Jerry Lee Burr, 70, Vero Beach
Jerry Lee Burr, 70, of Vero Beach, passed away on Nov. 2, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Jerry was born to Clinton Burr and Margaret (Kelly) Burr on July 28, 1947, in Flint, Mich.
Jerry began his 50-year career in law enforcement when he joined the United States Air Force in 1965 where he was deployed to Vietnam during the TET Offensive, which was recognized as some of the worst battles in Vietnam history.
Jerry was part of a Sabotage Alert and World Wide Dispersal Alert Team (Anti-Terrorist), he was a member of the 377th Air Commando Military Assistance Command and fought bravely for his country and was honored to do so. Jerry received four Valor Above, Beyond the Call of Duty Awards, and an Air Force Commendation Medal among others.
In 1969 Jerry became a field Supervisor for Burns International Security in Los Angeles, where he supervised several hundred guards. Jerry was on the Command Strike Unit and the Command Special Function Units. He was in charge of Executive Protection Details and wrote Emergency Contracts, he also drove an ambulance for Shafer in Los Angeles which he always considered his most rewarding job after saving numerous lives in the San Fernando Earthquake of 1971.
Jerry moved to Lenoi, Mich., in 1971, where he became a patrolman for the Lenoi Township Police department and then moved to Grand Blanc, Mich., in 1972 where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Police in 1979. During this time Jerry trained at the FBI National Academy Chief of Police Program and earned many certifications and awards.
Jerry moved to Vero Beach in 1984 to become Director of Security of John’s Island until he retired after 32 years. During this time Jerry continued to work with law enforcement as an officer for the Indian River Shores Public Safety Department and a reserve in the Indian River Sheriff’s Department.
Jerry trained with the US Blue Lighting Strike Force and became an ICE Agent and a Firearms instructor during his years with John’s Island. Jerry loved to teach and taught Security Officer License at Adult Education of Indian River County and the Fort Pierce Police Academy he loved the challenge of working at John’s Island and earned the respect and love of his “troops” and owners alike.
Jerry, never one to sit back, retired in 2016. He then became the owner of Lock Stock and Barrel where he taught Concealed Carry Classes and traveled to gun shows throughout Florida.
Jerry belonged to many organizations during his lifetime including The International Association of Chiefs of Police, The National Association of Chiefs of Police, The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Tactical Response Association, International Association of Arson Investigation and the American Society for Industrial Security among many other organizations.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Donna Burr; daughters from a previous marriage, Christy (David) Graci, Dawn (Sam) Nelson, and Donna’s son from a previous marriage, Tracy Nowland. He is lovingly remembered by six grandchildren, Sam (Sarah) Nelson, Samantha Nelson, Tommy Nowland, Teagan Padelford, Austin Nelson and Zachary Padelford; and one great-grandchild, Eliza Nelson.
Jerry is also survived by his brother, Richard (Shirley) Burr; sisters, Sharon Smorch, Nancy (Dale) Brummund; mother-in-law, Gladys Barber; sisters-in-law, Linda Anderson, Gail (Jim) Lepage, Joyce Krauss; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry is welcomed home to heaven where he will be met by his family, Clinton Burr, Margaret Hillier, R. Kelly Hillier, and Scott Nowland.
Jerry was known for inspiring people in their careers and in their personal life. He had a wealth of knowledge that he shared to anyone who was willing to learn. He will be forever remembered for his undeniable presence, work ethic and incredible sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Janice Mary Cavanagh, 60, Sebastian
Janice Mary Cavanagh, 60, of Sebastian, went to Heaven Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, peacefully with her family by her side. She was born in Jersey City, N.J., to the late Gerard and Florence Cavanagh on June 18, 1957.
Janice had many occupations that ranged from caring for the elderly and housekeeping to working on a Dude ranch breaking horses.
Janice is survived by her children, Jessica Fairchild and her husband, Justin, of Sebastian; her son, Joseph Zalanka and his wife, Alicia, of Sebastian; three granddaughters, Maya, Madelyn and Madison; and her beloved dog, Honey.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 10, from 2 – 3 p.m. at Seawinds Funeral home in Sebastian, with services starting at 3 p.m.
Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Janice’s memorial page at: www.seawindsfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Janice’s honor to: Dogs For Life (Training of service dogs for wounded Veterans), 2030 16th Ave., Vero Beach, Fl 32960 or online at www.dogsforlifevb.org.
Clifford W. Keller, 73, Vero Beach
Clifford W. Keller, 73, of Vero Beach, went to be with his Lord Jesus Sunday morning, Nov. 5, 2017. Born on March 25, 1944, in Perrysville, Ind., Cliff was the son of the late Bernie and Joyce Keller.
Cliff graduated from Porter College in Indianapolis, Ind., and began his career in trucking, owning his own straight truck for many years. Cliff was a Mason in good standing with the Farmer City, Ill., Lodge.
Cliff and Jane moved to Vero Beach in 1999, where they became active members of Vero Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife, Jane (Goble) Keller; and a brother, Scott Keller, of San Antonio, Texas.
Cliff was preceded in death by his daughter, Crystal Michelle Keller; and his sister, Skip.
A Celebration of Life Service for Cliff will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at Vero Christian Church, 350 9th St. SW, Vero Beach, FL 32968.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vero Christian Church, to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, or to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Lana Ruth Lloyd 74, Vero Beach
Lana Ruth Lloyd 74, of Vero Beach, went to be with the Lord, on Nov. 3, 2017, after a long illness.
She was retired from the Indian River County School Board and a member of the Southside Church of God.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Ralph Lloyd; two daughters, Cindy Davis (Jim), of Mango, Fla., and Kathy Dowling (Donnie), of Vero Beach; and one son, Gary Lloyd, of Vero Beach; five grandchildren, Travis (Ashley), Chelsa Davis, Rachel Jackson (Ricky), Brandon and Daniel Dowling; and two great-grandchildren, Keaton Davis and Bailey Jackson.
There will not be a funeral service per her wishes, but in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Indian River Volunteer Ambulance, www.ridevas.org.
