George Daniel Hawbaker
George Daniel Hawbaker, 98, of Sun City Center, Fla., peacefully entered into eternal life on January 7, 2019. George was born on December 18, 1920, in St. Clairsville, Ohio to Linford and Mary Stickell Hawbaker. George and his beloved wife of over 73 years Lois Elisabeth “Libby” Hawbaker, made Sun City Center their home in 1981 and moved to Sun Towers in 2010.
George loved God, his family and his country. He graduated from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. and proudly served in the Pacific as a Lieutenant in the Navy during World War II. When the war ended in 1945, George married Libby and they settled in Hagerstown, Md., where he worked his way up to President of the family feed mill. In 1962, the State Department created the Agency for International Development and with George’s expertise in growing and preserving food, he quickly found his next career. As a Foreign Service Officer, George took Libby and their teenage children on a new adventure to Brazil. After four years in South America, he and Libby were stationed in the African countries of Nigeria, Zambia and Mauritania. After almost 20 years overseas, and countless wonderful memories, he retired in 1980. George and Libby then purchased a motor home and traveled for a year before deciding to make Sun City Center their home.
George is survived by his wife Libby Hawbaker of Sun City Center; daughter Ruth Rowe-Tabbutt (John Tabbutt) of Winter Springs, Fla.; son Lynn Hawbaker (Maryellen) of Bettendorf, Iowa; brother David S. Hawbaker of Allison Park, Pa.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and many beloved relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Hawbaker Cox of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. and a memorial for George will be held at noon on March 9, 2019, at the Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Dr., Sun City Center, FL 33573. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s memory to the church that he and Libby loved and attended, Friendship Baptist Church, 1511 El Rancho Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573. Please include your name and address with any donations so that the family can thank you personally. Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.
Frederic D. Hayes
The Hayes family announces with great sadness the loss of Frederic D. Hayes on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. He was born on December 27, 1943, in Miami, Fla. to Stella and Hamilton Hayes. In 1978, he married Mary Phang and is survived by his wife and children Wendy, Freddy Jr., David, Linda and Amy.
His family, friends and neighbors will miss his unique sense of humor, caring heart and calm demeanor. A private family memorial service will be held, and his final resting place will be at Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton, Fla. Memorial donations in Fred’s name can be made to The American Heart Association.
Audrey J. Heimbold
Audrey Jean Heimbold, born January 26, 1934, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 3, 2019. Audrey is survived by her husband John Heimbold, three sons, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Frank William Lescanec
4/4/1943 – 1/30/2019. Frank William Lescanec passed away January 30, 2019, after he lost his battle to Pancreatic Cancer. His Wife Hideko of 55 years of marriage, daughter Frances, sons Frank Jr. (Linda), John (Deborah) and James all came together for him to go peacefully and join his Heavenly Father. He is also survived by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and his two trusted doberman pinschers.
A military funeral will take place in his honor for his 20 years of service. The date and time of his final resting place will be announced shortly.
Matilda McMahon
Matilda (Tillie) McMahon, 88, passed away on January 30, 2019, after an extended illness. A Memorial Service will be held on February 16, 2019, at 11:a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center, Florida.
Tillie was born in Connersville, Indiana on July 19, 1930. She spent much of her adult life in Toledo, Ohio where she worked as a physician’s assistant. After moving to Sun City Center, she was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and a member of the choir. In addition, she was well known for her bunka art projects and was a local bunka instructor.
Tillie was preceeded in death by her husband Robert McMahon and by her daughter Rhonda McCarthy. She is survived by her brother Vernie Narvell and his wife Linda; sister Serena Narvell; son Michael Hillard and his wife Cremilda; stepson Bob McMahon and his wife Hope; granddaughters Shannon McCarthy and Erin Black; grandsons Joshua Hillard and Bobby McMahon; and six great-grandchildren.
Roger Niederhoff
Roger Niederhoff, 74, passed away February 3, 2019, with his life partner Sandi Schlichting at his side. Roger was born in Portland, Oregon to August and Shirley Niederhoff. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Sheila and Lynn, his brother Phillip Niederhoff, his sister Anita Barton and his daughter Debra Grovine.
Roger is survived by son Paul (Barbara) of Aurora, Colo.; son Robert (Julie) of Liverpool, N.Y.; daughter Rebecca Huyck (Darrell) of Bridgeport, N.Y.; sister Elaine Beal of San Jose, Calif.; nine grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Roger served in the United States Air Force, traveled extensively, both inside and outside the United States, in his career with Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals. He re-discovered archery after moving to Sun City Center, Fla. in 2004 and told everyone, “It is not a seasonal sport — it is a lifetime passion.”
Roger’s keen mind, warm heart and wicked sense of humor will be missed by his loved ones, his archery colleagues and other friends. A private family service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, Roger’s final resting place. The date for a gathering of archery friends to “share a pint and say goodbye” will be scheduled soon and announced through club communications. Arrangement by Sun City Center Funeral Home, 813-634-9900.
David John Smith
David John Smith passed away January 29, 2019 in Ruskin, Fla.
Dave was born August 18, 1946, in Syracuse, New York to John J. Smith and Irene (Kendrit) Smith. He graduated from North Kingstown High School in Rhode Island class of 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1966 and served in the 268th Signal Company during the Vietnam War, achieving E-5 grade. After three years of honorable active service, Dave settled in Narragansett, R.I. and worked for New England Telephone for many years. After retiring, he moved to Cape Coral, Fla.
Dave is survived by his partner Cher Abbondandolo and children Stephanie Sanders of Wallingford, Conn. and Jason Smith of North Kingstown, R.I. He leaves three grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb and Jordan. Dave is the brother of James Smith of Rock Hill, S.C. and Donna Smith of Springfield, Ill. and the late Thomas Smith.
Dave will be laid to rest in a private burial at Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery in North Kingstown, R.I.
