Florida Today from Cocoa, Florida • Page 35

Obituaries Death notices are published of charge. There is a charge for full obituaries and memorials. Call 242-3587 for information. For an archive of obituaries, go to www.flatoday.net/obits/ search.htm DEATH NOTICES BRITTINGHAM Arthur, 82, of Merritt Island, died Friday, Nov. 1.

Arrangements by Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbour Beach. CLARKE Robert, 86, of Melbourne, died Monday, Nov. 4. Arrangements by Atlantic Mortuary in Rockledge. CLIFF Arthur, 86, of Melbourne, died Monday, Arrangements by Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne.

DUNCAN Virginia, of Rockledge, Thursday, Oct. 31. Arrangements by Atlantic Mortuary in Rockledge. FOSTER Mark Damon, 34, of Titusville, died Friday, Nov. 1.

Arrangements by, North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville. KAMINSKI Erna 93, of West Melbourne, died Sunday, Nov. 3. Arrangements by Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne. KURDYS Mary 86, of Melbourne Beach, died Sunday, Nov.

3. Arrangements by Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne. MARKS Gwendolyn 71, of Titusville, died Sunday, Nov. 3. Arrangements by North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville.

McDONALD Clare 84, of Cocoa Beach, died Friday, Nov. 1. Arrangements Beckman-Williamson Funeral Pal Home in Cocoa Beach. McKEE Preston 66, of Cocoa, died Sunday, Nov. 3.

Arrangements by Brevard Memorial Funeral Home in Cocoa. NOYES, Jr. Lew 76, of Titusville, died Sunday, Nov. 3. Arrangements by North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville.

O'BRIEN Everett, 79, of Cocoa, died Friday, Nov. 1. Arrangements by Atlantic Mortuary in Rockledge. ROACH John 84, of Cocoa Beach, died Sunday, Nov. 3.

Arrangements by Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach. SODERSTROM Walter 80, of Melbourne Beach, died Friday, Atlantic Nov. 1. Arrangements by Mortuary Rockledge. THOMAS Margaret, 83, of Indialantic, died Friday, Nov.

1. Arrangements by Atlantic Mortuary in Rockledge. VAN WINKLE Bobbie 75, of Palm Bay, died Sunday, Nov. 3. Arrangements by Palm Bay Funeral Home.

WALKER Lovey, 55, of Melbourne, died Saturday, Nov. 2. Arrangements by South Brevard Funeral Home in Melbourne. WEST David 81, of Melbourne, died Sunday, Nov. 3.

Arrangements by Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in PRESTON McKEE COCOA Preston retiree, died ber 3, 2002, Mr. McKee Bolivar, Tenn. He was retired U. S. veteran served in Germany Vietnam.

He "Mack" McKee, 66, a Sunday, Novemat his residence. was born in a Army who Korea, and also retired from McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Mr. McKee was a member of American Legion Post a lifetime member of the VFW in Rockledge, and attended Rockledge Christian Center Church. He is survived by his wife, Shirley McKee of Cocoa; four sons, Scott, Daniel, Andrew and John McKee; three daughters, Debora, Beverly and Mary; four step-daughters, Vivian Mahoney, Rosemarie Morman, Johnnie Davis and Robin Duch; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Dorothy Faulk and Louise Mullins.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Brevard Memorial Park.

Brevard Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with ARTHUR BRITTINGHAM MERRITT ISLAND Arthur Brittingham, 82, a retired died Friday, November 1, 2002. Brittingham, a native of Portsmouth, moved to Brevard County in 1957. He worked for RCA for 26 years and served as a field engineer on U.S. Army and U.S. Navy contracts before transferring to the RCA Missile Test Project where he worked for 10 years in the Manned Space Program from Mercury to Apollo.

He was a manager of the RCA Technical Assistance Group, which provided technical support to the DOD and NASA. He then applied for early retirement. Arthur went into Real Estate development. Working in land development, he built two subdivisions near Atlanta, Ga. After completing another dream and challenge, he worked for Harris Corporation for nine years.

He was an instructor in satellite communications, a data manager, technical writer and producer of video training courses. Mr. Brittingham was a veteran of World War serving in the U. S. Navy and U.S.

Coast Guard. He attended Georgia Tech, and was a graduate of Rollins College. He was an active, amateur radio "ham" for 50 years with a call of W4MPT. His other hobbies included collecting and restoring old radio equipment and writing articles on the history of radio. Arthur is survived by his wife of 47 years, June; two daughters, Beth (Steve) Lindsey of Palm Bay and Leslie (Jeff) Schar of Sacramento, two grandsons, Joshua and Robert Lindsey; and a granddaughter, Taylor Schar.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2002, at the Satellite Beach United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the family cemetery in Cartersville, Ga. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Satellite Beach United Methodist Church, 450 Lee Avenue, Satellite Beach, FL 32937 or to Hospice of Health First, 1900 Dairy Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904. Arrangements are by Beach Funeral Home in Indian Harbour Beach.

CLARE McDONALD York City. After in the School Clare U. S. CAPE CANAVERAL Clare Greene McDonald, 84, died peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2002, at the Health Center of Merritt Island. Mrs.

McDonald was born in Rochester, New York and attended schools in New York State, receiving a B.S. from Albany Teachers College and an M.S. in Counseling for Elementary Schools from Columbia University in New teaching joined the Syracuse District, Coast Guard in September 1944 and served until June 1946, when she was honorably discharged and returned to teaching. She was happily married in 1967 to Joseph McDonald who preceded her in death in 1982. Her mother, Sarah Miller Greene; father, Sidney Herbert Greene; and brother, Herbert G.

Greene, all preceded her in death. Clare and Joe McDonald moved to Cape Canaveral in August 1979 and became members of Our Saviour's Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach. 'Clare remained very active in the church throughout the years and was known for her quick wit and ready smile. She was always there for anyone who needed help gave freely of her time and energy. She is survived by many friends who loved her dearly, and by several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at Church of Our Saviour. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brevard Alzheimers Foundation, 4676 No. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935 or to Church of Our Saviour, 5301, No. Atlantic Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.

Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach is in charge of arrangements. You may sign the guest book at www.beckmanwilliamson.com. BOBBIE VAN WINKLE PALM BAY Bobbie L. "Van" Van Winkle, 75,. passed away Sunday, November 3, 2002, at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Van Winkle was born in Rushfield, Ill. and came to Brevard County in 1985. He worked as a security gate guard at Holiday Park in Palm Bay. Mr.

Van Winkle was a U. S. Air Force veteran having served during World War Il, The Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired as a Master Sergeant after 22 years. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Mr. Van Winkle is survived by his wife, Jerrie Van Winkle Palm Bay; son, Gary Plunkett of Palm Bay; granddaughter, Sherri Plunkett of Coral Springs; and sister, Shirlee Kendall of Sarasota. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, November 8th, at Palm Bay Funeral Home, 950 Malabar Road, SE, in Palm Bay. Arrangements entrusted to Palm Bay Funeral Home.

LEW NOYES TITUSVILLE Lew Frank Noyes, 76, of Titusville, passed way Sunday, November 3, 2002. Lew was born March 12, 1926 i in Allegheny, Pa. He moved to Lake Worth in 1938. Lew moved to Brevard County in 1977 from Sorrento, Fla. He was a U.S.

Navy veteran of World War II. Lew worked for Martin-Marietta for 10 years as a Locksmith. He then worked for Pan Am as a safe specialist for 12 years before retiring. He was known as the "Flying Locksmith" due to his extensive flying down range. He also worked for as a safe specialist where he retired from in 1995.

Lew was a founding member of the Central Florida Locksmith Association, a member of the DAV, ALOA, a life member of Scottish Rites, a past master of Mt. Dora Masonic Lodge ANFM, Pan Am retirees, Locksmith Ledger Hall of Fame, Serlac and was a past director of ALOZ. Lew was a certified master locksmith. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Eleanor Noyes; step-daughters, Lisa McCann of Titusville and Vickie Thaxton and her husband, Mitchell Thaxton of Titusville; granddaughter, Michelle of Titusville; sisters, Lillian Childs of Lake Worth and Jean Henry of Inverness. Lew was preceded in death by his son, Lew "Skip" Noyes Ill of Titusville.

Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at North Brevard Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 6th, in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the DAV in Titusville.

North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville is in charge of arrangements. MARY KURDYS MELBOURNE BEACH Mary D. Kurdys, 86, a homemaker, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2002. Mrs. Kurdys came to Brevard County in 1966 from Youngstown, Ohio where she was born.

She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Melbourne. Mrs. Kurdys is survived by her brother, Edward L. Martin of Youngstown, Ohio; four nieces; and four nephews. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 5th, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a 6 p.m.

wake service, at the Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home. A Funeral service will be held at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 6th, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Building Fund. Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne is serving the family.

GWENDOLYN MARKS TITUSVILLE Gwendolyn E. Marks, 71, a church receptionist, went on to rejoice with Jesus, on Sunday, November 3, 2002. Mrs. Marks was born in Chicago, Ill. She came to Brevard County 20 years ago.

She was a member of the Christ Central Church in Titusville. Gwendolyn was an awesome mother, grandmother, devoted sister, counselor, a champion for Jesus, and everyone's best friend. Mrs. Marks is survived by her children, Steve and Cyndy Marks, Tim and Judy Marks, and Deborah and Kim Dunn; grandchildren, Aaron, Joe, Kyle, Ryan, Mandy and Michael; and brothers, Wayne Carlson and Wesley Carlson. Services will be held at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, at Christ Central Church. North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville is in charge of arrangements. LOVEY WALKER MELBOURNE Norma-Jo "Lovey" Walker, 55, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2002, at home. Mrs. Walker was born in Binghamton, New York.

She was a hairdresser in Brevard County since 1968. She was a member of the American Legion Post and the Moose Lodge of West Melbourne. Mrs. Walker is survived by her son, David Walker of Melbourne; brothers, Curtis Wright and Mark Wright, both of Melbourne; sister-in-law, Joan Wright of Melbourne; and nephew, Mark Wright Jr. of Melbourne.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2002 at South Brevard Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 1795 No. Harbor City Melbourne, FL 32901. Arrangements entrusted to South Brevard Funeral Home in Melbourne.

COASTS NEWSPAPER FLORIDA TODAY www.floridatoday.com Get smart financial advice investment tips in MONEY For home delivery, log-on to floridatoday.com or call 631-2780 in N. Brevard, 259-5000 in Cen. S. Brevard and 772-562-1771 in Indian River Co. FREE LUNCHEON SEMINAR Come Join Your Friends at Chowders Seafood Grill 6485 S.

US Hwy. I (at Suntree Rockledge NATIONAL Friday CREMATION November 8th 11:00 AM National Cremation Society invites you to discover why over 130,000 folks, have become members of one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind. Topics Include: History of Cremation Away-from-Home Protection Preplanning Options Why Should Choose Cremation? D00603 To Reserve Your Seat Call Rene at 636-2662 FLORIDA TODAY, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002 SP 7B New elections chief put to test Associated Press TALLAHASSEE Ed Kast has a sense of humor. As the new head of the Florida Division of Elections, that's a good thing.

Kast took over as head of the state's elections about a month before the September primary. For his first election i in charge, Kast couldn't clearly determine the winner of the Democratic gubernatorial race in a scenario eerily reminiscent of the state's 2000 election mess. A couple days later, when the state canvassing commission met by conference call to certify preliminary results, it was Kast who broke the tension. "Good afternoon gentlemen, my name is Edward C. Kast, and I'm still the director of the Department of State Division of Elections," Kast said, sounding somewhat surprised and getting a big laugh.

On the eve of a bigger contest today's general election that will be even more closely watched around the globe than his first try Kast again was relaxed. "We're very upbeat," Kast said Monday. "We know (Tuesday's) going to be a long day, but we're looking forward to it." It is Kast's first election season in charge of the division, but he's a veteran elections official, having been deputy director of the department for several years. Before that, he served 21 years in the Air Force as a logistics officer. Still, he has walked into a potential firestorm.

"Ed really was very courageous to step into this position when he did," said Pinellas County Elections Supervisor Deborah Clark, who praised Kast's rapport with supervisors as the state implemented many of the changes Flor- 66I'm confident we'll prove to the nation that Florida has got it right. 19 Ed Kast, director, Florida Division of Elections ida made following the 2000 debacle. "He's 1 been available and very responsive." Dealing with the state's 67 i independent elections supervisors who actually run the elections is one of his fortes, supervisors say. "Ed is a very easy person to work with," said Pat Hollarn, supervisor in Okaloosa County. "He has seen many facets of the division.

He wasn't somebody who walked in off the street as a political appointee." Kast was promoted to the top job by former Secretary of State Katherine Harris. He took over for Clay Roberts, who left to become the Florida Department of State's top lawyer. After the challenge of the Sept. 10 primary, when some polls in South Florida didn't open on time and machinery didn't all work right, Kast wasn't fazed, Roberts said. "He was organized and unflappable," said Roberts, who is familiar with the crush of attention that can come from an election foul-up.

It was Roberts who had to handle the world's scrutiny when things went awry in 2000. Kast praises the supervisors for getting Florida ready for today. He said there likely will be small glitches, but that overall, he expects the system to work fine. "I'm confident we'll prove to the nation that Florida has got it right," he said. Teen faces vehicular homicide charges Vehicular, From 1B escaped paying fines in Brevard because of a glitch in the computer system at the Clerk of Courts office.

Scott Ellis, clerk of courts, told Florida Today the system has been fixed, and his office has been catching up on the backlog. Offenders who managed to slip through the system are being caught, but the backlog is tremendous, Ellis said. Tallahassee has been issuing suspension notices since August. Harris' tickets needed to be paid by July at the latest to avoid suspension. Regardless of whether or not Harris' license was valid, police suspect he was driving a minivan Oct.

29 that struck and killed Sumner, 60, as she walked her dog in her neighborhood. Now Sumner's family her daughter, Lynn, and husband of 40 years, Wayne want to know why Harris didn't pay his fines, and why he hasn't been held accountable. "It's like he's thumbing his nose at the system," Wayne said. "I can't believe he'd do that." In Harris' case, he told police he knew he hit something on Brandywine Road but thought it was an animal. He never checked.

"He says he went back later and didn't see anything, that's why he thought it was an animal," Taylor said. "He should have seen the lady walking." Lynn Sumner said that's no excuse. "For him to come back and say he didn't know he'd hit someone, that's throwing it in our face. If you hit something, and your car goes bump, then you get out and check," she said. "There is a total disregard for human life." Taylor says there was no witness to the actual incident.

However, a neighbor heard the crash and came out seconds later to find Sumner on the ground, unconscious and bleeding. It was Sumner's extensive injuries combined with automobile parts left behind at the scene that sent police searching for a Ford Aerostar, gray or two-tone gray with damage to the front and passenger side. On Friday, police began going door-to-door in Sumner's Brandywine neighborhood searching for leads or a matching vehicle. It was just a matter of time before they found the van, FHP Cpl. Chuck Jones said.

Harris dates ay girl who lives in Sumner's neighborhood and had been at the teen's house the night of the accident, Taylor said. He was driving a van that matched the police description, Taylor said. "He called us up on Saturday and turned himself in," Taylor said. said he might be the one we're looking for." Police have 60 days to finish their report. Until then, charges are pending.

Marie Sumner was buried last week. Her family held two funerals, one locally and one in Volusia County, where she had friends and loved ones. "Not only was my mother's life taken away, my father's was, Lynn Sumner said. "Some sins can be forgiven. This one RETIREES ES Free Seminar LEARN How to increase your life insurance without spending a dime! What choices you have for long term care! What is the least risky and the best place for your money today that isn't reported on your 1099? How to lower the cost of your Medicare Supplement Insurance How to lower the cost of your medications FREE LUNCI NOVEMBER 6TH 4 PM Olive Garden, 205 E.

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