From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Dr. Edwin J. Nighbert, 80
August 31, 1941 – May 02, 2022
Dr. Edwin J. Nighbert passed away peacefully early in the morning of May 2, 2022, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 80 years of age. Ed Nighbert was born on August 31, 1941 to Virginia and Kenneth Nighbert, The family lived in Williamsburg, KY, where Ed attended Williamsburg Independent High School. He attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Medical Degree. After completing his residency at Vanderbilt University and the University of Kentucky, Ed was inducted into the Army and served at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia, before returning to Lexington, Kentucky. There he joined Surgical Associates as a General Surgeon specializing in Vascular Surgery.
He practiced for 40 years before shifting his focus to bariatric surgery. He established the first Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery at St. Joseph East, in Lexington, Kentucky. After 20 plus years, The Center for Weight Loss Surgery at St. Joe East continues to be the Gold Standard for Bariatric Surgery in the Commonwealth.
During his time in Lexington, he served on many boards in various capacities. He served on several bank board of directors and was a founding member of The Lexington Bank, served on the board of First State Bank, and the Board of Trustees at Georgetown College.
Dr. Nighbert also founded the first outpatient surgery center in The Commonwealth, with the opening of The Lexington Surgery Center. He developed this business model with Surgical Care Affiliates, which became a publicly traded company that operated over 80 ambulatory surgery centers across the United States.
He reached the lives of thousands, healing many and establishing scholarships to serve others. He will be missed by many people in his community.
Dr. Nighbert was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Kenneth Nighbert, and his brother, Bill Nighbert. He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Sharon P. Nighbert, his younger brother Kenny Nighbert, his sons Edwin (Nicole), Sean (Amy), and Hunter (Amanda), as well as 7 grandchildren, all of whom he played a monumental role in influencing.
Services will be held in Lexington, Ky at a date to be determined.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Harold R. Fisher, 91, Vero Beach
November 24, 1930 – May 05, 2022
Harold was born in Chicago, IL on Nov. 24, 1930. He graduated from Riverside-Brookfield High School in Riverside, Il; He was a proud Eagle Scout, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Purdue University and participated the masters program at the University of Chicago.
He worked as an engineer at Borg Warner Research Center in Detroit, MI and DesPlaines, IL; as quality control manage at Morse Chain in Ithaca, NY, Director of Engineering at ITT Higbie in Rochester, MI and Vice president of Engineering at Arvin Industries in Columbus, IN.
Harold met the love of his life, Marilyn, in church youth group when they were both in high school. They were married in December, 1951 and raised four children, three daughters: Kathryn Hirt in Phoenix, AZ., Sharon Harshman in Johnson City, TN, Cynthia Kittle in Columbus, IN and a son, David Fisher in Bloomington, IN.
Harold and Marilyn have been residents of Vero Beach since 1992. They were fortunate to be able to travel and see much of the world. They especially enjoyed cruising the ocean, each had taken 154 cruises. Living on the ocean brought them much joy.
He is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Ethel Fisher, his in-laws, Harry and E. Marie Brunson, 2 brother’s in law, Joseph and Donald Brunson and sister-in-law Betty Brunson Fiala. He is survived by nine grandchildren: Shawn Hirt, Kristopher Hirt (Megan); Alicia Jackson Gourley, (Jody), Amanda Jackson; Jeremy Kittle, (Jennifer), Torrey Kittle, (Stephanie); Pamela Fisher Skelton (Chris), Jennifer Fisher, and Amy Fisher. And eighteen great grandchildren.
Harold and Marilyn had a strong Christian faith and were active members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Vero Beach.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Harold will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church on May 13th, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1850 Sixth Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960 to enrich lasting Christian values within the congregation and the community or to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Allan M. Blakeborough, 73, Sebastian
September 30, 1948 – April 25, 2022
Allan M. Blakeborough, 73 of Sebastian Florida, passed into eternal rest Monday, April 25th, 2022 at the VAMC in Lake Nona Florida. He was born to Alan Blakeborough and Margaret Lauson on September 30, 1948 in Albany NY.
Al was a proud veteran of the United States Army. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1967-1970. He was a Green Beret, with 5th Special Forces Group, and he was the last remaining member of his team from Vietnam. He was a Communications Sergeant and his greatest honor was riding with the Patriot Guard and honoring his brothers in arms to their final resting place. He belonged to many organizations over the years and was a proud American, Veteran, but most of all, Family man. Al was a member and road captain of CVMA FL Chapter 20-1, life member of DAV, VFW, and American Legion. He was a member of Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder FL, Vietnam Veterans of America, Italian American Club and Moose Sebastian River Lodge
He was predeceased by both of his parents and his twin brother Miles Blakeborough. He is survived by his two children Alan Dale Blakeborough (Leisel) Marietta, SC and his daughter Tricia Lynn Scorsone (Michael) of Averill Park, NY. He is also survived by his 3 grand-daughters who adored him, Tori, Gabriella and Emma Alberino as well as his grandson Brandon Blakeborough. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews
Known to many as Big Al, he leaves behind not only family but friends who have become family. His lifelong “brother” Rich Farley, as well as many other friends both in NY and Florida. Al loved to help those in need and often shared his home to assist those less fortunate. He was also a huge animal lover and spent his final years with his rescue dog “Percy”. Although better known as Big Al, his favorite name was Grandpa, and he always enjoyed his visits with his grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff on the ICU floor at the VAMC in Lake Nona for their treatment and care through his final days.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday May 15 at the American Legion from 1-4pm in Sebastian Florida.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please send monetary donations to “Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust or Wounded Warrior Project at “honorwarriors.org”
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Allan McIntosh Blakeborough, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Connie Kay Stephans (Morrison), 61, Malabar
June 1, 1960 – April 26, 2022
Connie Kay Stephans (Morrison), 61, of Malabar suddenly passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022 in her home alongside her beloved husband
after enduring a battle with cancer.
Connie was born June 1, 1960 at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas to Allen and Elsie Morrison. Connie moved to Melbourne, Florida in the 1960s along with her parents, brothers, and sister. She graduated from Eau Gallie High School with the Class of 1978, then worked as a swimsuit designer and model, and attended Rollins College where she studied accounting.
After college she began her career as an accountant with Harris Corporation where she worked for 34 years, followed by 7 years working with Ingenuity and Purpose Inc. In 2006 she married Craig Stephans. They both loved to visit amusement parks, bowling, swimming in their pool, and enjoyed watching the sunset over the water on a nice day.
Connie is survived by her loving and adoring husband Craig, her mother Elsie Morrison, her beloved children, son Major David Coyle and his wife Romey, daughter Michele Rozynski, and son Danny Coyle. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kurtis and Kenzie Rozynski, Kaylee and Jonah Coyle, her brother Dale and his wife Christina, sister Vonda Barkley and her husband Danny, brother Tom Morrison and his wife Lori, as well as many other friends and family who love her. Connie was preceded in death by her father Allen Morrison and her father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Pauline Stephans. While she will be greatly missed, all can find peace in knowing she is smiling down upon them as they take the time to enjoy life, love, and the occasional sunset.
A celebration of life for Connie will be held on May 20, 2022 at Lake Washington Park in Melbourne, FL. The family will be at the main pavilion from 6:00 p.m. until sunset at 8:08 pm when there will be a champagne toast in her honor. Guests may come and go as they please. Connie was a big Scooby-Doo fan; therefore, attendees are encouraged to wear a Scooby-Do t-shirt and flip flops to honor her memory and fun-loving mindset. All are welcome to come out to celebrate her life with family and friends, reminisce, and say a prayer. While the celebration will end with the sunset, we know the sun will rise again to a new day with fond memories of Connie Stephans.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue in Sebastian, FL.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Connie’s memorial page at https://www.seawindsfh.com/.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Connie Stephans, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
April Renee Wade, 43
March 31, 1979 – April 28, 2022
April Renee Wade, 43, passed away on April 28, 2022.
She is survived by her mother, Phyliss, and a brother William Wesley Wade.
April loved music- her favorite band was Dave Matthews Band. Going to Key West with friends was her ideal place to be. Halloween was her favorite holiday- she loved decorating the house and making her costume. She loved cats and angels, and now she has her “angel wings” in Heaven.
She will be greatly missed and forever loved.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of April Renee Wade, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
