Robert L. Mechem, 69

Robert L. Mechem, 69, of Hendersonville, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Billy T. Lunsford

Billy T. Lunsford, 73, of Hendersonville died on Thursday, April 04, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Buncombe County he was born on Oct. 8, 1939, to the late Thurman Lunsford and Mary Peters Lunsford. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Lunsford and his sister, Mary Ann McLaughlin.

Living most of his life, in Henderson County he worked as a truck driver for several different companies and in his retirement he worked at Sams Club. He was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, and an avid fisherman. Never meeting a stranger, he prided himself in helping others, doing anything in his power to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Alice Bishop Lunsford; his two sons, Walter Lunsford and his wife Karen, of Hendersonville, James Lunsford and his wife Melinda, of Hendersonville; his two daughters, Brenda Gilliam of Hendersonville, Martha Clayton and her husband Greg, of Hendersonville; his four brothers, J.W. Peters of York, S.C., Rayfield Lunsford of Asheville, Archie Lee Lunsford of Asheville, Joey Lunsford of Burnsville; his three sisters, Gracie Brown of Leicester, Haven Hembree of Oteen, Gail Robinson of Old Fort; his nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Gethsemane Baptist Church with the Rev. Ray Talley officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the funeral home.

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

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

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

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Allan Ray Cox, 46

Allan Ray Cox, 46, of Horse Shoe passed away Monday, April 1, 2013, at Carolinas Medical Center following lifelong heart complications.

A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was a son of Edna Pruitt Cox Allison of Hendersonville and the late Grady L. Cox. His sister Audrey Cox Steele, also preceded him in death.

He was an active member for 30 years at Etowah-Horse Shoe Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept. and was a new member of the Edneyville Lions Club.

He was a dozer and Low Boy operator for the NC Dept. of Transportation. Prior to his work with the NCDOT, he was the owner and operator of Second Chance Trucking, Inc., his lifelong dream.

Upon receiving the Lord, he was baptized and became a member of Etowah Baptist Church. His passions in life, other than his family and friends were his motorcycle and his devotion to helping others.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, is his devoted wife Crystal Huggins Cox; stepson Brad Huggins of Hendersonville; son Stephen Allan Cox of Flat Rock; one brother, Jerry Cox and his wife Barbara; two sisters, Irene Barnwell and husband Billy and Carol Vaughn and Gene Moore; mother and father-in-law Bob and Melba Huggins all of Hendersonville; and a large number of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Brian Henderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Edneyville Community Lions Club, P.O. Box 797 Fletcher, N.C. 28732.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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William A. Gooch

William A. Gooch, 89, of Hendersonville, died on Monday, April 1, 2013 at the Elizabeth House.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013, in the Brunson Chapel at First United Methodist Church, Hendersonville with Reverend Dan Martin officiating.

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

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Arthur Harold Kiehl

Arthur Harold Kiehl passed away on March 28, 2013, at the age of 94 in Hendersonville, where he and his wife Katherine lived for over 30 years. Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the last survivor in a family of eight children.

He began his career at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he won Litchfield Medals in Goodyear's engineering program. During his diverse and successful career as a manufacturing executive, he managed the manufacturing operations for divisions of major industrial companies, including Textron, GF, Singer and Ethan Allen.

Arthur and his wife, Katherine, raised four children and made their home in five different states before retiring to North Carolina. An avid golfer, he continued engineering mechanical devices for swing training and continued playing golf for many years in retirement. He and Katherine, a talented artist, were active in their church and local volunteer organizations.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Judith and Janet; parents, Albert and Mary Jane Pake Kiehl; sisters, Mae (Steiny) Steinbach and Norma (Bud) Bock; brothers, Glenn (Dorothy), Ray (Midge), Gene (Ginny), Floyd (Lucille) and Robert Kiehl; and niece, Donna Kiehl.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Katherine Mary Kiehl; sons, Donald Eugene Kiehl and Richard Arthur Kiehl; daughter-in-law Anna Scaglione Kiehl; sister-in-law, Harriet Kiehl; nieces and nephews, Tom (Susie) Kiehl, Jerry (Eleanor) Kiehl, Jim Kiehl, Fred (Kathy) Kiehl, Denny (Karen) Kiehl, Bob (Priscilla) Kiehl, Laurie Kiehl and Joan (Jim) Krejci.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue W., Hendersonville. A private burial will be held at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, Ohio.

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

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

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Edward Donel Gilbert, 73

EDNEYVILLE — Edward Donel Gilbert, 73, of Edneyville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 1, 2013, at the VA Hospital in Black Mountain.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Dalton Gilbert and Burgeon Gilbert, brothers, Ervin Gilbert and Samuel Gilbert, a nephew and two nieces.

He loved going to the local auction every Friday and Saturday night but come Sunday morning you could find him on the back pew of In Jesus Name Church. He was in church every time the doors were open. He is now rejoicing in Heaven. He will live on in our precious memories we have of him and forever live in our hearts. He will be missed by so many.

Edward served his country in the US Marine Corps.

He is survived by a loving wife of 52 years, Sandra Gilbert; a son, Jeffery Gilbert and wife Rita of Hendersonville; a daughter, Sheila Gilbert Bousson and husband Dennis of Edneyville; three grandchildren, Amanda Gilbert Magnet and husband Charlie, Corey Bousson and Timmy Bousson all of Edneyville; three sisters and a brother all of Edneyville and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013, at In Jesus Name Church with Pastor Dale Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the Henderson County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:50 p.m. prior to the service in the church.

Donations may be made to the Charles George VA Medical Center Voluntary Service, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805, or to In Jesus Name Church, 2934 Sugarloaf Mountain Road, Hendersonville NC 28792.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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June D. Bernst

June D. Bernst of Deerfield Retirement Community, Asheville,  formerly of Flat Rock and Lloyd Harbor, Huntington, N.Y., died on March 25, 2013, at age 92.

Beloved wife of Louis C. Bernst. Devoted mother of Sydney B. Wilmer and Clark C. Bernst and mother-in-law of Bruce B. Wilmer and Rose Bernst. Loving grandmother of Kristen R. Wilmer and Jeremy B. Wilmer and his wife, Anne, and great grandmother of Patrick M. Wilmer.

Graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in music and organ. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer of the Village of Lloyd Harbor, Huntington, N.Y.; a founder, member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Blue Ridge Center for Lifelong Learning in Hendersonville. June was an avid reader, an inveterate gardener and always a lover of good music, especially J.S. Bach.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at St. Giles Chapel in Deerfield.

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.

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Julia Ann Williams, 73

Julia Ann Williams, 73, of Flat Rock, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

Julia, a lifelong resident of Henderson County, was a daughter of the late Virgil and Pearl Ledbetter Watkins. She was also preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. She was an employee of International Paper before retiring and a member of Kelly Memorial Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert H. Williams; brother, Freddie Watkins and his wife Jackie; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev. Jeff Neelands will be officiating.

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

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Peggy Sue Ballinger, 77

Peggy Sue Ballinger, 77, of Naples died Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Four Season's Elizabeth House.

She was born May 5, 1935, in Greenville, SC, to the late Otis and Helen McDowell. She was the wife of the late John Lewis Ballinger.

Mrs. Ballinger was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by sons Johnnie Ballinger and Ronnie Ballinger both of the home; daughters Myra Praytor and Rebecca (Susie) Lanning and her husband James, all of Naples; six grandchildren: Kelly Lanning Phipps, James Lewis Lanning, Joshua Ballinger, James Ballinger, Amy Butler and Ashley Radcliff; and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son James Steven Ballinger and a sister Mary Chalfant.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow in Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel and other times at the home of the sons.

Memorial donations can be made to the family.

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.

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Roderick Bryan "Rod" Smith, 78

Roderick Bryan "Rod" Smith, 78, of Hendersonville died Friday March 29, 2013, at Elizabeth House.

Born in Jacksonville, FL., he was a son of the late Platt T. and Mary Louise Highsmith Smith.

He received a B.S from FSU. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of St John in the Wilderness-Episcopal Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Martha "Marti" Smith; three nieces and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2013, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to St John in the Wilderness P.O. Box 185 Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Four Seasons- Compassion for Life 571 South Allen Rd Flat Rock, NC 28731.

An online register book is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com .

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Lewis Earl Curlee, 71

Lewis Earl Curlee, 71, of Etowah died unexpectedly Monday, March 25, 2013, at Mission Hospital.

He was a native of Transylvania County, the son of the late Clarence and Hilda Curlee. He had lived in Henderson County for the past 35 years. He was also preceded in death by his son, Troy Drye, Jr.

He was employed by Ecusta for 42 years, and also a former volunteer at Brevard Volunteer Fire Department. Currently, he was a member of the Nazarene Worship Band and an amateur radio enthusiast. He was loved by his family and many friends. He will be dearly missed, and they take comfort in knowing he is in Heaven.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathleen Templeton Curlee; a daughter, Cindy Curlee Hand and her husband Jurell, of Hendersonville; two grandchildren, D'Andre Hand and Shayla Hand; two sisters, Brenda Holden and her husband Richard, of Brevard, Doris Selvage and her husband Rayburn, of Gallatin, Tenn.; two brothers, Edward Curlee of Gallatin, Tenn., Barry Curlee and his wife Carol, of Brevard; and numerous extended family.

A service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Hendersonville First Church of the Nazarene with Revs. Sherman Waters and Matthew Templeton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. A guest book or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Ronald Ray Lamb

Ronald Ray Lamb, a well-known apple grower and businessman, went home to be with the Lord after a long battle with kidney cancer on March 25th, 2013.

He was born Aug. 3, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Van Lamb and Laberta Louise Brown Lamb. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise Orr Lamb. His children, Sheree King and her husband Allen, Terri Lamb, Dale Lamb and his wife Geraldine, Cameron Lamb and his wife Katie and 8 grandchildren, Laura Laughter and her husband Grant, Lindsey King, Justin Lamb, Rayce Lamb, Dalton Thompson, Holden Thompson, Aly Lamb and Natalie Lamb. He was a loved brother to Flaughn Lamb, Leon Lamb, Shirley Nicholson and Lynn Lamb and an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

He loved farming and began doing so at age 6. He raised many crops but the most important thing he raised was his family. His motto was "Strive to Persevere" and he taught them that "Money is not what is important in life. What's important are people and your relationship with them." He developed lifelong friendships and was always available to lend a helping hand.

He owned and operated Lamb Fruit Company from 1969 to the present. He sold chemicals, fertilizer, Myers and John Bean sprayers and parts. He served on several boards including: FHA Advisory Committee, NC Apple Growers Association, Mountain Bank Board of Directors and Carolina First Board of Directors. In 2010, he was inducted into the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame. He was the Grand Marshall of the NC Apple Festival Parade in 2011 and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association that same year.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was a member of Kings Grove Baptist Church where his visitation and funeral will be held. The visitation will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2013, and the service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2013, with the Rev. Phillip Capell officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kings Grove Baptist Church building fund, in care of Wilma Summey, 3034 Pace Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Gerald W. Emanuel

Gerald W. Emanuel, AKA Paul David Henson, 59, of Etowah died at his home on Monday, March 25, 2013, following a five month illness.

He was born in Sugartree, Tenn., the biological son of Willie T. Henson and Alta M. Henson. He was the adopted son of the late Emmett and Ruby Emanuel. He was also preceded in death by a sister Peggy Jackson and a brother-in-aw Pat Noble.

A former resident of Memphis, Tenn., he was a self-employed auto mechanic and was a member of Cordova Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn. He loved flowers, hiking, and waterfalls.

Surviving is his wife of almost 40 years, Mary Jo Emanuel; daughter Christy Gray and husband Phillip of Billings, Mont.; sons Jason Emanuel of Clermont, Fla., and Joshua Emanuel of Etowah; grandchildren Anna Emanuel, Kathryn Emanuel, Danielle Gray, Richard Gray, Meredith Emanuel, Harley Emanuel, and Dylan Emanuel; sisters Mary Noble of Gadsden, Tenn., Audrey Schaffhauser and husband John of Ripley, Miss.; a brother R.C. Latham of Pinson, Tenn.; and two close friends Rob of Saluda and Pete of Hendersonville.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00pm Wednesday at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Services and burial will follow later in the week in Bolivar, Tennessee under the direction of Shackelford Funeral Directors.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.forestlawnhendersonville.com. Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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Wendell “Hawkeye” Wilkie, 54

Wendell "Hawkeye" Wilkie, 54, of Edneyville died on Sunday, March 24, 2013 at Pardee Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth Wilkie as well as two brothers, Arthur "Bud" Wilkie and Roger "Dale" Wilkie.

He is survived by his three brothers, Michael Wilkie, Daniel Wilkie, Donald Wilkie; four sisters, Louise Justice, Jean Corn, Wanda Wilkie, Judy Hensley and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service and receiving of friends will be held from 2 until 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at Apple Valley Church of God with Pastor Ken Braswell and Reverend Eugene Bumgardner officiating.

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

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

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Lloyd F. Garren, 62

Lloyd F. Garren, 62, of Fletcher passed away Thursday, March 21, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.

He was a native of Henderson County and a son of the late Fred and Elizabeth Calton Garren. Lloyd was a loyal employee of Mission Health Care System for 38 years and a member of Oak Forest Baptist Church.

Mr. Garren loved his wife, daughter and grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. He was a wonderful father and his daughter's best friend. His devoted wife lovingly cared for him during his extended illness. He loved fishing, wildlife, snow and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cheryl Garren; daughter, Kristi G. Brown and husband Scott; grandchildren, Jacob, Jadyn, Jordyn, and Rielly; brother, David Garren and wife Vicki; sister, Gail G. Lanning; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville. Rev. Charles Serrett will be officiating. Burial will be private. Per Lloyd's request, please dress casually for the funeral service.

The family would like to thank CarePartners Hospice for their loving care of Mr. Garren and Shuler Funeral Home for their helpfulness and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humane Alliance of WNC, Inc., Attn.: Quita Mazino, 25 Heritage Dr., Asheville, NC 28806.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ronald R. Lamb, 77

Ronald R. Lamb, 77, of Hendersonville passed away, Monday, March 25, 2013 at his home.

Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

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LLoyd Franklin Garren, 62

LLoyd Franklin Garren, 62, of Fletcher died Thursday, March 21, 2013 at his home.

Shuler Funeral Home will announce arrangements.

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Rose Marie Casoria, 84

Rose Marie Casoria, 84, of Hendersonville died Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Elizabeth House.

A prior resident of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., she had been a resident of Hendersonville for four years. She was the daughter of the late Mary Ann and Anthony Spezio. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Michael Casoria; and her brother Joseph Spezio.

She is survived by two sons, Rev. Anthony James Casoria and his wife Nancy and Mark Casoria and his wife Cindy; grandchildren, Joy, Beth, Kristen, Michelle, Joseph, Andrew, Wren, Danielle, and Michael; six great-grandchildren; sister, Josephine DiDonato; and many special nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be at 2:00pm Saturday in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Rev. Anthony J. Casoria officiating. A private entombment will be in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Four Seasons Hospice Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Truth in Action Ministries: Donation Processing Center, PO Box 7009, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

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

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Richard H. Gardner, 90

Richard H. Gardner, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Brian Center of Hendersonville.

He was a retired engineer from B.F. Goodrich in Troy, Ohio.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Genevieve Gardner; three sons; one daughter; one sister; nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

No services are planned.

Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

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Bobby Ray Stanley

Bobby Ray Stanley, 72, of Hendersonville died on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at Beystone Rehabilitation.

A native of Angier he was born on Dec. 4, 1940, to the late Joseph Earl Stanley and Bettie Mae O'Briant Stanley. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frankie Stanley and Harold Stanley.

He served his country in the United States Army and was on high alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He is survived by wife, of 48 years Virginia Douglass Stanley; his daughter, Teena George and her husband, Roger of Wilmington; and his brother, Tommy Stanley and his wife, Jean, of Wake Forest.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Beystone for their loving and dedicated care over the years.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Tuxedo Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Mikell Bennett officiating.

A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshephred.com.

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

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