Patricia L. Fortson, age 69, of LaBelle, passed away March 14, 2013 in Lehigh Acres.
Patricia was born in Tampa, on May 21, 1943, to J.P. and Ruth (Townsend) Hull. She married George Edward Fortson; he preceded her in death on November 24, 2010. Patricia worked for several years as a ranch cook.
Patricia is survived by her children; Artie and his wife Becky Browning of Jacksonville, Teresa and her husband John Venham of Moore Haven, grandchildren; Mary Ellen, Simon, Tyler, Josh and Carole, five great grandchildren and two sisters; Kay Willis and Gracie Ryals.
Cecil Ray Sisler, age 91, of LaBelle, passed away March 14, 2013 in the Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral.
He was born Mar. 20, 1921 in Friendsville, Maryland to the late Daniel and Ida (Chidister) Sisler. Mr. Sisler married Mildred Irene Nedrow.
He served his country during WWII in the United States Army. He worked as an industrial engineer in the avionics field for many years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years: Mildred Irene Sisler, two sons: Ron Sisler, Jerry Sisler and two daughters: Linda (Gill) Ball, Shirley (Bruce) Satterfield, three brothers: Ben Sisler, Hugh Sisler, Ed Sisler and five sisters: Rosie Lewis, Elsie Slash, Bets Olsen, Peggy Tipton, Alice Friend, great grandchildren, Gracie and Gwen.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date in Maryland.
Thermon Lee O'Bannon, age 81, of LaBelle, passed away March 13, 2013 in Lehigh Acres.
He was born Aug. 29, 1931 in Fort Myers to the late John Paul O'Bannon and the late Oddis Louise (Blount) O'Bannon.
He was a lifelong resident of Hendry County and graduated from LaBelle High School in 1949. He married the Love of his life, Christine Dunaway, in 1950. Thermon was a member of First Baptist Church in LaBelle for over 50 years. He was Saved, loved Jesus and had served Him in the past as a Deacon and Trustee of his Church and taught Sunday School for many years.
Thermon was a former member of Hendry County School Board and had been a past LaBelle City Commissioner. He was active in starting the LaBelle Quarterback Club, bringing football back to LaBelle High School in 1966 and was a strong supporter of all the School sports for many years. Thermon was an active leader in youth sports and coached Little League Baseball for many years. He and his family have been longtime cattlemen and ranchers in Hendry County.
Thermon loved hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. He enjoyed going to Red Bird, his ranch, and working with cattle. You could always find him supporting his children, grandchildren and even his great-grandchildren in all their activities. He taught us all to love God, the land and our families.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by the Love of his Life, Christine Dunaway O'Bannon, son: Stephen Lee O'Bannon, daughter: Sonya Christine & Rodney Murray, sister: Myrna & Jerry Holland, nieces: Debra Jordan, Vicki Turner and Laura Chambliss, grandchildren: April & Clinton Lowery, Patrick & Mona O'Bannon, Brad and Jill Murray; Adam and Kyndel Murray, great-grandchildren: Shelby O'Bannon, Ethan & Emma Lowery, Haylee O'Bannon, Lane & Kaelyn Murray and Ty & Coy Murray. He will be greatly missed by us all.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 22, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Church Of God-LaBelle in LaBelle with Pastor W. T. Maddox Jr., Pastor Preston Long and Seth Howard officiating. Internment will follow at Ft. Denaud Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Church of God-LaBelle. Flowers are welcomed for the service or Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.
Mr. J. Isabel Sanchez, age 62, of LaBelle, passed away March 12, 2013 in Fort Myers.
He was born July 2, 1950, in Mexico to Domitila Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez married Tomasa Hernandez. He was a crew leader in the agriculture field for a number of years. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.
Survivors include his mother Domitila of Mexico, wife: Tomasa Sanchez, one son: Benjamin Sanchez and one daughter: Maria Sanchez all of LaBelle, one brother: Milton Flores and grandchild, Marlo Juliana Garcia
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 10:00 am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, LaBelle with Father Juan Lorenzo presiding. Visitation with a rosary was held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, LaBelle, Florida. Burial will be Fort Denaud Cemetery also in LaBelle.