From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jim” Henry Kelly, 76
September 06, 1946 – January 26, 2023
James “Jim” Henry Kelly, age 76, passed away January 26, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida.
He was born September 2, 1946 in Santa Monica, California to the late Norman and Helen Kelly.
Mr. Kelly served in the United States Navy from 1964-1968, during the Vietnam War. He was a graduate of Norfolk State in Norfolk, Virginia.
Jim worked for Ford Motor Company for 35 years. He retired from the Georgia State Patrol, with more than 10 years of service.
He was a member of Shiloh Methodist Church in Vienna, Georgia.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Kelly; brother, Darold (Peggy Ann) Kelly from Sacramento, California; three grandchildren, Brennen, McKenna, and Keegan; and his “brother from another mother” and best friend, Robert Bumcrot.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William Alfred Furst, 75
June 13, 1947 – January 30, 2023
William Alfred Furst was born and raised in Nuttley, NJ and was a 1965 graduate of Nuttley High School. After high school, William attended Kansas Wesleyan University but during his sophomore year felt compelled to drop out and join the United States Navy as he wanted to serve.
William enlisted into the Navy as a Navy Corpsman and served in Vietnam with Hotel Co. 2nd BN 1st Marine Reg. 1st from 1969-1970. Due to his bravery in Vietnam, William was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon.
After being discharged, William then returned to college and became a graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University and a graduate of Asbury Hospital School of Nursing in Salina KS. He was a dedicated certified operating room registered nurse throughout his 30+ year-long career in both the public and military sectors.
Within that time, William reenlisted in the United States Naval Reserves as an Officer. He was deployed on the USS New Orleans (LPH-11) in support of Marine operations during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 1990-1991. William, once again, was deployed in support of War on Terror-Operation Enduring Freedom/Noble Eagle in 2003. At the time of his retirement in 2007, William held the rank of Commander, Nurse Corps United States Navy Reserves.
William was a loving husband, brother, father, stepfather, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his brother Richard (Diane), his daughters Kristin and Katherine (Adam), his son William Andrew; his two stepdaughters Janine (John) and Melanie; his grandsons Tyrus, Grayden, Mason, Rolan, his granddaughter Isla; and his nephews and great-nieces.
Services will be held at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory at 4:00pm, Friday, February 24, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV)
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
George Dwight Dunn, Jr, 91, Vero Beach
February 15, 1931 – February 06, 2023
George Dwight Dunn, Jr. passed away on February 6, 2023 at Life Care Center, Port St Lucie, Florida. He was 91 years old.
He was born in South Bend, Indiana on February 15, 1931 to the late George and Cecelia Dunn.
Mr. Dunn served in the Navy during the Korean War.
He attended Purdue University for his Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Physical Education/Health Education and Coaching.
George taught at Oak Lawn High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois for 38 years, where he served as a Teacher, head of the department for Physical Education and Coach (football and track). His true love was being a Throws Coach for track and field. He was very successful, coaching too many State Champions to count, many who went on to be NCAA/Big 10 champions, and a few who competed at the elite level in the US and abroad. Several of his athletes have followed in his footsteps and are coaching at the high school or college level.
Even after retiring from teaching, he continued to coach throwers, and assisted other coaches and athletes by analyzing films, writing training plans and providing coaching advise, well into his late 80’s. It was his love and passion to help others, just as others helped him throughout the years.
He is very highly respected in the coaching community worldwide as a throws coach. He is the co-author of “The Throws Manual”, which is still in publication today. He was a member of the USTAF Association where he, along with other elite coaches, had the opportunity to train up and coming coaches.
After retiring, he moved to Vero Beach, Florida where his parents, brother and family lived. He not only coached but volunteered with Meals on Wheels and at his church.
George was a wonderful and devoted husband to his best friend, Carolyn for 61 years. Upon retirement, and before, they loved to travel and explore countries outside of the US, especially on cruises. Carolyn was the true love of his life. He loved spending time with his wife, and daughter, Lynette. He was an amazing dad, and he and Lynette had a very special, loving, strong and unique father and daughter bond, with many common interests from scuba diving to coaching.
He was the kindest, most caring, sincere, humble, loyal and loving man, with a unique sense of humor. Everyone who met him loved and respected him. He was a very devout Catholic. Currently he had been attending St Martin De Porres Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his daughter, Lynette Dunn D’Errico and sister Mary Dischinger.
He was predeceased by his brother, Theodore Dunn and wife, Carolyn Greager Dunn.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St Martin de Porres Church in Jensen Beach, followed by a graveside service at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach at 1:00pm. A gathering for a celebration of life following the gravesite service will be held for family only.
In lieu of flowers, mass cards would be appreciated.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Duncan F. Donald Jr., 94
May 07, 1928 – February 05, 2023
Services for Duncan F. Donald Jr. will be held at Indian River Estates West Chapel on Thursday, Febuary 16th, 2023 at 11:00 am.
A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at John’s Island Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Kathleen Anne Frey Hagens, 79, Vero Beach
May 12, 1943 – February 03, 2023
Kathleen Anne Frey Hagens, age 79, of Vero Beach, passed away on February 3, 2023.
Kathleen was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 12, 1943 to parents, Catherine J. St. Amand and Raymond T. St. Amand.
She had lived in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY until 1986, prior to moving to Vero Beach.
Kathleen was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to all who entered her life. She enjoyed cooking and spending time with family and her beloved dog, Hurley.
She had worked at Friars Donuts Vero Beach as a cook for almost 18 years and retired from Flight Safety International, Vero Beach after a few years working in their cafeteria.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Cathy Tressa (Douglas Jr.) Woodby, Dennis Posner, and Patricia Posner Middlebrooks; brother, Daniel Frey of Germany; and grandchildren, Chase & Brock Bricker, Caiti, Hunter, & Teddy Woodby of Vero Beach, Mackenzie & Isabel Posner of Keene, New Hampshire, and Rolando, Carter, & Hayden Middlebrooks of California.
Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. Hagens, son, Robert Posner, and brother, Dennis Frey, as well as her parents.
Donations may be made in honor of Kathleen, to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Sevon Hay Baker, 66, Vero Beach
February 20, 1956 – February 08, 2023
Sevon Hay Baker, age 66, of Vero Beach, gained her wings on February 8, 2023.
Sevon was born in Arcadia, FL and eventually relocated to Vero Beach.
She worked as an ESE Teacher Assistant of 31 years with the School District of Indian River County and retired in 2021.
Sevon was a firm believer in Jesus Christ.
She had dedicated her life to helping children in need and volunteered at Hibiscus Children’s Center and many other organizations.
She is survived by father, Gordon Hay; her two daughters, Shawnee Kown and Ashlee Baker; her grandchildren, Skye Wyatt, Zackery Baker and Aiden McCord; and her great-grandchildren, Izzy, Aubrey Rogers; and adopted son, Aaron Johnson.
Sevon was predeceased by her mother, Lillian Fiegel.
Her Funeral Service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory. Sevon will be laid to rest immediately following at Crestlawn Cemetery, Vero Beach.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org
Arrangements are under the direction of Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Nicole “Nikki” Elizabeth Santini, 64, Vero Beach
June 30, 1958 – February 11, 2023
Nicole “Nikki” Elizabeth Santini, age 64, found peace in heaven on February 11th, 2023, while in hospice with VNA at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, FL. She joins her beloved dog, Cody, who went over the rainbow on December 28th.
Nicole was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and realized her dream of living in Florida when she moved with her husband, Kim, to Fort Myers, FL in 1990. She lived later in Weston before moving to Vero Beach in 2017.
Nicole was employed as an Administrative Assistant with a real estate brokerage and several banks in Minnesota, before working in administration and marketing for a real estate developer in Fort Myers until 2000. She then moved to Weston, where she worked for a lawn sprinkler company, as well as embarking on a home-based sewing and embroidery business on eBay until 2017.
She then moved to Vero Beach, where she made some great friends with the local Indian River “Kindness” Rocks group. It was then she began her real passion, doing volunteer work for local animal shelters and rescues by running weekend fundraising bazaars and raffles at the Indian River Mall. There she made many more great friends, organizing indoor markets at the Mall through December 2022.
Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Kim Hunziker, to whom she was a great friend and loving partner, her sisters, Alice Jo Carlson of Minnesota, and Nancy A. Cook of Connecticut, her nephew, Frank Kermes, her niece, Molly Casanova, and her niece, Elizabeth Hunziker.
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank A Korn and Yvette G (Casanova) Korn.
In recognition of Nikki’s great love of dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach at 6230 77th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967, Touch of Grey Rescue at PO Box 510311, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951, or Delilah’s 2nd Chance Rescue at 4298 SW Carl Street, Port St Lucie, FL 34953. All accept website contributions.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Cemetery, Vero Beach.
