From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Donald James Meyer, 92, Vero Beach
December 02, 1929 – March 13, 2022
Donald James Meyer, 92, of Vero Beach, Florida and Virginia Beach, Virginia died peacefully on March 13, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida after a short illness.
He is survived by his spouse, Sally Hommell Meyer; his sister, Joyce Katherine Meyer McCabe of Rochester, New York; his brother-in-law John G. Kinney of McKinney, TX; Don was pre-deceased by his parents George and Gertrude; and his first spouse Mary Theresa Kinney. He is lovingly grieved by his children, step-children, and many members of the family.
A veteran of the United States Navy, he entered as a Seaman Recruit Radioman at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in 1947 and retired in 1984 as a Captain having held three commands, two at sea and one ashore. A U.S. Naval Academy commissioned officer of 1954, his last tour was as Commanding Officer and Professor of Naval Science at Cornell University, Ithaca New York.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Alvin Joseph Lehman, 96
February 28, 1926 – March 10, 2022
Alvin Joseph Lehman, beloved of Lila Jeanne Bussey, died in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 96, on March 10, 2022. By his bedside were his children: Marc, Deby and David, and by phones, close to him on his pillow, were the voices of Michelle in Berlin, Germany, and Sheri in Tustin, California.
Al, as we all called him, was born in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of Sam and Ray Lehman. His two loving sisters, Dot and Sylvia, and brother Julian, predeceased him. He is survived by his five children: daughter Sheri Clements (Lee) of Tustin, California, daughter Deby Winter (Rob) of Vero Beach, Florida, son David Lehman of Vero Beach, Florida, son Marc (Suzanne) of Wellington, Florida, daughter Michelle Livadiotis (Dimitri) of Berlin, Germany, and five grandchildren, Valerie, David, Jr., Tyler, Alma Ray, and Ophelia.
Al enlisted after Pearl Harbor but was not accepted because his father had passed away, and at the age of 15 years, Al was the sole support for his mother. Al enlisted again in 1948 and served until 1952. He rose from PFC to Corporal to Staff Sergeant rank. Al was on active duty with the US Air Force and played an integral role as Air Crew Chief during the Berlin Air Lift (often called the Cold War) and proudly participated in over 350 flights. He was stationed at Burtonwood Air Force Base, Warrington, England. His plane flew from his Quonset hut quarters in Lancaster, England to Temple Huff Airfield in Germany, where they delivered food, medicine, and essentials to the Germans. He told us there were some anxious moments when the Russian fighter planes ‘buzzed our planes’ but never fired a shot. He was awarded a Letter of Commendation from former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, for his participation in the Cold War. Al was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Because of his service, his youngest daughter, Michelle, was able to attend and graduate from the University of Potsdam on scholarship from the “Luftbrucken-Dank Stiftung” (Berlin Air Lift) with a diploma in Music Education. He was a proud young veteran who wore his emblem,’ the wings’, every day. In 2004, Al visited his daughter, Michelle, in Berlin, Germany, and had the moving experience of re-visiting the Tempelhof Airfield. One of his old planes was on display. This visit brought back strong, emotional memories for him.
Al is one of the greatest generations. Family ties were deeply rooted in Al’s life. His gentle nature, love of music, stories of his war days and his quick wit were a delight to all who knew him. He will be remembered by his karaoke friends for his rendition of “An Ordinary Man”. If you knew him, you loved him. Treasured by Lila and his family are his beautiful writings, many of which have been published. He remembered word-for-word, hundreds of songs during his long life. He had a great knowledge of world history, especially the Civil War Era.
Al will always carry a special place in the hearts of those who knew him for being such a kind, loving, humble man. He loved being with friends. His wishes were to thank everyone who made his life so happy. During the recent difficult Covid years, he expressed great appreciation for help given by friends like Eric and Sarah Behymer who brought meals and kept him company while the dear “love of my life”, Lila, recovered from her fall related injuries. He was also grateful to those who brought him loving comfort during his last days, especially his dear friends, Uncle Joe and Margaret Fly and Christy Crews Kane.
May God bless him and hold him forever……… and may he once again be reunited with his loving parents, sisters and brother and all of the service ‘buddies’ he spoke of so often.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Island Sanctuary, Riverside Park, in Vero Beach at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022.
Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” W. Wood, 81, Sebastian
December 27, 1940 – January 3, 2022
James “Jim” W. Wood, 81, of Sebastian, FL, died January 3, 2022 at Sebastian River Medical Center after a brief illness.
He was born December 27, 1940 in Boston, MA and moved to Sebastian in 1997. He formerly lived in Scituate, MA.
Jim was a proud Navy veteran, serving his country in his late teens and early twenties. Jim followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Boston Police Department in 1971. He retired from the BPD in 1996, after 25 years of service. He started as a patrol officer but rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Superintendent, where he served as Commander of the Drug Control Unit from 1986-1995. He was very active with the Special Olympics Florida-Indian River County and previously served as the County Coordinator for the Special Olympics. Jim was also a member of the American Legion, Post 189.
Known as a “Cop’s cop” and a “family man,” Jim will be most remembered for his strong sense of integrity, quick wit, and being a loving and loyal husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. Prior to his law enforcement career, Jim was a skilled electrician and carpenter, building his Scituate home (and pool) from the ground up. He was also an excellent cook, which his family often witnessed before he banished them from the kitchen.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jean Wood, his first wife of 48 years, Nancy Wood, and his great-grandson, Landon Humphrey. He is survived by his wife of the past ten years, Brenda Rosian Wood; his daughter, LeaAnne and her husband Vincent Cerverizzo of Sebastian, FL; sons, James Wood Jr. of Sebastian, FL and Lawrence Wood of Quincy, MA; step-daughter, Cindy Runyon, and step-son, Michael Malagise of Sebastian, FL; grandson, Stephen Craig of Palm City, FL; granddaughter, Amanda Humphrey and her husband Jeff Humphrey of Tampa, FL; great-granddaughter, Jaimee Craig; brothers Raymond Wood of Foxboro, MA and Larry Wood of Hyde Park, MA; sisters Donna Scanlon of Duxbury, MA and Pamela LeGendre of Brockton, MA.
The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel in Sebastian, FL with Reverend Ron Thomas officiating.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the ARC of Indian River County, 1375 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James W. “Jim” Wood, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Elizabeth L. Hartshorne Lopez, 90, Vero Beach
December 21, 1932 – March 14, 2022
Written by her daughter, Lynn K (Lopez) Belluardo
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Clydette Ann (Crabtree) Creamer, 73
June 05, 1948 – March 12, 2022
Clydette Ann (Crabtree) Creamer, 73, passed away on March 12, 2022, with family by her side in Sebastian, Florida.
Born in Woodard, OK, she was the only daughter of Clyde and Dora Lee Crabtree. Her family resided in nearby Laverne. In her school years she was quite an athlete and as her lifetime friends recall a fierce competitor with a spirit like no other. Her Senior year she was All-State Basketball and awarded the Most Athletic Award. She also participated in Beta Club and FHA. She remembered her school years fondly.
She lived in Amarillo, Texas for 30 years. During this time, she enjoyed church gatherings, playing billiards, enjoying her children, grandchildren, and pets. She was loved by many.
Most recently, she retired to Florida where she resided with her daughter and daughter in law. She enjoyed many hours sitting on the patio reading. She loved attending get together’s with new friends and thrift store shopping. She also spent many hours visiting on the phone with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her partner of 25 years, George Wiley, her parents and 3 brothers: Clay, John & Van.
Clydette is survived by her children Lee Ferguson, Dan Ferguson & wife Sherrie, Kimberly Creamer & wife Cathy, and Terri Creamer (Chosen Daughter). Five grandchildren T’Reya (Shea) Espinoza & husband Jesus (JJ), Rebeka (Beka) Vogler, Levi Ferguson & girlfriend Dezara Hernandez, Katelyn Ferguson, Kelli Umansky, and Kevin Broome. As well as 3 great grandchildren Keira, Jett, and Noah Espinoza.
Clydette will be cremated, and the family will have a memorial service at Laverne Cemetery, date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite local charity.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Clydette Ann Creamer, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.