Helen Ruth Seal Barke
Helen Ruth Seal Barke, 78, died unexpectedly on February 18, 2020, in Sun City Center, FL.
Helen was born in New York City, along with George Seal, her twin brother, also of Sun City Center. She was raised in Scranton, PA. Helen eventually settled in Manassas, VA, with her husband Bob, prior to their retirement in Sun City Center, FL.
She was an active member and volunteer at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Wimauma, Florida. Helen, who was an avid reader, loved to travel, swim, play cards and spoil her granddaughter.
She is survived by Robert, her husband of 55 years; her son Michael (LeeAnn); her granddaughter Giselle; her brothers, George Seal and Charles Seal; her sisters: MaryLou Ruthkosky (Frank), Kathy Dubranski (Mike), Ann McIntyre (Joe); and 12 nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Elizabeth Seal of Scranton, PA.
A memorial Mass for Helen was celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe on Tuesday, February 25, at 11 a.m.
Contributions in memory of Helen may be made to Our Lady’s Pantry c/o Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Migrant Mission, 16650 US 301 S, Wimauma, FL 33598.
Franklin E. Dickey
Franklin Eugene Dickey, “Gene,” transitioned into the arms of Jesus on February 20, 2020. He was born on December 28, 1933, in Mango, Florida.
He was a born-again Christian, an ordained deacon, taught Sunday School, was “The Candy Man” and served as the head of deacons in the three churches he attended. His favorite verse was Matthew 6:33, and his favorite hymn was “One Day.”
Survived by Elinor, wife of 61 years; daughter, Mona DesRosiers (Marc) of Clearwater; grandson Eric Dukes (Ashley) of Plant City; and two of the most beautiful GREAT-granddaughters in the world, Ryleigh Faith and Aubrey Grace; and granddaughter Crystal Dukes of Tampa.
After high school, Gene worked and attended the University of Tampa. When Uncle Sam sent him a congratulation and invitation letter, he served in the U.S. Army for six years, two of those in Korea as an administrative clerk.
After he returned home, he married, became a father, and worked at Hav-A-Tampa Cigar Company as a sales representative. Soon he returned to the University of South Florida and completed his teaching degree. A year later, he obtained his Master’s Degree in Education.
He taught elementary school (math, science, language arts) for 25 years with the Hillsborough County Board of Education. He was always the patrol and bus supervisor.
Gene enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He had artistic painting and drawing ability and loved fishing, baseball, golfing and travelling.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, in the Fellowship Hall at 2 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 702 W. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center, FL.
Contributions in memory of Gene can be sent to Life Path Hospice, 3723 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 33573; Trinity Baptist Church (building program), 702 W Del Webb Blvd., Sun City Center, FL 33573; Baldomero Lopez Veteran’s Nursing Home, 6919 Parkway Blvd., Land O Lakes, FL 34639.
Rev. Charles E. Hassell, Jr.
Rev. Charles E. Hassell, Jr., of Sun City Center, Florida, died February 14, 2020, at the age of 82.
Charles was born March 12, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Sr. and Betty Hassell, both of Sun City Center, and his brother, Don Hassell of St. Louis, Missouri. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hassell; his brother Bob (Beverly) Hassell of Salem, Oregon; three sons: Charles III (Lafaye), Garett Dale, William (Tonya); daughter, Theresa (Wayne) Jones; and stepdaughters: Sherry (Bryce) Matthews, Jody Pixley, Gail Pixley and Michelle (Steve) Elder. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren.
Charles had a passion for laughter, music, acting and lapidary. He graduated from Jennings High School in St. Louis before joining the U.S. Air Force where he completed basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, later to become his home, and served out his tour at Chicksands Air Force Base in Bedford, England. Upon completion of the U.S. Air Force, he was a sales representative until being called into the ministry of the United Methodist Church in 1971. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. Charles served the Mississippi and Missouri conference of the Methodist Church for 29 years until his retirement in 2000.
Upon his retirement from the ministry, Charles and Janet relocated to Kings Point in Sun City Center, where they poured their time and energy into their community. Charles held multiple administrative positions, including president of the Kings Point Condominium Owners Association (C.O.A.), president of the K.P.W. Board of Directors and president of Fairfield G. Condominium Association.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 29, at 2 p.m. in the Waterside Room of the Kings Point North Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Charles’ honor to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, www.sccems.com/support-us/, who give so generously of their time and talents, making life more manageable for us all.
Margaret P. Korver
Margaret P. Korver, 93, of Sun City Center, Florida, passed away Saturday Feb. 22, 2020. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, to parents Mr. and Mrs. William Peoples, Dorothy Richards.
She graduated from Denison University. She holds two patents for the rechargeable battery with Union Carbide.
She retired from CDC in Atlanta in Toxicology. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Eastern Star, Ohio Club of Sun City Center and Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.
A Celebration of life will be held at Zipperer’s Funeral Home on Saturday, February 29, 2020, starting at 3 p.m.
She was married to the love of her life, Bruce R. Korver, for 59 years.
She is survived by Sue K. Harris (Donald) and Ken (Kathy) Korver and many more loving family and friends.