From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Roy Joel Caudill, 80, Vero Beach
November 12, 1945 ~ October 02, 2026
Roy Joel Caudill, age 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Born in Eolia, Kentucky, in Harlan County, Joel proudly served his country in the United States Army before building a life and career in Vero Beach, Florida.
Joel dedicated more than 40 years to Piper Aircraft, where he served as an FAA Designee. He was a gifted mechanic with an extraordinary ability to understand how things worked. There seemed to be nothing Joel couldn’t fix. His talents extended far beyond his professional career, as he spent countless hours working on cars and helping friends and neighbors throughout Vero Beach.
Above all, Joel was a good father. He was a hardworking, capable man whose love was often expressed through the things he did for others. Whether repairing a car, solving a problem, or lending a helping hand, Joel shared his knowledge and abilities with those around him.
Joel was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Charlotte M. Caudill; his son, Joel Lamar Caudill; his son-in-law, Andreas J. Svensson; his parents, Roy and Margie Caudill; and his brother, Sidney Caudill.
He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Svensson; his son, Duane Caudill, and daughter-in-law, Melissa Caudill; and his sister, Barbara Caudill, along with other cherished family members and friends.
In his final moments, Joel was surrounded by family, with his daughter Rhonda, son Duane, and daughter-in-law Melissa holding his hands. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior and reunited with loved ones who went before him.
Joel’s life will be remembered through the family he loved, the friendships he formed, the many people he helped, and the lasting memories he leaves behind.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Robert Alfred Gosselin, 91, Vero Beach
November 26, 1934 ~ October 08, 2026
Robert Alfred Gosselin, 91, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 8, 2026, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. Born in Santa Maria, Florida, he spent most of his life in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley and Vero Beach.
Robert served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. An entrepreneur throughout his life, he owned a variety of businesses before focusing on hotels and real estate. Bob was a member of the University of Hartford’s first graduating class, but some of his fondest memories were of his years at Assumption Prep School in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, he formed lifelong friendships. Those friends stood beside one another at their weddings, traveled together, and gathered for yearly reunions.
Robert’s legacy lives on in his strong faith in God and the cherished memories he shared with family and friends. He was a parishioner at Holy Cross in Vero Beach and Sacred Heart in Suffield, Connecticut, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Lorraine Morneau Gosselin; his three children, Kenneth Robert Gosselin (Janice), Gerianne Gosselin Lindsey (John), and Marc Gosselin; and his two brothers, Gerald Gosselin (Carol) and Phillippe Gosselin (Elaine Grundey).
He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ryan Robinson, Paul Gosselin, Danielle Marie Bodman (Christopher), Nicole Gosselin (Ben Gagne), Rachelle Renee Robinson (Tom Arboe), Corrin Gosselin Rose (Lucas), and Cassandra L. Gosselin. He was fortunate to spend time with his five great-grandchildren before his passing: Sawyer Rose Gagne, Cayden Bodman, Oliver Gagne, Calib Bodman, and Cash Bodman.
Robert was predeceased by his loving parents, Origene and Alice Gosselin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, Florida, on Friday, November 6th, at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Melinda Cooper, 69, Vero Beach
April 01, 1957 ~ October 09, 2026
“To say that the world lost a bit of sparkle is an understatement.”
It is with great sadness that we announce that Melinda Cooper passed away on October 9, 2026, at the age of 69. On this day, the world truly lost a bit of sparkle.
“Melinda sparkled in every sense of the word-from her beauty and grace to the mischievous observant twinkle in her eye.” Melinda will forever be remembered for her smile, warmth, generosity, entrepreneurial drive, commitment to her community and enduring passion for fashion. Most of all, Melinda will be remembered for the long and dear friendships she formed and the family bonds she grew and cherished. Friends were not simply acquaintances; they were her lifeblood. She reveled in their company. She was always there for them, and they were always there for her.
Born on April 1, 1957, Melinda was raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. While Michigan remained an important part of Melinda’s story, Vero Beach became the place where she built her life and made her mark.
Over 35 years ago, Melinda opened Cooper & Co., an oasis of high-end American and European designers located on Ocean Drive. For Melinda, fashion was not just a profession. It was something far more personal…more of an art form. She possessed that rare, discerning eye that skillfully matches color, shape and form. Her customers did not remain customers for long. They became friends, and Melinda kept her friends for life.
Her great love story was Rick. After their first date, they were together forever. They lived for each other.
Melinda could never get enough “family time.” From her Sunday calls with sister Nancie, to time spent with nieces Nora Rose and Zoe and nephew Blaine and their wondrous children, she was in her enthusiastically happy element. When she married Rick, she also gained an enormous family of in-laws, cousins, and relatives, and she embraced every one of them as her own. Quite simply, she was a Schaub family favorite.
Melinda was crazy about holidays. Every December, huge red ribbon bows climbed the staircase. The Christmas tree did not come down before Valentine’s Day. She also insisted she couldn’t cook, a claim her family and friends suspect was the longest running joke she ever played on the world.
She was competitive in the best way, whether the game was cards, mahjong, or anything else with a score. She played to win, with a grin. That mischievous streak never left her.
She was also, though few knew it, a world-class hoarder. She kept everything, including her eighth-grade cowboy boots, and she was not giving them up. The family would like it known that the boots will be treated with the respect they’ve earned.
Melinda contributed to the community in many ways, including through her annual charitable works with organizations such as the Hibiscus Children’s Center in Vero Beach and was co-founder of Fashion Meets Art (FMA), an event that brought together her love of fashion, creativity, and community.
A Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on November 13, 2026, at 10am., followed by a reception at Quail Valley River Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hibiscus Children’s Village in Vero Beach, http://hibiscuschildrenscenter.org/donate-2/
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Nettie Mae Hamm Bozeman, 70
April 18, 1956 ~ October 16, 2026
Nettie Mae Hamm Bozeman, lovingly known as “Shorty” to her siblings, “Momma” to her daughters, “Mema” to her grandchildren, and “Aunty Mae” to many, leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness.
Nettie was a natural caregiver who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. She always put others first and had a heart that made room for everyone. She loved life, treasured her family, and found joy in making memories with those she loved.
She especially enjoyed cruising and traveling with her sisters, affectionately known as the “Twisted Sisters.” She also loved gardening, flowers, sewing, crocheting, and crafting. Nettie had a special gift for turning ordinary things into something extraordinary. Her sisters often said she had “magic hands” because she could create or fix just about anything.
Above all, Nettie will be remembered for her loving heart, generous spirit, and the countless ways she cared for others. Her hands could make beautiful things, but it was her heart that made her unforgettable. Her love will continue to bloom through the family and friends whose lives she touched.
Nettie is survived by her daughters, Nettie “Missy” Nichols of Homosassa, Florida, and Nora Cooper of Daytona, Florida; her five grandchildren, Nettie “Nicole” Cooper, M. Shearee Cooper, J. Aubriann (Dylan) Rex, Naaman Cooper, and Malachi Cooper; and her great-granddaughter, Adeline Rex.
She is also survived by her sisters Rose Campbell of Cedar Key, Marie Beree of Chiefland, Jeannie Hamm of Chiefland, Robbie Collins of Cedar Key, and Mary Wynans of Vero Beach; her brothers Henry “Newton” Hamm of Chiefland and Thomas Hamm of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends and her cat Miss Kitty (Britches).
She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Nettie Hamm; brothers Jessie Hamm, Billy Hamm, Edward Hamm, and Frank Hamm; sisters Delcie Hamm and Bertha (Bertie) McElroy.
Though her family must now learn to live without her physical presence, her love, laughter, creativity, and kindness will remain forever in their hearts.
Her hands may be still, but the love she planted in our hearts will continue to bloom forever.
Forever loved. Forever cherished. Forever our Momma, Mema, Aunty Mae, and Shorty.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
John Christopher Shelton, 70, Fort Pierce
January 05, 1956 ~ October 14, 2026
John Christopher Shelton, 70, passed away in Vero Beach, Florida. Born in Manhattan, New York, to Dorothy and John Shelton, John spent part of his childhood in Redwood City, California, before moving to Fort Pierce, Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for the ocean.
A former Fort Pierce lifeguard, John felt most at home near the water. Surfing was his passion, and the beach was his sanctuary. Whether riding the waves, searching the sand for Spanish coins and sharks teeth, or simply enjoying the sea, he found happiness along the shoreline. His daily visits to the beach and Fort Pierce Inlet reflected his enduring connection to the ocean.
A proud American, John held deep respect for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and took particular pride in his son Christopher’s service as a Navy officer.
John shared a special and enduring bond with Elizabeth Williams, his former wife and the love of his life. Though their marriage ended many years ago, their friendship and affection for one another remained throughout his life.
Above all, John will be remembered for his kind heart. He never turned away anyone in need, always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return. He lived with an independent spirit, finding joy in the ocean, the outdoors, and helping others.
John is lovingly remembered by his children, Christopher Shelton, Leslie Shelton McKenzie, and Jonathan Shelton; his grandchildren, Jayden Shelton, Gemma Shelton, Brinley Shelton, and Madeline McKenzie; his sister, Lori Moseley; and his niece, Samantha Tomlinson Sifford.
His memory will live on in the kindness he shared, the lives he touched, and along the shores he loved so dearly.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
