From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
John “Papa John” R. Sommers, 86, Sebastian
March 24, 1936 – April 9, 2022
John “Papa John” R. Sommers, 86, of Sebastian, FL passed away Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Sebastian River Medical Center.
Papa John was born in Muncy, Pennsylvania on March 24, 1936 to the late Herbert Franklin and Neora Berta Demaray Sommers.
He served in the US Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant.
Survivors include his wife, Janet Young and his daughter, Dorene Alma. Other survivors include Jason E. (Helen) Young and James A. (Joanna) Young and grandchildren, Caliana, Zoey, Henry Young.
A memorial service with military honors will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian, 1403 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian on April 18, 2022 at 2pm.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dwight Lynn Goodner, 81, Fort Pierce
December 16, 1940 – April 12, 2022
Dwight Lynn Goodner, 81, of Fort Pierce, Florida passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Treasure Coast Hospice in Fort Pierce.
Dwight was born in Tampa, Florida to the late Paul Eugene and Muncie Blanche Johnson Goodner.
His father’s career as a minister and plasterer eventually brought the family to the Treasure Coast area. It was in Fort Pierce that Dwight spent his youth and attended school, all the while closely paying attention to the plastering work of his father. Dwight became quite the artisan plasterer and stucco expert which led him to create his own company called Quality Plastering. His work was highly regarded and in great demand landing him large projects such as working on the Vero Mall and delicate projects such as those in John’s Island and Windsor.
But Dwight didn’t stop there. He opened a Yamaha motorcycle dealership which coincided with one of his many passions. He raced cross country dirt bikes, stock cars, go karts, and was a Charter Lifetime member of American Motorcyclists Association and Florida Trail Riders.
Dwight was a member of Parkview Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, the Vero Beach Moose Lodge, The Eagles Aerie of Vero Beach, Vero Beach Veterans, Fort Pierce Jaycees (with which he helped develop Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce), The Civitans, and the Indian River Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Peggy Goodner, son Dwight Michael Goodner (Rhonda) of Fort Pierce, daughters Teresa Futch of Bronson, Michigan and Tammy Wickard (Troy) of Fort Pierce, a brother Charles Allen Goodner (Joyce) of Talladega, Alabama, grandchildren Kristopher Goodner (Lauren), Rebecca Allsbury (Zach), Brett Jacquin, Sarah Futch, Michael Futch, Christian Wickard, and great-grandchildren Austin Allsbury, Ella Revels, and Declan Goodner.
He was also preceded in death by a brother Paul Edward Goodner.
Memorial contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, the Lynch Pavilion Inpatient Unit at 5090 NW Dunn Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
A Celebration of His Life will take place at a later date.
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dr. Jayne Elizabeth Purcell Ed.D., 64
October 9, 1957 – April 11, 2022
After a life-long battle against multiple illnesses, our dear sister, aunt, and friend Jayne Purcell was called home by God all too soon. Her legacy is one of kindness, charity, love, and most of all, faith.
Jayne was born on the South Side of Chicago, the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” and the late Joyce Purcell. Always close to family, she spent her younger years watching over her younger brother and sister, visiting her grandparents, and spending time with her great-aunts whenever possible. Her family was her rock, and nothing was more important to her.
Jayne began her education at St. Cajetan Catholic School, and then moved on to Queen of Peace High School. She started her college career at Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, IA, where she achieved her A.A, and completed her bachelor’s degree in Education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Il.
Subsequently, Jayne began what would be a career in Special Education. She began teaching in Dolton School District 148, Dolton, IL, in the 80’s, and after earning her M.S. in Special Education from Governor’s State in University Park, IL, she became the Director of Special Education for the entire District. Jayne loved working with children and their families, and her hard work and dedication led her to be appointed as Principal at Lincoln Elementary School. She oversaw the construction of the new campus, managed the rollout of technology, and offered a safe learning environment to thousands of students over her tenure. They knew that “Miss Purcell” would be there for any need, and in such an economically challenged community, she would provide school supplies, food, and financial assistance to students and their families without ever wanting anyone to know.
One of the things in which Jayne took the greatest pride was earning her Doctorate in Special Education, from National Louis University, the pinnacle of her efforts to teach, guide, and give back to her students and families. She was then appointed as Superintendent of District 148, giving her the chance to lead and mentor other teachers and staff by example, while also fulfilling her most rewarding role as a friend to the students, families, staff and community at large. After 10 years as Superintendent and roughly 30 years in the District, Jayne finally retired and focused on her next chapter.
Jayne absolutely adored the outdoors. She started her love affair with nature at a young age, first attending Camp Lawrence in Valparaiso, IN, and then returning as a counselor. She traveled extensively, enjoying the wildlife and scenic beauty of North America, in particular Alaska and the surrounding waters. Despite her illnesses and multiple surgeries over the years, she was unstoppable. Nothing could hold her back from living her life, despite her medical challenges. She lived for today, as she truly never knew how many tomorrows she had left. She was an example to us all.
Jayne loved spending time with her niece and nephews whenever possible. She attended many a lacrosse match, soccer or basketball game, school play, etc. She could always be seen rooting on the sidelines, for again, family was everything to her, and she was everything to us.
Sadly, however, her long journey has come to a premature end, and she is reunited in Heaven with her parents, grandparents, and all the others she has missed over the years. We take comfort knowing that her struggles are now over, and that she is at peace. Our job now is to try and live every day as she did, never taking anything for granted, and showing compassion to those around us. There could be no better way to honor her memory.
Jayne is survived by her brother Philip (Betty) Purcell, her sister Amy (Sean) Casey, niece Mazie (Mike) Regan, nephews Brandon (Katie) and Jack Purcell, Owen, Declan and Jack Casey, and her closest friend and travel buddy Dr. Candace Dunleavy.
Visitation will be Wednesday April 20th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach, FL (www.strunkfuneralhome.com). Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday April 21st at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Church in Vero Beach, FL (www.holycrossverobeach.org).
In lieu of flowers, donations to are appreciate to Jayne’s favorite charity, The Franciscan Peace Center – Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton, IA. (www.clintonfranciscans.com)
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From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Greg Richards, 46, Fellsmere
May 25, 1975 – January 1, 2022
Donations can be made by check, Visa and Mastercard. Please make checks payable to OurLegacy, designating it for the Susan Perkins Fund in the memo section of the document.
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From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Daniel Joseph Hill, 61, Sebastian
November 9, 1960 – April 3, 2022
Daniel Joseph Hill, 61, Sebastian, died Sunday, April 3, 2022 with family by his side.
He was born to the late James and Melva Hill on November 9, 1960 in Norwood, OH. He was married to Penny Hill in 1984 and they lived in Tampa, FL before relocating to Sebastian, FL in 1988.
Daniel is survived by his wife Penny of Sebastian; children Christina, John, and adopted son Daniel and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a future time.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation.
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