Irvin P. Hedden, 71, Sebastian

‘The heartbeat of SRHS’ – Family, friends remember Billy Wilson

SEBASTIAN — Billy Wilson's impact on the community over the years was evident Saturday as family, friends, coaches, school board members and deputies gathered to pay final respects. "He was a man of integrity. He was the pulse, the heartbeat of Sebastian River High School," the school's principal Christopher Cummings said. "He was my mentor. He took me under his wing and taught me about the power of developing trustworthy relationships and leadership skills." Wilson, a former assistant principal at Sebastian River High School and sports coach, died unexpectedly from health-related issues Oct. 13 at his home in Winter Beach. He was 57 years old. Wilson's death also came less than a month after the passing of his father, William ...

Family, friends, marines honor ‘protector, hometown hero’

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Frank Strahorn was already considered a hero by his family, friends and marine brothers and sisters because of his military service around the world. Then, on June 19, the 34-year-old became a "hometown hero" after he was fatally shot while helping others escape a gunman carrying an AK-47 assault rifle at a Sebastian pizzeria. Tuesday, more than 100 people, including family, friends and the marine corps, attended the funeral service for Strahorn at Lakeside Fellowship Church in Vero Beach. "Frank you're my hero!" Strahorn's mother, Sandra Lea Stewart, of Sebastian, cried out after the service. Moments before the solemn service began, there was silence. A white hearse carrying Strahorn's flag-draped casket quietly pulled up at the ...

Funeral for marine vet killed in shooting set for Tues

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Family and friends will pay final tributes Tuesday to a marine corps veteran fatally shot while helping people escape from a gunman armed with an assault rifle, officials said. The funeral for 34-year-old Frank Shelton Strahorn, Sebastian, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lakeside Fellowship Church, 8000 66th Avenue, Vero Beach, according to his obituary. Social distancing measures, both inside and outside, will be in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to the Indian River County Veterans Council. The U.S. Marine Corps will be at the service to conduct a presentation, flag folding, rifle volley and a bugle call, which are common for military funerals. Another service celebrating Strahorn's life will ...