Esther Ellen Long Bateman
Esther Ellen Long Bateman, 86, of Brandon passed away peacefully on December 16, 2013. She was originally from Missouri and had lived in the Brandon area since 1957.
Esther was a very dedicated teacher, first in Missouri, then she taught at Riverview Elementary School in Hillsborough County for over 32 years. She had the pleasure of teaching three generations of children before retiring in 1991.
She is survived by daughter Kathleen, son Bruce, a sister, one grandson, and many nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held on January 19, 2014. For information, call Kathleen at 813-817-2002.
Walter Sidney Eberhard
Walter Sidney Eberhard, 92, of Sun City Center passed away peacefully on December 8, 2013. Sid was born in Boston, graduated from MIT and worked as a chemical engineer for Sylvania for 40 years, traveling around the world.
A truly nice guy and the epitome of integrity, he made many friends through tireless community service and leadership in the Lions, Tampa Sight Fund, church, SCC Emergency Squad and Security Patrol. For recreation, he played tennis and golf and enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing.
He is survived by his loving wife Eleanor, children (Gini, Jack, Karen and Doug), 18 grand- and great-grand- children, and sister Jean Hughes.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Sid’s life at Aston Gardens clubhouse on Monday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home.
Thomas R. Haynes Jr.
Thomas R. Haynes, Jr. passed away on Friday evening, January 3, 2014, surrounded by his family at Tampa General Hospital in Florida, after a long battle with diabetes.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Haynes; daughter Tanya Haynes; son Jeffry Haynes; daughter-in-law Cheryl; grandsons Joshua Haynes and Kyle Haynes.
Tom was a 30-year employee of the Timken Company, retiring in 1989, and Past President of the North Canton Jaycees.
Private family services were arranged in Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 or the Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221. Arrangements by Zipperer’s Funeral Home.
Ralph Douglas Knell
Ralph Douglas Knell, 86, of Ruskin, Florida, formerly of Osterville, Mass., passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 surrounded by his family and his Persian cat Beau. He was the beloved husband of Irene (Rose) Knell for 64 years.
Born in Boston, Ralph was the son of the late Ralph and Emma (Powell) Knell. Ralph was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a graduate of Boston Trade School and was service manager for National Cash Register Company on Cape Cod and the Islands for 36 years. Ralph was a member of the Ruskin United Methodist Church and a former member of the Osterville Methodist Church. He was a member of the Mariners Lodge A.F.&A.M. Cotuit, Mass. Ralph was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Boston and a member of Aleppo Shriners Temple, Wilmington, Mass.
In addition to his wife, Ralph is survived by his children, Paul D., Kenneth C., Howard R., 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and his sister Eileen Lynch. His sisters Margaret Carlin, Barbara Schow and Joan Knell predeceased him.
Funeral services were held on January 8 on Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to LifePath Hospice, Inc., 3725 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 33573. For online guestbook, please visit www.johnlawrencefuneralhome.com.
Kenneth J. Whitfield
Kenneth J. Whitfield, 70, of Sun City Center passed away December 12, 2013. He was the devoted husband of 43 years to Dolores; loving father of Vincent (Janice), Shannon Kessler (Eric) and Colleen Hiers; beloved grandfather of Ryan and Declan Whitfield, and Chance and Carter Hiers. He is also survived by three brothers and a sister.
Ken was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy on a destroyer. Services were held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Arrangements were handled by Sun City Center Funeral Home.
