News-Press from Fort Myers, Florida • Page 34

MAY 10, 1989 IN THE LEGISLATURE Panel squeezes es tax from oil products By BETTY PRICE PARKER News-Press Staff Writer TALLAHASSEE Despite the oft-repeated legislative slogan of "no new taxes," a bill to collect extra pennies from oil products passed a Senate panel without objection Tuesday. Even the oil companies signed off on the 2-cent-per-barrel tax sponsored by Sen. Tom McPherson, D- Fort Lauderdale. The money will finance a $50 million trust fund to deal with oil spills that could endanger Florida's shoreline. Trust fund money will be used to train personnel how to handle a spill, to buy cleanup equipment, and to provide for actual expenses incurred after a spill.

Interest on the fund, meanwhile, will go for other uses: 50 percent to help fund environmental education, and 50 percent to purchase public beach access. The bill also included a ban on oil drilling in Florida's territorial wa- Bill allows condos to fly flags nings, R-Sarasota, would require By The Associated the flags to be displayed in a "a Press TALLAHASSEE American respectful way" by condo owners. flags could return to condomini- The bill was prompted partly ums under a bill passed Tuesday by examples of condo associaby the House to prevent condo tions attempting to fine owners associations from banning the dis- who flew flags. The measure (HB play of Old Glory. 17) was sent to the Senate on a Legislation by Rep.

Harry Jen- vote of 113-0. DEATHS Lyle Payne, 74, instrumental tal in creating area's Florida Fair Country star Keith Whitley, 33 found dead in his apartment By The Associated Press By AMY SHEEHAN News-Press Staff Writer As president of the Southwest Florida Fair Board for 22 years, Lyle A. Payne helped bring carnival rides, concerts, cattle and cotton candy tot thousands in Fort Myers. loved to watch the joy on kids' faces when they were showing POTENTATE their cows and hogs," said his wife, Joanne Payne of North Fort Myers. "In the last 22 years, his biggest challenge has been PAYNE that fair.

And when he took a challenge, he wanted it done right." Mr. Payne died May 3 of a heart attack. He was 74. Under his guidance, the annual NASHVILLE, Tenn. Rising country music star Keith Whitley, who sang wrenching tunes about pain and joy, was found dead at his home Tuesday afternoon of an accidental overdose of alcohol, police and medical officials said.

He was 33. An autopsy showed Whitley had a blood alcohol content of .477, almost five times the amount to be declared intoxicated for driving purposes in Tennessee, medical examiner Charles Harlan WHITLEY said. Harlan said Whitley's 155- pound body contained ethyl alcohol, but it was not possible to tell what had been consumed or over what period. The bearded Whitley, a native of Sandy Hook, was found fully clothed in his bed about 12:30 p.m. CDT by his brother-in-law, said Lt.

Harry Bell of the Goodlettsville Police Department. The relative, Lane Palmer, had gone to the home after failing to reach the singer by telephone, Bell said. Whitley's latest album, "Don't Close Your Eyes," has had three No. 1 singles since it was released fair went from a small, mostly agricultural event in the back of Terry Park to the huge, multi-faceted celebration at the Lee Civic Center it is today, she: said. It is sponsored by Araba Temple, which raises money for crippled children and local charities.

Even after resigning as president about two years ago, Mr. Payne remained on the fair's board. "And everything he ever did for the fair was all volunteer," she said. "It was his contribution back to the community." "Lyle was probably the best president we ever had," said his friend and fellow temple member John Warren. "He was really responsible for the great growth of the fair.

He was really dedicated." Born in Elgin, Mr. Payne attended Northwestern University, where he received a degree in 1 mathematics, which he taught at the last year, including "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" a month ago. His other hit single records include "Don't Close Your Eyes," "When You Say Nothing at All," "Miami My Amy," "Ten Feet Away," "Homecoming '63" and "Hard His wife, Lorrie Morgan, a Grand Ole Opry singer, was on a tour heading toward Alaska when her husband died. Bell said funeral arrangements would be arranged when she returned. Whitley began singing at age 4.

As a teen-ager, he played in the bluegrass band of Ralph Stanley and later was lead singer for J.D. Crowe and the New South, a country-bluegrass band. After earning the reputation as a fine musician and singer, he moved to Nashville from Kentucky in the mid 1980s and landed a recording contract with RCA. He said in an interview last October that he had drunk alcoholic beverages until 1987 and that his hard-living lifestyle nearly killed him. "It was a matter of life and death," he said.

"If I hadn't stopped drinking, I don't think I'd be alive today. I did so many crazy things while drinking." "Not to sound conceited, but I've lived, breathed and cried this music since I was three or four years old," he also said. "I take it very seriously. Most of the things I sing in my songs, I've lived. BIOGRAPHY Name: Lyle A.

Payne Date of birth: Aug. 20, 1914 Date of death: May 3, 1 1989 Cause of death: heart attack Occupation: retired Sears division manager Moved to Naples 1958 Previous residence: Elgin, Ill. Survivors include: his wife, Joanne of North Fort Myers; his son, Larry Payne of east Fort Myers; two stepdaughters, Linda Comer of North Fort Myers and Pierson of Westlake, Ohio; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral home: HarveyEngelhardt Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge North Fort Myers. school.

As a young man, he bought several grocery stores in Chicago. "I don't wish the others would have to go through that. But I believe I've got the credentials to sing some of the things I sing about where some others don't. "The whole deal with my music has been the emotional quality. Songs I do have to strike an emotional chord the first time I sing them.

It's not uncommon for me to get so wrapped up in a song that I cry several times when I sing them. That's the difference between my music and some of the other folks." His "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" was about life's setbacks. His "Don't Close Your Eyes" was about the desperation of love and "When You Say Nothing at All" was celebrated tenderness. Whitley had just recorded an album in Nashville that was to be released in the fall, said Brenna Davenport-Leigh, spokeswoman for his label, RCA Records. Whitley is survived by his wife, a son, 2-year-old Jesse Keith, and a daughter, Morgan Whitley, 8.

The album and title song were finalists this year for the Academy of Country Music's song and single record of the year. The awards went last month in Burbank, to Kathy Mattea's "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses." During Whitley's teen-age years, one of his musician friends in Kentucky was Ricky Skaggs, who also later become a country star. DEATHS, FUNERALS To column Information place is an paid in the obituary advertising. Deaths call and 335-0324. Funerals Lee County WILLIAM ROBERT AHRENS William Robert Ahrens, 79, of Fort Myers passed away Monday at Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Bayonne, N.J., and came to Fort Myers in 1978 from Ocean Grove, N. J. He was the beloved husband of Hazel and brother of Elizabeth Ahrens, both of Fort Myers; father of two daughters, Beth Oberhauser and Jane Trenkle; son, Edward; and six grandchildren, Tracy, Denise, Pamela, Andrew, Nicolle and Amanda. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Memorial Gardens Funeral! Home, with the Rev.

Timothy of the First United Methodist Church of Cape Coral officiating. Friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. tonight in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd. ALFRED GORDON GREGORY ALAN GORDON Memorial services for Alfred Gordon, 71, of Fort Myers and his son, Gregory Alan Gordon, 32, of Yorba Linda, will be Thursday at 11 a.m.

from the chapel of Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial with Charles Stivers, minister ordained, officiating. Mr. Gordon and his son were fatally injured last Wednesday, May 3, 1989, in a plane crash in Burnet, Texas. Alfred Gordon was the owner-operator of the Gordon Construction Co. Inc.

and the Millworks Lumber Company in Burlington, N.J., before retiring 10 years ago. Alfred and his wife, Audrey, resided in Fort Myers for the past five years. Alan Gordon was born in Mt. N.J., and was a graduate of Gregory, Burington Township High School, Burlington Community College. He was project superintendent for Denny's Restaurants in California for the past seven years.

He was moving to Orlando to be the Florida regional manager for Denny's Restaurants. Surviving Alfred and Gregory are ters south of Hobe Sound and Fort Myers. That includes an area reaching out about 12 miles into the Gulf of Mexico and three miles into the Atlantic. Oil companies have shown little interest in exploring inside territorial waters because they believe chances are better for a find in water further offshore. "It was the Depression time, but people had to eat," he said in a 1966 News-Press interview.

"It was a real challenge." But his work paid off and his company, Foster Foods grew into an 11-store chain, said his son, Larry Payne of east Fort Myers. After retiring in 1958, Mr. Payne moved to Naples, where he bought the Stewart Motel. "But it was a very boring business to him," his son said. So, on impulse, Mr.

Payne sold the motel and went to sea, where he worked as a steamship purser. He traveled back and forth to South America with loads of bauxite, the ore from which aluminum is obtained. "It was a spur-of-the-moment thing," his son said. "But he enjoyed it." In 1962, Mr. Payne went to work for the Sears, Roebuck and Co.

store in downtown Fort Myers in the home improvements department. He stayed there the next 13 years. "He was very happy with it," his son said. "He liked to sell." "Yeah, Lyle could sell ice cream to an Eskimo," Warren said. In 1966 he became a charter member of Araba Temple and in 1970 served as potentate.

Many of the activities he started during his term, such as the potentate's barbecue, are now temple traditions, Warren said. From 1971 through 1978, he was treasurer as well. Mr. Payne was a past commander of the Legion of Honor unit and served as president of the Fort Myers Cabiri chapter 161. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 170 and was made a life member of the Araba Temple.

He also was a member of the Fort Myers Scottish Rite bodies and Fort Myers York Rite commandery No. 32. An avid marksman, Mr. Payne founded the New Fort Myers Gun Club in 1963. He was introduced to his wife, Joanne, by friends.

"We just clicked," she said. "We hit it off right away. He was the best thing that ever happened in my life. And for the 15 years, we were never apart." The couple had traveled extensively. On their most recent trip, Mr.

Payne suffered his fatal heart attack in Zurich, Switzerland. "He was loved by everybody who knew him," Warren said. A memorial service for Mr. Payne will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge North Fort Myers.

The Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge will conduct masonic services followed by religious services, with the Rev. William Phillips and a eulogy by John Lee. Eleanor McKay, 80, worked in school system for 25 years By MARY HAWK News-Press Staff Writer Eleanor B. McKay, 80, a former elementary school teacher and resident of Arcadia for 49 years, died May 2 at her home. She had been suffering from Alzheimers disease for six years.

Mrs. McKay was born July 23, 1908, in St. Louis, and moved to Arcadia after living in Kissimmee for many years. In the late 1920s, McKay graduated from Florida Southern College for Women near Kissimmee. "We were married on June 10, 1938 in Kissimmee, where Eleanor was teaching English and Latin at Osceola High School there," said, Donald McKay, her husband.

After arriving in Arcadia, McKay began teaching third grade at Memorial Elementary School in the Desoto County school system. She retired after 25 years of service at the school. McKay later obtained her mas- CHARLOTTE DEATH LESLIE NEIL BOLIN, 81, of 1759 Boca Raton Court, Punta Gorda, died May 9 at Medical Center Hospital in Punta Gorda. The Punta Gorda Chapel of Kays-Ponger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Charlotte County MAE RUTH DENNIS Ruth Dennis, 59, of 403 West McKenzie Punta Gorda, died May 7, 1989, at 1:10 a.m.

at her residence. She was born in Charlesville, daughter of the late Frank E. and Ima P. (Amick) Ressler. When she was 2 years old, her parents moved to Rainsburg, where she grew up.

She moved to Naples, in 1954. She was employed by the Bedford Springs Hotel before moving to Naples. In Naples she was employed by the Collier County Sheriff's Department for nine years under Sheriff Doug E. Hendry. She was also retired from Publix Markets, with 15 years of servi She moved to Punta Gorda in 1967 had been employed by the lotte County Sheriff's Department in Punta Gorda for seven years.

Mrs. Dennis also was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Women's Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Robert W. Dennis of Punta Gorda; daughters, Mrs. Beth Briggs of Cleveland, and Sondra Lou Dennis, who lives at home; sons, Rodney A.

Townsend of Naples, and Frank Townsend of Leesburg, stepson, Marty Dennis of Naples, five grandchildren of Leesburg, and two grandchildren of Abbeyville, her brothers and sisters, Mrs. Cleva Cornell of Rainsburg, Mrs. Dorothy Greenawalt of Everett, Mr. William Ressler of Bedford, Mr. Clyde Ressler of Bedford, and Paul Ressler of Fishertown, Pa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, three sisters, and a stepson, Robert W. Dennis. The family will regeive, friends Wednesday from 6 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel.

Interment will follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are by Kays-Ponger Funeral Home, Punta Gorda Chapel. RUTH lessmer 3366 Cleveland Ave. 936-2131 florist, BIOGRAPHY Name: Eleanor B. McKay Age: 80 Date of birth: July 23, 1908 Cause of disease Occupation: Former school teacher Moved to Arcadia: 1938 Previous residence: Kissimmee, Fla.

Survivors include: Donald McKay of Arcadia, husband; one son, William McKay of Pensacola, and one grandchild Funeral home: Grissom Funeral Home, Kissimmee ter's degree after completing many courses at Florida Southern College, according to her husband. "She was very brilliant and superb in English and grammar," he said. "We enjoyed everything together. We had a happy life," Donald McKay said. ORIENTAL RUGS ANN B.

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Open 7-2 Fri. Also open Sat. Sun. 6-4 694-5019 $395 939-0971 DIRECT CREMATION SOCIETY McKay enjoyed traveling with her husband. She had been to every state in the union and to all but one of the Canadian provinces.

She also had traveled in Mexico and Europe. She attended the First Presbyterian Church in Arcadia. She was a member of the Florida Retired Teachers Association and the DeSoto County Retired Teachers Association. She was an emeritus member of the Alumnae Club of Florida Southern College and a member of the Literary Club in Arcadia. She is survived by her husband, Donald McKay of Arcadia; one son, William McKay of Pensacola; and one grandchild.

"She was a lovely person, and this will leave a big empty space in me," said her husband. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. today at Rose Hill Cemetary in Kissimmee. Grissom Funeral Home in Kissimmee is in charge of arrangements. Audrey Gordon, wife of Alfred and mother of Gregory; and Brian Gordon of Fort Myers, and Gary Gordon of Fort Myers Shores, sons of Alfred and brothers of Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to one's favority charity in their memory. HALLIE L. HARDIN Hallie L. Hardin, 78, of Fort Myers passed away Monday, May 8, 1989. She was a resident for the past 30 years, moving from Detroit, Mich.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Oestman of Fort two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Myrtle McLaughlin of Fort Myers, and Mary Everly of Detroit, and nieces and nephews of Detroit, Mich. Private services were at Lee Memorial Park. Arrangements are with Lee Memorial Park. MRS. ALSIE E.

McSPADDEN Mrs. Alsie E. McSpadden, 87, of Fort Myers died Monday. Mrs. McSpadden is survived by two sons, Wayne of Fort Myers and James of Lehigh Acres; two sisters, Nell Bopp and Hazel Willmann; and a brother, Dr.

James Meador, all of St. Louis, seven grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Mrs. McSpadden was a member of the O.E.S. of Clayton, Mo.

Funeral services will be at3 p.m. Friday from the chapel of HarveyEngelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial with the Rev. James O. Holbrook officiating. Private interment will follow.

The family will recieve friends Friday at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until service time at3 p.m. ROBERT EDWARD MUSKE Robert Edward Muske, 65, of St. died at his residence Mondayevening. was born South Haven, and was a veteran of WWII U.S.

military police. After being discharged, he was on the Michigan state police force for a short time. He then retired from Sears after 20 years as the security supervisor. He moved to St. James City from Columbus, Ohio, in 1972.

Mr. Muske opened the first general store in St. James City and was owner for 11 years before retiring. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy K. Muske of St.

James City; and a son, John Muske of Colorado Springs, Colo. Memorial services will be Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. at HarveyEngelhardt Funeral Home, 3453 Hancock Bridge North Fort Myers, with the Rev. Tommy Rickards of the First Baptist Church of Matlacha officiating. Memorials are requested to the Hope Hospice, 3949 Evans Suite 300, Fort Myers, Fla.

33901, in his memory. EDWINA M. PARKINSON Edwina M. Parkinson, 85, of Winter Park, passed away Friday, May 5, 1989. Mrs.

Parkinson was born in Alva, and moved to Winter Park in 1964 from Washington, D.C. She was the daughter of a pioneer family. She was a retired civil service employee, who worked for the U.S. government all her life. She was a member of the Episcopal faith.

Survivors include three nieces, Geraldine Fugate and Bettye P. Gillespie, both Boca Grande, and Jane Hough of Fort Collins, Colo. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 11, at 2 p.m. at All Saint Episcopal Church Chapel, Orlando, with the Rev. Paul Jackson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any cancer or heart fund of your choice. Arrangements are by Cox-Parker Carey Hand Guardian Chapel, Winter Park, Fla. SOPHIA V. STAROLIS Mass of Christian burial for Sophia V. Starolis, 72, of Cape Coral will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m.

from St. Andrew Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Coral Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at The Metz Funeral Home, with a scripture service at7 p.m.

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