Earl David Litwiller, a beloved resident of Moore Haven, Florida, passed away on October 12, 2023, at the age of 80. Earl was born on December 18, 1942, to loving parents, Alvan and Mildred Litwiller of Illinois. He is survived by three siblings (Milton, Mary and Dean) and their spouses, along with three children and three grandchildren.
Earl was married to Jennifer Guerke Litwiller and together they raised Stephen, Cynthia and Brian. He cherished his role as a grandfather, eventually welcoming grandchildren Hannah, Brendan and Samantha.
Earl graduated in the class of 1960 at Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology at Goshen College in Indiana. Earl had a life-long love of learning, with a passion for books, medicine, history, antiques and automobiles.
Throughout his professional career, Earl was responsible for the quality and safety of food products at Tropicana, Gerber, and Southern Gardens earning much respect from his colleagues until his retirement. Earl enjoyed spending time in the North Carolina mountains and in Florida.
Earl Litwiller will forever be remembered as a steadfast father and grandfather who cared deeply about his family. But he also leaves behind many friends, neighbors and colleagues that will miss his kindness, compassion, humor and strength. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Bradenton/Sarasota at a date/time to be determined.
William “Vernon” Whidden, age 73, resident of Moore Haven, Florida, passed away October 8, 2023 at Palms West hospital in Loxahatchee, Florida. On September 1, 2023, he broke his hip from a fall at home then had a hip replacement and was admitted impatient for physical therapy in Clewiston. His chronic COPD compounded with the recent additional physical challenges resulted in his death. During one of his hospital stays he said, “well I almost made it to my birthday”. A celebration of life party was held in honor of his birthday October 11, 2023, at his home where the people he loved, family, friends, band members, neighbors and coworker visited.
He was born October 11, 1949, in Lakeport, FL, to the late Julian Vernon Whidden and Nettie (Cox) Whidden. He grew up and lived around lake Okeechobee all his life.
He worked many years as a surveyor for U.S. Sugar and later Hendry County where he retired. In the 70’s 80’s and 90’s he played bass guitar in the band on the weekends and once opened for BB King. He always had a boat and enjoyed fishing on Lake Okeechobee as well as many different locations throughout Florida including the Keys.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Tracey Whidden and cousin Vance W. Whidden.
He is survived by:
Wife - Isabell Morell
Daughter - Sherrie Whidden
Grandchildren - Scott Hairston, Alan Hairston, Chase Hairston, Averi Dunavan
Greatgrandchildren – Colton Hairston, Sawyer Hairston, Landon Hairston, Lacey Lynn Hairston
Stepchildren – Jude Kurtz, Ian Kurtz, Martin Kurtz, Elise Kurtz, Hans Kurtz, and their families
Dog – Kitty
Cats – Mudbuddy, Baby
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a tobacco cessation program in his name.
Dr. James Lee Shewmaker Jr DVM, of La Belle, Florida, better known as Lee or “Doc”, passed away on October 8th 2023 with his children by his side.
Lee was the son of the late James and Laura Alma Latta Shewmaker of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and was born on October 30, 1942. He grew up on a farm, which instilled in him a lifelong love for animals and riding horses.
Lee graduated from Mercer County High School, in Harrodsburg, and received his bachelors degree from University of Kentucky. He continued his education at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine , from which he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.
After College Lee enlisted into the U.S. Army and served two years providing Veterinary services at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then moved to LaBelle, Florida purchasing his Veterinary practice in 1972. First named Glades Vet Services then later changed to Shewmaker Animal Hospital. He practiced in La Belle, FL for 50 years, providing Veterinary care for all the surrounding counties, including Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee, and Collier counties. He mentored many young aspiring Veterinarians; including two of his children. He enjoyed serving his community and his work ethic was unparralled.
Lee loved a good joke and cutting up with his fellow cowboy buddies. Lee’s hobbies were watching his grandchildren grow-up and compete in sports and rodeo. Lee really enjoyed Team Roping and for years hosted practices and Round Robins in the arena at his clinic. He was a member of various veterinary associations but was also active for years in local associations such as Hendry County Cattlemens. In addition he hosted the very first meeting for LaBelle Family Livestock Club at his clinic and was one of the first board members to help provide a family oriented association for the sport of rodeo in our small hometown of Labelle over 30 years ago.
He was predeceased by his parents, his younger brother, John Thomas Shewmaker, and the mother of his children, Lila Shewmaker-Rae. He is survived by his children, James Gordon Shewmaker, Dr. Bridgette Diane Shewmaker- Cochran DVM (Husband - Kenny), and Dr. James Lee Shewmaker III DVM, and grandchildren, Cutter James Cochran, Brilee Blake Cochran, and James Lee Shewmaker IV. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Jane Latta Shewmaker - Brother of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and five nephews and nieces.
Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home- LaBelle.
Celebration of Life at Arching Oaks Ranch in LaBelle, FL at 10:30 am ~ Saturday November 11th, 2023 ~ 3923 E State Road 80, LaBelle, FL 33935
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Lee’s beloved grandchildren through the Dr. Lee Shewmaker’s Memorial Fund at First Bank of LaBelle or through GoFundme.com/f/drlee-shewmaker-dvm
No comments:
Post a Comment