In Memory: April 16

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Eugene Evans Horton, 89

February 04, 1932 – April 14, 2021

Eugene Evans Horton, age 89, passed away April 14, 2021 in Vero Beach, Florida.

He was born February 4, 1932 in Patchogue, New York to Oliver and Julia Horton.

Gene retired at the early age of 59 as a master mechanic from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft after 36 years, to start a long and fulfilling next chapter devoted to his faith and community at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.   Serving as a Deacon and Elder, on numerous committees, as the chef for Wednesday dinners and wherever else he could help, kept his days busy and heart full.

Gene touched many and was much beloved by friends and family for his kindness and giving nature as well as his laughter and joy of living.  He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Morgenstern (Leo) and Susan Lizotte (Mark) and adoring grandchildren, Lillian Morgenstern, Amelia Morgenstern, Elizabeth Qua and Matthew Qua.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Lillian Horton, and seven brothers and sisters to whom he was junior by 15 years.

A Memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach.  The in-person celebration of Gene’s life can also be viewed using the Livestream function at www.firstpresvero.org.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church Vero Beach Endowment Fund at their website or directly at https://onrealm.org/FirstPresbyteri54478/-/give/now.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Frederick Louis Meder, Sr., 90, Vero Beach

January 16, 1931 – April 13, 2021

Frederick Louis Meder, Sr., age 90, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on April 13, 2021.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 16, 1931 to parents, Daniel, and Rose Binder Meder.

Serving his country in the 1950’s, Frederick was a veteran of the United States Army, obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

He was a graduate of Oswego College, New York.

Mr. Meder retired as a former teacher and track coach of Bethpage School District, New York.

He was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church Danville, VA and Our Savior Lutheran Church, Vero Beach.

Mr. Meder is survived by his two sons, Frederick and his wife, Laura and Lawrence and his wife, Barbara, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Frederick was predeceased by his wife, Elaine A. Meder.

Memorial contributions in his name, may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 6th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960, or Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 W. Main St., Danville, VA 24541.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Martha J. Sassen, 91, Vero Beach

February 06, 1930 – April 16, 2021

Martha J. Sassen, age 91, of Vero Beach, FL passed away peacefully in her home on April 16, 2021.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Thomas; daughter, Deborah (James) Brugler; grandsons, Christopher (Jessica), Scott (Nicole) and Eric (Kelly) Brugler; along with her great-grandchildren, Whit, Fritz, Annabelle and Zach Brugler.

Martha was born February 6, 1930 in South Bend, Indiana to Walter and Irene Rauh. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati. She married and raised her family in Boardman, Ohio before moving to Vero Beach, where she and her husband have resided the past 38 years.

Although family and friends were her first and foremost love, Martha also had a passion for tennis, travel, and teaching. As a gifted artist, she painted countless pictures throughout her life and shared her talent with others as an elementary art teacher and college professor in Ohio and then as a substitute teacher in Vero Beach.

As per the family’s request, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Martha’s name to VNA Hospice foundation, Attn. Michelle Deshane.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Lois Kathleen Triplett Pennell Kitchen, 85

August 25, 1935 – April 12, 2021

Lois Kathleen Triplett Pennell Kitchen, age 85, passed away April 12, 2021 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

She was born August 25, 1935 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina to the late Don Monroe and Erie Storie Triplett.

She was the Valedictorian of the 1953 graduating class of Blowing Rock High School.

Kathleen was in the hospitality industry. During the 1960’s she was a waitress at the well-known Patio Restaurant of Vero Beach.

Kathleen was of Methodist faith. She was a founding member and one time President of the “Pairs and Spares” Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, Vero Beach.

Survivors include son, Jack Walter Pennell, Jr.; sisters, Coleen T. Bush, Marlene T. Bentley, and Arlene T. Frye; brothers, Steve Triplett, and JC Triplett; grandsons, Jared Tyler Halverson and Chad Allen Halverson; five nieces; 6 nephews; God-son, Mark Allen (Connie) Good; and her beloved friend/sister Eleanor Good (Jay) Holford.

She was predeceased by daughter, Catherine Hope Pennell Halverson; brothers, Carroll Allen Triplett, Kenneth Lee Triplett, Melvin C. Triplett, and Harold Dean Triplett; niece, Angela Kilby; nephews, Hugh Kilby and Brett Frye; daughter-in-law, Barbara Jo Piedmont Pennell.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Orchid Island Manor where Kathleen experienced the best of care.

A Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory

Gregory Parker Merrill, Sr., 95

October 06, 1925 – April 07, 2021

Obituary not yet posted

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