Leavy Alvarez III
STARKE Leavy Alvarez III, 74 of Starke died on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Riverwood Health & Rehab Center in Starke. He served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rex Alvarez; and sister, Penny Alvarez.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Elizabeth Tetstone Alvarez of Keystone Heights; children, Leavy (Melissa) Alvarez IV of Starke, Carrie Crews of Hampton, and Kristy Alvarez and Curtis (Maryelen) Alvarez, both of Keystone Heights.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Barbara Crane
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Barbara Ann Cane, 79, of Keystone Heights died at her home Wednesday, May 11, 2022.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 14, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Findley officiating.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656.
Marjorie Baker
Marjorie Cato Baker, 83, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 12:11 p.m. She was born in Tarpon Springs on Oct. 31, 1938. She was a strong woman, kind and caring, who was devoted to her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family and bird watching. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, William Baker.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom she adored. Her children are Garry, Glenn, Debbie, and Lorrie; her grandchildren are Kim, Kristen, Wesley, Mandy, Amber, and Taylor; and she has many great-grandchildren.
PAID OBITUARY
Richard Huling
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Richard A. “Rich” Huling, 89, of Keystone Heights passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, May 10, 2022. He was born June 5, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island to George and Bernice (Dickerson) Huling. He was a Merchant Marine and made Shaker/Colonial reproduction furniture. He loved his Lord and Savior and his family, and he would help anyone in need, no matter the circumstances, day or night. He was a Deacon at Barrington Baptist Church, and helped start and run a children’s bus ministry. He moved to Keystone Heights with his wife for retirement. He joined Lake Hill Baptist Church in 2002 and became very active with his church family, being an Elder in the church, running a singles ministry, and teaching children’s Sunday school. He was a true and loyal friend, and a good kind listener to anyone, at any time. In his spare time he wrote Christian poetry, having one of his books published, and was working on a second one. He enjoyed collecting lighthouses and being on the ocean; he loved sailing on Narragansett Bay on his 1910 Cat boat that he had restored. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Moniz and a brother, Donald Dickerson.
Left behind is his loving and dedicated wife of 67 years Nancy (Norberg) Huling of Keystone Heights and their children, Judy Huling of Keystone Heights, Susan Huling of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, and Douglas Huling of Chesapeake, Virginia. He was lovingly called “Papa” or “Grampy” by 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a host of extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Lake Hill Baptist Church, County Road 214, Keystone Heights at 3 p.m., on Friday, May 20, with Pastor Will Smith officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
David Loper
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS David Anthony Loper, 74, of Keystone Heights passed away Friday, May 13, 2022 at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He succumbed to the challenges and difficulties of a recent leukemia diagnosis. He was born on March 29, 1948 in Palatka to the late Henry and Bertie (Morgan) Loper and was a lifelong area resident. Following his graduation from high school in 1966, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy in 1967. His service took him to the Pacific Theater, where he served with distinction, monitoring and tracking Soviet submarines at the height of the Cold War. He was honorably discharged from service in 1971. Following his time in the Navy, he earned an associate’s degree and became an electrician; he worked for All Florida Electric for many years. During this time, he also started his own electric business, but eventually joined Clay Electric in 1990. While serving with Clay Electric, he began in the purchasing division and quickly rose to become the manager of purchasing and sales. He ultimately retired in 2020 from Clay Electric. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and the camaraderie that comes with such activities. Additionally, he was an avid reader and a self-taught man. He immensely enjoyed spending time with his family and many close friends. One of his greatest joys was being with his grandchildren.
Survivors are, his children, Miranda (Steven) Higgins of Springfield, Virginia, Jacob Dylan Loper of Keystone Heights; siblings, Edward (Diane) Loper of Starke, and Donald (Sue) Loper of Starke. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Alissa Loper, Gage Loper, Autumn Higgins, Colton Higgins, and Trenton Higgins.
The family will receive friends at the Dewitt C. Jones Chapel of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Thursday, May 19, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Mr. David Anthony Loper’s honor to North Florida Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org/nofl).
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
