From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
K. Grahame Walker, 84
June 19, 1937 – September 09, 2021
Grahame was born on June 19, 1937, in West Bridgford, Nottingham, England. He was the second son of John Percival and Lily Wright Walker. He passed away on September 9, 2021, at Hospice House with his wife and son by his side.
By his third birthday, England was at war and children were being evacuated. He and his brother, with their name tags around their necks and gas masks in hand, traveled to Yorkshire where they were fortunate to have grandparents and were able to ride out the war safely.
Grahame was a public schoolboy attending the Ancient Merchant Taylor School founded in 1561. Completing his studies, he applied for admission to Britannia Royal Naval College, known as Dartmouth, where he was one of a few applicants out of many to be accepted. Upon graduation from Dartmouth, he was commissioned as lieutenant in Her Majesty’s Navy where he served for the next four years.
Resigning his naval commission in 1962, he entered into the business world and opened a one man office in London for a small New York company that was expanding into Europe. As the company grew, Grahame’s positions also expanded and he was soon heading up a company division in Munich, Germany. After five years, and his company being acquired, in 1979 he was moved to California as a division President where he met and married his wife, Shirley.
Next stop was company headquarters of the Dexter Corporation in Connecticut. After 18 months there as President and COO, he was then named President and CEO. Later, Chairman was added to his title. At that time, the Dexter Corp was a Fortune 500 Company and the oldest company listed on the NYSE. Grahame was the first non-family member to hold those positions since the company was founded in 1767.
One major highlight, among many, during his business career was the occasion of opening a new plant in Scotland which was christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip and where he enjoyed an interesting half day and lunch with the royal pair!
During his business career, Grahame also served on various boards including Barnes Group, The New England Air Museum, The Red Cross, Connecticut Business and Industry Association, Board of Regents of University of Hartford, all in Connecticut, and Red Cross and The Foundation of Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida where he and his wife retired in 2000.
Grahame and his wife were also very philanthropic giving time and treasures to many worthy causes.
Grahame took up golf in his retired life and truly loved the camaraderie with his “No Name” golf friends. He liked to read and loved to garden, which was a very English pastime. But most importantly, he especially loved spending time with his beloved wife and family.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister (Gweynth Walker), and his favorite Aunt Mary (at the age of 109). He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley, brother David Max Walker, sister Rosalind Laurie, daughter Belinda, stepchildren Penny, Jeff, and Chris, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Mary Louise Odom, 92, Vero Beach
October 17, 1928 – September 04, 2021
Mary Louise Odom passed from this life on September 4, 2021 at her home in Vero Beach, Florida.
She was the oldest of six children born to Decatur and Myrtle Revels in Mayo, Florida on October 17, 1928. She met the love of her life, Luther E. (Sam) Odom, and were married July 28, 1946. They relocated to Vero Beach, Florida and eventually settled into their home in Roseland, Florida. In 1953 they welcomed their first born, Susan, and in 1955 twins, Sharon and Lowell (Buddy).
Louise worked as a postal clerk at the Roseland Post Office until the family moved to Vero Beach in 1966, where she continued to work for the Vero Beach Post Office for 30 years before retiring in 1988. Louise was an avid seamstress, baker and cook. She was also a whiz at working Sudoku puzzles.
Sam and Louise were married 30 years before she became a widow in 1977 at the age of 48. She is survived by her children, Susan (Olie) Luther, Sharon (Danny) Hammond, Buddy (Nancy) Odom, grandchildren, Jason (Brooke) Odom, April (Dave) Young, Jeremy (Jamie) Odom, Chris (Natalie) Luther, Kyle (Iga) Luther and 14 great-grandchildren. She was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and seeing them always put a smile on her face. She is also survived by one sister, Joann Dunford and one brother, Carl (Sparkey) Revels.
A private graveside service with immediate family members was held at Crestlawn Cemetery on Saturday, September 11, 2021, with Pastor Jerry Shepherd officiating the service.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 20th Avenue Church of God on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jerry Shepherd officiating.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
James Michael Muir, 42, Vero Beach
June 20, 1979 – September 06, 2021
James Michael Muir, 42, of Vero Beach, FL went home to be with the Lord on September 6, 2021. James was born in Bethlehem, PA to Robert Muir and Lisa Borger Szczucki.
James graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Park Management with an emphasis in Professional Golf Management. James loved to teach golf and share his knowledge of the game. In addition to his love for Penn State and golf, James had a passion and love for Ford Mustangs like no other. However, his greatest love of all was his family and he fought with every fiber of his being for just one more day with them.
His is survived by his loving wife Michelle Lynn Muir; two daughters, Shelby Muir (13) and Riley Muir (9); his parents, as well as many other loving family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to follow.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James Muir, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Ann Marie Van Lith, 65
September 5, 1956 – September 8, 2021
Ann Marie Van Lith, 65, passed away on September 8, 2021.
She was born on September 5, 1956 in Ogden, Utah to the late Colonel Gerald Buller and Vivian (Evans) Buller.
Ann Marie was a graduate of College of St. Benedict. Receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
She was a devoted catholic and life-long member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Ann Marie spent much of her career as a nurse working in Minnesota and Florida, before her retirement due to Multiple Sclerosis in 1987.
In addition to her father, Ann Marie was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Leonard Van Lith and brother, Don Buller.
She is survived by loving husband, Rick; daughter Katie and husband Adam Fernholz and twin grandchildren; Briella and Lauren; son, John Van Lith and his wife Rachel; and granddaughter Charlotte and grandson, Wyatt.
A Funeral Mass in Vero Beach at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10am on Monday, September 13, 2021.
A separate Funeral Mass will be held in Loretto, Minnesota at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 11am on Friday, September 24, followed by the burial at Loretto Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ann Marie’s name to MS Foundation at www.msfocus.org
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of ANN MARIE VAN LITH, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Patricia Ann “Pat” Hall, 64
February 16, 1957 – September 4, 2021
Patricia Ann “Pat” Hall, 64, passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2021. Pat was born in Oswego, New York on February 16, 1957.
Pat grew up on a farm and loved sharing her special memories of growing up around animals. Her children deeply enjoyed listening to her loving anecdotes of her grandparents, parents, siblings and her beloved pets. She moved to Florida in her twenties and resided in Vero Beach for the remainder of her life.
Pat had a warm hug and smile for just about everyone she met. The best hugs, however, were reserved for her two grandbabies, who loved their “Gamma” very much. They were truly what kept her going every day in recent years, as she quietly battled numerous health issues.
She put her needs last-always. She was a true Mama Bear who sacrificed everything for her family. She enjoyed watching her soap operas and game shows, working on crossword puzzles, her country music, preparing delicious home-cooked meals for her family, as well going on lunch dates and painting adventures with her favorite niece, Becky, who she lovingly referred to as her “third daughter.”
Pat’s favorite flowers were yellow roses. She will be remembered as the epicenter of her family. We will miss her food, her beautiful handwriting, her words of wisdom- but mostly her fierce and unconditional love she embodied and shared with everyone who touched her life.
Pat is preceded in death by her mother, Marlene Frese Baum, and her father, Glenn “Bill” Baum Sr.
She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Gregory Hall; daughters Ashley and Katylynn Hall, her two precious grandsons Benjamin and Riley, all of Vero Beach; sister Christine Matteson of Pennellville, New York; brother Glenn “Bill” Baum Jr. of Vero Beach, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Patricia’s celebration of love and life will be held Saturday, September 18th, 2021 at 11am at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, Florida. All are welcome to attend and help us celebrate her life.
Flowers may be sent to Strunk Funeral Home located at 916 17th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of PATRICIA ANN “PAT” HALL, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Betty Louise Stephens, 81, Vero Beach
March 22, 1940 – September 10, 2021
Mrs. Betty Louise Stephens, 81, died, September 10, 2021 at Sonata Vero Beach.
Mrs. Stephens was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and lived in Barefoot Bay since 1993 coming from Elmwood Park , New Jersey before moving to the Vero Beach area.
She was of the Presbyterian faith.
Betty is survived by her sister, Emily Jeanne Decker of Massachusetts, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Elmer M. Stephens.
Visitation will be held 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, Florida. A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Jon G. Robbins of St. Paul’s Church, Vero Beach, officiant. Immediately following the services Betty will be buried at Sebastian Cemetery next to her beloved, Elmer.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
George H. Lins IV, 65, Palm Bay
November 15, 1955 – September 6, 2021
Captain George H. Lins IV passed away peacefully September 6, 2021 surrounded by loving and devoted family and friends at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, FL. He was born in Newark, NJ, raised in Ocean Beach Unit III, NJ and settled in Sebastian, FL. He is predeceased by his parents George and Patricia Lins, nee Conroy. He is survived by his sisters Nancy Townsend, Karen and husband Gary Hahn, Susan and husband Glenn Garrett along with beloved nieces and nephews. Georgie was blessed to have many friends who became his extended family during the years he resided in Florida.
Captain George was a former operator of a Sport Fishing pleasure boat and later Captain for local Airboat Tours. He generously supported many charities thought-out his lifetime. One of his greatest joys was donating Airboat Tours to educate and share the beauty of Marsh wildlife. Georgie had a special zest for life, quick sense of humor, a deep love for the water and will be forever missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at his favorite location, Lake Garcia, Fellsmere, FL.
Donations can be made to Health First – William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, FL www.hf.org/hospice or St. Johns River Water Management District, www.sjrwmd.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Strunk Funeral Home, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Janie Annette Flower, 74, Sebastian
January 16, 1947 – September 12, 2021
Janie Annette Flower, 74, of Sebastian passed away September 12, 2021. Sebastian.
A memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday September 18, 2021 Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory in Sebastian, FL.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of JANIE ANNETTE FLOWER, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
John T. “Jack” Stabile, 90, Vero Beach
May 08, 1931 – September 02, 2021
John T “Jack” Stabile, 90, of Vero Beach, Florida, took his last breath on September 2, 2021 at home, with loved ones by his side. He was born to the late John & Virginia Stabile on May 8, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Jack graduated from St Vincent Prep School in 1949, and went on to attend The College of William and Mary. Early in his college career, he met the late Helen Barber, a native of Vero Beach. Jack became enamored with her red-headed beauty and vivacity, as well as her beloved hometown. They were married upon graduating from college in June of 1953 at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero, with a lovely celebration at the home of Helen’s parents, Helen and Merrill Barber, attended by many Vero local luminaries of the time.
Their primary residence was in Pittsburgh, but they took frequent trips, with three children in tow, to visit the Barber family, with whom Jack shared a long relationship of warmth, humor, and respect. Helen died in Vero in January 2009, and Jack remained a steadfast Vero resident, without ever losing his loyalty to his Pittsburgh hometown roots.
Jack joined his father, John Sr., an entrepreneur who had the foresight to start the business of providing parking in the Golden Triangle of Pittsburgh in 1925. Together, they grew the family parking business (Alco Parking Corp/ Grant Oliver Corp) to become the largest parking facility owner/operators in Western Pennsylvania.
Jack was devoted to numerous civic, charitable, and art organizations as well as being very active in clubs in both Pittsburgh and Vero Beach throughout his life . In Pittsburgh his many contributions included serving on the Board of the Vocational Rehabilitation Center, the Pittsburgh Opera Society, and the Civic Light Opera. He was also an active member of Rotary Club, Amen Corner, and served as President of the University Club of Pittsburgh and President of the Allegheny Club. He was a member of the Duquesne Club, and a major supporter of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which serves to further develop the legacy of Pittsburgh as a vibrant center for the arts playing an essential role in urban revitalization. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, VNA Hospice and was a member of Quail Valley Club. Jack served on the Board of the Carlton Condo Association, his final home in Vero.
Jack loved fishing, boating, bowling, golf, and card playing. He combined these interests with his love for opera, music, art, architecture, and the beauty of the natural world, he created a life that he enjoyed sharing with many friends and family. Jack was an avid golfer with numerous Invitational accolades at Chartiers Country Club, John’s Island Club and Quail Valley Golf Club. [He had a brief moment of fishing fame in the Vero Press Journal, when he snagged a sixty plus pound tarpon, deep sea fishing off the Vero coast.]
Those who knew Jack were inevitably met with his unique ability to be both affectionite and mischievousness. His knack for infusing the moment with his own brand of subtle humor was evident until the end, despite his health challenges. He was committed to being a gentleman, by his definition, “one who does not offend”. He conducted himself with modesty, dignity, and an inimitable charm.
In addition to his wife, Jack was pre-deceased by two sisters, Rita Allan and Carol Moore, and two sisters-in -law, Carolyn Barber Vreeland and Merrill Barber Dick. He is survived by his three children, Victoria (Dennis Stoker) Stabile of Princeton, NJ, Merrill (Miroya) of Pittsburgh and Pamela Will LeBlanc Stabile of Woodstock, NY; five grandchildren, and his dearest companion, JoAnn Whelan.
Jack was a faithful member of the Catholic Church, attending and supporting Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Pittsburgh and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero. A Mass of Christian Burial will be determined at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jack’s honor to an art, religious, or charitable organization of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com
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