All Obituaries

John Martin Benson Sr. aka “Jack” or “Paw Paw”, at 86 years old went to be with our LORD on Sunday February 7, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Warren M. Benson[TB1]  and Mary Helen Quinn Benson, as well as his son David. He is survived by his wife, Melba Bourgeois Benson, his sons, John Jr. and wife Barbara Wylie and Charles, “Chuck” and his wife Kimberly Elliott, his daughter, Kristine, “Tina” and her husband Fabian Bastidas; 4...

David Winfield Roberts, a longtime resident of Key Largo, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on February 1st, 2021 at the age of 65. He leaves behind his longtime partner of 24 years, Gail Martell. David is survived by his children and their respective partners and children: Jenelle Collazo (Joiner), Reese Joiner, Courtney McDannold and William “DJ” Roberts. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Theresia Roberts, and their children, Adam...

Raymond George Schnake, 89, of Key Colony Beach, FL, and Lake Sara, passed away Friday, February 19, 2021 at home in Florida. Ray was born on July 28, 1931 in Effingham, IL, the son of George E and Ella M (Borchelt) Schnake. He married Ruth Wenholz on June 6, 1953 in Chicago, IL and they shared 67 years of marriage. Ray served in the Unite States Army at Fort Sill, OK from July 1953 to June 1955. Ray was an owner and manager of the George Schnake, Inc. Grain Elevator in St. Peter, IL for...

Gordon Ivan Friis-Pettitt passed away at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, on February 15, 2021, after suffering a major heart attack at the age of 63. He was predeceased by his father, Gordon Friis-Pettitt; sister, Vera Lee Cardy; and daughter, Sabrina Jones. Gordon was survived by the love of his life, his wife, Debbie Lynn Friis-Pettitt, of nearly 23 years. He is lovingly remembered by his mother Mary Cardy; daughters Sheena Barbour, Staci Lingerfelt, and Kristen Fox and her...

In Memory of Howard T. Lynch In loving honor we mourn the loss of Howard Thomas Lynch, 85. On February 6, 2021 Captain Lynch passed away peacefully after an extraordinary life. He was born in New Haven, CT, March 12th 1935. His love of the Florida Keys began when he first visited in 1945. He finally moved to Marathon in 1976.While living here he was a member of the Elks Club for 43 years. After graduating from high school he served overseas with the United States Army, 6th...

Bessie Faye Vaupelt (maiden name) Griswold Hazelet of Plantation Key, FL passed away on February 5th 2021 peacefully in her home after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Her long time companion Franklin H Lee was beside her. She was born on January 21st 1926 in Arkansas. She outlived her children. Her only surviving relative in the FL Keys is her beloved grandson Eddie Droney. Faye enjoyed traveling and visiting family. She lived in many states across the nation. Her...

Everett Daniel Brabham, 82, of Belton, SC, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his home. Born on November 11, 1938 in Miami, Florida, he was the son of the late Everett Cecil Brabham and Margaret Georgia Jones.  He was a former union representative for the Local Union No. 3 IBEW and for Bellsouth. He is survived by his sons:  Everett V. and Michael R. Brabham; daughters:  Tammy B. Marshall and Hollie M. Brabham; brother, Damon Brabham; sister, Joy MacMillan;...