Savannah, Georgia, and Michael Tate of Durham, North Carolina, and their families.Mrs. Tate attended Brenau Academy for Girls in Gainesville, Georgia and graduated from Fort Myers High School, before attending Florida State University.Mrs. Tate was a proud member of First United Methodist Church of downtown Fort Myers, where she served on the Church Board, the Alter Guild, and a number of other committees. She was also a regular attendee at Highlands First United Methodist Church of Highlands, North Carolina.Born into the Jones Lumber Family of South Florida, she owned and operated Alderman Lumber Company, then Hare Lumber and Ready Mix Co., Inc., both of Clewiston and Naples, Florida. She served as an officer and member of the Board of Directors for Jerome Lumber and Supply Co., Inc of Fort Myers, Immokalee Supply and Ready Mix, Inc. of Immokalee, C.J. Jones Lumber Company of Jerome and Immokalee and other building materials businesses in Florida.Mrs. Tate was a founding member of Beach First National Bank, where she served as Head Cashier and Secretary to the Board of Directors for a number of years.For many years she spent her winters in Fort Myers, at Whiskey Creek and later at Pointe Royale, and summers at VZTop at the Highlands Country Club in Highlands, North Carolina.She fondly wished to thank the many members of her aide and household staff, her doctors, and the management and staff of Hope Hospice who assisted her in her later years.A viewing will take place Tuesday, June 24th, 5-7 pm, at Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, with a funeral service to be held Wednesday, June 25th, 11:00 am, at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, Chapel of Memories, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers. Pastor Jim Rosenberg of First United Methodist Church will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gwen's name to Edison College of Fort Myers or Hope Hospice. Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home of Fort Myers is in charge of arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press, 26 March 2006 -- John Forrest Tatum, 93, of Fort Myers, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2006. He was born in Fort Myers and has been a lifelong resident. He retired in 1974 from the Coca Cola Bottling Plant following 42 years of service. He was a member of the central United Methodist Church, Tropical Lodge #56, F. & A. M., Scottish Rite and loved fishing.Mr. Tatum is survived by his wife of 7 1/2 years, Coralie Tatum; sons; John F. Tatum, III of Marianna and Donald E. "Gene" Tatum, Sr., of Fort Myers; two step-children; John Lutzow of Utah and Shirley Buffington of Fort Myers; eleven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother; Bertice Hite, a brother, Charlie Tatum and his first wife, Greetice Hendry Tatum. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Saturday, March 25, 2006 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., with burial to follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends will be received from 9 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either to Central United Methodist Church, 2415 Grand Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901 or Hope Hospice of Lee County, 2430 Diplomat Parkway East, Cape Coral, FL 33909.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 28 2004-- Sharon Taugner 62, of St. James City, died Saturday December 11, 2004. Survivors include her husband Frank Taugner, a daughter Nancy Yaros, Apollo Beach, Fl sister Sally Kimmel of Vashon, WA, Grandchildren Jackson and Hannah Yaros. She was preceded in death by her son Frank Taugner III. She was an actively involved with the Pine Island Boat Club, American Legion Post # 136, Caloosa Land Trust, the Ladies of the Elk, and the Moose Club of Ravenna, OH. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday December 30, 2004. Cremation Arrangements by Affordable Cremations, A Dignified Alternative.

Fort Myers News-Press, 31 Mar 2005-- The Rev. Albert Lee Taylor, 85, of Bonita Springs, passed away unexpectedly during heart surgery on Friday, March 18, 2005 at Alaska Regional Hospital. He was born in Alva, May 29, 1919 to Elzie and Bessie Taylor. He was married to Mildred Lucille Taylor all of whom have preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter Juanita D. McIntire of Bonita Springs, his son David E. Taylor of Wasilla, Alaska and his brother Melvin Taylor of LaBelle. Also surviving Albert are his grandchildren Sherri Lowe, Jame Lilly, Christopher Lilly, Serina McIntire, Robert Taylor, Eugene Taylor, Don Taylor, Rowena Lee and Justin Taylor and 23 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held April 7, 2005 at 7:00 PM at the Community Harvest Worship Center, 55 Orange St., LaBelle, FL with Rev. L.W. Howard officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Community Harvest Worship Center Building Fund, 55 Orange St., LaBelle, FL

Fort Myers News-Press Feb 6, 2009 Alma A. Taylor, age 69, of Lehigh Acres, FL passed away February 4, 2009. Visitation will be held 6-9 PM, Friday, February 6, 2009 at Anderson Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held 12 PM, Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Buckingham Cemetery. Anderson Funeral Home Lehigh Acres, FL

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 28 2004-- Alvin Eugene Taylor, 83 of N.Ft, Myers, FL. passed away Thursday, December 23, 2004 in Lehigh Acres, FL. He was born July 23, 1921 in Nokomis, Illinois. Alvin is survived by his wife, Helen Taylor, of N. Ft. Myers, FL.; two sons, James Taylor, and Roy (Joyce) Taylor of Nokomis, IL.; three daughters, Helen Reeves, Marjorie Wallace, both of Arcadia, FL, and Linda Smothers of Taylorville, IL.; one sister Gladys Adden of Nokomis, IL.; twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren. His first wife Ina Taylor preceded him in death. Services will be at Trinity United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 29, 2004. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, following the services. With the Rev. David Harris officiating. Robarts Funeral Home, Inc.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sat., January 2, 1971 Andy Taylor, 75, of Tice, died Thursday night. Surviving is his wife, Mollie Taylor, Tice; sons, Frank Taylor of Tice, Gene Taylor of Tice, Sherman Taylor of Estero; daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Juanita) Duncan of North Fort Myers, Mrs. William (Ida) Twigg, Tice, Mrs. Harold (Doris) Terrell, Gainesville, Mrs.James (Lillie Mae) Rewis, Alva, Mrs. Larrick (Ethel) Sikes, Tice, Mrs. Oscar (Nell) Shoap,Tice, 21 grand-children and 3 great-grandchildren.   Funeral services will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Buckingham with Rev. W. J. Hickman officiating. Pallbearers will be Buck Flint, Tom Green, Hilton Sapp, Alvin Shoap, Don Hanson and Harry Ellwood.  Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sautrday and Sunday.  Leo W.Englehardt Funeral Home is in charge.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Friday, April 7, 1933--Funeral services for Mrs. Annie E. Taylor, who died Wednesday night at her home on Willard avenue, will be held at 10 o'clock this morning at the Church of God in East End. Mrs. Taylor, who was 46 years old, had been ill for some time. The Rev. P. W. Chesser will officiate. Survivors are her husband, one son, Tom, and two daughters, Mrs. Cora Toole and Mrs. Lucy Stephens. Pallbearers will be Frank Daniels, Henry Daniels, Frank Land, John Rank, W. K. Kirkpatrick and Frank Bramon. Lawrence A. Powell has charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, May 1, 1929--Funeral services will be held tomorrow for Charles H. Taylor, 56-year-old East End carpenter, who died at his home on Edgewood avenue yesterday after an illness of six weeks. The services will be held from the Engelhardt funeral home at 3:30 o'clock, in charge of the local Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bertha Taylor, and a son, C. B. Taylor, who lived with him, his mother and father and a sister living in Michigan, his former home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - March 3, 1952 Edward Eugene Taylor, 71, a resident of Fort Myers for 26 years, died at his home yesterday. He was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Carpenters Union. Survivors are his wife, Willie Taylor, Fort Myers, three sons, Neill Taylor, Washington, D.C., Donald Taylor and Kenneth Taylor of Fort Myers; a daughter, Mrs. James Garrison, Fort Myers; two brothers, A. H. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, H. T. Taylor, St. Petersburg; and two sisters, Mrs. A. A. Finnie, St. Petersburg, Mrs. R. G. Eason, Ruskin. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Leo W. Engelhardt funeral home. (Fort Myers Cemetery)

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, Aug. 5, 1927--Mrs. F. L.(Ida) Taylor of Felda, 55 years old, died at the home of daughter, Mrs. Charles Blount, on Pearl street, in the East End, early yesterday afternoon. At her bedside were her mother, Mrs. Sara McMillan of St. Petersburg, two sisters, three brothers, three daughters and six sons. Mr. Taylor is ill at their home in Felda. Mrs. Taylor came to Fort Myers three weeks ago from Felda. Her relative were summoned a few days ago and most of them arrived before her death. In addition to her husband, her mother, and her daughter here, she is survived by two sisters, Miss Hester McMillan of St. Petersburg, and Mrs. Mollie Wentworth of Tampa; four brothers, Ivan McMillan of Tampa, Martin McMillan of Largo, William McMillan of St. Petersburg, and Stephen McMillan of New Orleans; two daughters, Mrs. Zeke Hull and Mrs. James Maddox of Felda; and seven sons, James, Gilbert, Marvin, Emory, Maurice, Jack and Stephen, all of Felda. The Rev. Mr. Turner of Wauchula will be in charge of funeral services today. Burial will be at Felda. Arrangements for the funeral are being made by L. W. Englhardt.

Caloosa Belle, June 9 2005 -- Fred Taylor, age 81, of LaBelle died June 9, 2005, in LaBelle. Mr. Taylor is a U.S. Army veteran and is survived by his brother, Earl Taylor, of LaBelle; sis-ters: Levurne Hill of LaBelle, Cleo Taylor of Chipley and Llllion Taylor of Mulberry. Services were held June 11 at The Baptist Cemetery in Immokalee. with Rev. Ralph Nicholson officiating.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, June 2, 1932--Floyd Taylor, 19-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Taylor of Buckingham died at the Lee Memorial hospital yesterday afternoon. Funeral services will be held a 1 o'clock this afternoon at the Buckingham residence, with the Rev. W. H. Edwards, jr., in charge. Burial will be in the Buckingham cemetery. Survivors, in addition to the parents, are a brother, Frank, and two sisters, Lessie and Illie. Lawrence A. Powell has charge of funeral arrangements.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, 2004-07-15 Frances 'Leveta' Taylor, age 61, of Alva passed away July 13, 2004 under the care of Hope Hospice. Frances was born Jan. 13, 1943, Ft. Myers to late Jak= e Lee and Lillie Gilbert Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Lee County. She owned and operated for many years Laveda's Beauty Salon in Alva. Survivors include her husband Comer C. Taylor, son Larry Curtis Taylor (Kathy Ann), Alva, daughters, Janet Taylor, LaBelle, = and Karen Gustison (Kenneth) Cape Coral, brother, Wayne Lee, Lehigh Acres, sisters, Daphne Fussell and Theresa Su= mmers both of Felda, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Graveside fune= ral services will be Thursday morning at 11:00 AM at the Alva Cemetery with Rev. Jerome Sears and Rev. Kenny Cook officiating. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, 13932 Palm Beach Blvd., Ft. Myers.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-12-11 - Fredna Earl Taylor, age 79, of LaBelle, passed away Dec. 9, 2004 in LaBelle. She was born Nov. 5, 1925 in Holipaw, FL. She was a longtime resident of LaBelle and was a member of Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church and the LaBelle Women's Club. Fredna was a longtime employee of the Hendry County School Board. Survivors include her son: Willliam H. Taylor, Jr. (Linda) of Coca, sister; Dorothy Miller of Spanish Fort, AL and Alma Taylor of Mobile, AL, grandchildren: Nicholas Taylor and Natalie Karycki and two great-grandchildren. she was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Taylor Sr. in 1997. Funeral services will be Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, 3:00 PM at the Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church in LaBelle with Pastor Jay Goforth officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery Akin-Davis Funeral Home In LaBelle.

Fort Myers News-Press, 12 Dec 2007 -- Gene "Hobo" Taylor, 70, born March 20, 1937, a lifetime resident of East Fort Myers, passed away on Monday December 10, 2007.Gene is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alma, one son Dale (Karen) Taylor of Lehigh Acres, FL, three daughters Tammy (Larry) Keller of Lehigh Acres, Teresa (Bob) Leys of East Fort Myers, Donna (Wyatt) Walker, and all of Papas Grandkids Amy, Tambra, Shayla, Molly, Amber, Vicky, Jessica, Lisa, Chris and several great-grandchildren.Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, Lehigh Acres, on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 from 6-9 PM. Graveside services will be held at Buckingham Cemetery (on Cemetery Rd.) on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 12 PM.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb 7, 1977-- FELDA- Gilbert Daniel Taylor, 84, died Saturday at his residence in Felda. He was born on January 24, 1893 in Largo, Fla, and was a pioneer of Felda. He was a charter member of the Mt Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Felda. He is survived by his wife, Pearl; two daughters, Ruby Taylor and Hester Renfroe; three sons, Gilbert E, William H and James H Taylor. One brother, Stephen (Buck) Taylor, all of Felda. Three sisters, Elise Blount of Tampa, Sally Hull of LaBelle and Nita Maddox of Felda.

Okeechobee News, Jan 29, 2004 Gloria Wanda Taylor, 67, of Felda, passed away January 22, 2004, in Immokalee. She was born June 5, 1936, in Fort Myers to William and Marietta Welsh Dampier. Wanda was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Dan; sons: Daniel Frank Taylor and Bruce Taylor, both of LaBelle; daughter, Barbara Wanda Nowling of Felda; brother: Jesse Dampier of Corkscrew; sister: Joy Ramirez of Wauchula; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Marvin Glen Taylor.Funeral services were held January 26, 2004 at the Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda with elder Marvin Wingate and Rev. Frank Deerey Jr. officiating. Internment followed at the Felda Cemetery. Akin-Davis Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.-- FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, 2004-01-24 Gloria Wanda Dampier Taylor, age 67, of Felda, passed away Jan. 22, 2004 in Immokalee. She was born June 5, 1936 in Ft. Myers, FL to William and Marietta Welsh Dampier. Wanda was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Dan, sons; Daniel Frank Taylor and Bruce Taylor, both of LaBelle, daughter; Barbara Wanda Nowling of Felda, brother; Jesse Dampier of Corkscrew, sister; Joy Ramirez of Wauchula, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Marvin Glen Taylor. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 26, 2004, 11:00 AM at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda with elder Marvin Wingate and Rev. Frank Deerey, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Felda Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 6-8 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle.

Fort Myers News_Press, 29 Mar 2005 -- Howard Bruce Taylor, age 49, of LaBelle passed away March 26, 2005. He was born December 21, 1955 in Ft. Myers, FL. He was a lifelong resident of the area. Survivors include his sons; Adam Taylor of Arcadia and Bobby Taylor of Lehigh Acres, step-daughter; Haley Sims of Lehigh Acres; father, Dan Taylor of Felda, brother; Frank Taylor of Immokalee, sister, Barbara Nowling of Felda and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Taylor and brother Marvin Taylor. Graveside services will be today Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 11:00 AM at the Felda Cemetery with Pastor Marvin Wingate officiating. Interment will follow at the Felda Cemetery. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-LaBelle.

Fort Myers News-Press Dec 31, 1968 Mrs. Isabella D'Alessandro Taylor of 1658 Ricardo Ave., died Monday of Cancer. She was 30. Mrs. Taylor was graduated from Fort Myers Senior High School with the class of 1955 and from Anna Marie University of Atlanta, Ga., where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She was employed at the First National Bank as a new account officer She was a member of the Junior Welfare League of Fort Myers and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Surviving besides her husband, John W. Taylor, are two children, John Thomas 5, and Michelle Theresa, 3; her parents Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. D'Alessandro of Fort Myers; a sister, Mrs. Arthur Scott Jr. of North Fort Myers. Rosary service will be at 8 p.m. from the chapel of the Harvey Funeral Home. Requiem mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday from St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press--Jan 293,2009 Jordan Ali Taylor, age 22, of Fort Myers, met her Lord Jesus Christ on January 25th, 2009 in a tragic automobile accident on I-75. Born on November 7th, 1986 In Lakeland, Florida; daughter of Lisa and Darrell Peeples (step-father) of Fort Myers and daughter of Jerry W. (Butch) and Laura A. Taylor of Lakeland, Florida.Visitation and funeral services will be held on January 29th at Covenant Community Ministries in Fort Myers (Address: 940 Tarpon Street, 33916). Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the services will include the Rev. David Pleasant, Jr., pastor of Covenant Community Ministries, and Rev. Tom Sterbens (uncle), pastor of New Hope Church in Sevierville, Tennessee. Interment will be on January 30th at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, Florida at 11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established on behalf of Jordan Taylor at Florida Gulf Bank of Ft Myers (8870 Daniels Pkwy, 33912).

Caloosa Belle Sep 16, 2009’ FELDA - Joseph Edwin Taylor, age 80, of Felda, passed away Sept. 14, 2009, in Felda. He was born Feb. 19, 1929, in Felda, the son of the late Maurice L. and Mary (Hayes) Taylor, Sr. Mr. Taylor married Janice Kelley. He was a Farmer. Survivors include his wife, Janice (Kelley) Taylor; two sons, Tim Taylor and wife Joanne, Alan Taylor; and one daughter, Cindy Ford and husband Randy; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday Sept. 18, in Mount Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Marvin Wingate officiating. Interment will be Friday in Felda Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 7-9 p.m. in Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

FORT MYERS PRESS, January 10, 1928 Leonard Taylor, pioneer citizen of Fort Myers, died at the Lee Memorial Hospital Sunday at 12:30 o'clock. He has been in failing health for several months and the end came quietly. Mr. Taylor, who was 78 years old, was born in Rome, New York, and came to Kissimmee, Florida in 1880. He spent several years as general superintendent for the Plant system at Port Tampa and came to Fort Myers about 25 years ago. He has followed the carpentering trade for the greater part of the time since then. A member of the Kissimmee Masonic Lodge, Mr. Taylor is survived by four sons: Clark Taylor of Fort Myers, Adee Taylor of Bokeelia, and Soctt and Bert Taylor of Okeechobee City. Funeral service will be held at Englehardt's Mortuary Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock and interment will be at Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS -March 1, 1972 -- M. F. Taylor, 78, 3735 Michigan Ave., died Tuesday night. He was a retired dairyman and lived here for the past 23 years. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Sally Grubbs Taylor, sons, W. M. Taylor, Doug Taylor, Dan Taylor; daughters, Mrs. Horace Lowery, Mrs. Doris Brewer, Mrs. Charles Houck, Mrs. Laverne Shoplak; a sister, Mrs. Mattie Bass of Doerun, Ga., 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. E. S. Anderson and the Rev. L. B. Huston officiating. His nephews will be pallbearers. Burial will be in Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press Marion F. Taylor, 77, of Ft. Myers, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2005. Formerly of Rochester, NY, she moved to Ft. Myers in 1958. Mrs. Taylor was a school teacher and taught for 33 years at the J. Colin English Elementary School and Ft. Myers Middle School. She is survived by her son & daughter-in-law, William and Sheila Taylor, Ft. Myers; a daughter, Pamela Swiger, Quincy, FL; 3 grandchildren, Adriean, Rebecca & Eric and a sister-in-law, Betty Schaefer, Middlesex, NY. Memorial services will be celebrated at the Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Wed., Jan. 19, 2005, at 1:00 PM.

Fort Myers News-Press, 9 Jan 2002 Martha Comella Taylor, age 70, of Felda, died January 7, 2002 at Felda. She was born October 30, 1931 at Kendall, FL to Samuel J. Bethea and Sammie Vera Comella Thompson Bethea. Martha was a resident of Felda for the past 50 years and a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda. Survivors include her husband: Ralph Taylor of Felda, sons: James R. Taylor of Thomasville, GA and Paul E. and David Taylor, both of Felda, daughters: Joanne T. Sutton of Cordele, GA And Martha E. Taylor of Felda, brother: Dudley Bethea of Newell, SD, sisters: Betty Taylor of Naples, LaBerta Heath of Wauchula and Carol Rooney of Alabama, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 10, 2002, 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda with Elders Leon Blanton, Marvin Wingate and Johnny Bowenn officiating. Interment will follow at Felda Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, Jan 22 1990 - Pearl Asalee Taylor, 89, of Felda passed away in Lehigh on January 20. She had been a resident of the area for 71 years, moving here from Ona, Fla. She is survived by three sons, James and Ernest of Felda and William of LaBelle; two daughters, Ruby Taylor of LaBelle and Hester Renfroe of Felda; brothers Ivey and Eston Keene of Ona, sister Veda Whidden of Wauchula; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Services Tuesday at 4PM at the Mt Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Felda with Elder John Bowen officiating. Internment will be in the Mt Zion Baptist Church cemetery. Arrangements by Akin-Davis, LaBelle.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2000-11-27-- Ruby Asalee Taylor, 85, of LaBelle, formerly of Felda, passed away on November 25, 2000 at LaBelle. Ruby was born August 30, 1915 at Sweetwater, FL to the Hendry County Pioneer, the late Gilbert H. Taylor and Pearl Asalee McCloud. She was a lifelong resident of Felda. She is survived by a brother, James H. Taylor of LaBelle; a sister, Hester Renfroe of Felda; and many nieces and nephews. VISITATION will be TONIGHT at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle Chapel between 7-9 p.m. GRAVESIDE Funeral Services will be TUESDAY at 11:00 a.m. at the Felda Cemetery with Elder Johnnie Bowen officiating. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle Chapel

Fort Myers News-Press, 18 Dec 2001-- Stephen 'Buck' Taylor left us to be with the Lord on Friday, December 14, 2001. He passed peacefully in his sleep following a long illness. Mr. Taylor was a lifelong resident of the Felda area and was born in Alva, Florida. He was 89 years old. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as anyone who was lucky enough to ever meet him. There will be a viewing today at the funeral home from 6 - 8 p.m. and the services will be tomorrow December 19, 2001 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Felda at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in Felda Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 4 2003 - Walter G. "Walt" Taylor, age 77 of Alva, passed away Dec. 1, 2004 in Alva. He was born Feb. 1, 1927 in Portsmith, OH. Walt was a resident of Alva the past forty-eight years. Survivors include his wife; Rosie of Alva, son; Walter Robert Taylor of Port St. Lucie, daughters; Sandra Gouley of Ft. Myers and Jennie Taylor of Alva, grandchildren; Marion Nadwodney, Tanya York, Gene York, Ercella Lott Jr., Glendon Taylor and Drew Taylor and great-grandchildren; Mike York, Lane Lott, Mariah Lott, Hunter Lott and Tyler Lott and Dylan Lott. A graveside funeral service will be Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, 1:00 PM at Alva Cemetery with Reverend Mary Ellen Lanoue officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 204 PM at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in Ft. Myers. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-Ft. Myers

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 18, 1958 Willie McNeill Taylor, 74, a resident of Fort Myers for 55 years, died here yesterday evening. She resided at 2216 Hoople St. and is a member of the First Methodist Church of Fort Myers. Survivors are three sons, Kenneth of Fort Myers, Donald E. of Alexandria, Va., and H. Neill Taylor of Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Mrs. Lucille Garrison of Fort Myers; three sisters, Mrs. Nola Vivas of North Fort Myers, Mrs. Dora Lewis of Fort Myers and Mrs. Etta Lewis of Olga; a brother, Arthur McNeill of Fort Myers and 10 grandchildren. funeral arrangements by the Leo W. Engelhardt funeral Home

Fort Myers News-Press, Dec 19, 2007 -- Doris Louise Teel, 87, a lifetime resident of Fort Myers, passed away Monday, December 17, 2007.Doris was born August 17, 1920 on Mound Key Island. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Teel, who passed away in 1986 and her eldest son, Raymond Johnson. Survivors include his four children, Michael Teel of Port Charlotte, Charles (Linda) Teel of Fort Myers, Yvonne (Pepper) Wainwright of Fort Myers, and Loretta (Johnny) Wright of Fort Myers, a daughter-in-law, Sharon Johnson of Fort Myers, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.Graveside services for Doris will be held on Thursday, December 20th, 10:00 am, at Fort Myers City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, Fl 33908. Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home of Fort Myers is in charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, February 3, 1946 - Vos Teel, 39-year-old carpenter who had recently arrived here from Georgia, was killed early this morning when a sudden fire swept through Fred Veal's grocery store and apartments on Victoria Street. Edwin Teel, his 11-year-old son, was sleeping with him in the apartment. The boy was roused first by the smoke and flames, and cried to his father to get out. The boy managed to escape, but his father never came out and his body was found later by firemen. In addition to his son, Teel is survived by his wife, Mrs. Emma Teel, who was spending the night with her sister next door whent he fire started. Firemen quickly extinguished the blaze. Chief Shep Bass could give no estimate of the loss, althought the store stock was damaged and the inside of the building scorched and charred. Origin of the fire was not immediately determined. Teel's body was taken to the Lawrence A. Powell Funeral Home. Note: Vos must be a nickname. He is buried in Fort Myers Cemetery as C. Howell Teel. Funeral home records have his name as Corrossi Hassell Teel.

Fort Myers News-Press, 22 Oct 2006 -- Virginia Jones Byrd Tener, 92, died Friday, October 20, 2006 at Hope Hospice North. She was born in Olga in 1914 and resided in Lee County until 1995 when she moved to Troy, Alabama. She returned to Fort Myers in August of this year. She is survived by three daughters; Marie Singh of Dunn, North Carolina, Sheri Shade of Colorado, and Becky Smith of N. Fort Myers; three great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Hilda Tener of Lakeland. She is survived by three nieces; Helen Williams of Florence, Alabama, Shirley Ritchey of Sarasota, and Freda Moore of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is also survived by four nephews; Oliver Murray of Fort Denaud, Laughlin McNeill of Cape Coral, Norman Matkin of Nova Scotia, Canada, and Hank Jones of Troy, Alabama.Visitation will be Monday, October 23, 2006 from 1-2 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in Fort Myers with the funeral at 2 PM with Rev. Don Rock officiating. Burial will follow at the Alva Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Hospice, Grace United Methodist Church/Olga Fort Myers Shores Campus or to one's favorite charity. Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home of Fort Myers, (239) 694-4121.

Fort Myers News-Press, Jan 13 2005-- Kenneth Adrian Terrell, 52, of Port Charlotte, FL passed away Jan. 11, 2005 suddenly after a short illness. He was born Nov. 13, 1952 in Melbourne, FL as a child he lived in Florida, Germany, and Hawaii were he lived for many years. He graduated from Radford High School, Honolulu, Hawaii in 1970. He served in the US Air Force and was a Vietnam Vet. He returned to Florida 20 years ago and settled in Southwest FL In 1988 with his wife Deborah. Kenny worked for WCI Communities 11 years most recently as a construction manager. He loved the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife Deborah, his stepson Matthew Barnett, his mother and stepfather Rhelda & Ronald Cowen of Panama City, FL, his father Harley Terrell of Sharps, FL, brother Ronald M. Cowen, Ft. Lauderdale, FL sister Cheri Wright, Wake Forest, NC and several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends. Services will be Jan. 14, 2005, 11:00 AM at Tropic Isles Baptist Church, 701 Camellia Dr., N. Ft. Myers. A celebration of his life will follow at Judd Park, 1297 Driftwood Dr., N. Ft. Myers, FL.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2004-11-18-- Helen L. Teston, 89, of Lehigh Acres, died November 16, 2004. A life long resident of Ft. Myers. She is survived by 1 daughter; Delores (Bill) Spratt, 2 sons; Jerry (Lois) Teston, Donald Teston, 6 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 19, 2004 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 State Rd. 82.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, February 18, 1958 -- Elbert A. Thigpen Sr., 63, a resident of Bokeelia, died at his home Sunday night. He was a veteran of World War I. Surviving are his wife, Nettie F. Thigpen; three sons, Elbert A Jr., and Earl G., LaBelle, and Clinton of Bokeelia; three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Yeomans, LaBelle, Mrs. Katherine Hall, Tampa and Bertha Thigpen, Bokeelia; a brother, Sam Thigpen, LaBelle; five sisters, Mrs. Nancy Collins, LaBelle, Mrs. Gertrude Taylor, Arcadia, Mrs. Dasey Hall, Louisiana, Mrs. Nina Thigen, Bokeelia, Mrs. Lola Bennett, Cortez, Fla., three step-daughters, Mrs. Mary Spearing, Bokeelia, Mrs. Elizabeth Fussell, LaBelle, Mrs. Elsie Waldron, Punta Gorda; 5 stepsons, Willie Ballard, LaBelle, Melvin Ballard, Pine Island, Ernest Ballard, Alva, Austin Ballard, Bokeelia, Bobby Ballard of Pine Island. Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. at Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Floyd O'Bannon officiating. Pallbearers will be A. P. Simpson, Jimmie Howard, C. J. Curry, Sheriff Flanders Thompson, Mack Jones and Frank Futch. Burial will be in New Prospect Cemetery.

St Petersburg Times, Sept 17 2004 - Ann Thomas, Aan icon among followers of a local folk style called Florida Music, died shortly after midnight Thursday ,Sept. 16, 2004, at her home in Lake Wales.The 58-year-old professional storyteller and master librarian waged a two-year battle against lymphoma, working almost to the end.In 2002, Mrs. Thomas, along with her singer-songwriter husband and musical partner, Frank Thomas, received the Jillian Prescott Inaugural History Award under the category of Florida balladeers. Word of her passing spread fast. By 4 a.m., fans and friends were streaming into the Thomas' modest cracker home among the oaks and orange groves of rural Lake Wales."She had a big heart, and she always sang from her heart. With her husband, Ann Thomas will go down in the annals of Florida culture," Stetson Kennedy, author and civil rights activist, said of his longtime friend.Ron Litschauer, a singer-songwriter and music producer from West Palm Beach and a friend since the late 1980s, recorded the Thomas' last project, Just Another Day in the Life of a Florida Cracker. He called her "a poet, a teacher, a mentor to just about everybody in the Florida folk community. It is a huge loss."Mary Anne Dinella, a member of the Southwind musical group and Mrs. Thomas' friend since 1975, remembered her sense of humor."She had that kind of lovable irascibility. And very frank. If you didn't want to know the answer, then you didn't want to ask Ann," she said.Mrs. Thomas' voice was a fixture on WMNF-88.5 FM, where she introduced a weekly radio program with these words: "Welcome to Songs of Florida, with your hosts Frank and Ann Thomas."The Thomases recorded the radio show, which introduced many Florida songwriters to the world, for 11 years in their back yard in the Tiger Creek Forest east of Lake Wales as WMNF producers worked under the shelter of the live oak hammock.In January 2002, Mrs. Thomas gave her last stage performance with her husband at the Pinellas Folk Festival.Her career was her work as the children's librarian at the Lake Wal Public Library.Born in Coral Gables, Mrs. Thomas grew up in Lakeland and spent most of her life in Florida.Ann and Frank Thomas met in 1978 at Carl Allen's Catfish Restaurant in Lake Wales. They married and adopted a son.She co-hosted the Gazebo Stage annually at the Florida Folk Festival, a venue that showcases Florida songwriters."We like to slip up on a folk's blind side and educate them a little - about Florida," she once said. "It's about dedication, about promoting Florida music and trying to preserve parts of the state that haven't already been wiped out by theme parks, strip centers, outlet stores."Mrs. Thomas prepared her own memorial service, scheduled at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home, 454 South Buckmoore Road, Lake Wales. Donations may be made to the Lake Wales Public Library Association Children's.

Fort Myers News-Press Dec 27, 2007 Charles A. Robert Thomas, age 47, formerly of Fort Myers, FL died November 11, 2007 in Austin, TX. He was a 1978 graduate of Fort Myers Senior High School, and formerly worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He is survived by a brother, David M. Thomas and family of Cape Coral, FL; a sister, Kathleen Thomas Peterson and family of Baton Rouge, LA; and a cousin, Patricia Franchina of Longwood, CA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothea Thomas and his maternal grandparents, Michael and Catherine Courtney. A memorial service will be held 2 PM, Sunday, December 30, 2007 at the Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 1620 N.E. Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Addiction Services, 2675 Winkler Ave., Suite 180, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Fort Myers News-Press, Aug 12 2006 -- Eunice Jeraldine Langford Albritton Thomas, age 73, of LaBelle, went to heaven August 11, 2006 in Cape Coral. She was born Aug. 3, 1933 in Lakeport to Oscar Langford Sr. and Gladys Lena (Goggin) Langford. Everyone knew her as Jeraldine or Jeri. She was a Native Floridian and has been a small business owner, worked in the trucking industry, newspaper delivery and volunteered with Senior Connections in LaBelle. Jeri made the best Guava Jelly in LaBelle and most of all she was a great and loving mother and grandmother. Survivors include sons: Gary Allen Albritton and Rex Jeffery Albritton, daughters: Nancy Lou Smith (Nick) and Patricia Gale Albritton (Mike), brothers: Oscar Langford Jr. (Tracy) and David Wesley Langford (Donna), sister: Audrey Francis Langford (Dick) and nine grandchildren. A memorial service will be Tue. August 15, 2006, 11:00 am at First Baptist Church-LaBelle with Reverend Frank Deerey Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway E., Cape Coral, FL 33909.Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

Atlanta Journal Constitution, 1 June 2007 -- FRANCES MARIE GLOVER THOMAS, 75, of Villa Rica died Wednesday, May 30. Survived by husband Dr. Wilbur Alan Thomas; sons Kenneth Jesse(Linda) Thomas and Alan Rayburn (Julie) Thomas, daughters Dr. Susan (Angus) Thomas-Wilkinson, Carol Ann(Doug) Dutton, Marjory Glover (Karl) Schnelle. Grandchildren Brandon, Joshua, Holden and Pierce Thomas, Phillipa and Shiloh Thomas-Wilkinson. Graveside service, 2 p.m. Saturday, Carroll Memory Gardens; Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel.

Fort Myers News Press, March 27 2001 - Harold C. Thomas, Sr., 81, of North Fort Myers, died Sunday, March 25, 2001 in Fort Myers. He was born May 21, 1919 in Fort Myers, Florida. Mr. Thomas served honorably in U.S. Navy during WWII. He spent all his life in Fort Myers and worked for Gulf Oil Company and Mid-West Glass Company of Fort Myers, in manufacturing and glazing glass . He is survived by his two loving children, daughter, Suzanne Maurice and her husband Victor E. of North Fort Myers; son, Harold C. Thomas, Jr. of South Fort Myers; sister, Lillian McMahon of Fort Myers; three grandchildren Charmaine (Brian) Przespolewski, Sarah Maurice, and Rachel Thomas. Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 1000 a.m. at the Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Chapel, 1600 Colonial Blvd., with Pastor Victor Maurice officiating. Interment will follow to Fort Myers Cemetery.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Aug 17 1922-- FUNERAL OF HENRY E. THOMAS HELD AT CHAPEL HERE Funeral services were held this afternon at the Mortuary Home of L. W. Engelhardt on Hendry Street for Henry E. Thomas, formerly of LaBelle, whose body was received here last night from Eastman, Ga., where on Tuesday evening the young man was accidentally electrocuted. Mr. Thomas was working at his trade, that of an operating engineer with the Georgia Southern Unity Co., when he accidentally came in contact with a high voltage wire. His death was instantaneous. The young man, who was 24 years old, was a native of Florida. He served overseas during the world war with his brother who died in France and whose body was brought back here last March for burial. Mr. Thomas was a son of Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Thomas of LaBelle. The funeral here was conducted by the Rev. O. A. Thrower, pastor of the First Methodist Church. Burial took place in the Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 27, 1936--Henry Otis Thomas, 82, died last night at his residence on Riverside Drive., East end. He had been ill for several weeks. Mr. Thomas has been a farmer in Lee county for a number of years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Angie Thomas, a brother, O. W. Thomas of Slocum, Mich., and a half-sister, Miss Addie Thomas of Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 3:30 this afternoon. The Rev. F. S. Shore and the Rev. H. L. Wiggins will have charge. Pallbearers are W. L. Foster, Ben King, John M. Boring, Bank Pearce, George Hardin and Porter Nalle. Arrangements are in charge of L. W. Engelhardt and Sons.

Ft Myers News-Press, June 25, 2001 - James O. "Jim #1" Thomas of Sanibel, age 78, died on June 23, 2001. Mr. Thomas was born in Rockholds, KY and moved to Sanibel from Cincinnati, OH 27 years ago. He served in the U.S. Navy in WWII. Jim retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Life of Georgia after 25 years. Mr. Thomas was the owner of Island Garage and Island Gifts on Sanibel Island since 1975. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary; his son, Jim (Sharon) and their children, Jennifer E., Jeremiah J. and Joshua D. of Sanibel; and daughter, Judy (Terry) Beerman and their children, Mabel L., Claudette R. and Thomas W. of Sanibel. Mr. Thomas' grandson, Matthew predeceased him in 1981. He was a member of McGregor Baptist Church. His family will receive friends at Kiser Funeral Home on Monday, June 25, 2001 from 4-6 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kiser Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. Kiser Funeral Home

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thurs., Jan. 12, 1950 Jesse B. Thomas, 60, a resident of Felda, died at his home yesterday. He had lived here for the past 30 years. He was born Jan. 7, 1890 at Nocatee. Surviving are his wife, Mattie E. Thomas, Felda, two sons, Leo Thomas, Tampa, and Wilbur Thomas, Felda, a daughter, Mrs. Albert Menges, Tampa, his mother, Mrs. Lewis Thomas, Felda, two sisters, Mrs. Eugene Fortson, Felda, and Mrs. Dassie Hughes, Clewiston. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Leo W. Engelhardt funeral home.

Jefferson D Thomas

Ft. Myers News Press, August 9, 1970 - Lawrence Thomas, 62, or 2227 Carver St., died Thursday after a brief illness. He was a member of Mount Herman primitive Baptist Church and chairman of its board of deacons. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and Royal Palm Lodge No. 512 of the Masons. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Elks Council.He was employed by the Seaboard Coastline Railroad for 32 years. Survivors include five daughters, Miss Hazel Thomas, Miss Zannie Thomas, and Mrs. Sally Ann Fryson of Fort Myers, Mrs. Ester Brady of Kansas City, KA., and Mrs. Sarah Bell Jones of Trenton, N.J.; two sons, Lawrence Thomas Jr. of Punta Gorda and Phillip Watson of W. Palm Beach; two brothers; one aunt; 20 grandchildren; and three nieces. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Horace Barrett, 32nd degree Mason of the Barrett Funeral Chapel.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Jan. 5, 1955 - Leslie Diane Thomas, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Thomas, died Tuesday morning. Surviving besides her parents is a brother Dwain Peters. Funeral services wil be held today at 10 a.m. at Ffort Myers Cemetery with Rev. Loren Williams officiating. Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home is in charge.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Monday, Dec. 16, 1946 Louis N. Thomas, 80-year-old retired carpenter, died at his home in Felda yesterday. He was born in Pickins, Ala., and had made his home in LaBelle and Felda the past 50 years. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Thomas; two daughters, Mrs. Annie L. Fordson (sic) and Mrs. Dassie D. Hughes, and one son, Jesse B. Thomas, all of Felda.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday at the LaBelle Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles B. Althoff officiating. Pallbearers will be Dennis Small, Tom Hull, Bill Maddox, L. M. Jennings, C. A. Davis and Asa Townsend. Burial will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery with Spooner & Engelhardt in charge of arrangements Correct spelling is Lewis; daughters are Annie Fortson and Dassie Thigpen;Wife is Mary Ellen Johnson

Fort Myers News-Press Dec 27, 2007 Lucian "Tommy" Thomas, a 66 year old resident of Trenton, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 29, 2005 at his home where he was under hospice care. Mr. Thomas was born on August 6, 1939 at Jacksonville, Florida the son of Lucian Freeman and Bella Jane Bain Thomas. On June 7, 1981 he was married to Brenda Kay Holden at Laredo, Missouri. Lucian's family moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1941. He graduated from Fort Myers High School with the class of 1957 and then attended Florida State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and played varsity baseball. He was in business with his father at Weld-Rite in Fort Myers, Fl. He then traveled with several pipeline construction companies until 1983 when he became employed by Crown Service. In 1994, he was employed with Premium Standard Farms and worked there until his health forced retirement in March of 2004. Lucian loved to hunt, fish, and follow his Florida State Seminoles in all sports. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Kay Thomas of the home in Trenton, Missouri; 2 daughters, Brenda Thomas of Trenton, Missouri and Anna, now Mrs. Thomas Schiffers, of Charlotte, North Carolina; a brother Newn and his wife, Shelly of Cape Coral, Florida; 2 sisters, Donna, now Mrs. Paul Hay of Longwood, Florida and Janet, now Mrs. Bob Valentine of Lakeland, Florida; grandchildren, Olivia and Thomas Schiffers; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Geneva Holden of Chillicothe, Missouri and several nieces and nephews. He was proceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 2, 2005, at Laredo Christian Church. A family visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to Relay for Life. These may be left or mailed to Resthaven Mortuary, box 587, Trenton, Missouri. The body will be cremated following the services.

Fort Myers News-Press, Nov 16 2004 - Mother Maleda J. Thomas was born on September 3, 1905, in Kedron, Arkansas to  Hezekiah and Mary Ette Townsend. She was a devout woman who spent her life serving her family, church and  community. She loved sharing the knowledge and wisdom of a life led by the  Holy Spirt, deeply grounded in her faith in the Word of God. She leaves a great legacy to the five generations who will cherish her  memory; 2 sons, Arthur J. (Evester) Thomas of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Lacy O.  (Josie) Thomas of St. Louis, Missouri; 6 daughters, Doris L. Barnes, Lil  (Charles) McKinney of Ft. Myers, FL, Myrtle (Rev. H.C.) Curry, Gwendolyn  (Donald) Crabb of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Eunice (Rev. John) Harris of Jefferson  City, Missouri, Maxine Davis of Flint, Michigan; 1 daughter-in-law Evelyn  Thomas of Flint, Michigan; 31 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren, 17   great-great grandchildren; 1 brother Samuel (Elizabeth) Townsend of Newton,   Kansas; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including special friends Blommie  L. Clark and Awilla Whiteside. Mother Thomas was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband of 73  years, Elder Arthur L. Thomas.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Wed., December 5, 1956 Mary Ellen Johnson Thomas, 88, a resident of Felda and LaBelle, died at LaBelle Monday night. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Annie Fortson, Tice, and Mrs. Dassie Hughes, Clewiston; a niece, Mrs.Henry Boswell, Arcadia, and 13 grandchildren. She was a member of the Baptist Church of Felda. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 at the First Baptist Church in LaBelle. Burial will be in Fort Myers Cemetery. Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home is in charge. Rev. A. M. Glisson and Rev. Roy Crosby will conduct the rites.Daughter is Dassie Thigpen;also survived by son Jesse B. Thomas

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sunday, April 19, 1992-- Mattie Estella Magill Thomas, "Miss Mattie", 98, of LaBelle, died April 17, 1992. Mrs. Thomas was born March 16, 1894 in Millville, MO, and had been a resident of LaBelle for 80 years. She was graduate of Florida Southern College and teacher in the public school system .A member of the pioneer family Magill, Mrs. Thomas was the first school teacher on Sanibel Island. She was predeceased by her husband, Jesse B. Thomas, son Roland Thomas, parents John Hamilton and Mary Pettus Magill, sisters Sybil Mary Sirmans and Inez Cerita Magill and brother Evan Pettus Magill. Surviving are her sons, Jesse Leroy Thomas of Tampa and Wilbur Alan Thomas of Albany, Ga., daughter, Sybil Inez Menges of Tampa; brother, William Lorenzo Magill of Detroit, MI; grandchildren Michael Leroy Thomas of Orlando, Patricia Thomas Reeves, Terry Menges Wollin and Jessica Thomas Hines of Tampa, Alan R Thomas of Valdosta, Marjory Thomas Schnelle of Indianapolis, Carol, Kenneth and Susan Thomas of Albany GA; great-grandchildren, George Achin, Dawna Reeves Graham Benzon and Markham Dean McGill of Tampa, Brandon and Joshua Thomas of Valdosta, Kimberly Thomas of Orlando, Darcy Yeager of Mequon, WI , great-great-grandchildren, Matthew Graham, Connor & Jake Benzon, Ashley & Alec Achin, Evan Blue and Vivian McGill of Tampa. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, April 20, 1992 at the First Baptist Church, LaBelle. Burial will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, April 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Akin-Davis funeral Home, LaBelle Chapel.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Mar. 20, 1938, Body Held 48 Days To Be Buried Here--An elderly winter visitor known as R.C. Thomas, who took his own life Jan. 31 by shooting himself in the head on the municipal pier, will be given a Christian burial at 3 o'clock this afternoon by Lawrence A. Powell. The body has been kept at Powell's funeral home for the past 48 days while every possible means of checking his identity have been taken. The funeral service will be performed by the Rev. E. M. Bryant and interment will be at the Fort Myers cemetery. Thomas came to Fort Myers early in January and stopped at the Kenmore hotel. He was quiet and made no friends. On the night of Jan. 31 he shot himself on the pier with an old fashioned derringer. In his pockets were $68 and a note saying 'There is no one to notify.' Finger prints were taken but they failed to establish the quiet man's identify. The body was embalmed by Mr. Powell and has been in a perfect state of preservatin for the past seven weeks.

Fort Myers News-Press Mar 15, 2009 The family of Walter C. Thomas (Pop) announces his passing on Thursday, March 12, 2009, at the age of 90. Walter was born in Tampa, Florida, on February 15, 1919 to Walter W. and Nina Anderson Thomas. He was a Marine Corp Gunnery Sergeant who saw action in the Pacific theatre during WWII. Moving to Fort Myers Beach in 1951, Walter was a long time resident of this area. His life was full of family, of fishing in the back bay at the Beach, dogs & bird hunting, writing and painting. He enjoyed many years at Fort Myers Beach as the owner of Beach Hardware and a founder of the FMB Volunteer Fire Department. In 1996 he retired from a successful business built with his son, Buck. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy W. Thomas. He will be remembered by his two sons and two daughters, Walter W. Thomas (Buck), Billy Thomas, Diane Kirby and Tina Pineo; 1 brother and 2 sisters, Rev. Davis Thomas, Francis Toole, and Tina Paxton; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.A service for Walter will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, on Colonial Blvd. Visitation from 11am to 1pm with service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Hospice.

Fort Myers News-Press Dec 27, 2007 Walter T. S. Thomas, Jr., 82, of Alva died Monday, May 22, 2000 in St. Petersburg. A native to Florida Mr. Thomas was born in Corkscrew June 17, 1917 to Walter T. S. Thomas Sr., Nuna Bass Thomas. His father, Walter, Sr. was the developer of Tice. Walter, Jr. was a member of the Ft. Myers senior High Class of 1934. He served his country during WWII in the Asiatic Theater having flown 'The Berma Hump' many times and earned a Bronze Star. Mr. Thomas was a Ft. Myers Pioneer, and avid fisherman, hunter and historian. Survivors include his sons, Terry (Helen) Thomas, III, of Buckingham, Mike Thomas of Alva, his daughter Connie (Frank) Lewis of Punta Gorda, his sister Ione Hall of Savervile, TN, his grand children T. W. (Melissa) Thomas, Michael (Terrie) Thomas, Shawn (Danielle) Lewis, Blaine Lewis, Bridget Thomas, Gary Collins and great granddaughter Audria Magen. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 26, 2000 in the Anderson Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Bradley and Pastor T. W. Thomas officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Baptist Church Building Fund. Entombment will be at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Boulevard.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2005-04-13-- Leon C. (Tommy) Thompkins 82 years of Alva died Sunday April 10th in Lehigh. He was born in Green Sea, South Carolina the son of the late Evan and Georgia Tompkins. Tommy was a founding member of the Winkler Road Baptist Church and a past President of the BIA (Building Industry Association), and he was also instrumental in the early development of the "Florida Childrens Home". "Tommy The Tile Man" started his business in Naples in 1957 and moved to Fort Myers in 1959 where he owned and operated the Thompkins Tile Company Inc. at the same location for forty six years. He was preceded in death by his first wife of thirty six years Evelyn Fields Thompkins in 1979. Tommy is survived by his wife of twenty five years, Mona and his son Richard L. (Priscilla) Thompkins of Cape Coral, daughter Sharon T. Staples of North Ft. Myers, son Marty (Jennifer) Thompkins of Lehigh, step-son John (Colleen) Farnan of Michigan, step-daughter Colleen (Scott) Dewey of Virginia and step-son Jeff (Lynda) Farnan of Lehigh. Also grandchildren Tammara Sue (Todd) Broad, Rebecca (Chris) Ashby, Tamara Lynn Fisher, Richard L. Jr. (Letitia), Shannon (Ernie) Gonnelly, Robert (Tandra) Babcock, Darreck (Ashley) Welch, Devin & Bailee Thompkins, Stacey, Kelly & Shane Farnan, Amanda, Kyle & Kevin Dewey, Jaydee, Dalyce & Landon Farnan. Tommy is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted at the Winkler Road Baptist Church 5770 Winkler Road Fort Myers. Entombment to follow at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press Mar 29, 2003 Douglas 'Skeeter' Thompson age 74 of Immokalee passed away March 24, 2004, at LaBelle. 'Skeeter' was born June 23, 1929, at Clewiston to the late Douglas and Hazel Thompson. He grew up in Ft. Myers and was raised by his grandparents, the late Solon Crews and Josephine Crews. He worked for 17 years with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. He retired after 15 years as a rancher with A. Duda & Sons. He was a member of the First Baptist Church at LaBelle. Survivors include his companion, Betty Joyce Hendry of Immokalee; sons, Doug Thompson (Kandi), of Rancho Cordova, CA, and Lane Thompson, Sanford; daughters, Denise Williams (Larry), LaBelle, Danna Crawley (Jamie), Chandler, AZ; stepchildren, JoAnn Gray, Naples, Emory Duren (Barbara), Naples; a brother, Patrick Thompson, Colonial Heights, VA; sisters, Phyliss Mira, Gail Thompson and Patricia Sadilek, Tampa and Ruth Morgan, Newberry, Mary Pearl Lux, Carroll, IA; one grandchild and 3 step-grandchildren. Visiting is (TODAY) Monday, March 29, 2004, between 6-8 PM at the Akins-Davis Funeral Home Chapel in LaBelle. Funeral Services will be 10 AM, Tuesday, March 30, 2004, at the Funeral Home Chapel in LaBelle with Rev. James Caves officiating. Burial will follow on the Crews family plot at the Ft. Denaud Cemetery. It was Skeeter's request that friends not wear suits or ties to his funeral.

FORT MYERS TROPICAL NEWS, Feb. 19, 1931--Funeral services for F. G. Thompson, 44, who died Monday, will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Fort Ogden in charge of the Masonic lodge of Punta Gorda. Pall bearers will be John Boring, Vivian Lee, W. H. Johnson, Joe Petit, Paul P. Speer and W. H. Martin. Mr. Thompson was a resident of Lee county and Boca Grande for 25 years and served a two-year term as county commissioner. He was manager of the Boca Grande Mercantile company. Survivors are the widow, two children, Pershing and Betty Joe, his mother, Mrs. Estelle Thompson, three brothers and two sisters. Death followed an illness of almost two years during which Mr. Thompson underwent three major operations for intestinal cancer. He was conscious until three hours before his death.

Fort Myers News-Press, September 17, 2008-- Laurine M. Thompson 88, of Fort Myers, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2008. She was born January 17, 1920 in Cairo, GA and moved to Fort Myers in 1933. She retired from First National Bank of Fort Myers and attended Crossroads Baptist Church.Mrs. Thompson is survived by her two children: Karol M. Thompson of Highlands, NJ and Joan E. Wade and husband, Bill of Marietta, GA; two grandchildren: Shane and his wife, Paula and Brandi and her husband, Shane; four great grandchildren: Cole, Taylor, Peyton and Bailei. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton A. Thompson in 1993.Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 AM Thursday, September 18, 2008 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Burial will be private in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6-8 PM Wednesday (TODAY) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Altus Healthcare and Hospice, 1 Dunwoody Park, Suite 128, Atlanta, GA 30338.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 18, 1944-- Oscar Hill Thompson, 66-year old retired Buckingham dairyman, died at the home of his son yesteday morning on Palm Beach Blvd., after a long illness. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. Ralph Raper, Savannah, Ga., Mrs. Lewis Flint, Ft. Myers, Mrs. Floyd Stiffler, Ft. Lauderdale; three sons, J. E. Thompson, Milton Thompson and George W. Thompson, Savannah, Ga. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Lawrence A. Powell chapel, with the Rev. W. A. Myers officiating and Rev. T. Arthur Mosley assisting. The following will act as pallbearers: H. L. Ditto, Bruce Storter, Oscar Blount, Wwilson Ward, R. V. Lee and Sam Flint. Interment will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - November 14, 1957 -- Mrs. Rebecca Hart Thompson, 39, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hilton P. Hart of North Fort Myers, died yesterday at Lee Memorial Hospital. She lived at 1728 Coronado Road. Born in Olga, Mrs. Thompson attended Fort Myers High School and Norman Junior College at Norman Park, Ga. She married Milton D. Thompson of Rome, Ga., in 1948. She leaves her husband and parents, one step-daughter, Mrs. Mary Nan Ellis; two brothers, Roger and Bill Hart of North Fort Myers, and one sister, Mrs. Katherine Houston of Atlanta. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Community Congregational Chruch with Rev. Lewis Schulz officiating. Pallbearers will be Dick Gibbs, Tom Nash, C. W. Stewart, Bill Pritchett, Ernest Collins and W. L. Rushing. Burial will be in Fort Myers Cemetery with Harvey Funeral Home in charge.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2001-12-16 -- Rhoda Elizabeth Douglas Thompson died suddenly at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 13, 2001. She was 89 years old. Mrs. Thompson was the daughter of Nancy Valonier Daniels and John David Douglas. A true Florida pioneer, Mrs. Thompson was born in Arcadia on June 4, 1912. Her family moved to Alva when she was eight years old. She then spent the next 72 years in Lee County. In 1992, she moved to her daughter's home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mrs. Thompson traveled extensively throughout the United States, South America, Africa, and Europe. She loved outdoor life and an avid camper even until her final days. Mrs. Thompson was the widow of Earle Carl Thompson. She was the mother of the late Jeannine Thompson Witt of Naples, FL, Janice Thompson Harvey of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Carl Jarrett Thompson of Rosanky, Texas. Seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren also survive her. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 18, at Anderson Funeral Home on Palm Beach Blvd. from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 19, at 10 AM in Anderson's Chapel. Internment will follow at Alva Cemetery, Alva, FL.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Jan. 6, 1951 - Richard Thompson, 91, died yesterday. He had been a resident of Lee County for the past 56 years. He was a retired brick mason. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Fort Myers Cemetery with Rev. Holcum officiating. Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Thompson came to Florida from Scotland 56 years ago, and was one of the earliest farmers in the Iona area. For the past eight years he had made his home with Mr. and Mrs. George Briggs.

Fort Myers News-Press Mar 15, 2002 Robert L. Thompson, Jr., 71, Cape Coral, passed over into the loving hands of our Lord Jesus on March 11, 2002, at 4:25 p.m. at Hope Hospice of Fort Myers. He was a native of Fort Myers and was born here on Aug. 4, 1930. He attended Ft. Myers High School from 1945 to 1948 and was a member of the Green Wave football team. He entered the U.S. Army and served from 1950 thru 1953 during the Korean Conflict as a Staff Sergeant. He returned to Fort Myers to work for the Fort Myers Police Dept. as a Patrolman. He met and fell in love with his wife Marilyn whom he married on March 30, 1955. They lived in Fort Myers until 1959 when they moved to Cocoa, FL where he pursued a career in Aerospace. In 1969, they moved to Southern California to continue in the Aerospace industry until his retirement in 1987, when they returned to Cape Coral. He enjoyed all sports including golf and possessed a great interest in Genealogy. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marilyn; two sons, Franklin Robert (Elsa) Thompson, Santa Ana, CA, Steven Alan (Anna) Thompson, Cape Coral; two daughters, Delynn Marie (Bryan) Gill, San Pedro, CA, Cynthia Ann (Dean) Alporque, Cape Coral; two sisters, Marcia Regan, Fort Myers and Patricia Robertson, Newport, TN; four grandchildren, Robert and Bradley Thompson, Enjolie (Shawn) Sawicki, Evan Alporque; one great-grandson, Kai'Li Sawicki. Visitation was held at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services which will be conducted on TODAY, at 11:00 a.m., from the Central Baptist Church, 3208 Central Ave., Fort Myers, where Masonic and Military Rites will also be accorded.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, March 18, 1944-- Oscar Hill Thompson, 66-year-old retired Buckingham dairyman, died at the home of his son yesterday morning on Palm Beach Blvd., after a long illness. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. Ralph Raper, Savannah, Ga, Mrs. Lewis Flint, Fort Myers, Mrs. Floyd Stiffler, Fort Lauderdale, three sons, J. E. Thompson, Milton Thompson and George W. Thompson, Savannah, Ga. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the Lawrence A. Powell chapel with the Rev. W. A. Myres officiating and Rev. T. Arthur Mosley assisting. The following will act as pallbearers: H. L. Ditto, Bruce Storter, Oscar Blount, Wilson Ward, R. V. Lee and Sam Flint. Interment will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery.

Fort Myers News-Press, 22 Dec 2001 -- Thelma Small Thompson, age 96, of LaBelle, died Dec. 20, 2001 at LaBelle. She was born July 1, 1905 at Blanton, FL to Rufus R. Small and Theodosha Howard Small. Thelma was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, a lifetime member of LaBelle Women's Club, charter member of Hendry-Glades Farm Bureau and member of the Royal Neighbor's of America. She lived in LaBelle for the past 78 years. Survivors include her daughters: Martha Raye-Humphries and husband Charles and Josephine 'Jo' Tucker, both of LaBelle; grandchildren, Cindy Crittenden and husband Gary, Heidi Humphries and Kevin Tucker, all of LaBelle and great-grandchild, Nathan Willis of LaBelle. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 23, 2001, 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in LaBelle with Rev. Frank Deerey Jr. and Rev. John Gallegos officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Denaud Cemetery. Visitation will be TODAY from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following: Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Cir, Ft Myers, FL 33908, First Baptist Church c/o Fidilis Scholarship, P.O. Box 369, LaBelle, FL 33975 or Florida Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802.

Fort Myers News-Press, 10 Jan 2006 -- Tod Eric Vogel Thompson, 46, died Saturday January 7, 2006, in Largo FL at Suncoast Hospital. Tod is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Thompson, daughter Arica Thompson, son Ian Thompson, mother " Kitty" Thompson, dad Dave Thompson and others that loved him. Marjorie Walton, Auntie Pam, Todd Wright, and Leslie Walton. As a former member of the crew Miss Baranegat Light he touched the hearts and lives of many people and will be missed by all of us. Please send all condolences in the form of a donation to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast 5771 Roosevelt Blvd. Clearwater Fl. 33760 in Tod Thompson's name. Tod's ashes will be scattered in the sea in the Dry Tortugas. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Fort Myers News-Press, 25 Apr 2007-- Virginia Louise Peacock Thompson passed away at Hope Hospice April 21, 2007. She was born May 2, 1918 in Winston-Salem, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert Thompson. She is survived by her son Harold Thompson, daughter-in-law Brenda Thompson, grandson Kerry Thompson of Winter Park, FL, granddaughter Carla Woodall and her husband Robert Woodall of Miami, FL; four great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, sisters; Helen Hill and Ernestine Wishon of Lewisville, NC and Marguerite Munson of Lynchburg, VA; many nieces and nephews.Virginia was a kind and generous person. She will be missed by all who knew her. There will be a graveside service at Fort Denaud Cemetery at 11 AM, Thursday, April 26, 2007. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home-Fort Myers

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, October 17, 1938 Funeral services for Harry H. Thornton, 43-year-old master carpenter who died a the Lee Memorial hospital late Saturday afternoon, will be held this afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Grand Avenue Methodist Church with Rev. A. W. Shaw, Rev. E. Davis Conway and Rev. J. W. Swanson officiating. The American Legion will be in charge of the services. The Rev. Conway was a buddy of Mr. Thornton in the navy during the war.Active pallbearers will be J. S. Tarrer, Jim Akins, C. E. MacCanon, L. H. Furen, Clyde White, and J. A. Cannon. Oscar Hill, P. A. Sparks, Arnold Longmire, T. J. Fink, Ace Horton and Gus Albritton will act as honorary pallbearers. Interment will be in the Fort Myers cemetery. Spooner and Engelhardt are in charge of arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press June 30, 2009 Tressie Doty Thoroman, 95, died on June 27, 2009. She was born in Ridgeville, Indiana and moved to Fort Myers in 1949.She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Taggart, grandchildren Nicole (Bill) Koontz, Chuck (Michelle) Taggart, great-grandchildren Kelly (Jason) Davis, Justin Koontz, Jessica Taggart and Michael Taggart and a gentle and caring friend Jo Stimpson.Graveside services will be held at Fort Myers Cemetery on Michigan Ave. on July 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 14, 1935--Rev. Osgood Andrew Thrower, 86-year-old retired Methodist minister died yesterday at his home, 1012 Crawford street, after an illness of several months. He was conscious until the last and had talked cheerfully with many visitors during the last week of his illness. He had been 50 years in the Methodist ministry and retired from the pastorate of the First Methodist church here in 1925 after serving four years in Fort Myers. The Rev. Mr. Thrower had a wide acquaintance throughout the South was was one of the best known Methodist preachers in Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. He was born at Oxford, Ga., in 1849 and entered the ministry in 1875. A classmate of his in training was Warren A. Candler, a retired bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. After a career as circuit rider, station preacher, presiding elder and minister of some of the largest churches in the South, Dr. Thrower was superanuated at his own request by the Florida annual conference at Orlando in 1925. He came back to Fort Myers to live in retirement with his friends but continued active in church work until the last few months. He always drove his own car, even after his 85th birthday, and called on the sick and shut-ins with regularity. Dr. Throweer is survived by his wife, Mrs. Fannie Rankin Thrower, three sons, A. O., jr., of Jacksonville; J. K. of Orlando; T. E. of Asheville, N. C., and two daughters, Mrs. Pearl Lowry of Jacksonville and Mrs. Ina N. Lowry of St. Petersburg. He also had 22 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 o'clock this afternoon at the First Methodist church by Rev. J. F. Bell, pastor, assisted by Dr. G. w. Rosenberry, presiding elder of the Bradenton district. Burial will take place at the Fort Myers cemetery. The pallbearers will be C. Q. Stewart, B. C. Foxworthy, Roy Cochran, Sidney Davis, James A. Roberts and J. S. Tarrer. L. W. Engelhardt and Sons have charge of arrangements.

Fort Myers News-Press, 8 Feb 2007-- Margaret A. Thurmond, 94, of Lehigh Acres died at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 after a short illness. Margaret lived in Immokalee, FL from 1932 and moved to Lehigh Acres in 1993. She is survived by 2 sons, Lewis Fish of Lehigh Acres, Allen Fish and his wife Barbara of Immokalee, 1 brother, James Avery and his wife Violet of Pensacola, FL, 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10 AM at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 State Rd. 82. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family would prefer memorial contributions to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home.334-4880

Fort Myers News-Press Jul 15, 1998 Stephen A. Tice, of Fort Myers, passed away on Monday. Born in Alliance, OH., he had moved to Fort Myers in 1955 from Ohio. A graduate of Fort Myers High School in 1964, National Merit Scholar. He graduated from Duke University with honors as an English Major in 1967 and completed his graduate work at both Columbia University and Emory University. He worked as a Computer Analyst in the financial industry for many years. Mr. Tice is survived by his loving mother, Elizabeth E. Tice of Fort Myers; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Susan Tice of Fort Myers; two nephews: Lawrance "Lonnie" and Christopher, and one niece, Sarah. The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation on Saturday from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, followed at 2 p.m. by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lee County, 3660 Central Ave. Fort Myers, FL. 33901.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 22, 1971-- Ernest Lee Tillman, 55, of Felda, died suddenly Thursday evening at Clewiston Hospital. He was a native of Georgia and a resident of Felda for the past 15 years. He was a news carrier. Survivors include his widow, Mildred Tillman; one son, Marvin Lee Tillman, both of Felda; three daughters, Mrs. Annette Naughton of Lakeland, Mrs. Sandra Hudson of LaBelle and Miss Linda Tillman of Felda; his mother, Mrs. Eva Carter of Zolfo Springs; one brother, Robert Tillman of Immokalee one sister, Mrs. Lucille Taylor of Felda and six grandchildren. Funeral service will be held Monday at 11 am.. at the First Baptist Church in LaBelle with the Rev. Floyd Yarbrough officiating. Burial will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery. Pattison Funeral Home, Clewiston is in charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 17, 1933--Mrs. Sallie Emma Tillman, 63, died late Wednesday night at her home in East End. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Lawrence A. Powell chapel with the Rev. J. F. Bell and the Rev. E. N. Philpot in charge. Mrs. Tillman is survived by two sons, G. B. Tillman of Fort Myers and C. D. Tillman of New York, and a daughter, Mrs. Barney Snyder of New York.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Thurs., Sept. 29, 1938 - A coroner's jury yesterday decided that Lawrence Edward (Lonnie) Tiner, 52-year-old WPA worker, came to his death Tuesday afternoon 'by being struck and run over by a Seaboard freight train while lying on the tracks. Witnesses said that Tiner apparently stumbled over the tracks in the vicinity of the county barn and failed to notice the oncoming train. Peace Justice Roy Lamberton was in charge of the inquest. Members of the jury were Hugh Stump, Ross Barrett, Joe Yelvington, R. A. Owen, Earl Ogden and Carson Bomar. Services will be held at 4:30 o'clock this afternoon at the graveside in Fort Myers Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Boring, Fred Lowdermilk, Ed Scott, Bob McDaniel, Wilton Musselwhite and J. D. Walker. The Rev. J. J. Musselwhite will officiate. Lawrence A. Powell is in charge of arrangements

Fort Myers News-Press, Oct 31, 2008-- Mina Rose Kingston Tinsley, "Mom", died unexpectedly Monday, October 27, 2008, peacefully at home in her sleep. She was born September 3, 1932 in Kokomo, Indiana, coming to Fort Myers in 1934 where she remained a resident until her death. Mom grew up on Fort Myers Beach before moving into town as a teenager. She graduated from FMHS in 1950 then attended Stetson University until her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Wallace M. Tinsley on September 11, 1951. They were married 56 years when Dad died in May 2008. Throughout her life mom enjoyed bowling, playing bridge, collecting antiques, traveling, reading and being with her family. She was a great Mom and Grandma! Bowling was one of Mom's biggest loves. She started as a teenager in high school and bowled until last year. She was a lifetime member of LCWBA, where she served as a director for a number of years and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mom was also a state board member of FWBA. An avid bridge player, mom played quite well & loved a good hand of bridge. Learning bridge in college led her to become a member of several bridge clubs over the years and enjoyed many hours of fun with friends. Mom had an eye for beautiful things, which led to a love of antiques. She grew up in homes surrounded by antiques and learned a lot about different antiquities from her brother Ralph. After her children were grown Mom and Ralph opened an antique shop called "Things Unlimited". She had the business for about 8 years. Over the years mom took many trips to Europe and visited every state in the USA. Some of Mom's best times were spent in the motor home traveling with family and friends. The last trip Mom took abroad was to Ireland, a place she wanted to see before she died. She loved the country and had a wonderful time! Mom had the most love for her family. She is survived by her daughter, Karen T. Neubert (Robert) and sons Warren Tinsley (Marie), Wayne Tinsley (Tina) and Grimes Tinsley (Donna). Also surviving her are her grandchildren Tyler, Victoria and Sarah Neubert, Nerissa Kalbfeld (David), Christy Klebart (Damien), Catlyn Gottlieb (Brad) and Corey Tinsley (fiancee Nicole Hughes). Mom also had 3 great-grandchildren, Josalyn and Janelle Gottlieb and Ilianna Kalbfeld. Mom was preceded in death by her husband Wallace, her brother Ralph Kingston and her granddaughter Sabrina Monique Tinsley. Our Mom and Grandma was a beautiful and special lady. She was a very giving and thoughtful person who would do anything for you. Whether you were her friend or her family, her love was never ending. Mom lived life to the fullest and loved each and every day. She was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved. We will miss her deeply, but we know she is with our Dad and Grandpa and free of all her worries. We love you Mom and Grandma. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-1:45pm followed by a Celebration of Mom's life at 2:00pm, Sunday, November 2, 2008 at Anderson Funeral Home, 3654 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers. Any donations made should be to your favorite charity in Mom's name.

Fort Myers News-Press May 22, 2008 Wallace M. Tinsley was born on October 4, 1930 in Fort Myers, FL where he lived all of his adult life.Wallace graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1950 and soon after graduation enlisted in the National Guard where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He married his high school sweetheart Mina Kingston in September of 1951.Wallace was owner of several businesses over the years; including Fort Myers Armature Works, Caman Power Systems, Caman Auto Parts (later known as Fort Myers Auto Parts) and Caman Data Systems.He was an avid bowler serving as President of the SWFMBA and was honored by being inducted in to the SWFMBA Bowlers Hall of Fame. He was a founding director of South Florida Bank and active in the Araba Shrine Temple. Here he served as Potentate from 1981-1982, was a Past Director of ROJ, a member of the K-Cops and the Cyclops Motorcycle Corp.Wallace is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mina K. Tinsley, sister Arletta Rodgers, daughter Karen T. Neubert (Robert W.), and sons R. Warren Tinsley (Marie), W. Wayne Tinsley (fiancée Tina) and Grimes M. Tinsley (Donna). Also surviving are his grandchildren Tyler, Victoria and Sarah Neubert, Nerissa Kalbfeld (David), Christy Klebart (Damien), Catlyn Gottlieb (Brad) and Corey Tinsley (fiancée Nicki) and great grandchildren Josalyn & Janelle Gottlieb and Ilianna Kalbfeld. His granddaughter Sabrina Monique Tinsley predeceased him.Our father and grandfather was an extraordinary man. He lived life to the fullest until 1982 when he suffered a heart attack which forever changed his life. He received a heart transplant on August 21, 1987. He was told not to make long range plans for after ten years. He proved everyone wrong, not only did he live 10 and half years longer than expected, he also had good quality of life until the last 2 years when his health took a turn for the worst. However he still pushed forward as hard as he could. He was a true fighter! The last battle was the one he couldn't win and he is now at peace. We will all miss him but our memories will always be there for us. We love you dad and grandpa. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Children's Hospitals c/o Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

Frank B. Tippins b. 19 Oct 1868 DeSoto Co., FL, d. 15 Nov 1948 Miami, FL mrd Josephine Rylander 22 Feb 1893. She was daughter of Charles August Rylander and Pauline Cosse. They had son, Frank B. Tippins, Jr. He married 2) Fannie Yates 13 Feb 1901 Lee Co., FL. They had son Walter Yates Tippins b. 1908. Frank Tippins was the son of Aaron Moses "Gin" Jernigan and Caroline Elizabeth Tippins. After his parents divorced, Frank took his mother's maiden name.

Fort Myers News-Press , 10 Nov 2007 -- Robert S. Toggweiler, 84, of Fort Myers passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2007. Formally of Royal Oak, MI, Robert proudly served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII as a Navigator/Bombardier in the 38th Bomb Group 71st Squadron. He later earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit and served as a Comptroller of Magnetool, Inc. in Troy, MI for 61 years. He served on Parish Council of Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Royal Oak, MI and the school board at Bishop Verot High School. Robert has been a resident of SW Florida since 1969. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Elaine; 9 children James, Thomas (Sherry) of Royal Oak, MI, Robert (Nancy) of Seneca, SC, Janet (Ken) Lindsay of Madison, MS, Therese (Jay) Wade, John (Nancy), Michael (Virginia), Mary Kerr and Robbin (Greg) Saul of Kennesaw, GA: 21 grandchildren Timothy, Brian, Alan, Andrew, Teegan, Christine Robinson, Kerry Sanders, Gregory, D. Michael Lindsay, Jennifer Wade-Howell, Ryan Wade, Casey, Sean, Craig, Robert, Sarah, Kollin Kerr, Kaitlyn Kerr, Kourtney Kerr, Matthew Saul and Neil Saul and 13 great-grandchildren.A closed casket visitation will be held on Monday, November 12, 2007 at the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord in Fort Myers between the hours of 4-5 PM with the memorial service to follow. Funeral arrangements were handled by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Robert's name to the St. Francis Grade School, Bishop Verot High School or the Southwest Florida Community Foundation.www.fortmyersmemorial.com

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Feb. 3, 1936--Frank Toledo, 41, of Cayo Costa island, died yesterday at a Fort Myers hospital after an illness of several days. Funeral services will be held at 11 o'clock this morning at the Engelhardt chapel on McGregor boulevard with the Rev. Father R. P. Brennan officiating. Mr. Toledo was born at Clearwater but has made his home at Cayo Costa the greater part of his life. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Frank Toledo, and two daughters, Marian, four years old, and Sophie, two years old.

Fort Myers News-Press June 30, 2009 Earle Franklin Tolles, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 29, 2009 at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with cancer.Born in Alamo, Texas, on February 6, 1923, to Louis Clark Tolles and Lula Mae Rice, he was the youngest of five children and a graduate of P.S.J.A. High School in McAllen, Texas. Earle served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and, after a short time in Ohio as an electrician, moved to Cape Coral in 1961 and started Con-Crete Seawalls with his brother Ron Tolles, eventually adding Tolles Ready-Mix and Tolles Con-Crete Specialties.He was a charter member of the Cape Coral Rotary Club, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Cape Coral Construction Industry Association (CCCIA), and Palmetto Pines Country Club. He was a former member of the Church of the Resurrection in Fort Myers, and, after participating in the early development of Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral from its Yacht Club beginnings, continued to support the new Saint Andrew upon returning to Cape Coral. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.Earle was dedicated to his community and received several recognitions for his contributions. He was a past president of the Cape Coral Rotary Club (1973-74), was a Paul Harris Fellow, and maintained perfect attendance at Rotary for 41 years. He was named to the CCCIA Hall of Fame in 2003 and was a contributor to the Cape Coral Hospital Building Fund. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Ronald, a sister, Virginia, and two previous wives, Frances and Helen. He leaves behind one sister, Hermione Burson.He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Anna "Boots", his eight children, Dennis Tolles, Diana Quackenbush (Michael), Debra Huntington (Bruce), Michelle Ward, Vicki Stockman Wilson (Jeff), Karen Pocci (Will Hatchett), William Somers (Sandra), Carrie Place, ten grandchildren, Bryan Tolles, Barry Tolles, Ashley Raslazsky (Brett), Brittney Ward, Garrett Ward, Gunner Ward, Sarah Stockman, Will Hackett, Will Somers (Amy), Geoffrey Somers, Melissa Fabrowski (Jim), and two great-grandchildren.Earle loved making wine, woodworking, and his computer, but, most of all, he loved golf, as those who knew and loved him would attest. On October 25, 2008, he scored his third hole in one at the age of 85 years old.He was attended by his loving family during this difficult time. Earle was not only a gentleman but a gentle man. He will always be remembered by his love of his family, life and golf.Visitation will be at Metz Funeral Home in Cape Coral on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM each day. Church services will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church on Friday, July 3, at 10:00 AM followed by burial services at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Foundation, PO Box 101346, Cape Coral, FL 33910; Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908 or Junior Golf.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Dec. 17, 1936--Mrs. Ida Tomer, 62, died yesterday at her home on Michigan Avenue after an illness of four months. She is survived by her husband, Chester Tomer, three sisters: Mrs. Susie Miller, Mrs. Effie Robinson and Mary Spears. Services will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the graveside in Fort Myers Cemetery with the Rev. William Graham Kennedy officiating. Lawrence A. Powell will be in charge of arrangements.

FORT MYERS NEWS PRESS, Friday, March 7, 1980 LaBelle - Alice D. Tomlinson, 82, of Yoman St., died Wednesday in Arcadia. She was a native of Arcadia, moving to LaBelle in 1965. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of LaBelle. She is survived by one son, John McClenithan, LaBelle; a daughter, Margaret Dyess, LaBelle; a brother, Curtis Durrance, Arcadia; 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Eugene Abernathy officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery. Friends may call Friday at the Pattison Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Fort Myers News-Press, 31 Oct 2006-- Gus Tomlinson, 88, of Fort Myers went to heaven on October 28, 2006. He was born on Marco Island January 7, 1918 a son of the late John O. and Mercedes Tomlinson. Gus was a veteran of WWII serving in the Navy Seabee's in the Pacific Theatre, he lived in Fort Myers most of his life and worked in construction until he retired, he delivered telegrams as a young boy to Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, he hand tied cast nets in his spare time, his friends said when he was 10 years old he was noted for having a knife in his teeth and catching alligators. Mr. Tomlinson married Anaruth Gordon in 1940 and she died in 1995, he married his second love Doris Wright in 1997 until her death in 2005. Everyone who met him loved him, he was a kind and gentle man and good father.Mr. Tomlinson is survived by his daughter Mary Ann (Gary) Grimm, his step daughter Bonnie (Daniel) Johns, his stepsons Hugh, John, and Tony, grandsons Barry (Michelle) Grimm of Cape Coral, Larry (Lisa) Grimm of Ft. Myers, Greg (Erin) Tomlinson and granddaughter Denise Tomlinson of Indiana, 5 great-grandsons, six great-granddaughters, his sisters Faye, Lenora, Marie, Lorene all of Tampa and many good friends. Besides his wives he was predeceased by his son Sonny (Tom) Tomlinson.A funeral service celebrating his life will be conducted in the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Wednesday at 11 AM., the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10-11 AM.Interment will be in Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Wednesday, October 8, 1986 Lorie Ann Tomlinson, 20, of Fort Myers, died Monday. A lifelong resident of Fort Myers, she was a graduate of the Evangelical Christian School, Class of 1984. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip H. Tomlinson, Ft. Myers; a sister, Mrs. Avis Bauer, Ft. Myers; a brother, Walter Tomlinson, Ft. Myers; her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Tetterton of Washington, N.C.; her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Alice Tomlinson, Ft. Myers. She was a member of the Grace Brethren Bible Church. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. graveside at the Alva Cemetery with Rev. Edmund K. Dezago, pastor of Grace Brethren Bible Church, officiating. Interment will follow. Arrangements by Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd.

Fort Myers News-Press, 3 Jul 2005 -- Phillip H. Tomlinson, 64, a life time resident of Ft. Myers passed away Friday July 1, 2005. He was born Feb. 2, 1941 in Naples, FL the son of William M. and Alice Pearl Tomlinson.He was preceded in death by his daughter Lorie Ann, his son Walter and brother Ray. Phillip was the devoted husband to Cora and beloved father to Avis Lee Bauer (Butch) and beloved grandfather to Jonathan Bauer. Also survivng are his 2 brothers Walter Tomlinson (Margaret) and Lawrence Tomlinson all of Ft. Myers. He served as a plumber with Lee County Government for several years, and was a church going, God fearing man who loved family, God and Country. "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phillipians Chapter 1, vs. 21) Graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, July 5, at 10:00 AM at the Alva Cemetery with Pastor Bob Calvert, officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lee Memorial Health Systems Foundation, Lee Cancer Care, 9800 S. HealthPark Dr., Suite 210, Ft. Myers, FL 33908. Arrangements by Harvey-Engelhardt Chapel, 1600 Colonial Blvd.

Fort Myers News-Press, 2006-01-22 -- Walter M. Tomlinson, 66 went with the Lord on Saturday January 21, 2006. He was born in Naples, FL and resided in Fort Myers all of his life where he worked as a carpenter. He was a strong believer in God and family and was a member, trustee and deacon at Bayshore Community Chapel for over 30 years. He was a member of Noah Lodge 357 for 31 years and a member of the Scotish Rite Bodies-29 years. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ray and Phillip H. Tomlinson. Walter is survived by his loving wife Margaret of 48 3/4 years, his brother Lawrence Tomlinson, son Phillip Tomlinson of Homerville, GA; daughter Anita Burnette of Lake City, FL; sons William (Buddy) Tomlinson of Fort Myers and Lawrence A. Tomlinson of Punta Gorda. Also Grandchildren Heather Bach, Jennifer Lashley, Adrienne Metcalf, Cole, Matthew, Kristen, Christine, Rebecca, Lawrence, William, and Lucas Tomlinson. Three great-grandchildren Kaleb A. Bach, Vada Lashley, Charlie Metcalf and newphew Capt. Lazander (Lance) Tomlinson United States Army stationed in South Korea, and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was a dedicated husband and father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was loved by all his family. Walter's family will receive friends 6 to 8 pm Monday at the Harvey-Engelhardt-Metz Funeral Home 1600 Colonial Boulevard Fort Myers. Funeral Services will be conducted by Noah Lodge and Pastor Rea Means of Bayshore Chapel Tuesday 11 am at Alva Cemetery.

Caloosa Belle, Dec 25, 2004-- Mary Ann Tommie, age 39, of Hollywood, died at the Memorial Regional Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004. She was born in Okeechobee on July 30, 1965.Ms. Tommie was preceded in death by her parents Buck Tommie Sr. and Josephine Snow Tommie and her brother Buck Tommie Jr.She is survived by her sons Joshua Osceola and Taylor Osceola both of Hollywood, brothers; David L. Snow, Roy Snow and John Tommie all of Okeechobee one sister Nadine Tommy of Okeechobee. Services will be held graveside at the Ortona Cemetery, in Ortona on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 10 a.m.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS - November 12, 1957 Dania, Nov. 11 - Hinson Tommie, 25-year-old Seminole Indian, died in a hospital today after a fight with another Indian on the Seminole reservation. Ben W. Grigsby, chief criminal investigator for the sheriff's office, ordered an autopsy. He said Charlie Billy Boy, 42, hit Tommie on the head with a fishing pole during an argument last night.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Sept. 16, 1932--Funeral services for Peter Tonnelier, prominent Fort Myers developer who died Wednesday night, will be held tomorrow morning at 9:30 ao'clock at St. Francis Xavier's Catholic church. Burial will be in the Fort Myers cemetery. The Rev. Father R. P. Bresnan will officiate. Pall bearers had not been selected last night. The body lay in state at the Lawrence A. Powell funeral home yesterday and scores of Mr. Tonnelier's friends paid their last respect to one of the city's largest property owner and developers. Today friends of Mr. Tonnelier may view the body at the family home, 2000 McGregor boulevard.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Friday, March 27, 1998 Joseph C. Tooke ,74 a lifetime resident of Fort Myers, died March 25, 1998. Mr. Tooke retired as manager of the Florida State Employment Service Fort Myers office. He was a graduate of the University of Florida, an avid gardener, member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the Florida Chapter of the American Orchid Society, Native Plant Society, and as a Master Gardener recently completed 14 years of volunteer service with the Lee County Agricultural Extension Agency. He was the great-grandson of Manuel Gonzalez, one of the first settlers of Lee County. Mr. Tooke was a teacher in the Literacy Program, teaching English to Hispanics. Surviving are a sister, Sarah Sapp; brother, Charlton "Bud" (Jean) Tooke III; nephews: David C. Sapp, Alan K. Sapp, and Charlton "Chuck" Tooke; a niece, Tomi Irene Sapp; and several great-nieces and nephews. Eucharist of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 1998, at 4 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where the family will receive friends from 3 - 4 p.m. Interment will be private at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. FT. MYERS MEMORIAL GARDENS FUNERAL HOME 1589 COLONIAL BOULEVARD 936-0555

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 2, 1946 - Seth Tooke, 56, died at his home on Alabama Grove Terrace last night after a long illness. Mr. Tooke has been a prominent Lee county grove owner for many years. He is survived by his wife, Violet; a son, Seth Jr.; his father, Carleton T. Tooke; three brothers, Carleton Tooke Jr., James Tooke of Immokalee andBarney Tooke of Virginia; three sisters, Mrs. Charles Waugh, Mrs. Evie McDivett of Washington, and Miss Adalyn Tooke of Fort Myers. Funeral arrangements will be in charge of Lawrence A. Powell.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Nov. 14, 1934--Mrs. Venie G. Tooke, 67-year-old wife of C. T. Tooke, died early yesterday morning at the family home on Superior street in the East End. Mrs. Tooke, who has been in poor health for several years, has been a lifelong resident of Lee county and is a member of the pioneer Gonzalez family, among the first settlers of the lower West Coast of Florida. Besides her many relatives, Mrs. Tooke leaves a host of friends. She is survived by her husband, four sons, Seth, Barney, James and C. T., jr., all of Fort Myers, and four daughters, Mrs. Jack McDebit, of Seattle, Washington; Miss Carrie Bell Tooke, of Miami; Mrs. Charles Waugh, of Gaulbridge, Va.; Miss Adalyn Tooke, of Fort Myers. Other surviving relatives are J. C. Gonzalez of New Jersey, A. F. Gonzales of Daytona and Mrs. L. C. Stewart, Mrs. T. J. Roberts and Mrs. J. F. Garner of Fort Myers. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 o'clock this morning in the Engelhardt and Sons funeral home with the Rev. Wiggins officiating. Burial will be in the Fort Myers cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Will Henley, J. F. Menge, Will Siniff, J. C. Barrow, Ben King and John Boring. Honorary pallbearers are F. L. Coons, Lonnie Hough, Tom Evans, A. M. Tyre and J. B. McCoon.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Wednesday, January 20, 1971 - Punta Gorda - Mrs. Violet Morgan Tooke, 73, of Punta Gorda, died Monday in Gainesville while visiting a son, Seth T. Tooke of Archer, Fla. for the holidays. Surviving besides her son and a sister, Mrs. Mary K. Stewart of Punta Gorda are four great-grandchildren. Graveside Funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in fort Myers Cemetery.  Johnson-Hayes funeral Home of 311 S. Main St., Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Jan. 20, 1927--Wandell Topping, 63, died at his home at 50 Catherine street at 10 o'clock this morning. Mr. Topping, a resident of Chicago, Ill., has been coming to Fort Myers for a number of winters to enjoy the climate, but when he arrived the past fall, was in poor health and his condition gradually grew worse. At his bedside when the end came was his brother, also from Chicago, who is spending the winter here. Other relatives who are not in Fort Myers are his mother, age 93, and a brother in Wisconsin, a daughter, Mrs. James and two grandchildren, in Chicago. It is understood that the body will be shipped back to Chicago for burial, although definite arrangements have not been completed. The body is being prepared for burial at the Englehardt funeral home.

Ft Myers News-Press, January 10, 2001 - Ermelinda Torres, 80, of Lehigh Acres, died Jan. 8, 2001. Born in Villaba, Puerto Rico, she moved here in 1985 from N.J. She was preceded in death by her husband William in 1998. She leaves her sister, Herminia Fuentes of Tampa and nieces Annie and Nancy. Family will receive friends today from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Lee Memorial park officiated by Father Dennis Cooney of St. Raphaels Catholic Church. Anderson Funeral Home of Lehigh Acres, 2701 Lee Blvd.

Fort Myers News-Press, Feb 6 2005-- Stanton Toubus, 80, of Matlacha passed away February 3, 2005. He is survived by his loving wife Helen Toubus, sons Philip, Jon and Steven, sister Shirley Brussell and Helene Karp, seven grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. He was a generous contributor to the Matlacha Hookers and the Pine Island Elks. The family will receive friends at their residence on Thursday, February 10, 2005 between the hours of 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL 33908. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Horizon Funeral Home & Cremation Center.

Fort Myers News-Press Jun 17, 2006 Mallory Paul Touchstone, 63, of N. Fort Myers passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2006. Born on June 21, 1942 to Annie and Fred in Gulfport, MS, Mallory retired from the Lee County Electric Coop. after many years of service. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his grandchildren.Mallory is survived by his loving mother Annie; children Blaine (Nancy), Tiffany (Glenn) Moore and Shayne (Gina); grandchildren Shelby, Cail, Brianna, Devan, Ashley and Brandon. A service of remembrance will be held at 5 PM Monday, June 19, 2006 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive friends between 2 PM and 5 PM. FMHS 1962

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, June 25, 1935--Mrs. Cassaletta L. Towles, 42-year-old wife of Luke C. Towles, died late yesterday afternoon at the Lee Memorial hospital after undergoing an operation Monday. Her death was unexpected and came as a distinct shock to her family and a wide circle of friends in Fort Myers and Lee county. Mrs. Towles is survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Olive Towles Jefferson of Albany, Ga., a sister, Mrs. Barney Tooke and her mother, Mrs. Ida L. Johnson. Funeral arrangements will be made by Lawrence A. Powell.

Wallace B Towles Jr

William H Towles

Caloosa Belle, Dec 2 2004 - Adrian Jay Townsend, age 46, died unexpectedly November 25, 2004. He was a lifelong resident of Felda.He was preceded in death by his father: Gillet Ed Townsend and mother: Leah Archey Townsend he leaves behind one sister: Ruth Emily Cheney, brother-in-law Casey, two nephews: Christopher and Casey Jr., and niece, Savanna, and brother J.W. Riley.A graveside service was held Tuesday, November 30, 2004 at the Felda Cemetery. Pastor Dale Blackburn officiated.He will missed by all. WE LOVE YOU!

Colorado County Citizen, Oct 12, 1876, Pg 3-- Died at the house of his son, Mr. H. S. Townsend, on the 27th September; Mr. Asa Townsend in the 81st year of his age. The deceased was born in Marlboro District, South Carolina on the 14th December, 1795. In his early manhood he removed to Georgia, where he married and lived for about twenty years. From Georgia he went to and remained for a short time in Madison, Florida, and from thence with a devoted wife and 9 children he came to Texas in the fall of 1837, and settled in Columbus in the spring of 1838, where or in its vicinity he has resided ever since. His children here increased. Twelve of whom, 8 boys and 4 girls, lived to be settled with families of their own. He buried the wife of his youth, and mother of his children in 1859. He afterwards married a second time, and has left a widow to mourn his loss. His descendants at his death numbered 81, just the number of his years. Uncle Asa, as he was generally and familiarly called, brought to our State "a sound mind in a sound body." A man of great energy, industry and capacity, (qualities that have descended to his numerous progeny,) he has left his mark upon society for good such as few have been permitted to rival. To those who remembered his massive frame and Herculean strength, it was sad to see him as he passed among us under the weight of his four score years, leaning upon his staff and tottering to his tomb. But it is written "dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return," and we are traveling on. In early life Uncle Asa dedicated himself to God, and the good and at the altars of the church, contracted an alliance with Heaven. Through the vicissitudes of an eventful life often unfavorable to the development of Christian character, he was true and faithful, and at the last found that he had not followed a cunningly devised fable. But that God whom he had served and trusted sustained and cheered him in his age and infirmity, and gave him a safe and triumphant passage across the dark river. An incident, uncommon and beautiful, occurred a day or two before his death. The day was warm, and the door and window was open, he was lying upon his couch, quiet and peaceful, his wife and daughter sitting by, when a dove of full and beautiful plumage came through the door, and hovering over him, settled down upon his bosom, and without apparent alarm, fluttered its wings. His wife reached out a hand to take the bird, but forbore at the suggestion of the daughter. It again fluttered its wings, and after two or three times turning slowly around, it rose and went out at the window. The last conversation he had just prior to his death, was with two daughters who had died years ago, desiring them to come to him, and speaking to them as though they were bodily present and visible to him and who will affirm they were there. Uncle Asa was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge, at Columbus, respected and believed by his brethren; and they with the assistance of the Lodges at Weimar and Osage, with the beautiful and impressive ceremony of that order, laid him away, in the presence of a large assemblage of friends and acquaintances, with his former wife, with trust in God and faith in immortality. [Internent in Borden Cemetery], Submitted by David Hahn

Naples Daily News, Jun 23 2006 -- Elton Elwood Townsend, 82, died Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at the Lake City Medical Center. He was born in Naples at the corner of Pelton and Winifred Ave., on December 3, 1923 in a house that is still standing. He took a ride in a biplane in 1935 that had landed on the only runway in Naples (which ran parallel with Fifth Avenue) for the outrageous sum of $5.00. Mr. Townsend was involved in a mullet catch of over 200,000 lbs. with several other boats. This netted him $600 which was used to pay the final payment on the land his father purchased for $1200. This 33 acres is now part of Caribbean Gardens. Mr. Townsend joined the Air Force in 1942 and served for ten years. He flew in several bombing raids over Germany until his crew was shot down on the only mission he was not able to fly because of an ear infection. When he returned to Naples, he worked several jobs until he started his own Air Conditioning Compan y and then built PoBoys Marina in 1969. He was very active in missionary trips to Haiti an also supported missionaries in other countries and retired in 1982. He was respected by all who met him as a God fearing man of great faith, and will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Mr. Townsend was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Carrie Townsend; brothers, Elvin, Casper, David and Loren. Mr. Townsend is survived by his daughter, Dorcas; sons, Joseph and Roland; brothers, Richard, Dick and Thurston; sisters, Winifred, Charlotte, Nora Lee, Loretta and Carabelle; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Townsend will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2006 at the New Hope Ministries Church, 7675 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL with visitation one hour prior to service. Graveside services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. at the Ortona Cemetery in Ortona, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Norman Walker Ministries, c/o New Hope Ministries, 7675 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104. Arrangements are under the direction of the Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109. rection of the Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109.\tab }

Fort Myers News Press, Tuesday, February 19, 1957 -- George R. Townsend, 60, died Saturday in Long Beach, Calif. Veteran's Hospital. A former resident of Williams Drive in Fort Myers, he was a brother of Mrs. E. E. Breisch, 2217 Edison Ave. He is the father of singer-actress, Marion Marlowe.

Fort Myers News-Press - Nov 30 2004 - James Roland Townsend, age 19, of Muse, passed away November 28 in Fort Myers. He was born March 29, 1985 at Key West Florida to Mary Lynne Kiser Townsend and Kelvin Author Townsend. Survivors include his parents Mary Lynne Townsend and Kelvin Author Townsend of Muse, brothers: Shane Townsend of Naples, Shawn Townsend of Bluffton, South Carolina, and Daniel Townsend of LaBelle; Paternal Grandmother: Wanda Townsend of LaBelle, Maternal Grandmother: Patricia Gewlas of Port St. Luicie; Maternal Grandfather: Joe Aldacosta of Cocoa. Funeral service will be held, Wednesday December 1, 2004 at the Church Of God in LaBelle, visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. and the service will begin at 12:00 P.M. Missionary Evangelist Norman Walker will be Officiating with interment to be at Fort Denaud Cemetery.

Caloosa Belle, Jan 13 2005-- Maria Maddox Townsend passed away peacefully at Torbay Retirement Home, Hervey Bay Queensland, Australia on December 31, 2004.Maria was born June 18, 1906 to John Henry and Florence Altman Maddox in Wauchula. She married William Asa Townsend and lived in Felda until they moved to Australia in 1961.She was preceded in death by her husband, William Asa Townsend, and a daughter, Florence Irene Townsend Davis Nudl. She is survived by five children, 18 grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. Maria's surviving children are Charlie Rayford, Henry LeRoy, James Robert Townsend, and Bessie Townsend Warrner Burchard James, all of Australia.

Fort Myers News-Press, 11 Jan 2008-- Mary "Belle" Gordon Townsend, 86, passed away peacefully December 27, 2006 while in the compassionate care of Hope Hospice of Marion County in Ocala Florida. Mary was born July 31, 1920 at LaBelle, Florida to Robert S. Perry and Mary A. Gordon Perry and attended the Felda Elementary and Junior High Schools in Hendry County. Mary then attended Rabun Gap Boarding School in Georgia and graduated from that school in 1937. Upon graduation, Mary attended a nursing school in Baltimore, Maryland before returning to Felda where she married J. B. "Pete" Townsend in March of 1938.Mary spent most of her adult life working in the produce industry before retiring to Ocala, Florida in the early 1980's.She is survived by one sister, Nina L. Caudell of Cornelia, Georgia, three sons and their spouses, Dallas B. Townsend and his wife Doris of Felda, Florida; David L. Townsend and his wife Donna of Greeneville, Tennessee; Clay B. Townsend and his wife Forooz of Orange Park, Florida, 11 grand children and 16 great, grand children.A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Felda Baptist Church at Felda, Florida where Mary was baptized so many years ago. Memorials in her name are suggested to the Hope Hospice of Marion County, P. O. Box 4860, Ocala, Florida 34478 or to the Felda Baptist Church, P. O. Box 306, Felda, Florida and would be greatly appreciation by the family.

Fort Myers News-Press-Sept 7, 2008- Pauline Hull Townsend, age 86, of LaBelle, FL, passed away Sept. 5, 2008 in LaBelle. She was born Sep. 9, 1921 in LaBelle, daughter of the late William Thomas Hull II and the late Amy (Foote) Hull. Pauline's family has lived in the area since the early 1900's and she was born and raised in LaBelle. Pauline taught Home Economics at LaBelle High School for forty years. She was a member of Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church.Survivors include her brother: William Thomas Hull III of Punta Gorda, nephew, James David Hull of LaBelle, niece: Paula McQueen and husband Robert of Punta Gorda, great niece: Jena Wilson and husband Mike of Sarasota, great nephews: Jerron Hull and wife Ashley of Punta Gorda, Jadon Hull and wife Megan of LaBelle and Jolen Hull of LaBelle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Baird Townsend in 1985.Funeral services will be held Mon. September 8, 2008, 10:00 am at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church in LaBelle with Pastor W. T. Maddox Jr. and Pastor Benton Manguera officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Visitation will be Tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home in LaBelle.Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, August 14, 1922: The body of Wilford Townsend, 63 years old, a native of South Carolina, who died suddenly in Carson's Meat Market on Main Street at 5 o'clock Saturday evening, was shipped yesterday afternon to Madison for burial. Accompanying it were the widow and Mr. townsend's brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Goodbread of Bonita Springs. Mr. Townsend lived on Cottage Street. For a time he was employed at Carson's Meat Market and worked at other merchantile establishments here from time to time. He was a kindly man who loved "the great out-of-doors," being particularly happy when he ws out in the woods in quest of the game that abounds near here. On Saturday Mr. Townsend complained of a severe pain in his chest. It is believed that either angina pectoris or acute indigestion caused his sudden death.

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, March 30, 1919 Funeral Today for S. B. Trask Woodrow Man Dies in Hospital, Interment made in New Prospect Cemetery Saiah Bates Trask was born at Flemington, Ga., and died in Lee Memorial Hospital, Ft. Myers, March 28th, 1919, aged 67 years. As a youth he went into the city of Savannah, becoming an expert stenographer and confidential clerk in lumber and railway offices. He traveled for commercial firms for some years. Some thirty years ago he was married to Miss Maggie Perry, in Savannah, who survives in Savannah. They have no children. His immediate family are all dead.In 1910 he came to Florida, working with a strawberry grower in Starke and in 1911 came to Woodrow with his cousin, F. S. Lyons, taking up a homestead at that time, and living upon it until the time of his stroke in October, 1918. The last helpless months of his life he was cared for in the Lee Memorial Hospital. Mr. Task was a man of ability and of genial personality, generous and kindhearted and enjoying his friendships. The funeral party went by morning train to Woodrow and interment was made in New Prospect Cemetery, March 29th. Dr. A. P. Vaughn of the Presbyterian Church, conducted the service.

FORT MYERS WEEKLY PRESS, March 20, 1913--Marcus J. O. Travers died at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. B. Yarbrough on First street, at about 1:30 o'clock this morning, after an illness of about ten days duration. He came down from his home at LaBelle on Monday of last week and was taken to the home of his sister, where his illness developed in such an alarming manner that an operation was decided upon, and in response to a telegram Dr. Andrews of Tampa, came to the city yesterday, and with the assistance of Drs. Hunter and Henry performed an operation for intestinal trouble, which was deemed the only hope of saving his life, but all to no avail as Mr. Travers only survived the operation a few hours. The funeral service was conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yarbrough this afternoon by Rev. C. T. Blanchet of the Episcopal church. Mr. Travers being a member of the church of England, and the remains were interred in the Fort Myers cemetery, funeral arrangements being in charge of Carl F. Roberts company. The floral offerings were lavish and beautiful, attesting to the high esteem in which he was held in this community. The pall bearers were J. E. Hendry, sr., S. E. Pool, B. L. Hendry, H. E. Heitman, W. P. Henley and N. G. Stout. Mr. Travers was born in Sydney, Australia, February 3, 1865, and came to Fort Myers about 28 year ago, since which time he has occupied a position as one of the esteemed and influential citizens of this city and county. Mr. Travers is survived by a brother, R. Ingram O. Travers and two sisters, Mrs. C. B. Yarbrough and Mrs. Gilmer M. Heitman, all of this city. The Press joins in expressions of sorrow for the loss of a good man and true.

Fort Myers News-Press Oct 6, 2003 Alma Hill Trebell, native of Ft. Myers and longtime resident of Estero, passed away Monday afternoon in Ft. Myers. A 1929 graduate of Ft. Myers High School, Mrs. Trebell and her husband owned and operated Trebell's Garage for many years in Estero. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1974. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, November 7, 2003 at 2:00 PM at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in the Chapel of Light with the Rev. Ted Althouse officiating. Arrangements are by the Coral Ridge Funeral Home.

Ft Myers News-Press, February 13, 2001 - Kimberly Marie Trochenski, age 31, died Saturday, February 10, 2001. Kimberly was born in Rochester, NY and moved to Fort Myers in 1985. She is survived by her husband David; son, David of Fort Myers, daughter, Brittney Marie of Fort Myers; sister, Lori (Todd) Colie of Fort Myers; mother, Bonnie (Ken) Kelley of fort Myers; grandparents, Richard and Helen Schmitt of Fort Myers; Benjamin Lammes of Rochester, NY; many aunts, uncles nieces. Her father Richard Prince preceded Kimberly in death. She loved raising her Bengal Cats. Family will receive friends at Kiser Funeral Home Tuesday, February 13, 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Funeral celebration will be Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. at Kiser Funeral Home with interment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. Kiser Funeral Home. 481-4341

Viola Trowbridge

FORT MYERS PRESS - March 2, 1893 Mrs. H. S. Truax, of Punta Rassa, formerly of Saratoga, N.Y., died suddenly last Thursday, February 23d, of apoplexy. Her remains were brought here on the steamer, Alice Howarad, Friday, and laid to rest in our cemetery. Rev. W. L. Hines met them at the boat and conducted the funeral services at the grave, it being too late to take the remains to the church, where a number of our citizens had gathered to pay respect to the departed and her bereaved husband.

Fort Myers News Press - 2004-11-28 - George Truman, 88, passed away November 21, 2004 at the Haven Health Center nursing home in Coventry, RI after an 18 month battle with Alzheimer's. Born June 2, 1916 in Victoria, TX he grew up in Apalachicola, FL. A longtime resident of Lisbon, CT he retired and moved to Six Lakes in Ft. Myers, FL in 1979 where he lived until 2003. He was a WWII veteran who served in the US Army from 1941 to 1945. He was married for 55 years to Eleanor (Smith) Truman before her passing in 2000. A dedicated family man, tireless worker and avid golfer he credited his long healthy life to constant activity and hard work. Until well after his 86th birthday he continued to work multiple jobs as well as playing golf 7 days a week. Among his prize accomplishments were the 25 holes-in-one that he had during his golf career. He leaves a son, Mark Truman of East Greenwich, RI; a granddaughter, Jamie Truman; two sisters, Mariana and Marion and a brother, Llewellyn.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1971 - MARY J. TUCKER, 76, of 236 Pine Island Road, N. Fort Myers, died Wednesday. She was a lifetime resident of Lee County. Survivors include her husband W. H. Tucker of N. Fort Myers, daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Bell of Fort Myers, Mrs. Winnie Looper of Greenville, SC, Mrs. Ruth Smith of Fort Myers, Mrs. Peggy Lavoie of Melbourne; sisters, Nellie Padilla of Fort Myers, Mrs. Lillie Coleman of Bokeelia, Mrs. Lenora Ogden of Key West; brother King Gomes of Naples. and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Saturday, November 6, 1976 - William H. Tucker, 86, a pioneer resident of Fort Myers, died Friday afternoon.  He was born in Fort Myers on Nov. 24, 1890. He is survived by two daughters, Clara M. Walker of Fort Myers and Grace Hite of LaBelle; a son, Floyd G. Tucker of Tampa; two sisters, Anna Bell Prevatt of Tampa and Louise Cleveland of North Fork, Va.; a brother, W. Britt Welch of Fort Myers, 16 grandchildren 18 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home.

Fort Myers News-Press, Jan 11 2005-- Willard "Bill" R. Tull, 89, of Ft. Myers, was called to his heavenly home Sunday, January 9, 2005. He was born July 13, 1915 in Oxford, Md to Stella & John Tull. He served as a Chief Petty Officer(Air Transport) in the U.S. Navy & Naval Reserve for 6 years. He was retired with Standard Oil of Kentucky and Chevron Oil Co. Bill was a member of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, served in the Knights of Columbus, served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and volunteered with the St Vincent DePaul Society. Bill was also past president of the Lee Memorial Hospital Volunteers. Bill is survived by his wife of 7 years, Doris Tull. Children: Jack Tull (Sandy) of St. Augustine. Jim Tull (Sherel) of Jacksonville. Rick Tull (Ellen) of Pompano Beach, Sandi Shoap (Rod) of Cape Coral, Fl. 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ann Tull, 2 sisters and a brother. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Thursday January 13th at 11 am with burial following in the Veteran's Garden at Lee Memorial Park (Hwy 82). The Rev. Sandy Tull will deliver the homily and The Rev. Ray Hughes will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00P.M. Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home

Fort Myers News-Press, September 19, 2008-- Timothy C. Turano, 55, of Fort Myers died Tuesday September 16, 2008 due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.Tim is survived by his mother Marion Turano and husband Bob Morton, his wife Kim Hamilton Turano and son Thomas, who was the light of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Joseph Turano (Toni) and Jerry Turano (Karen). He also leaves behind his nephew Peter Turano and nieces Georgeann Hoose, Lisa Futch, Laura Turano. He was pre-deceased by his father Peter Turano.Tim graduated from Fort Myers High School and spent his entire career working with his brother Jerry at Turano Plastering Inc. He loved the work he did and was proud of his many accomplishments. Tim was an avid bowler from the time he was young boy and continued bowling throughout his life. He served as President of the SW Florida Bowling Association in 1985. Tim loved sports and the Miami Dolphins.Tim fought Parkinson's Disease with the determination of a warrior. He met each day with optimism and never gave up trying to do better even when the disease worsened. He always saw the bright side of every situation and was an inspiration to those around him. Even though he was unable to speak he still was able to light up a room with his smile.The family would like to thank the many Hope Hospice caregivers, nurses and support staff who cared for Tim over the last 7 years. The staff at College Park Care and Rehab where Tim resided for the last 18 months are a remarkable group of people who truly care about their residents. We thank each and every one of you! A special thank you to Claudia Stafford for her love and compassion over the years.In lieu of flowers, Tim requested that donations be made to his son's college fund. Thomas Turano-College Fund,3844 Luverne Street,Fort Myers, Fl. 33901.Tim was a remarkable man and will be greatly missed. There will be a celebration of his life at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM.

Ft Myers News-Press 12-24-2000 -- Charles A Turcic, 80, Our beloved husband and father, has gone home to be with our Lord, Wednesday, December 20. He is survived by his wife, Irene of 53 years; 2 daughters, Donna McKenney and Wendy Hingson; 1 son, Richard; 7 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 26th from 5-8 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services and interment will be Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. LEE MEMORIAL PARK 334-4880

THE FORT MYERS PRESS, Nov. 19, 1926--Mrs. Catherine O. Turge, wife of John Turge, died at 5:30 this morning at their winter home, 149 Woodford avenue. The body is being cared for at the Engelhardt mortuary parlors, and will be accomplanied to St. Paul, Minn, by Mr. Turge on the morning train tomorrow. Mrs. Turge was a native of Illinois, and 62 years of age. Accustomed for several years past to spend their winters in Fort Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Turge arrived only a few days ago. Though in feeble condition, her death was quite unexpected.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, November 17, 1959-- Mrs. Anna E. Turner, 73, a resident of Fort Myers, died yesterday in a Tampa hospital. Survivors include four daughters: Mrs. Katie Geiger, Starke, Fla.; Mrs. Dallas Wooten, Fort Myers; Mrs. Ollie Brown, Immokalee; and Mrs. Sara Buser, Plant City; one son, Jack Albritton, Largo; a sister, Mrs. Mary Martin, Tampa; three step-sons, Sam Turner , Fort Myers; Floyd Turner, Nokomis; and Bill Turner, Tampa; 22 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Leo W. Engelhardt Funeral Home. (Fort Myers Cemetery)

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, August 16, 1949 - Mrs. Eloise (Ella L.) Taylor Turner, 78, died yesterday after a long illness. She had made her home here since 1903. She was born Oct. 29, 1870 at Lake City. Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. C. A. Davis, Mrs. B. L. Jenny, and Mrs. J. V. Moore Sr., of Fort Myers, Mrs. Ester Kehoe and Mrs. Myra Rogers of Tampa, Mrs. J. B. Ewton of Portsmouth, Va.; one sister, Mrs. W. J. Lord, Lake City, 17 grandchilren and 23 great grandchildren. Fuenral services will be held at the Leo W. Engelhardt Fuenral Home with the Rev. Guy owens officiating. Pallbearers will be Jollie Davis, Beeman Belvin, Sam Sadler, Homer Powell, Horace Hingson and J. P. Gayle. Burial will be in the Fort Myers Cemetery. 1st husband Asa P. Hadden

Fort Myers News-Press Nov 7, 2004 Mildred Jeanette Smith Turner, 75, of Naples, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2004. She was born in Ybor City, FL and lived in Southwest Florida all her life. She was a retired cosmetologist and secretary at Naples Bible Church. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Ralph W. Turner; three sons, Robert L. (Kathy) Johnson Jr., Grady (Pat) Johnson, Joseph P. (Nadareh) Johnson; two daughters, Maggie L. (Lamar) Forbes and Jeanette (Marty) Ross; two brothers, Joe (Marilyn) Smith and Ray (Janice) Smith; three sisters, Willette Turner, Verna (Ken) Kitchell, and Jean (Glenn) Yontz; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to call on the family on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Naples Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 525 111th Avenue North, Naples. Services will be on Thursday November 11, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the services at Naples Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. Naples Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery 597-3101 ; FMHS 1946

Fort Myers News-Press Mar 1, 2006 Samuel W. Turner, 69, of Fort Myers died February 27, 2006 at home with his family. A lifetime resident of Fort Myers, he was a 1955 graduate of Fort Myers High School and retired from the Fort Myers News Press after 28 distinguished years. Sam's greatest loves were his wife Genevieve who passed away in 1998 and his family.Sam is survived by his son; Kirk and his wife Betsy Smith, daughters; Beth and husband Mike Jones, Dawn and husband David-Lee Raymond. He was also survived by 2 sisters, Juanita Anderson, Edna Jean Wingate, grandson; James Bush, Jr., granddaughter; Devan Coty, great-grandson; Austin Bush, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.Funeral services will be held Friday, March 3, 2006 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Lee Memorial Park Funeral Home, 12777 State Rd 82. The family will receive friends Thursday 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Interment at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would prefer memorial contributions to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, April 1, 1936--Mrs. Vita L. Turner, 24-year-old mother of twins born Sunday, died at 1 o'clock yesterday at the Lee Memorial hospital as the result of a kidney complication. Death was unexpected as Mrs. Turned had surived the birth without any apparent difficulty, according to Dr. Baker Whisnant. Floyd Turner, father of the twins, is unemployed. The twins were born at the Turner home on French street and the mother was not taken to the hospital until yesterday. The twins, a boy and a girl, have not been named and are being cared for at the home of Mrs. Turner's mother, Mrs. J. W. Griggs of French street. Mrs. Turner is survived by her husband, two young children in addition to the twins, and four sisters, Mrs. Lilly Synder of Jacksonville, Mrs. Pleamon Yeomans of Ft. Ogden, Mrs. Jennie Daughtrey of Fort Myers and Mrs. Parham Tally of Lake Wales. L. W. Engelhardt and Sons have charge of the body and funeral arrangements await the arrival of relatives.

FORT MYERS PRESS - September 20, 1923 The body of the late Dr. Walter S. Turner who died Monday in a hospital at Orange, N. J. after only a few days' illness, arrived on the noon train today accompanied by Walter S. Turner, a son of Dr. Turner.The body was taken to Engelhardt's Mortuary Home on Hendry street where it remained until 3:30. It was then removed to the First Methodist Church, South, where an impressive funeral service was held at 4 o'clock by the Rev. O. A. Thrower, assisted by the Rev. R. G. Thomas. Following the funeral services the body was carried to the Fort Myers Cemetery where burial took place.Throngs of friends of Dr. Turner attended the services at the church and burial took place immediately following the services. Many beautiful floral offerings sent by friends bespoke of the high admiration with which he was held. Dr. Turner was buried beside the grave of his wife who died here at the Lee Memorial Hospital on Aug. 24, just 27 days before Dr. Turner's death. He is survived by one son, Walter S. Turner. He was an Elk and a member of the local Masonic lodge. He was for eighteen years a resident of Captive and prior to that time had made his home in Fort Myers for three years, coming here from his home in Holder, Fla. For a number of years, Dr. Turner was a county commissioner. He was an old Confederate Veteran and was for a long time a member of the staff of the state commander of the confederate Veterans. He was a delegate to many of the reunions where he was always a prominent figure of the Florida delegation. Fort Myers and Lee County mourn the loss of such a prominent citizen and estimable man.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, May 17, 1992 - Frank "Topsy" Turvey, 80, formerly of Akron, Ohio, died May 15, 1992. He leaves his beloved wife, Anna; daughters, Carol (Jerry) Underwood and Linda Kidd; granddaughter, Carolann Unk, all of Lehigh Acres; and grandson, Kevin Turvey in Italy serving in the military.He was a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles where he wishes all of his friends a Goodbye. There will be no services, but contributions may be made to Anna Turvey, c/o Moose Lodge, 210 Homestead Rd., Lehigh Acres, Fla, 33936.

Caloosa Belle, 21 Dec 2006 -- Dolores (Dee) Jean Twiddy, age 73, devoted wife, mother and Nana went home to be with Jesus her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006. On that day, she was reunited with David, the love of her life for the past 53 years. We imagine their voices joined together in praises to their Heavenly Father. Dee exercised her gift of mercy and hospitality putting others before herself. Her words of encouragement were a blessing to many. She provided a compassionate ear for people's concerns and a shoulder to cry on. Born in 1933 in Paducah, Ky. to the late Nobel and Lois Gillahan, Dee grew up in Palmdale and Saint Cloud, and was a long-time Florida resident. A life-long learner, Dee majored in accounting at Florida State University. An accounting job took her to Clewiston, where she met David Twiddy Sr. It was love at first sight. From there, she followed David to the "ends of the earth", including Helena, Mont., where she loved the cool air and the mountains. In Helena, Dee raised two children and worked as a respiratory therapist. She and David were led by the Lord to minister to young people. They helped start the Young Life Club in Helena, Mont. In Winter Park, Dee was devoted to service at First Baptist where she enjoyed working in the nursery, library, and in the kitchen serving up desserts with smiles and love. We are looking forward to a reunion in heaven - Mom get a BIG chocolate sheet cake ready! Dee dearly loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends including: daughter Tina von Guerard (Paul) of Grand Junction, Colo.; son David (Kimberly) Twiddy Jr. of Bartow; brothers in-law and sisters in-law, Richard and Ellen Twiddy of Sanford, and Charles and Shirley Twiddy of Fort Pierce; grandchildren, Joy (Ryan) Kohlman, Andy von Guerard, David Allen Twiddy III, and great-granddaughter Leila Kohlman. Graveside services were held on Friday Dec. 15, at the cemetery in Ortona. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 16, at First Baptist Church of Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in Dee's memory be sent to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society P.O. Box 4072 Pittsfield, Mass. 01202

Tampa Tribune June 4, 2008 Jeanette H. Twitty, 87, of Lake Placid, Florida, passed away Monday, June 2, 2008, at her home. She was born May 22, 1921, to James M. and Aliph Powell Hancock in Gardener, Florida, and had been a resident of Lake Placid since 1987, coming from Moore Haven, Florida. She was an Assistant at the Glades County Property Appraiser' s Office for 25 years; was a member of O.E.S. and Highlands County Historical Society and Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid. Mrs. Twitty is survived by her daughter, Elise Ross, Lake Placid; son, James (and Susan) Twitty, Delray Beach, Fla.; daughter, Leda Christle, Lake Placid; son, Bill (and Lisa) Twitty, Deland, Fla., and daughter, Beryl (and Steve) Farney, Port Orange, Fla.; brother, Elmer Hancock, Honey Grove, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Pinecrest Cemetery, Sebring, FL, with Rev. Jerry McCauley officiating. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to Good Shepherd Hospice, 4418 Sun ' n Lake Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33872. Arrangements entrusted to: STEPHENSON-NELSON FUNERAL HOME Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125

Fort Myers News-Press Aug 23, 2002 Gary D. Tyler, 54, Cape Coral, died Monday, August 19, 2002. He was born in Tampa, FL, a 1966 graduate of Fort Myers High School, Edison Community College, and a veteran of the US Air Force. Mr. Tyler was an assistant golf professional at the Lochmoor Country Club in North Fort Myers and a member of the Cape Elks Club. Gary enjoyed teaching golf to children, rescuing distressed and lost animals and enjoying his friends. Visitation will be held at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Friday, from 7;00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with funeral services celebrated on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. from the funeral home chapel. Gary was a generous, quiet person who will be missed by his many friends and beloved family.

FORT MYERS NEWS-PRESS, Oct. 27, 1936--Mrs. Mary Martha Tyre, 81, died yesterday at her home at 1912 Broadway afater a long illness. Mrs. Tyre had made her home in Fort Myers for 56 years, coming here in 1881 from Madison, where she was born. Services will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the Engelhardt Funeral home with the Rev. C. T. Tew officiating. Mrs. Tyre is survived by her husband, Avery M. Tyre; three sons, J. M. Scott, Hugh Langford and Henderson Langford; two brothers, T. T. Henderson and Pope Henderson of Wilmington, N. C.; three nieces, Mrs. J. B. parker, Mrs. Grover Gerald and Mrs. Anna M. Mauck; three nephews, R. A. Henderson, jr., Frank Henderson and James Henderson. Other relatives are Mrs. J. W. Wilhelm and her son John, of St. Petersburg. Interment will be in Fort Myers cemetery. Pallearers will be Grover Gerald, J. E. Fields, James Franklin, Louis Parish, W. W. Shiver and Judge N. G. Stout.

Fort Myers News-Press Nov 15, 2008 Emma Lucille Tyson, 90, of Fort Myers, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2008. She was born September 28, 1918 in Telfair County, GA and has lived most of her life in Fort Myers. She was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church.Mrs. Tyson is survived by her daughters: Teen Conway and Bettie Jean Gomez, both of Alva and Marilyn Mathews and her husband, Bill of Panama Beach; grandchildren: Cathy, Teena, Tommy, Lisa, Bryan, Shelby, Steven; great grandchildren: Stacy, Aaron, Kandi, Robert, Sarah, Mary, Emilee, James, Heather, Audrey, Ali, Krissy, Debra, Beverlie and Alex and one great great grandson, Gavin.Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, November 17, 2008 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with entombment to follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends will be received from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.Funeral services are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907.239-936-0555.