Free Daily Headlines

Obituaries

Set your text size: A A A

Obituaries

Recent Obituaries

Stanley Bernard Romaner, 93

Stanley Bernard Romaner, 93, of Hendersonville and formerly of Franklin, passed away Monday, April 28, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock after a brief illness.

Born in Bronx, NY, he moved to Emeritus at Pine Park in Hendersonville in January, 2014. A World War II veteran, Mr. Romaner served in the US Army.

His passion was his family and dogs, loving them more than anything.

Mr. Romaner was proudly married to his wife, Ethel Romaner, for 70 years. He is also survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2014, in the chapel of Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

To offer condolences online, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Sarah Marie Wright, 98

Sarah Marie Wright, 98, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Carolina Village Medical Center.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

Read More »

Hubert "Hubie" Sharon, 86

Hubert "Hubie" Sharon, 86

Hubert "Hubie" Sharon, 86, of Hendersonville passed peacefully in his sleep on April 25, 2014 after a brief illness.

He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Ruth Rosenbeck Sharon; his son, William Sharon and Patricia of East Longmeadow, Mass.; his daughter, Judith Craven and Thomas of Campobello, S.C.; another son John "Jocko" Sharon and Rose of Westfield, Mass., and Andrew Sharon and Pamela of Hopkinton, Mass. Other survivors include eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Hubie was born in Springfield, Mass., son of the late Frank and Nellie Sharon. He was predeceased by two brothers and sister.

After serving his country in the Army, he worked for Rafferty Brown Company for 20 years then the Artted Company for 25 years. He and his family lived in East Longmeadow, Mass., for 36 years before retiring to Hendersonville in 1992.

He played hockey and baseball as a young man. He belonged to the Elks Lodge #61 and the German Club of Springfield, Mass. He was also a charter member of the Shaker Commercial Bowling League of East Longmeadow, Mass. He enjoyed playing golf in his later years and was an avid NASCAR fan.

He enjoyed his many friends and always had a smile for everyone.

A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday May 3, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Rev. Roy Perry officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 581 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshpherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Ednal Anders Dryman, 87

Ednal Anders Dryman, 87, lovingly known as "Rosie" to her family, went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 24, 2014.

She was a lifelong resident of Henderson County. She worked at J.P. Stevens for many years and was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church. She was predeceased in death by her husband G.W. "Jack" Dryman, her parents Lum and Nora Anders, her brother Grady Anders and two sisters Esther Lindsey and Isabelle Fisher, all of Hendersonville.

Surviving are her brother Calvin Ward and his wife Anna of Boiling Springs, S.C., and a sister-in-law Hannah Anders of Hendersonville; nieces and nephews, W.A. Lindsey, Jr. and his wife Patricia, Joyce Corn (Hogan), Ginger Maultsby (Ben), Jody Anders (Darcy), Regina Rucker (Stan) Vaness Weiss (Bill) Marty Ward (Edlyn), Jono Ward ( Jocelyn) and Nancy Crozier; great nieces and nephews, Leann Lindsey-Moon (Rick) Scott Lindsey (Karla) David Lindsey (Tonya), Andy Corn, Chad Maultsby, Courtney Bradley and Ricky Hazzard; great great nieces and nephews, Matthew Morgan, Sierra Lindsey, Will Lindsey, Nathan Lindsey, Sydney Bradley, and Elizabeth Anders.

A graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 29,2014, from the Mausoleum Chapel of Shepherd Memorial Park with Steve Gibbs officiating.

A special thank you to the staff of The Bridge at Lakepoint Landing, the ladies of Zion Hill Baptist Church and the ladies of Maranatha Baptist Church.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Edith Pettit Cox, 92

Edith Pettit Cox, 92, of Flat Rock passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at her residence.

She was born Feb. 1, 1922, to the late Dock and Annie Fair Pettit. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband David C. Cox , a son Garland Cox , infant daughter Ida Cox, and a great grandson Garrett Sheehan.

She was a homemaker and a charter member of Upward Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Earl Cox and wife Ruth of Flat Rock, Clifford Cox and wife Karen of Holberts Cove; three daughters, Louise Jackson and husband Terry of Flat Rock, Ethel McCraw and husband Plato of Flat Rock, Mary Campbell and husband Mike of Flat Rock. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 6 great- great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at Upward Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Chandler and Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at Upward Kelly Cemetery The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors.

Memorials Contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock , NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Helen Emma Roman Sigal, 96

Helen Emma Roman Sigal, 96, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday April 2, 2014 at
Sharon's Place of Hendersonville.

Mrs. Sigal was born Sept. 18, 1917, in Pittsburgh to the late John and Sara Roman. Helen was one of 10 siblings. Due to the size of the family she was given the responsibility to care for many of her brothers and sisters. She was married in 1937 to Meyer Sigal, a marriage of 63 years. In the words of her grandson "Quiet matriarch of our family, an amazing influence and a beautiful woman."

Helen was a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh. Following the death of her husband in 2000 and with declining health, she moved to Hendersonville for her daughter's care. She spent 11 years with her daughter before going to Sharon's Place.

She is survived by her daughter Eydie Merwitzer and her husband William of Hendersonville; a son Robert Cramer and his wife of Clarksville, Ga.; daughters, Rochelle Pettes of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Roslyn Sigal of Land O' Lakes, Fla.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers, John Roman and Harry Roman; two sisters, Dolores Sunkin and Elizabeth Lucci; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Sigal is also survived by a special friend and caregiver, Sharon Holcombe of Sharon's Place.

A Memorial Service will be held 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Agudas Israel where she attended with her daughter.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Evelyn Gertrude "Trudy" Laughter Clark, 86

Evelyn Gertrude "Trudy" Laughter Clark, 86, died peacefully at Vista Cove in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on April 22, 2014 after a period of declining health.

She was born July 25, 1927, and lived most of her life in Henderson County. She is the daughter of James Polk Laughter and Mae Belle Byers Nix. She is preceded in death by Guy H. Clark, her husband of 62 years, by her brother James P. (Rooney) Laughter and two sisters Kate Anderson and Edith Corn.

She is survived by her son, Alan B. Clark, and his wife, Cathryn, of Raleigh,and her daughter, Sandra S. Rhoades, and her husband, Floyd, of Indian Wells, Calif. She has three grandchildren Jessica Lynn Clark and Sean Alan Clark and Rebecca Rhoades.

Trudy graduated from Edneyville High School in 1943 and worked in banking for 33 years at State Trust Company, Northwestern Bank and retired as a Vice President of First Union National Bank in 1986. She served as a treasurer of the Hendersonville Business and Professional Women's Club, belonged to the After 5 Christian Professional Women's Club, the Henderson County Democratic Women and was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church. She was active in the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association and served as accountant for Clark Oil Company. Most of all, Trudy valued her family and above all, she wanted to be remembered as a loving wife and mother.

Funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel with Rev. Charles Evans officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Internment will follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will be hosting a reception immediately following the cemetery service in the Heritage Hall at Pine Park Retirement Community located at 2601 Chimney Rock Rd. in Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth House at Four Seasons, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731 www.fourseasonscfl.org or to Mud Creek Baptist Church at 403 Rutlege Dr., Hendersonville, NC 28739. www.mudcreekchurch.org.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

 

Read More »

John Herman Bradke, Jr., 90

John Herman Bradke, Jr., 90

John Herman Bradke, Jr., 90, of Hendersonville went home to the arms of our Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

He was born Aug. 24, 1923, in Vinton, Iowa, to the late John H. and Clistie Brazelton Bradke. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Velma Horack and his brother Robert Bradke

He graduated from the University of Iowa where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and met his wife, Alice Ann Rusty Reininga. They were married for 64 years this April. Also surviving John are his three sons: Steve and wife Anna, Bill and wife Cathy, and Tom and wife Carol; six grandsons: Brian and wife Tiffany, Sean, J.P., Daniel, Jeffrey and Christopher; two great-granddaughters: Elizabeth Ann and Charlotte Ann; nieces Joann Bowman and husband Ernest and Karen Roseberry, nephew Kenneth Horak, and numerous great nieces and nephews.

John and Rusty lived in Oyster Bay, N.Y., where they raised their family. John was employed in New York City by JC Penny as corporate buyer for their cosmetic departments. John also worked for Faberge Fragrances and Victoria Vogue as their National Sales Manager. He was also very active in their church, and a member of Matinecock Masonic Lodge where he became Master in 1971. John received his 50 year certificate, apron, and pin this spring.

John and Rusty retired to Hendersonville in 1989. John joined and became active in the Civitan Club, serving as President from 1994-1995, and Lt. Governor from 1995-1996. He received Civitan's Foundation Fellow award for working for Civitan International Research Center. John was also a member of First United Methodist Church.

The mountains and waterfalls of western North Carolina inspired him to begin oil painting – his new hobby, in which he became very good. He also really enjoyed playing bridge with friends in Carriage Park. He loved to garden, cook and cruise.

John was a real family man. He looked forward to and enjoyed all visits from his children and grandchildren. He will be terribly missed by his loving family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Mah 20, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Ave. W. Hendersonville, with Rev. Dan Martin and Rev. Christy Sharp officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to The Civitan Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 762 Hendersonville, NC 28793-0762, or to your favorite charity.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Jackie Hunnicutt Norton, 84

Jackie Hunnicutt Norton, 84, of Mills River died Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Memorial Mission Hospital.

She was born in Charlotte on Sept. 13, 1929, to the late Daniel L. Hunnicutt and Mamie Trull Hunnicutt. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Hunnicutt.

Mrs. Norton attended Wingate College for two years; she then attended Greensboro College and graduated with a degree in Religious Education. She was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization. She was a member of Mills River United Methodist Church, and has been a resident of Henderson County for over 57 years.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Howard B. Norton of the home; sons, Clifford A. Norton and wife, Rita Hoxit Norton of Mills River; daughters, Rebecca Norton Crawford and husband, Carl of Argyle, Texas, Laura Norton Fish and husband Stephen of Hendersonville, Claudia B. Norton of Eugene, Ore., Esther G. Norton of New Orleans, La.; grandchildren, Dennis Cantrell, Mark Cantrell, Christina Grubbs, Emily Houlihan, Ami Fish, Traci F. Edworthy; great-grandchildren, Dallas and Dakota Cantrell, Madison Balding and Kylie Cantrell, Gabrielle Grubbs, Isabella Edworthy; brothers, Bill Hunnicutt and wife, Joan of Charlotte, Morris Hunnicutt and wife, Martha of Edneyville; sister-in-law, Dorothy A. Norton of Winter Park, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014, at Mills River United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ashley Crowder-Stanley and the Rev. Paige Ann Miller officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Mills River United Methodist Church, 137 Old Turnpike Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 or Mills River Fire and Rescue, 121 Schoolhouse Rd. Mills River, NC 28759.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Frances Peebles Phillips, 92

Frances Peebles Phillips, 92, passed away April 22, 2014 in Hendersonville.

Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

Read More »

James David Nagell, Jr., 57

James David Nagell, Jr., 57, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2014, in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Read More »

Helmut "George" Hoffmann, 91

Helmut "George" Hoffmann, 91

Helmut "George" Hoffmann died on Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC, at the age of 91.

Born in Breslau, Germany in 1922, Helmut served his country's Air Force in WWII from 1940 until his capture by Allied Forces in Tunisia in 1943. He was a prisoner of war in San Francisco until 1946 when he returned to his devastated homeland. He married his lifelong sweetheart Ella Mader in October of 1947, and completed studies at the University of Heidelberg while working as Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Events with the American Forces in Heidelberg.

In 1951, he and his wife migrated to Toronto, Canada, where Helmut began his long association with the Massey Ferguson Corporation, starting out with a night job in the machine shop and working his way up, through diligent study and business acumen, to his eventual position of Comptroller of the North American Service Division (1976). He balanced additional translating/journalism jobs, consulting work, moving his family to Des Moines IA and Racine WI, acquiring US citizenship, raising 2 children, and maintaining family ties in Europe.

Upon his retirement in 1984, Helmut and Ella moved to Hendersonville to explore and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. He cultivated many special friendships during these years, particularly with bridge mates. Helmut lived with gentle dignity and thoughtful respect for each person he met, and found that all the challenges, struggles, risks and successes made his a "life worth living."

He was preceded in death by his wife Ella, his daughter Kathleen, parents Franz and Hedwig Hoffmann, siblings Gerhard, Rudi, and Anni. He is survived and will be sadly missed by his son Robert "Peter" (and Sandra) Hoffman of Duluth, Minn.; grandchildren Brian Johnson of Milwaukee, Wisc., Julie Sheriff of Racine, Wisc., Dylan Christensen of Racine Wisc., Samuel and Benjamin Hoffman of Duluth, Minn.; great-grandchildren Gavin and Ava Sheriff of Racine, Wisc.; sisters Heidi and Elizabeth in Germany, nieces Renate Leimgruber, Angelika Melzer, and numerous other relatives and friends across Europe, Canada, and the USA.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care provided by Four Seasons Hospice, first in the home setting and then at the Elizabeth House.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Jackie Hunnicutt Norton, 84

Jackie Hunnicutt Norton, 84, of Mills River died Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Mission Hospital.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

Read More »

Frances Bishop, 80

Frances Bishop, 80, entered into eternal peace with her Heavenly Father Jesus Christ, on April 22, 2014, at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation.

A native of Hendersonville, she attended Dana High School. Throughout the years she worked at Ruth Originals and served as a riding assistant for a Henderson County Handicap School Bus. She was also a faithful member of Maranatha Baptist Church. Frances also enjoyed being involved in Parents without Partners of Hendersonville.

Frances was the daughter of the late Cleatus Elmore Sitton and Edna Ballard Sitton.

Frances is survived by her siblings Frankie Sitton, Jim Sitton and Pat Suttles Miller. She was also the loving wife of the late James Lloyd Bishop. Frances is also survived by her three children, Jerry Bishop and his wife Missy Bishop, Audrey Johnson and her husband Gary Johnson and Diane Stepp and her husband Donnie Stepp; six grandchildren Ashleigh Swayze, Lauren Minnick, Elisha Elmore, Chad Johnson, Craig Stepp and Brent Stepp; and six great-grandchildren Porter Swayze, Kylie Minnick, Karlie Johnson, Brock Stepp, Tatum Stepp and Clayton Stepp.

The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014, with Rev. Craig Stepp officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to: Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

 

Read More »

Phillip "Pappy" Penland, 53

Phillip "Pappy" Penland, 53

Phillip "Pappy" Penland, 53, of Fletcher rode up among the angels and became present with the Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2014.

Phil was born in 1960 in Asheville to Patricia Ramsey and the late Jim Penland. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his beloved Maw and Paw, Evelyn and James Penland; and his sister, Jane Matthews.

A forever soul mate, loving father, and a proud pappy; he was an active member of Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville. He loved helping Sergio in the food ministry. He was the vice president for several years of the Carolina Faith Riders (A ministry of Mud Creek Baptist Church). He was the owner of Chuck's Plumbing and a master plumber, and he took pride in every job he did.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Sue Penland; son, Josh Penland and wife, Michelle; daughter, Miranda Penland; two grandsons, Dawson and Gavin Penland (the twinkle in his eyes); brother, Jimmy Penland; sisters, Karen Baldwin and husband, Mickey, Sharon Robinson, and Tonya Heatherly and husband, Woody.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Mud Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Greg T. Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park accompanied by a motorcycle escort. All biker's are welcome to ride. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Dawson and Gavin's education fund at any TD Bank.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Victor J. Tirrito, 85

Victor J. Tirrito, 85, of Hendersonville died with his daughter and friend, Sue, by his side on April 15, 2014.

Vic, the oldest of five children, was born on July 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York to Cosmo and Catherine Tirrito.

"A beacon of light with an ever present twinkle in his eyes-Vic never met a stranger"

After graduating from high school, at the age of 17, Vic enlisted in the Navy and spent two years in Greenland before completing his service with the rank of Seamen. Upon his return, Vic enrolled in the State University of New York, graduating in 1950 with an Executive Assisting Certificate. From there, Vic had a successful 40+ year career with IBM. In 1990, Vic and his wife moved to Hendersonville to be close to their daughter and the mountains.

Vic was a life long devout Catholic. As a member of Immaculate Conception, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, visiting the sick in many locations. He also taught religious education and led the prayer line. Vic believed in education. He started the continuing education program at Rockland Community College and, after moving to Hendersonville, he taught career guidance at Blue Ridge Community College, along with attending courses himself. Vic believed in community service: volunteering with Blue Ridge Literacy Council, the Elks Club, Immaculate Conception, Knights of Columbus - wherever he was needed he would go. Vic believed in physical fitness. Ffor nearly 15 years Vic worked as a fitness coach at the YMCA, retiring at the age of 84. During that time he never hesitated to encourage, mentor and counsel those that came his way - he always made people feel beautiful. Vic believed in family. Vic was married for 54 years to his wife Terry, he loved his children and grandchildren, and he remained very close to his sisters and brother his entire life.

Vic is survived by his daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Michael Pais of Matthews; his son Victor and daughter-in-law Debbie Tirrito of South Hero, Vt.; grandchildren, Rachael Pais, Michael Tirrito and Stephen Tirrito; great- grandchildren, Katelyn, Kristen, Mason, Persephone, Emma, Conner, and Isaac; and siblings and their spouses, Sal and Terry, June and Lenny, Shannon and John and Phyllis; in addition to many, many friends (including the Y's guys and UUs!!) and his beloved little poodle, Marsha. Vic was preceded in death by his wife Theresa, and his brother-in-law, Nick Maldarelli .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:00 AM Monday April 28, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Candler. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the funeral home. A Prayer service will be held 7:00 PM Sunday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the i Give H2OPE (Providing clean water for all)

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Helmut George Hoffmann, 91

Helmut George Hoffmann, 91, of Hendersonville died Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

Read More »

Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74

Kenneth Allen Cannon, 74, of Hendersonville died Friday, April 18, 2014 at Park Ridge Hospital.

He was born on April 25, 1939, in Henderson County to the late Connie Devotion Cannon and Grace Hyder Cannon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers.

Mr. Cannon was a lifelong resident of Henderson County; he was a charter member of Fair Haven Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 46 years. He was a skilled rock mason for over 60 years and owned and operated his own business for over 30 years. In addition, he was also employed by General Electric and Cranston Print Works. He was a loving husband, a hard worker, and he was the best daddy and brother, but his purpose on earth was to be a Papaw. He was known as "Papaw" to many other children. One word to describe him is faithful. Not only to his family, but also to his church and to God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Lou Cannon of the home; two sons, Michael Cannon and his wife, Wanda, Jeff Cannon and his wife, Stephanie; four grandchildren, Natalie, Nick, Chelsa, and Kimberly Cannon; two brothers; eight sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and doctors of Park Ridge Hospital, especially to his nurse, Stephanie Arriaga for their loving care and support.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Fair Haven Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Norris, and Brother Phillip Kuykendall officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectively requests that memorial donations be directed to Fair Haven Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 5067 Hendersonville, NC 28793.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »

Evelyn Garren, 70

Evelyn Garren, 70, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, April 18, 2014.

She was the daughter of the late Hayes and Louise Tankersley, and a native of Henderson County. She was a member of English Chapel Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Blaine Garren; sons, Joey Garren and his wife Ruth, Donnie Garren and his wife Donna; grandchildren, Justin and his fiancé Natasha, Kevin and his fiancé Jacqueline, Kelsie, Tristan, Blaine, Kristin, Kara, Kendra, Jacob, and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Paxton, Brianna; sister-in-law, Marie Justice and her husband Carrol; a niece and a nephew; and several cousins.

A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014, in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Mike McMillion officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 2 p.m. in the chapel and at other times at the home of Joey Garren.

A guest book or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral is assisting the family.

Read More »

Agnes Marie Van Wieren, 88

Agnes Marie Van Wieren, 88, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at Golden Living Center.

Mrs. Van Wieren was born Oct. 22, 1925 in Prospect Park, N.J., to the late Thomas and Cora Van Ostenbridge Dykstra. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Bernard Van Wieren and a son Kenneth Van Wieren.

Agnes worked at Wright Aeronautical and Manhattan Shirt factories during and after WWII. She married May 6, 1949 and became a homemaker. She worked as a nurses aid while her five children where in there teens. Agnes and Bernard moved to Hendersonville in 1983 from Midland Park, N.J., and she continued in home health. She attended Pinecrest Presbyterian Church where she was a member for 30 years. Agnes was involved in the Church WOC "Women of Church," prayer group, choir, and the prayer-chain, and Tops.

Survivors include her children; Lois DeWitte of Edenton, Eileen V. Thomas of Hendersonville, Chris Van Wieren of Hendersonville, and Delores Kinlaw of Charlotte; brothers Tom Dykstra of Georgia and Bob Dykstra of California; sister Carolyn Munster of New Milford, Pa.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rhett Carson officiating. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Read More »