OBITUARIES

Oct 26, 2023

Oct 26, 2023

Robert “Bob” Hart Sullivan, 85, of Lakeland was born into eternal life on October 26, 2023.

He was born June 14, 1938, in Nashville, TN but relocated to Florida in pursuit of his passions, eventually settling in Lakeland in 1967. Bob worked in the citrus industry for many years, delighting his family with crates of...

Oct 24, 2023

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, John Michael Fico passed away on October 24, 2023, in his Auburndale, Florida home.

A graduate of John Marshall High School in Milwaukee, John graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. He was a 2002 MSOE graduate, earning a Master of...

Oct 22, 2023

Dennis Mason, 78, born on March 24, 1945, in Canton, Ohio passed peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Oct. 22, 2023.

Dennis came to Florida as a young boy, he was a graduate of Lakeland Senior High. In 1966, he was drafted and was a Combat Medic in Vietnam till 1967. He was...

Oct 15, 2023

Oct 15, 2023

Talk to people who knew UK Custred well and you’ll hear different starting points for describing the man who entered eternal rest on October 15 at the age of 94.

Some begin with his faith, others his intelligence. Still others start by referencing his kindness and love for others. And some speak initially of his generosity, the...

Oct 13, 2023

Andy Bean, a long-time resident of Lakeland, Florida and former PGA Tour player went home to be with the Lord at age 70 on October 13, 2023. Born March 13, 1953, in Lafayette, Georgia to Tommy and Margie Bean, Andy had a life full of loves: God and family first, followed by his friends, fishing, golf and the Gators....

Oct 11, 2023

Victor Earl Ingram (August 6, 1953-October 11, 2023). Victor was the son of Victor J. Ingram and Harriet Brunson Ingram. Victor was always upbeat and friendly despite his mental and physical issues. Victor was born autistic and loved to greet and talk to everyone. Many friends enjoyed his positive attitude.

Victor was always kind and...

Oct 11, 2023

Ruth Ann Bickel (née Weldele), 90, of Lakeland, FL, passed away on October 11, 2023. Ruth was born in Saint Louis, MO, and lived in Green Cove Springs, FL, prior to moving to Lakeland, FL, to be near her family.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, John, of 68 years.

Oct 9, 2023

Bobby Joe Lee, 61, of Bartow, FL, passed away on Monday October 9, 2023, in his home surrounded by family.

Bobby was born on June 22, 1962, in Winchester, IN to Duane Edward Lee and Margaret Lee Modlin. He spent his youth riding dirt bikes and playing baseball. After Bobby graduated high school in Lynn,...

Oct 8, 2023

Oct 8, 2023

Shirley B. DeRoche, 96, passed away on October 8, 2023. She was born on November 16, 1926, in Sanford, Maine. She was married to Roland E. DeRoche for more than 73 years until his death in 2017. She and Roland had one child Michael DeRoche, who predeceased her last year in Georgia. Shirley was a dedicated career woman during...

Oct 6, 2023

Francis M. Savage, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend left this earth and went home to Heaven on October 6, 2023, at the age of 81 – just three weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. Francis died of congestive heart failure at Lakeland Hospice House after a very brief stay as he was ready to “go home” to...

Oct 5, 2023

Oct 5, 2023

Terry Lynn Vandiver,74, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on October 5 surrounded by his loved ones in his home after a valiant battle with cancer.

Terry was born on March 7, 1949, to Walter and Carrie Vandiver in Blytheville, Arkansas. He grew up in Cooter, MO and moved to Lakeland in 1957. Terry met the...

Oct 5, 2023

LCDR Robert "Bob" G. Reed. USN (Ret.) passed away on October 5, 2023 in Lakeland, FL. He was 94 years old.

In his later years he often said his life was blessed, but truly we who knew him were the blessed. As a dedicated husband (70 years), father, brother, grandfather, Naval Officer, teacher, coach, friend,...

Oct 4, 2023

On October 4, 2023, Gerald Lee "Jerry" Mansuy, age 81, peacefully concluded his earthly journey in Lakeland, Florida. Jerry was born on September 25, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Edwin and Marie Mansuy. The family moved to Livonia, where Jerry spent his early years attending Our Lady of Sorrows, the Class of 1960. He was a class...

Oct 2, 2023

Our beloved mother, Lucille Bishop (91) went home to be with Jesus on October 2, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was surrounded by family.

Lucille, was born on September 21, 1932, to William and Vera (Troublefield) Lee in Newark, New Jersey, bringing joy and laughter into the world. In her youth,...

Oct 1, 2023

Merlin (Mike) Goldsmith passed away peacefully in his Florida home Sunday morning October 1, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan and a graduate of Spring Arbor College earning his bachelor's degree.

Mike was a veteran of the National Guard.

He was...

Oct 1, 2023