James V Graf, age 88, of LaBelle, passed away August 7, 2017 in LaBelle.
He was born July 9, 1929 in Elmira, NY, Son of late George and Alice Olga (Parsons) Graf.
Survivors include his wife: Florence Inez (Centers) Graf, one son: Michael (Darlene) Graf of Texas and three daughters: Carol (Paul) Kraft of LaBelle, Cheryl (Late Bob) Walker of CA. and Kathleen Graf, of N.Y.., Also Survived by 2 step-children Vonda Saunders of Lehigh Acres, Jeffery (Janis) Brewster of LaBelle. Pre-deceased by Minnie Orcutt Graf, Vicki Brewster & James E. Graf. Also survived by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Jim had a quest for life and demonstrated this through his love for his wife, family and friends.
Jim was a jokester who loved to laugh and making others laugh. In his younger years he loved camping with his family. He enjoyed sitting by the campfire, telling jokes, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. In his later years he loved going on cruises, and the highlight of his day was meeting friends each morning at a local restaurant for coffee and helping to solve the problems of the world. Jim truly loved his 35 brand new cars that he owned during his lifetime. His motto to his children was, "Do what is right for you!" He will be missed so much by his family and friends
Cremation arrangements by the Aiken-Davis Funeral Home
On August 6, 2017, Jeremy Penton, at only 17, was tragically taken from his loving and close-knit family and friends. Jeremy was born on May 25, 2000. Immediate family members include his mother, Cherie Penton; sister, Alyssa Penton; brother, Joshua Penton, and father, Daniel Penton. Paternal grandparents include Pablo and Caridad Penton, and his maternal grandparents are Butch and Glenda Wilson. Other extended family members include uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Jeremy grew up in Clewiston where his passion for fishing developed into an impressive talent. He first started fishing local community canals. One of his favorite spots was the "White Bridge" located at the end of Royal Palm Avenue, within walking distance from home. A hot summer day at the bridge always called for a break with plenty of McDonalds' hamburgers and ice cold tea for him and his fishing buddies.
Later, Jeremy's fishing exploits included boat trips on Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. His love of fishing would expand to coastal, salt water bays on both the east and west coasts. People were always amazed at his angler abilities, as they watched him tirelessly catch fish for hours without taking a break. His family will forever treasure the photos that captured those special moments with Jeremy's big smile and trophy-sized fish.
Jeremy was a prankster at heart, who loved to play jokes on family and friends when they least expected it. He loved the outdoors, so one never knew what kind of Florida critter he would capture and bring home. The solitude he found in the outdoors, so befitted his personality. He was a person of few words who spent countless nights on his back porch, browsing through social media and You-Tube and calling friends.
Like many other teenagers of today, Jeremy struggled to find his way in a challenging world. In his struggles, we, his family, overlooked his imperfections and, with love, saw only his perfection. Jeremy's young life was cut short by the endless violence and lawlessness that so dominates our society today. Our hearts ache, knowing he will never have the opportunity to plan a career, meet and marry that special woman, or father children for us to love and spoil. Our family suffers deeply at Jeremy's loss because he was senselessly murdered and ruthlessly taken from us. His life is gone, but he will always continue to live in our hearts; his memories will sustain and comfort us. Jeremy, we will never forget you – your loving family will hold you in our hearts forever.
Celebration of Jeremy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Clewiston Church of God, where Pastor Ray Dick will officiate. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 from 6-8 pm in Akin-Davis Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Ridgelawn Cemetery.
Celebration arrangements being handled by Akin-Davis Funeral Home – Clewiston.
Harold Glenn Stewart, 87, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2017 in LaBelle, FL. Glenn was born on September 18, 1929 in Ft Myers, FL to Herbert R. and Gladys L. Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilton "Bill" Stewart and Gerald Stewart; by his wives, Mary E. Stewart and Edna Y. Stewart, and a son, Michael S. Stewart.
He is survived by a daughter, Mary Whitley, granddaughter, Amanda Whitley, and great-granddaughter, Cherokee Whitley of Wichita Falls, TX; a sister Inez S. Adkins of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; a step-son Gene Yarbrough of Sacramento, CA; six nieces; five nephews, and numerous other cousins and friends.
Glenn graduated from LaBelle High School in 1948 and lived a full and rewarding life. He was a flight line engineer, an instructor (training over 50 pilots, many who later became airline pilots), and went into the Air Force from March 1951 to November 1952. As a pilot, he delivered airplanes to South America, Argentina, and Mexico, and flew senators and governors throughout Florida. After moving to Tennessee in 1972, he dabbled in ranching, owned a dry cleaning business, managed two theaters, and did some construction work. Upon returning to Florida in 1988, he managed an orange grove and became a security guard. Then in 2012, he decided to venture into a new career called retirement.
Glenn's other passions were reading, dreaming about taking a sailboat ride to Puerto Rico, talking about his flying days, watching movies, and just taking it easy.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at The Grace Building at Caloosa Baptist Church, 550 West Hickpoochee Av., LaBelle, Florida with Ray Harn officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Glenn's name to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.
George James Briede, age 100, of Lehigh Acres, passed away August 2, 2017 in Fort Myers.
He was born July 10, 1917 in Chicago, IL, to the late Arthur Henry Briede and Agnes Josephine (Motyka) Briede. He served during World War II in the Marine Corps. He lived in Lehigh Acres from 1961 to 1977 and was a Publisher of the Lehigh Acres News during that time. George was a longtime resident of LaBelle from 1982 to 2000. He was a member and co-founder of the American Legion Post #130, LaBelle, D.A.V. Post #144 Labelle and the V.F.W. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners.
He was preceded in death by his wife's', Martha J. Puletti Briede, Alta Breide, Adele Struckmeier Briede and Jo Williams-Briede. A daughter, Georgia L. Walker and grandson, Richard R. Kornmann, Jr. Survivors include son: James A. Briede of Tallahassee, FL and daughter JoAnn Pietron of Winchester VA, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, step children: Paul Puletti, John B. Puletti and Michael Puletti all of LaBelle and Eleanor Neal of Fort Myers.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date. No Viewing at George's request. Contributions can be made in George's name to Labelle American Legion or the V.F.W. or to the American Cancer Society in Georgia L. Walker and Richard R. Kornmann, Jr.
Cremation Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.