Ronald Crawford
Ronald “Ron” Crawford passed away June 6, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Jane; daughter, Susan Crawford; son, James Ronald (Kristen); six grandchildren: Jonathan, Heather, Samantha, Billy, Cameron and Joey; two great-grandchildren, Rorie and Eberley.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573.
Light lunch will follow service in the Conesa Hall. Mass cards preferred.
Mark McDonnell
Mark McDonnell, 97, passed away June 13, 2019, after a brief illness, in Sun City Center, Fla. Mark passed peacefully with his wife of 70 years, Mary, holding his hand. Sons Matt and Michael were also close by for him.
Mark was born November, 18, 1921, near Minneapolis, Minn., to Leo and Mary McDonnell. He had one brother, Glenn McDonnell. After high school he attended St John’s University in Minneapolis. When the war started, both brothers joined the Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force), and both became fighter pilots.
Mark flew P-51 and P-40 fighter planes with the 122nd “Dragonfly” squadron in the Burma/China Theatre until the end of the war. Both the U.S. and Chinese Governments recognize them as part of the celebrated “Flying Tigers.”
After the war, Mark returned to Minnesota to finish his graduate work, remaining in the Air Force reserve and teaching ROTC programs. He eventually retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Mark and Mary married February 19, 1949, and returned to Minnesota, eventually moving to Spokane, Wash., where Mark taught Economics and Business Administration, and ROTC at Gonzaga University for some 30 years. They remain avid “Bulldog” fans.
Mark and Mary moved to Sun City Center in 1999. Mark enjoyed playing golf, cruises and trips all over the world, often with family and friends. They returned to China on numerous occasions by invitation. Mark’s status as a “Flying Tiger” was highly respected and admired by the Chinese people.
One of Mark and Mary’s favorite pastimes was to help pick up and deliver baked goods and other items to the Lady of Guadeloupe food pantry on Saturday mornings. They had been doing this together for several years.
Mark is survived by his wife Mary; sons, Matt, Michael and Greg; daughters, Louise and Susan; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There will be no services scheduled at this time.
Claudina Moger
Claudina Moger died peacefully on Saturday, May 11, surrounded by her family. A long-time resident of Freedom Plaza at Sun City Center; Key Biscayne, Florida; and Brooklyn Heights, New York, Claudina was born in Victoria de las Tunas, Cuba, on June 23, 1923. She graduated from dental school in Havana, Cuba, in July 1944, at the age of 21 and, subsequently, moved to the United States where she lived for over 70 years.
She was a lifelong student, obtaining a Bachelors degree from the University of Miami followed by a second dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry in 1963. She was one of only five women in her graduating class. She practiced dentistry to undeserved communities in lower Manhattan and also taught at NYU College of Dentistry.
Claudina travelled widely throughout the world and found adventure at every stage of her life. She is the last of four Fernandez Aguilar children born in Cuba and is survived by her sons, Byron and Adrian, and their children. Claudina will always be remembered as a brilliant conversationalist and for her wonderful smile.
There will be a Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd., Sun City Center, July 11 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prince of Peace Catholic.
Steven A. Williams
Steven Arthur Williams, 70, formerly of Mooresville, Ind., left this realm on May 31, 2019. He passed away in his sleep at his home in Ruskin, Fla. “Fisherman Steve” or “Steve with a V” was born Sept. 28, 1948 in Bedford, Ind., the son of the late Herbert Arthur and Carol (McClung) Williams. Steve was a 1966 graduate of Martinsville High School and later received his electrical engineering degree from Purdue University.
Steve was retired from and formerly employed at Union Carbide, RCA and GM/Delphi, in Kokomo, Ind. He held multiple patents in the field of electrical engineering and was instrumental in the development of daytime running lamps, backup cameras and many other GM products. He was also the president of Victor Conservation Club for 17 years.
Steve was a spiritual soul, committed to helping others and finding and spreading happiness. He was active in his community and known for his smile, welcoming nature and eccentric but lovable personality. He loved fishing, crabbing, growing his own fruits and vegetables and living off the land. He was a 4 p.m. fixture at the Hawaiian Isles pool and hot tub, where he socialized with many friends. He had many interests, including playing pool, riding his motorcycle and fixing just about anything.
In addition to his grandparents and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Wendi Raechel Williams. Left to treasure his memory are daughters, Sarrah Williams of Indianapolis, Ind., and Sabrena (Thomas) Haulter of Avon, Ind., who never forget watching the moon and stars and walking to “the funny noise.” Additionally, he leaves behind four grandchildren: Hudson, Huxley, Eisley and Everly Haulter and his sisters, Susan Rowden and Sandy Horton of Missouri. He also helped raise two step-children, Rustey (Christine) Dunham of Indianapolis, Ind., and Rae Anne Helmkamp of Sandusky, Ohio.
In accordance with Steve’s wishes, he was cremated on June 12, 2019. There will be no calling hours or formal funeral. All of Steve’s friends and neighbors are invited to join his daughters at a celebration of life at Hawaiian Isles RV Resort in Ruskin, Florida, on July 14, 2019 from 2 to 5 p.m.