Blue Origin has announced it will begin fueling operations overnight for the first flight of its New Glenn rocket. The launch has previously been postponed due to unfavorable conditions, according to Blue Origin’s website.
The launch is planned for 1:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025, with a three hour launch window. If successful, the rocket will take off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Joseph L. Berta, 86
Joseph L. Berta of Nalcrest passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, at AdventHealth Lake Wales under the care of Vitas Hospice.
He was born April 18, 1938, in Manhattan, New York to the late Joseph and Helen Berta; he moved to Nalcrest in 1992. Joseph was a retired letter carrier where he was also the Union Representative for the Post Office. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and volunteered with the Lake Wales Care Center. Joseph enjoyed bowling and loved to fix things around Nalcrest.
Joseph is preceded in death by his wife, Laurene Berta. He is survived by his daughters, Helene Berta (Gavin), Laurie Schmitt (Michael), Cindy Del Rio, and Debbie Merryfield (Tom); sons, Brian Berta (Susan), Ed Wooding (Christine), and Brian Wooding (Cassey); 11 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held 5:00 pm Friday, January 17, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.
Edith Louise Anderson, 79
Edith Anderson of Lake Wales passed away Monday, January 6, 2025, at her residence.
Edith was born June 1, 1945, in Lake Wales, Florida, to Roy Durrance and Violet Viola Grooms. Edith was a cook at McDonald’s and loved to work. She worked until she was 75 years old. Edith loved her family, and having cookouts. She was of the Pentecostal faith.
Edith is preceded in death by her father, Roy Lee Durrance; mother, Violet Grooms; first husband, Roy Ray Kirkland; second husband, John L. Anderson; sisters, Nellie Lee, Annie Wechter, Sally Figg, Bessie Reed, Faye Johnson, Nancy Mooney and Rosie Durrance; brothers, Fred Cecil Durrance and Lee Roy Durrance; and grandchildren, Michael Guffey and Everleigh Guffey. She is survived by her husband, Richard Stombaugh; daughters, Theresa Kirkland of Lake Wales, Rachel Guffey and husband Bruce of Lake Wales; sons, Glen Kirkland and wife Nancy of St. Augustine, Daniel Anderson and wife Savanah of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Hannah White and husband Joel, James Moss and wife Alexis, Amber Smith and husband Tyler, and Cody Kirkland; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, Molly Bell and Tonya Lee; and many other nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, with funeral services being held at 12:00 p.m., at the Pentecostal Fellowship Center. Those who wish may order flowers from a local floral shop www.flowersbymelanieincpalatka.com
Flowers by Melanie, 102 Oakwood Ave, Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 329-5559
Dr. James Dayle Morgan, a retired dermatologist and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at WatersEdge Memory Care in Lake Wales, FL, at the age of 88. Born in Perry, Iowa, he dedicated 20 years of exemplary service to the United States Navy before retiring in 1980 with his family and making his home in Lake Wales.
Dr. Morgan’s illustrious career in dermatology included owning and operating a private practice from 1980 to 2012, following his service as a Navy dermatologist. During his Navy tenure, he held several key positions, including flight surgeon and senior medical officer on the aircraft carrier USS Independence from 1975 to 1976. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1976. Dr. Morgan earned his Bachelor of Science at the University of Oklahoma in 1958 and completed his Doctor of Medicine degree there in 1961.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Morgan was passionate about waterskiing and served as President of the American Waterski Educational Foundation. He played a crucial role in establishing the American Waterski Hall of Fame, which opened in 2013. His achievements in the sport, including national and world titles, earned him an Award of Distinction from the American Waterski Foundation and induction into their Hall of Fame. He also served as a medical editor for Spray Water Ski Magazine from 1981 to 1984 and remained active in professional dermatology associations.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Morgan was an avid hunter and a dedicated collector of Weatherby guns. He enjoyed traveling around the world to pursue his love for the outdoors and firearms, further emphasizing his adventurous spirit and dedication to his hobbies.
Dr. James Dayle Morgan is survived by his devoted wife, Glenda, and his cherished children: Michael Morgan (Kerry), Lori Davis, and Zack Morgan (Nikki). He was also a proud grandfather of Morgan, Lauren, Jordan (Kyle), Bailey (Nolan), Jenna, Lexi (Colton), Madeleine (Paul), Jacob, Clyde, and Quade, and a great-grandfather to Dane. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Leah Robbins, last year.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, located at 221 S 4th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the USA WWF Scholarship Fund (USA – Waterski & Wake Sports Fund) at 628 W. Remington Road, Lakeland, FL 33813, or to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853.
Cheri Schamp Cooper, a beloved wife, mother, Mimi, sister, teacher, and friend passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her family.
She was born October 20,1950 in Toledo, OH to the late Ralph and Betty Schamp. She left behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and compassion. Her family was her greatest joy; she cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, creating countless memories.
In her 42 years as an educator at Polk Avenue Elementary, Cheri influenced the lives of many, igniting a passion for learning in her students. Cheri’s warm, caring nature made her not just an educator, but a mentor and friend to those she taught and worked with. She believed in the potential of every individual, and her classroom was a place where every child felt loved and understood.
Cheri loved her family deeply. Her precious grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a unique ability to connect with each of them that made them feel special and valued. Her genuine interest in their lives created a bond that will forever be treasured. Cheri and her husband Barry shared 50 beautiful years of marriage. They built a life rich in shared memories, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Their love was a testament to commitment and devotion, setting an inspiring example for their family and reminding everyone of the power of enduring love.
Cheri was preceded in death by her son, Casey Cooper in 2021. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Barry Cooper; daughter, Amy Gammons (Aron) of Lake Wales; sisters: Kathy Smyth (Tom) of Flat Rock, NC, Christine Hollon (Jay) of Lakeland, FL and Nancy Markowski (Pete) of Syracuse, NY; brother: Robert Schamp (Barbara) of New Port Richey; and four grandchildren: Carson, Lilybeth, Sailor, and Sadyjane.
The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, located at 221 S 4th Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Ave, Lake Wales, Fl 33853.
Cheri will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she shared and the lives she touched. In honoring her memory, we are reminded to embrace our loved ones and cherish the moments that truly matter.
Lilawatee Mangru, 79
Lilawatee Mangru of Dundee passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at her residence.
She was born February 18, 1945, in Dehoop, Guyana to the late Persaud Uzagir and Sukhni Federick. Lilawatee was of the Hindu faith. She was a homemaker and loving grandmother.
Lilawatee was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Laikhram Mangru in 2020; and brothers, Harrichand, Narine, and Fedrick. She is survived by her daughters, Ranu Tilak and husband Kumar of Lake Hamilton, Hema Singh and husband Kumar of Dundee, Serene Pollard and husband Steve of Dundee, and Kavita Mangal and husband Rajin of Queens, New York; sons, Anil Mangru and wife Debra of Yonkers, New York, and Sunil Mangru and wife Sandy; 15 grandchildren, Anthony, Steve, Dhanny, Gavin, Kamini, Bharti, Navin, Raj, Devi, Malena, Guytri, Kishan, Kareena, Ryan, and Romila; sister, Meena and husband Sachit; brothers, Pirth and wife Vijay and Soats and wife Shantie; sisters-in-law, Juliet, Sattie, Baby, Dro; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. A funeral service will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2025, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Cremation will follow the service.
Wayne Beasley, 84
Wayne Beasley of Frostproof passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 at his residence.
He was born April 26, 1940 in Frostproof to the late Weston and Ruby Beasley; he has been a lifelong resident of Frostproof. Wayne first retired from Polk County as a building inspector, and then as a plans examiner for the City of Winter Haven. He was also a former President of the Building Officials of Florida, (Peace River Chapter), and former Vice President of the Central Florida Chapter. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Frostproof, the Federation of Christian Sportsman, and was a former member of the Masons. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially turkey hunting.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Manley Beasley; and sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his daughters, Debby (Greg) Dawes of Orlando and Pam (Billy) Adams of Frostproof; grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah) Dawes of Orlando, Katelyn (Alex) Acevedo of Orlando, Derek (Madison) Martin of Frostproof, and Justin (Jaelyn) Martin of Sparta, Tennessee; and great-grandchildren, Weston Martin, Peyton Acevedo, Ellis Martin, Kade Dawes, Waylon Martin, Piper Acevedo, Harper Dawes, and Hudson Martin.
Interment will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Silver Hill Cemetery.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Alex Neil Spear, on January 4, 2025, following a tragic vehicle accident in Okeechobee, FL. He would have been 89 years old March 23, 2025. His parents were Valley Pitcock Spear Ellis and Charles Ray Spear. He married Betty Phyllis Allison on July 1, 1955 and they were married for 63 years before her death in October 2018. Dad lovingly cared for Mom, who suffered with Alzheimers disease, for many years. They had six children: Kathy (Mike) Bitz, Karen (Bob) Beahon, David (Deb) Spear, Darryl (Marcia) Spear, Dan (Sonjia) Spear, and Alison (Brian) Boris. He was proud of his large family of six kids and spouses, 19 grandkids, and 41 great-grandkids.
Dad was one of a kind! He led an active life right up to the end. He continued to sing in church choir both in Michigan and Florida, and sang the solo in “Oh Holy Night” on Christmas Eve for decades, including this past Christmas. He was a proud member of Dr. Steven Darr’s group’s for over 20 years: The Celebration Choir and The Brown Bag Hymn Sing Choir that met at South Lake Wales Church of God on the campus of Warner University. He sang in the Ford Chorus in Dearborn, MI for many years & participated in their plays & stage productions, often as the lead male role. He also sang any time he felt the occasion needed a song. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI after over 30 years of service. Dad served in the Naval Reserves for eight years: four years active and four on call.
Dad golfed up to three times a week! He loved playing Bingo and going to the casino. Dad was an avid collector of trivia and languages and, at last count, was able to greet us in at least 25 different languages. He could complete a crossword puzzle in no time! Dad loved to talk and tell jokes and never met a stranger! He was loved and will be missed by so many family members and dear friends. We thank you all for your outpouring of love, hugs, prayers and memories! They are so very much appreciated at this difficult time.
We will post details of his memorial at a later date.
Winter Haven Public Safety Department:
A road closure, but for something fun and amazing.
Road closures are scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025, to accommodate the Saturday Market.
Ave A NW (between 4th St NW & 5th St NW) will be closed from approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please plan your travel routes accordingly and drive safely!
Cassandra Helms Lumsden, age 76, entered into rest on December 25, 2024. She was born on March 31, 1948. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
After graduating from A.L. Brown High School, Cassandra worked for many years at Cannon Mills and Terry Products. Alongside her husband Sam, she served as a house parent at the Church of God Children’s Home, where she cared for many children with love and compassion.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she cherished more than anything. Cassandra was a talented artist and in her younger years, she enjoyed water skiing.
Cassandra is survived by her loving children, Tracy Scott Johnson (Laura) and Michelle Leach (Rigo), as well as one sister Brenda Helms Dry, grandchildren Tyler Leach (Elise), Caleb Leach (Carol), Anthony Johnson (Larissa), Jarrod Johnson, Elijah Johnson, and Timothy Johnson, two great grandsons, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Lumsden, parents Dorothy Wilhelm Helms and Herbert Max Helms, as well as one brother Terry Helms.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cassandra’s memory may be made to the Church of God Children’s Home of North Carolina.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
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