Beverly Creighton
Beverly Cruise Creighton, 81, of Lawtey, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Starke. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Paula Ralston; and one brother.
Survivors are her husband, Paul Creighton; children, Diane (Rick) Hart, Michael (Lola) Creighton, Connie (Raymond) Williams, Christine Taylor, John (Joy) Creighton, Stephanie (Gilbert) Barrett; two brothers; four sisters; and extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Nov. 18, at Highland First Baptist Church. Interment was Monday, Nov. 20, at Lawtey Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
Marshall Deremer
Marshall “Marty” G. Deremer 76, of Keystone Heights passed away suddenly at his home Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, surrounded by his daughter and his companion dog, Bear. He was born Aug. 2, 1947, in Ridgeley, West Virginia to Edwin and Mary (Smith) Deremer-Kirk. He grew up in Ridgeley, and Cumberland Maryland. He proudly served in the United States Army. He owned and operated Deremer’s Auto Sales and Service in Keystone Heights for many years before moving his car business to Cumberland, Maryland, where he continued till retiring in 2015. Once retired, he moved back to his home in Keystone Heights. He was a member of American Legion Post #136 in Ridgeley West Virgina and Post #202 and the Amvets Post #86 of Keystone Heights, and The Ridgeley VFW Post #6452. He enjoyed gambling and singing. You could always find him singing his favorite Alan Jackson song, “Farewell Party,” on Friday nights at the Ridgeley American Legion. He loved buying, selling and trading cars, but he had a deep love for Cadillacs. Among his enjoyments, he loved bowling and hanging out with all of his bowling friends. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan, never missing a game if they were aired in Florida. He loved his little companion dog, Bear, very much. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Harry Deremer and Bobby Deremer; and by his only son, Kevin Deremer.
Surviving are three daughters, Lisa (Trey) Isgette, Felicia (Donnie) Cornwell and Martia Deremer, all of Florida; his brother, Edwin Deremer of Maryland; and daughter-in-law, Chrissy Deremer of Virginia. He also leaves behind grandchildren who who called him “Pappy,” granddaughters, Kiersten Deremer, Starla Day, Paisley Deremer and grandson, Kevin Deremer.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Stephen Hendricks
Stephen “Bryan” Hendricks, 97, of Lake Butler, passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Lake City. Bryan, the sixth of 12 children, was born to Butler and Ollie Hendricks on Aug. 6, 1926, at the family home in Lake Butler. He left high school at the age of 17 to enlist in the United States Navy during World War II. He served on the USS Skagit, a cargo ship that transported troops and supplies. On Sept. 2, 1945, his ship cruised into Tokyo Bay. There, they sailed past the battleship USS Missouri at the exact time President Truman was signing the peace treaty, ending the war. After serving two more years, he was honorably discharged in September 1947. He returned home and graduated with the Union County Class of 1947. He began working for the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in December 1947, traveling around the state working in freight and ticketing. In the spring of 1951, he met a city girl, Jeanette Ryals, from High Springs. They were married Nov. 18, 1951, then moved to Largo for a short period. In a short time, they had three children: Stephen (1953), Linda (1954) and Joe (1956). When they returned to Lake Butler, he went to work for Florida Hydrocarbons (the gas plant) as the office manager. He and Jeanette purchased 80 acres in Union County, where he began farming. In 1971, he began farming full time, growing row crops, strawberries, and tobacco. He raised cattle and managed an egg-production operation. He spent the rest of his life on his farm, and until just a few years ago, he grew a garden every spring and fall. He grew enough to feed his family, put some up, and still had enough to give away to friends. At about the age of 94, he decided he needed help and began supervising Phillip in tending the garden. He enjoyed fishing in the pond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours riding his Gator around the fields so he could tell Joe and Tanner what to do and how to do it. His passion and priority was his faith. He loved the Lord, and he was a student of the Bible, always seeking to learn more and serve his Lord and Savior. He treasured every opportunity to discuss the Word with anyone. He played a key role in the unity of the Midway and Danville churches to establish the Lake Butler Church of Christ. He served as an elder for 35 years from 1969 to 2004. He was a Bible class teacher and church treasurer for many years. He was committed to his Lord and always encouraged his children and grands to prioritize their faith and live a life of service to God. He also loved Union County and served in several roles of leadership in our community. He was a committee member for the Farm Service Agency. He also served as a member of the Union County Farm Bureau board of directors and the Elzey Chapel Cemetery Association. He was determined to instill a strong work ethic in his children. There was no tolerance of idleness or slacking. There were always chores and jobs with a high expectation for compliance and quality work. He placed a high emphasis on education and was very proud of the academic accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many times, he and Jeanette hosted multiple nieces and nephews in their home for summer break. The kids spent time with “Uncle Bryan and Aunt Nett,” learning to work on the farm, but more importantly, building each of their own special relationships. He spoke for years with pride of teaching many picky eaters to enjoy eating their vegetables, fresh from the garden they had tended. He acknowledged the problem that Elzey Chapel Cemetery, where most Hendricks are buried, was running out of space. He took a great interest in finding a place large enough to be the final resting place for the very large, and still growing, Hendricks family. He was instrumental in the work of establishing the Hendricks Family Cemetery on the land once farmed by his father, which remains in the family. The project was completed in 2019, and he will be the first internment. He was preceded in death by his parents, Butler and Ollie Hendricks; sisters, Marie (Elijah) Brooks and Evelyn (Edison) Paulk; brothers, John (Eloise and Strick), James (Adolyen), Drew (Josie), Joe (Elaine), Harold (Martha) and Herman Hendricks.
Survivors are his wife of 72 years, Jeannette Ryals Hendricks; three children, Stephen (JoAnn), Linda (Phillip) Johns, Joe (Debbie) Hendricks; seven grandchildren, Stephanie (Danny) Christmas, Blake Dicks, Jason (Angie) Hendricks, Jodi (Jeff) England, Kellie (Jessie) Rhoades, Stacie (Richard) Cason and Brad (Sarai) Dicks; 20 great- grandchildren, Macy, Evan, and Molly Christmas, Seth (Haley), Gage, and Jordan Hendricks, Ella, Grant, Jesse, and Kenna Dicks, Lexi England, Tanner, Judd and Tripp Connell, Andie Jo Rhoades, Landon, Clayton, Allie, Alston and Aubrie Cason; brothers, David (Ann), Vernon (Janet), Donald (Lois) Hendricks; sister-in-law, Pam Hendricks; and a multitude of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
The family received friends for a visitation at Archer-Milton Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 20. A funeral service was held at Lake Butler Church of Christ on Tuesday, Nov. 21. He was laid to rest immediately following the service at Hendricks Family Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements were under the care and direction of Archer-Milton Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Barbara Krauszer
Ms. Barbara Jean Krauszer, 63, of Florahome passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Roberts Care Center in Palatka. She was born July 25, 1960, in Rochester, New York to the late Robert O. and Patricia (Youngman) Simmons. She was a homemaker, plant nursery worker, and attended United Methodist Church in Florahome. She enjoyed gardening, boating, fishing, going to yard sales, and collecting Santa figurines. But, most of all, she loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors are her children, Scott Krauszer of Florahome, Jessica Krauszer of Melrose, Joseph Krauszer of Florahome, and Steven Krauszer of Interlachen; brother, Robert (Michelle) Simmons Jr. of Rochester, New York; and sister, Lori (Scott) Needham of Bloomfield, New York; along with her fiancé, John Barfield of Florahome. She was lovingly called “Mimi” by her grandchildren, Kaylee, Ryan, Alyssa, Hunter, Ambrielle, Kholson, and Creed.
The viewing will be held Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. at the Florahome United Methodist Church with Pastor Beth Boyd officiating. Interment will follow at Paran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made her in memory to the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida at wildlifeflorida.org.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Charles Slade
Charles “C.W.” Slade, 87, of Hampton passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville. He was born Jan. 16, 1936, in Bradford County to the late Lester and Lula (McKinney) Slade. He was a construction superintendent and farmer for 50-plus years before retiring; he also taught masonry at the Department of Corrections for 10 years. He was a Baptist and a member of the Church of Hampton. In his spare time, he loved being outdoors and fishing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, J. L. “Buck” Slade.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Joyce “Brenda” (Lott) Slade. He was also father to many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Saturday, Nov. 18, with Mr. Donnie Lott officiating. Interment was at Santa Fe Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com.
PAID OBITUARY
Betty Zipperer
Mrs. Betty Carolyn Zipperer, 88, of Keystone Heights, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Haven Hospice Custead Care Center in Orange Park. She was born July 19, 1935, in Ft. White to Charlie and Bertha (Scroggins) Vaughn. Her career began working for Bellsouth as a switchboard operator before becoming employed with St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she worked until her retirement many years later. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church and a former member of Lake Hill Baptist Church. She loved plants and, before her health declined, she enjoyed crocheting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Joseph Lee Zipperer.
Her survivors are three daughters, Cindy Schmeck and Marilyn (Michael) Waters, all of Keystone Heights, and Debbie Sheldon of Deland. Also left behind are siblings, Kenneth Hollingsworth and Clara Mae Patterson, both of High Springs and Sandra Douglas of Lake City; five grandchildren; and seven- great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Lake Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Will Smith officiating. Interment followed at Gadara Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Adrien Valentine
Mr. Adrien James Valentine, 21, of Melrose passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, doing what he loved to do, flying a plane. He was born Feb. 22, 2002, in Gainesville to Russell and Kathleen (Marshall) Valentine. He graduated in 2020 from Keystone Heights High School where he played basketball and tennis. He had worked for the Gainesville Regional Airport as a lineman. He grew up in and was a parishioner of St. William Catholic Church. He had a love for history and lived by quotes from Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. He was also a collector of pocket watches and old clocks. He was talented in so many areas, music being just one of them; he played the guitar and the piano, which he played by ear. He was an Eagle Scout and completed his Eagle Scout Project for Gold Head State Park in Keystone. He loved flying, sky diving, and gaming, and touched many lives all over the world. He was always waiting for the next step in his life, which was to become a commercial pilot.
He leaves behind his parents, Russell and Kathleen Valentine; a sister, Kasey Valentine; maternal grandparents, David and Kathleen Marshall; paternal grandmother, Marylyn Valentine, all of Melrose; along with his aunt, Rhonda Harper; and her daughters, Dakota Harper and Alyssa Harper, all of Keystone Heights; Uncle Scott and Aunt Ann Knowles and their children, Kendall and Collin Knowles, all of Orlando. Also left behind are a host of additional aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that will miss him dearly.
Funeral Mass was held Monday, Nov. 20, at St. William Catholic Church with Father Mike Williams presiding.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
