MILLS RIVER — Victor Leroy Saxe, 92, died Friday, July 6, 2012 at Beystone Health & Rehabilitation Center in Fletcher, NC.
He was born on March 20, 1920 in Edwards County, IL. He was preceded in death by: two spouses, Neva Hocking Saxe and Mary McCormack Saxe; a daughter, renee Sickle; and two sisters, Gwendolyn Rotramel and Mildred Imogene Saxe.
Mr. Saxe served his country in WWII in the US Army 287th Signal Company in the South Pacific including New Guinea and the Philippines, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He then worked as a civilian computer technician for the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH for many years until retirement. Mr. Saxe served as an elder at the Christian Church in Fairborn, Ohio. After moving to NC, he became a faithful member and worker at Oak Grove Christian Church of Arden.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Saxe of Mills River; a sister, Dorris Frankland of Albion, IL; two stepsons, James McCormack and his wife Tracy of Austin, TX and Jeff Keener and his wife Farrah of Candler, NC; a step-daughter, Beverly Swann and her husband Kevin of Brevard, NC; and several step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Oak Grove Christian Church. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Carmel, IL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Oak Grove Christian Church, 5 Morris Road, Arden, NC 28704.
A guest register book and sympathy card is available by visiting www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family.

View Full Information → Victor L. Saxe, 92

Mary Jane Coston Steppe, 85, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 13, 2012. Born in Henderson County, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Lola Justus Coston, and the wife of the late Arvest Revis and the late Vernon Steppe. Mrs. Steppe was also preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters and a granddaughter, Kelly Steppe McClure.
She was a telephone operator for Southern Bell for several years. Mary Jane was a long-standing member of Edneyville United Methodist Church and loved doing crafts and needlework. Mama and Mam-Maw will be dearly missed by everyone.
Survivors include her daughter, Diane S. Tucker and husband, Lee; son, Ronald W. Steppe; three grandchildren, Melissa Capps and husband, Noble, Chris T. King and wife Christina, Julie Braddy and husband Tim; eight great-grandchildren, Jonathan Goepfert, Hope McClure, Ashley and Holt Capps, Madison and Gracie King, Maryn and Morgan Kellie Braddy; two sisters, Bertha Dalton and Lula Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2012 in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Reverend Walt Christian will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. Memorial may be made to Edneyville United Methodist Church, 799 Bearwallow Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.
An online register book and sympathy card is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

View Full Information → Mary Jane Steppe, 85

Emergency Notes
Henderson County fire calls
The Henderson County Fire Commission reported the following alarms between noon Saturday and noon Sunday:
u Bat Cave, tree down, 12:58 p.m.
u Blue Ridge, emergency, 6:44 p.m.; structure fire, 7:29 p.m.; respiratory distress, 7:53 p.m.; brush fire, 10:43 p.m.; respiratory distress, 10:59 p.m.; respiratory distress, 11:54 p.m.; heart attack, 8:41 a.m.; stroke, 9:21 a.m.; fire alarm, 10:01 a.m.
u Dana, victim down, 11:49 a.m.
u Edneyville, smoke investigation, 7:50 p.m.; health/welfare check, 8:22 p.m.
u Etowah-Horse Shoe, emergency, 6:45 p.m.
u Fletcher, seizure, 8:50 a.m.
u Green River, public service, 1:53 p.m.
u Mills River, tree down, 12:42 p.m.; overdose, 9:13 a.m.; gun wound, 10:45 a.m.; emergency, 11:36 a.m.
u Mountain Home, stranded vehicle, 6:20 p.m.; emergency, 8:23 p.m.; seizure, 8:23 a.m.
u Valley Hill, fire alarm, 12:35 p.m.; tree down, 5:51 p.m.; emergency, 8:21 a.m.
Hendersonville fire calls
The Hendersonville Fire Department responded to the following calls from noon Saturday to noon Sunday:
u Emergency, 6:30 p.m.
u Life line, 6:32 p.m.
u Respiratory distress, 10:25 a.m.
u Emergency, 11:46 a.m.
Crime Report
Henderson County Sheriff
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to 258 calls Saturday. Deputies served four warrants.
Hendersonville Police
The Hendersonville Police Department reported 111 calls Saturday. Officers made two arrests, investigated two accidents and provided five assists to other agencies.
Incidents
The following crimes and incidents were reported Saturday, according to law enforcement records:
Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
u Disturbance, Running Briar Road, 3:02 a.m.
u Investigation, Fawnhurst Lane, 8:56 a.m.
u Full cardiac arrest, Oak Tree Lane, 10:42 a.m.
u Larceny, Underwood Road, 11:44 a.m.
u ID theft, Richards Drive, 12:41 p.m.
u Fraud, E. Fanning Bridge Road, 5:04 p.m.
u Animal bite, Victoria Springs Drive, 6:43 p.m.
Hendersonville Police Department
u Accident, Highway 176, 10:53 a.m.
u Breaking and entering, Highway 64 East, 11:59 a.m.
u Fraud, Smokey Ridge Lane, 12:42 p.m.
u Breaking and entering, Fifth Avenue West, 2:12 p.m.

View Full Information → For the Record

Lillian Petrie Wagner, 96, of Hendersonville, died Friday, July 13, 2012. Mrs. Wagner, a bridge and tennis enthusiast, was born September 27, 1915, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Sherman and Lillian Petrie. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wagner was preceded in death by her husband Paul Wagner.
She is survived by her nephews, Sherman and Robert Petrie and her nieces, Anne Bracey and Elizabeth Petrie.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Information → Lillian P. Wagner, 96

FLAT ROCK — Nancy Elizabeth Walker, 69, of Flat Rock, died on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at her home. A native of Weirton, WV she was born to the late Charles Aperfine and Wilma Seaman. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Mike and Joe Aperfine.
For the past 11 years she worked in Wal-Mart deli on Four-Seasons Blvd. More then anything she enjoyed the joys of life. She was a loving wife, mother and friend who enriched every life she touched. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 11 years, Terry Walker; her three children, Kim Corbitt of Asheville, Tracy Hall and her husband, Carl, of Flat Rock, Brian Jones and his wife, Tina, of Miami, FL’ 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren with the eighth on the way. She is also survived by a brother, Charles Aperfine of Destin, FL; five sister-in-laws and special friends, Sharon Walker, Kay Miller, Sandra Buckner, Tammy McWhirt, and Sharon Gilbert.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel with Reverend Jim Parks and Reverend Scott Pace officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Information → Nancy E. Walker

FAIRVIEW — Panagiota "Penny" Anastasakis, 91 died Thursday, July 12, 2012.
The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. today at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville with prayer (Trisagion) at 7 p.m.
A funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park, Hendersonville.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

View Full Information → Panagiota Anastasakis, 91

HENDERSONVILLE — Henry Blakeley Burton, 81, of Hendersonville, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Country Meadows Nursing Home.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full Information → Henry B. Burton, 81

COLUMBUS — June Ritche, 82, of Tryon Estates, died on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Mission Hospital.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Information → June Ritche, 82

Joan T. Parkin (Willis), 79, of Butler, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2012.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More, 12 Hollywood Ave., Fairfield, 07004.
Funeral services are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.farmerfuneral.com.
Joan was born in Hoboken, raised in River Edge, moved to Lincoln Park, then resided in Hendersonville, NC for many years and settled in Butler. She was a waitress who worked for many years at Sam’s Maple Grove in Lincoln Park, and then worked at Howmet Corporation, Dover, NJ prior to her retirement.
Beloved wife of the late John Parkin.
She was the loving mother of Frederick Schulze and his wife Candace, Joanne Schulze and her partner Margaret Bernier, Dorothy Schulze and her partner Carol Ping, and the late Michael Schulze; loving stepmother of Karen Harvey and her husband Bill, Joyce Cook and her husband Harold, Debbie Parkin, and Vicky Sigwart and her husband Dave.
She was also blessed with 16 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Dear sister of Charles “Bud” Willis, Paul Willis and Carol Willis.
Joan is also survived by her loving canine companion, Cujo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Rt. 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

View Full Information → Joan T. Parkin

SOUTHPORT — Phyllis Ada Francis, age 89, of Southport, formerly of Chenango Bridge, New York, and Hendersonville, North Carolina died July 12, 2012.
Mrs. Francis was preceded in death by her son, Gary. She was an avid golfer most of her life and was an excellent bridge player.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, William Francis; three children, Linda Gagnon and husband Frank of Southport, Mark Francis and fiancé Amy Fonti of Bel Air, Maryland, and Cynthia Koltz and husband Gerald of Chenango Bridge, New York; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A Celebration of life service will be held Saturday July 21, 2012 at 5pm at the chapel of Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Service, Southport.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the many staff at Dosher Nursing Center and Dr. Holland for their compassionate and excellent care given to Mrs. Francis.
The family requests memorials be made to Dosher Nursing Center, 924 N. Howe St. Southport, North Carolina 28461.
You may make online memorials at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.

View Full Information → Phyllis A. Francis, 89

Joan T. Parkin (Willis), 79, of Butler, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2012.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More, 12 Hollywood Ave., Fairfield, 07004.
Funeral services are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.farmerfuneral.com.
Joan was born in Hoboken, raised in River Edge, moved to Lincoln Park, then resided in Hendersonville, NC for many years and settled in Butler. She was a waitress who worked for many years at Sam’s Maple Grove in Lincoln Park, and then worked at Howmet Corporation, Dover, NJ prior to her retirement.
Beloved wife of the late John Parkin.
She was the loving mother of Frederick Schulze and his wife Candace, Joanne Schulze and her partner Margaret Bernier, Dorothy Schulze and her partner Carol Ping, and the late Michael Schulze; loving stepmother of Karen Harvey and her husband Bill, Joyce Cook and her husband Harold, Debbie Parkin, and Vicky Sigwart and her husband Dave.
She was also blessed with 16 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Dear sister of Charles “Bud” Willis, Paul Willis and Carol Willis.
Joan is also survived by her loving canine companion, Cujo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Rt. 10 West, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

View Full Information → Joan T. Parkin (Willis), 79

James H. “Jack” Melton, Jr., 88, of Hendersonville passed away amongst his family at the Brian Center Saturday, July 14, 2012 following a period of declining health. A native of Polk County, he lived in Henderson County fifty-four years. He was a son of the late James H. and Sara Jane Melton, and the husband of the late Vivian Tweed Melton, who died in June 2009. He was also preceded in death by his infant daughter, Elizabeth Diane Melton, six brothers, and five sisters.
He worked his entire life in the banking industry, was a member of First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, and was an Army Air Corps veteran of WWII. His favorite hobby was flying.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Kay Alexander of Hendersonville, Janet Melton Sharp and her husband Dale of Asheville; a sister-in-law, Joann Cantrell of Black Mountain; a number of nieces and nephews and faithful friends.
At Mr. Melton’s request services are private.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Tony Abela and the entire staff of the Brian Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.
An online register is available at www.shulerfuneralhome.com.
Shuler Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

View Full Information → James H. Melton, Jr., 88

NINETY SIX, S.C. — William Wallace Overton, III, 88, resident of 115 Belle Rive Drive, husband of Arlene Charlotte Schmitt Overton, died July 15, 2012 at Hospice House.
Born November 16, 1923, in Long Island, NY, he was a son of the late William Wallace, Jr. and Ella Gertrude Heidtmann Overton. He was a graduate of Freeport High School, Freeport, NY, and was a US Navy Veteran of World War II. Mr. Overton retired from New York Telephone Co. (now Verizon) and formerly served as a volunteer fireman in Uniondale, NY. He was a member of the American Legion in Hendersonville, NC. He and Mrs. Overton have made their home in Ninety Six since 2003.
He was of the Methodist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are three children, William Nicholas Overton of Cape Coral, FL, Neal Michael Overton of Tampa, FL and Patricia Overton Mackin and husband Charles of Ninety Six; five grandchildren, Matthew Overton and Nicholas Overton of Long Island, NY, Sara Overton of Tampa, FL, Daniel Mackin and Katherine Mackin, both of Ninety Six; and a great-granddaughter.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel. Private inurnment will be conducted at the Oakbrook Memorial Park Mausoleum prior to the memorial service.
The family is at the home in Belle Rive and will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Overton family.

View Full Information → William W. Overton, III, 88

Hugh Ronald Gabriel, 71, died July 7, 2012 in Bradenton, Fla. A lifelong resident of Hendersonville, he was born in and was raised in Balfour Mill Village. He was the son of the late Lizette and Claude Pace and Hugh and Betty Gabriel. After graduating Mills River High School he worked in textiles and was a truck driver. While living in Fla., he worked as a federal inspector in packing houses.
Ronnie never met a stranger and loved helping anyone in need. He helped to care for his mother and stepfather until their deaths. he loved going to auctions and yard sales. He was a faithful volunteer for All Creatures Great and Small. He is survived by daughters Ronda of Fla., who was his loving caregiver, and Lundy of N.C.; grandson Cody Padgett of Fla.; three sisters: Becky Hudson and June Burrell (Kenneth) of Hendersonville and Romona Byron (Mike) of California; many nieces and nephews, special aunt Lucille Lovinggood of Hendersonville; three step siblings Eddie, Ann and Janice of Gainsville, Ga.; best friend and cousin Eddie Corn and lifelong friend Larry Roper.
There will be a local memorial service on Saturday July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Sugarloaf Baptist Church, 3146 Ridge Rd. Fellowship and visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Private burial will be held at a later date.

View Full Information → Ronnie Gabriel, 71

Mr. Ray Burton Davis Sr., 83, of East Flat Rock, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 15, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born July 30, 1928 to the late Grover C. Davis and Bessie Hipps of Tuxedo, NC. In addition to his parents, Mr. Davis is preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Ruby M. Davis.
He is survived by his; children, Patricia Davis Blythe and her husband James D. Blythe of Arden, NC, Ray B. Davis Jr. of East Flat Rock, NC; grandchildren, Jill Blythe Farmer and her husband Joey Farmer, Debby Blythe Morrow and her husband Marty Morrow; great-grandchildren, Sawyer Farmer, Ethan Morrow, Avery Farmer, Keith Farmer, Kristian Farmer, Mckayela Farmer and Kayelee Morrow.
Mr. Davis served in the United States Navy during World War II, primarily aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. Chicago as a Gunner’s Mate Seaman Second Class. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and Navy Occupation Medal with Asia Clasp for service in the occupation forces. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947, and then served with the Naval Reserves until 1952. He was a graduate of Gastonia High School and was employed at various companies including; General Electric, Ford Motor Company, Select Foods, Walker Mfg and retiring from Brandford Wire Inc.
Funeral Services will be held 2:30 pm Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Thos. Shepherd & Son, Church Street Chapel, with Dr. Victor Rampey officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hendersonville. Visitation will be at the Funeral Home, Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Information → Ray B. Davis Sr., 83

FLETCHER — Lloyd P. Lewis of Fletcher, died on Monday, July 16, 2012 at Beystone Health and Rehabilitation. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full Information → Lloyd P. Lewis

HENDERSONVILLE — Brenda E. Wright, 69, of Hendersonville, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at her home. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full Information → Brenda E. Wright, 69

Flat Rock — Maxine Champion Luther, 89, of Flat Rock, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at Hendersonville Health and Rehabilitation. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full Information → Maxine C. Luther, 89

LAUREL PARK — Mary Lucille “Lucy” H. Holmes, 88 of Laurel Park and formerly of Mills River, died on Sunday, July 15, 2012 at her residence after a period of declining health. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full Information → Mary H. Holmes, 88

Mr. Everette Tillman Bayne Jr., 88, of Zirconia, died July 17, 2012 at his home with his family by his side. He was born August 9, 1923 in Tigerville, SC to the late Everette Tillman Bayne and Lela Rhodes Bayne. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bayne is preceded in death by his; son Michael E. Bayne; sisters, Emma Gibson and Lillian Ward and brothers J. Harold Bayne and Ralph Bayne.
Mr. Bayne is survived by his; wife, of 65 years, Lois Adcock Bayne; daughters, Elizabeth Bayne Hunter and Karen Eve Pfotzer; son Jerry A. Bayne; brother, David Bayne; grandchildren, Christy Mills, Angela Bayne, April Sykes, Amber Young, Allison Pfotzer and Brittany Pfotzer; great-grandchildren, Haley Mills, Dalton Mills, Logan Mills and Pearson Young and by many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Bayne served in the US Army, for 3 years, during WWII, serving in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Utah Beach. He worked as a self-employed masonry contractor and was owner of Bayne Nursery. He attended Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a member of NC Nurserymen’s Association, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 19, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Thos. Shepherd & Son. Funeral Service will be Friday 2:00pm at Oak Grove Baptist Church. The body will lie in state at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hendersonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Mission Fund 476 Oak Grove Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 S. Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Information → Everette Bayne Jr., 88