Free Daily Headlines

Obituaries

Set your text size: A A A

Obituaries

February 2014 Archive

William "Bill" Dumas Brennan, 81

William "Bill" Dumas Brennan, 81, of Flat Rock, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Park Ridge Health.

A native of Plattsburgh, N.Y., he had lived in Muskogee, Okla., prior to moving to Flat Rock in 2000. He received his bachelor and master's degrees from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., a journey that began when he and a friend rode their bicycles to the school from Plattsburgh for their freshman year. Between years he hitchhiked to California for summer jobs. He received his doctorate from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and taught there while pursuing his degree.

Since then he had worked for Addressograph-Multigraph of Cleveland, American Optical Corp of Southbridge, Mass., Boston Digital of Milford, Mass., and Coburn Optical of Muskogee, Okla. He held several patents in optics as well as other fields of technology.

He enjoyed camping and sailing and built his own sailboat. Later he became an avid golfer, was a member of the Hendersonville Country Club and had attended Hendersonville First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Tracy Brennan.

Mr. Brennan is survived by his wife of 20 years, Donna Brennan and four children, Kathy Brennan of Sterling, Mass., Nancy Parker and her husband Mark of Tucson, Ariz., Jim Brennan of Boise, Idaho, and John Brennan and his wife Pat of Webster, Mass., as well as eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Steven, Connor, Sean, Neil, Stephanie, Scott and Brandy.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014, in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Dr. Wana Archer will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission 639 Maple St. Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

Read More »

Lola Gordon Henson, 87

Lola Gordon Henson, 87, of Rock Haven Lane, Zirconia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

She was the daughter of the late Bunyon and Dora Bell Russell Gordon. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Henson; three brothers, J.D., O.B. and Bill Gordon; two sisters, Clessie Pack and Dulcie Pearson and three grandchildren, Amber, Kenlee and Chelsie.

Lola was a member of Zirconia Missionary Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to cook, sew and spending time in her flower garden; however, her greatest love was her family.

She is survived by her two sons, Charles Henson and his wife Carol, and Kenneth Henson of Zirconia.; two brothers, Odie Gordon of Zirconia and Alvin Gordon of Travelers Rest, S.C.; two grandsons, Matthew and his wife Amber, and Jessie Henson; granddaughter, Amanda Henson Baker and her husband Jason; two step-granddaughters, Julie Brackett and her husband Steve, and Amy Allison and her husband Laton; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Rev Travis Parker and Rev. Randy Bane will officiate. The family will receive friends in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home one hour prior to the graveside service, and other times will be at the home of her son, Charles "Chuck" in Zirconia.

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

A guestbook or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Kenneth Gerard Thelen, Sr., 91

Kenneth Gerard Thelen, Sr., 91, of Hendersonville passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at Elizabeth House following a period of declining health.

A native of Detroit, Mich., he retired to Hendersonville in 1984. He was a son of the late Andrew and Margaret Thelen, and the husband of the late Mary Kipper Thelen, who died in 1986. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Andrew Vincent Thelan.

He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1952 with a Master's Degree in Business Administration and retired from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich., in 1983 following 38 years of service. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus. An Army veteran of WWII, he was also a member of the Hendersonville Country Club.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Velma Huggins Thelen of Hendersonville; two sons, Kenneth G. Thelen, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Northville, Mich., Brian G. Thelen and his wife Janis of Sterling Heights, Mich.; a daughter, Andrea T. Neumeyer and her husband Aaron of Hendersonville; a sister, Geraldine Gilmour of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Amy, Rory, Adrianne, Kyle, Patrick, Erin, and Amanda; two great-granddaughters, Evangeline and Aurelia; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was a devout Catholic, loving husband, father, and grandfather. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. James Caserio and to the staff of The Bridge at Lake Pointe Landing for their many years of care and kindness.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Robert Williams will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. A rosary service will be said at 5 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, followed by a visitation until 8:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pardee Hospital Foundation, 800 N. Justice Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791, or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 208 7th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28791.

An online guest book is available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

Read More »

Alan Anthony Bissonnette, 71

Alan Anthony Bissonnette, 71

Alan Anthony Bissonnette, 71, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully in his home on Feb. 19, 2014.

Al was born Nov. 19, 1942, in Bridgeport, Conn., and raised by his parents Anna and Robert Bissonnette.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1961, receiving an honorable discharge.  In 1969, he married his lifelong companion, Florence Bissonnette.  Together, they started a beautiful family and by the late 1970s raised their children, Lee and Roseanna, in Florida.

Al was known for loving life in a grand way.  His hobbies turned into ambitions which grew into prosperous endeavors.  In the 1980s, Al began to collect comic books and collectibles.  It was not long until this interest manifested into the famous Cloak & Dagger Comics of Ormond Beach, Fla.  His business soared and he and his son, Lee Bissonnette, owned and operated several small businesses in the Central Florida region over the next 10 years.  Through his work, Al helped mold and educate a generation of young readers and collectors

At work and at home, Al was known for his enormous generosity.  His favorite holiday, Christmas, was a huge event in the Bissonnette household, with light spectacles that would make the local papers.  Al, a big kid at heart, volunteered as Santa Claus for local department stores and children’s events.  Shortly before his retirement, Al and Florence moved to Hendersonville, where he opened a collectibles shop fittingly named Kringle’s Place.  Al also enjoyed other hobbies, including gardening, riding motorcycles, going to the movies, playing card games and travelling with his wife. Within the last decade, nothing brought him more joy than to see his two children happily married with children of their own.  “Papa” loved and adored his granddaughters, Anna Morgan, Madeleine Bissonnette and Gracie Bissonnette.

Alan is survived by his wife, Florence Bissonnette; his son Lee Bissonnette, his daughter Roseanna Bissonnette Morgan; and his three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, at Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors, 125 South Church Street, Hendersonville, NC, 28792.  Flowers may be sent to the above address as well. 

The funeral and burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old Us Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain, with Chaplain Buddy Corbin of The Cancer Center at Mission Hospital officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be given to CHASA, Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association, 4101 W. Green Oaks, Suite 305, #149, Arlington, TX 76016.

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 »

Frank Burkart Then, 97

Frank Burkart Then, 97, of Hendersonville passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at his residence at Sunnybrook Assisted Living.

A native of New York City, he was born on July 27, 1916, to the late Frank and Charlotte Then. He and his wife lived in New York City, Tenafly, N.J., and Walnut Creek, Calif., before moving to Hendersonville 15 years ago. Frank owned his own meat market in NYC for more than 30 years followed by a 15 year career in the United States Postal Service where he served among other duties as shop union steward. He finished out his working career as cashier at the Hendersonville Community Coop where he delighted everyone with his quips and ready smile. He enjoyed boating, vintage cars, and his collection of clocks. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten by his family and friends.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Martin Schratz celebrating. The family will receive friends following the service in the St. Francis Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at WoundedWarriorProject.org.

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 »

Edward A. Nicol, 86

Edward A. Nicol, 86, of Hendersonville died Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at Pardee Memorial Hospital.

Ed was born in Toronto, Canada on May 6, 1927. He was the son of the late Edward and Catherine Nicol. He was also preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Marie A. Nicol and his brother, Harry F. Nicol. He is survived by his brother, Roy A. Nicol who lives in Toronto, Canada.

Ed worked for the Avro Aircraft Company in Canada as a design group leader. Later he and Marie moved to Michigan where Ed worked for Chrysler Engineering as an engineering design supervisor. After this, he joined Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys Corporation) where he retired as a Senior Staff Engineer and Engineering Manager in 1991. He was awarded a number of patents while working for Burroughs.

Ed traveled extensively for Burroughs, visiting England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany, the Canary Islands, Brazil and Japan on business trips. Ed and Marie lived in Brazil for a while, where he was promoted to plant manager of a Burroughs's manufacturing facility.

He was also an amateur author and wrote a total of 40 short stories about his experiences in Europe, Japan, Mexico and Brazil. These are currently being enjoyed by relatives in Canada.

Upon his retirement in 1991, Ed and Marie moved from San Diego to Hendersonville, and later became residents of the Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community.

No services are planned.

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

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

Read More »

Todd Lee Cameron, 40

Todd Lee Cameron, 40, of Arden, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014.

He was a son of the June Cameron and the late John Cameron. He was a graduate of T.C Roberson High School and a former employee of Eaton Corporation.

He is survived by his daughter, Courtney Cameron; mother, June Cameron; brothers, Allan Cameron and wife Gina, and Brad Cameron and wife Jessica; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel in Hendersonville with Rev. Dale Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

A guestbook or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Todd Lee Cameron, 40

Todd Lee Cameron, 40, of Arden passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home will announce the arrangements.

Read More »

Nancy Lee Baird, 82

Nancy Lee Baird, 82, of Hendersonville passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.

Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Walter (Walt) I. Rogers, 98

Walter (Walt) I. Rogers, 98, passed from this earthly life on Feb. 19, 2014.

He was living in Hendersonville.

Walt lived a happy, rewarding life in N.J., working until his retirement to Cape Cod, Mass., in 1975. His life at home was dedicated to his family­­ — his wife Melda, and their two children, Carey and Lynn­­ — and house restoration and gardening.

Walt's working life centered around the welding trade where he became widely recognized and praised­ — crafting parts for early television and space exploration.

Retirement on Cape Cod was what gave Walt the most pleasure — sailing on Cape Cod Bay, gardening organically, and sharing his life with his beloved Melda.

At peace now, Walt leaves loving families, two granddaughters, a son-­in­-law, significant­-others, and a bundle of nieces and nephews. Amen.

Read More »

Estelle Witt Holmes Winn, 86

Estelle Witt Holmes Winn, 86

Estelle Witt Holmes Winn, 86, of Hendersonville passed away Feb. 17, 2014.

She was born in Nashville, Tenn. Preceded in death by her parents, Estelle and Lonnie Holmes; and daughter Barbara Winn.

Estelle was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville. She loved genealogy and was active with Daughters of the American Revolution National Society. The Tamasee DAR School was particularly important to her. She served on the Board of Directors at Pardee Hospital.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert Carroll "Bob" Winn; sons William "Bill" Winn and John Carter Winn; grandchildren Melissa Winn Webb, Amanda Winn Painter, Tawnya Winn and Kyle Winn; 8 great-grandchildren and many cousins.

The family would like to give a special thanks to personnel at Carolina Village Medical and Care Centers.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville with Reverend Danny Pridemore officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Gettman Room at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tamassee DAR School, P.O. Box 8 Tamassee, South Carolina 29686.

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 »

Charles "Tim" McFarland, 86

Charles "Tim" McFarland, 86, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully Monday morning at his residence following an extended illness.

He was a native of Tyrone, Pa., and had been a resident of Henderson County for 22 years. He was a son of the late S. Carl and Ruth McFarland. He was also preceded in death by a son, Leslie; a sister, Lethian Baur; and brothers, Richard McFarland and S. Robert McFarland.

He was a veteran of the US Navy and served in WWII. He was a lifelong Methodist and was very active with Habitat for Humanity. Tim enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He was very active throughout his life and enjoyed all outdoor activities.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Norma McFarland; four nieces; one nephew; one great-niece; and seven great-nephews.

Local services will be private and a memorial service will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.

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

A guestbook or sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Read More »

Nell Hutchinson Lance, 91

Nell Hutchinson Lance, 91, of Mills River died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at her residence.

She was born in Buncombe County on Oct. 4, 1922, to the late Mitchell Hutchinson and Ica Pink Clark. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Lance; two sons, Larry Lance and Richard "Dickey" Lance.

Mrs. Lance was a resident of Mills River for over 70 years, and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She worked at the Mountain Horticulture Research Station for several years, after retiring she became the largest Avon lady in Mills River.

She is survived by two daughters, Vickie Killough of Landrum, S.C., and Sherri Freeman and her husband, Jimmy of Mills River; five grandchildren, Joe Killough and his wife Chris of Landrum, S.C., Wendy Stein and her husband, DeWayne of New Orleans, Joshua Holbert and his wife, Erin of Hendersonville, Candice Moore and her husband, TW, Kari Turley and her husband, Pat of Ark.; six great-grandchildren, Noah and Jeb Killough of Landrum, S.C., Cameron, Brooke, and Quinn Holbert of Hendersonville, and Gavin Stein of New Orleans.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring staff and special friends of Four Seasons Hospice for all of their support and care.

 

uneral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Ronald W. Benzing. Burial will follow in Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 127, Landrum, SC, 29356 or 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 »

Owen E. "Buddy" Loudermilk Jr.

Owen E. "Buddy" Loudermilk Jr.

Owen E. "Buddy" Loudermilk Jr. left his earthly body in the beauty and quiet blanket of snow at his home in Pisgah Forest Feb. 13, 2014, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 20, 1950, in Augusta, Ga., where he lived until attending college and receiving an engineering degree in Florida. After completing college, Buddy worked for FL Power and Light. He returned to Augusta, Ga., when his mother became ill. In 1981, Buddy moved to Transylvania County and opened Buddy's Plumbing Repair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen E. Loudermilk Sr., Elizabeth I. Loudermilk, sisters Julie L. Buck and Margaret L. Dorn.

Surviving are his wife Patricia P Loudermilk; son Brad and his wife Elise of Springfield, Va.; daughter Kelly and her husband Ashley Miles of Etowah; Carrie Blackburn of Graniteville, S.C., and Timothy D Brown of Pisgah Forest. Buddy has three wonderful grandchildren Adam, Katelyn and Olivia. He is also survived by many loving nieces, great nieces and many loving friends.

Buddy was a member of Etowah United Methodist Church where he worked with Methodist Men Flea market and Fishes and Loaves food pantry.

In lieu of flowers Buddy asked that donations be made to the capital debt of Etowah United Methodist Church, PO Box 1268, Etowah, NC 28729.

A service of life will be held at Etowah United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, with Rev. Brice Harris officiating.

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

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

Read More »

Ronald Lloyd Beckwith, 70

Ronald Lloyd Beckwith, 70, of Flat Rock passed away, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at Baystone Health and Retirement.

He was the son of the late Lloyd and Irene Beckwith.

He served in the US Air Force during the Cuban Crisis, retired from Greenleaf Corporation in Flat Rock after 31 years of service and was a member of the Bethel Wesleyan Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carolyn Lyda Beckwith.

Jackson Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

Read More »

J. Crit Harley

J. Crit Harley

Dr. J. Crit Harley died on Feb. 10, 2014, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta of a rare blood disorder called Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). He was 66.


Crit lived his life with the intention of enjoying every moment. He understood life's concerns were important, but never serious, and should always be accompanied by a sense of humor.
Born June 11, 1947, in Hackensack, N.J., John Crittenden Harley was always known as Crit. His family moved to Greensboro, N.C., when he was 10 years old. After receiving an undergraduate degree from N.C. State University, he graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. While in med school he met his wife, Linda Levy, who says she chased Crit until he caught her. They married, May 6, 1973. Their daughter, Tevya Harley — his pride and joy — was born April 19, 1982.
After Crit completed his medical internship at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, the couple traveled in a 1972 VW bus across the U.S. for 14 months. They came to Hendersonville in October 1976 when he took a position in the Pardee Hospital Emergency Department, the beginning of his work in emergency medicine that would continue until he died. He worked in Pardee's ER for 19 years, nine as ER director, and served as medical director of the Henderson County Emergency Medical Services for 35 years.
In 1978, Crit approached Henderson County EMS Director Tom Edmundson about his interest in EMS. Crit became the first state-authorized fulltime medical director of Henderson County EMS. Tom and Crit worked together to improve training and skill levels, starting the EMS paramedic program in October 1980 and making Henderson County the ninth county in the state to provide a paramedic program. Once the paramedic program was started, Tom and Crit saw the need for a first responder educational program to assist paramedics in providing better patient care. BRCC developed the program, now taught to all 12 fire departments and the Henderson County Rescue Squad.
"Dr. Harley was an integral part of the educational process, and was very instrumental convincing doctors what would be the scope of the level of paramedic procedures, approved by the NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Office of EMS," Edmundson said. "Through the years, Dr. Harley supported and encouraged the expansions of paramedic skills as the NC Medical Board of Examiners and NC Office of EMS advanced them. Dr. Harley was not one who wanted glory for himself, but very much behind the scenes to make sure everything was done right."
Terry Layne, who succeeded Edmundson, agreed.
"When I became EMS director in 2001, the NC Office of Emergency Medical Services expanded each county EMS medical director's responsibilities to include all emergency medical services: first responders, private emergency services, along with the EMS paramedic program," Layne said. "Dr. Harley was also instrumental in developing three satellite stations located throughout the county to help reduce response time to patients needing emergency medical care. He had a great interest in Henderson County EMS being the best. Dr. Harley took pride in Henderson County not having the problems of other state EMS systems."
Mike Barnett, EMS director since 2011, said Harley always treated the emergency corps with respect.
"Dr. Harley was a very special person, and very unique in how he led us," Barnett said. "He cared about people in general, but also, took special interest in us – the EMTs. He was always interested in us and our families, in how we were doing. He was a joy to work with. He always used humor, making the difficult situations easier. As far as a medical director, Dr. Harley had a unique way of looking at things. He was not judgmental. He was slow to speak, and quick to listen."
Crit left emergency room medicine in 1994 to start a private practice, specializing in stress management, mind body medicine, and hypnotherapy. The medical community at the time stated expressed confusion about his new practice. With a smile, he said, "That's great. I've a got a corner on the market."
Along with his wife, Crit served as one of the first mediators with the Henderson County Dispute Settlement Center, and was active in the organization as a board member and mediator from 1982 to 1996.
His skill at mediation led to an appointment to the Hendersonville City Council in 1996. He won election in 1997, lost in 1999 and was appointed again, in 2000, after the death of T. Lee Osborne. He always declared he was no politician.
"I don't kiss babies. No committee, no website, just me," he said. "And I am who I am. I listen to issues, study them, and I am willing to make tough decisions. Based on what I think/hear is best for all. I have a sense of humor, and I use it...City business is important, not serious."
Dr. Harley had a little known but wide impact on his community, on health care generally and on patients' well-being through board work and volunteerism:

  • "Crit challenged you to act," said Renee Kumor, who served with him on the DSS board. " He moved you off your dime."
  • "Dr. Harley was funny," said Dr. Diana R. Curran, who worked with Harley at the county Health Department. "He made little jokes that lighten your day, along with his great clinical skills, and diagnostic abilities. He was great with children. He always put them at ease. He was a critical member of the Child Fatality Prevention Team for 15 years. He was an advocate for children whether he was serving them in patient care or as a volunteer."
  • "Crit always saw both sides," said Dr. Dan Veazey, who served with Harley for many years on the Pardee Ethics Committee, which Harley chaired for nine years. "I, along with others, looked towards Crit when there were opposing views. He had the unusual ability to guide strong opinions/egos to a common consensus with no collateral damage. Everybody came out a winner. He was a wise and a compassionate man."
  • "The cancer conference is discussing medical, as well as social and psychological issues of the patient," Dr. Chuck Albers said of the weekly meeting. "I was so impressed with how he dealt with patients in helping them through their feelings and anger, especially with kids. His bubbly self and putting kids at ease."
  • John Crittenden Harley was preceded in death by his father, A.H. Harley, and stepmother, Catherine Harley. He is survived by his wife, Linda Harley, and his daughter, Tevya Harley, two sisters and their spouses and families, Gail and E.L. Porter and Diane and Dan Egner; and two brothers-law and their spouses and families, Raymond and Sandy Levy and Edward and Debbie Levy.

Dr. J. Crit Harley will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His life centered on not what he gathered, but what he scattered.
A celebration of his life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Elizabeth Leigh Inn, 908 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville. Dress: casual, no black.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Dr. John Crittenden Harley Fund for Histiocytosis Research. Credit card or check is accepted. Please make check payable to Emory and send to Office of Gift Records, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322-1710.
By phone call (404) 712-GIVE (4483). Online payments may be made at http://annualgiving.emory.edu/ways-to-give/index.php. Select "give online" and then under Select Direction choose "Other Designation (specify below). In the box type in Crit Harley.
Please specify that the donation is designated in memory of Crit Harley. This will ensure that your donation goes to the appropriate fund.

Read More »

James L. "Jim" Corrigan

James L. "Jim" Corrigan

James L. "Jim" Corrigan of Flat Rock died Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at the Elizabeth House.

A native of Tenafly, N.J., he was the son of the late Thomas F. and Mary F. McCoy Corrigan. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Aline Teresa.

He attended grade school in Tenafly, and high school in Englewood, N.J. He received a BA in English from the University of Maryland. He served as an enlisted man in the Air Force from 1953 until 1957. While in the Air Force he completed an intensive course in Chinese at the Yale University Institute of Far Eastern Languages, and then served overseas in the Philippines and Taiwan. He served as an operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency from 1960 until 1993. He had various assignments in Africa, the Far East, Europe, and at the Agency's Headquarters in Langley, Va.

After retiring, he and Janet moved to Flat Rock where they made many wonderful and lasting friendships. His hobbies included hiking, photography, golf, billiards, and fly fishing. He served in prison ministry before the minimum security prison in Henderson County was closed. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church serving on the Pastoral Council and as a longtime Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janet, with whom he celebrated 54 years of marriage; three children, Michael and his wife, Lynne of Chesapeake, Va., Catherine of Flat Rock, and Patrick and his wife Lana of Silver Spring, Md.; four grandchildren; sister, Virginia Walsh; two brothers, Thomas and his wife Ann, Leo and his wife, Mariellen; and many nieces and nephews

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Robert Williams at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. A private family burial will take place at Shepherd Memorial Park.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care given to Jim by the people at Elizabeth House and for the concern and care he received from his doctors; William Medina, James Radford, John Critikos, and Eric Byrd.

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 »

Judy Kaye Thompson Hollis

Judy Hollis, 69, of Horse Shoe passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, at the Elizabeth House following a short battle with ovarian cancer.

Judy was born on Oct. 17, 1944, in Clovis, N.M., the eldest child of David L. and Eloise B. Thompson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a beautiful Christian woman who lived well, laughed often and loved fully from her heart. Because her heart overflowed with love, she was in turned loved by many people, especially her family.

Judy and her husband, Daryl, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2013 shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Elizabeth Hollis of Gainesville, Fla.; two grandchildren, Jack and Amanda Hollis also of Gainesville, Fla.; a sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Ed Fore of Garland, Texas; and a brother and sister-in-law, John and Becky Thompson of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. Her extended family includes a niece, Marla Cannefax of Tyler, Texas; a nephew, Scott Thompson of Dallas, Texas; several cousins and numerous persons from Grace Community Church where she was a beloved member.

The family is grateful to the staff of Four Seasons Hospice for the excellent care provided to Judy over the past few months as well as for the hundreds of messages and cards that were sent to her directly and through her site at CaringBridge.org.

A celebration of life service will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, at Grace Community Church, 495 Cardinal Road, Mills River, NC 28759.

In lieu of flowers, Judy and the family ask that memorial donations be made to Grace Community Church Building Fund, or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants." (Psalm 116:15)\

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

Read More »

Annie Sue Marlowe Justus, 93

Annie Sue Marlowe Justus, 93, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 13, 2014.

Born on Oct. 30, 1920, in Hendersonville, Sue was the daughter of the late Benjamin C. Marlowe and Eliza Jane Lancaster Marlowe. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Hollis Justus, to whom she was married for 70 years.

Sue was a lifetime member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was a wonderful cook and prepared supper for her family for 45 years every Saturday night. Sue was a 1938 graduate of Edneyville High School and was employed in the banking industry for 40 years.

She is survived by one son, David Justus and his wife, Doris; two grandchildren, Deonna Constant and her husband, Wade, and David Justus II and his wife, Debby; three grandchildren, Daniel Justus, Lee Anderson and Tracey Player and her husband, Michael; sister-in-law, Millie Hull; many nephews and nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear and devoted friends.

Sue was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with the Rev. Philip Capell officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.

An online guest book and sympathy card are available at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Read More »

Lt. Colonel Everett W. Steiner, USAF Retired

Lt. Colonel Everett W. Steiner, USAF Retired

Everett Woodrow Steiner was born on Oct. 26, 1918 in Ellsworth County, Kan., on the family farm near Black Wolf, to Joseph and Doris (Bisterfeldt) Steiner. He was the first of their six children, four sons and two daughters. He passed away on Feb. 6, 2014, in Hendersonville, NC, at the age of 95.

Everett graduated from Ellsworth High in 1936 and received a scholarship to play football for Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan. He was part of the 1940 Coyotes conference championship season and once caught three touchdown passes in a game as a tight end.

He learned to fly while at college in Salina. Before graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was assigned to the airbase in Waco, TX where his superb machine skills and hand-to-eye coordination made him a military pilot and flight instructor on the PT-17, BT-19 and AT-6 Texan. This experience led him to become a captain on a B-24 Liberator and he flew 33 missions over Nazi Germany. Based at the Pantanella AFB, Italy, on his the third mission flying the famous B-24 "V-Grand", he took a direct hit on the no. 2 engine over Budapest. He piloted the crippled bomber for 4-1/2 hours at the near stall speed of 120mph before successfully landing the plane on the island of Vis, Yugoslavia, in the Adriatic Sea. He had the crew tie their parachutes to the gunners side doors and deployed them when the plane touched the ground to slow it down as the hydraulics were shot out. For this effort, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by General Curtis LeMay.

Everett stayed on after the war, flying B-29's doing photo recon for nuclear bomb testing in the South Pacific. He got into jet fighters in 1948 learning to fly the new F-80 Shooting Star at Tyndall AFB, FL. While stationed at Carswell AFB in Ft. Worth, TX, he completed his undergrad degree from Texas Christian University. He then served in Korea in 1953 flying the F-86 Sabre and later become a Squadron Commander for the 331st Interceptor Squadron based out of Stewart AFB, NY in 1958. He then flew the F-102 Delta Dart and F-104 Starfighter for joint American/European NATO defense forces based at Ramstein AFB, Germany.

He became a member of the "Machbusters Club" breaking the sound barrier 17 times, including once over Paris. He was also a Tactical Commander for a new air base in Torrejon, Spain. In 1962, he was assigned to the Pentagon as an intelligence officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 as a Lt. Colonel, serving 32 years. While in Washington, DC, he completed his Master's degree from American University and was accepted into their PHD program. At the end of his career, he had logged over 5000 hours of total flying time in nearly every aircraft in the Air Force. He counted among his numerous acquaintances, military friends Chuck Yeager and Jim Jabarra and while living in Maine, L.L. Bean, a local retail clothier, who became a world recognized urban outfitter.

He and his wife Natalie resided near Bucksport, ME on Lake Alamasook until 1995 when they moved to Hendersonville to enjoy warmer weather. He was the Post Commander of the American Legion in Maine. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, gardening and television sports. He always had a pair of binoculars near his side to watch the birds. Natalie passed away in 2008.

Everett is survived by sister Joyce Brady Brown of Citrus Heights, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. His wife Natalie, his son Delorn, his parents Joe and Doris, brothers Delorn, Clayton and Franklin and sister Ethel Zahradnik, preceded him in death.

Special thanks to Emeritus at Pine Park and Elizabeth House both in Hendersonville and Mission Hospital in Asheville for their professional care and dedication. And grateful appreciation to Charlie and Elaine Ortiz of Hendersonville, who were guardian angels and friends to Everett and Natalie.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at the Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Kan., with interment in the Ellsworth Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Kansas Wesleyan University Football Scholarship program in the name of Everett Steiner and the 1940 Championship Team.

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, reached out my hand, and touched the face of God."

Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!

Read More »