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Leo J. Reuther III, 90

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FLAT ROCK — Leo J. “Lee” Reuther III of Flat Rock, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012, after a short but brave battle with pneumonia. He was 90 years old.
Born in New York City in 1922 to Viola Wehner and Leo J. Reuther Jr., he was proud of his Irish/German heritage going back several generations. He attended New York schools, graduating from Barnard School for Boys and Columbia College, class of 1942. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army (Army Air Corps) and entered flight training in Texas and Kansas. He became a fighter pilot serving in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater. He ultimately flew 142 missions in P47s and P38s. He was discharged as a captain in 1945 after earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal with three battle stars, the American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, Presidential Citation and the Purple Heart.
After World War II, he entered upon the career of his life. In 1947, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent. After serving at headquarters in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Tennessee and the State of Washington, he returned to his office of preference, New York City, retiring in 1975 as supervisor in charge of major crimes, while also overseeing federal violations at New York airports.
Upon retirement, he moved from New York to Vermont where he enjoyed skiing and took up the game of golf. He spent nearly 20 years in a state that he’d loved since attending camp on Lake Champlain as a child. Dorset, Vermont, held a special place in his heart not only for its beauty, but for the wonderful friends made while living there. After major heart surgery, Northern winters were too severe, so Seabrook Island, S.C., became home. In 1999 he moved to Flat Rock, N.C., looking for four-season weather and the beauty of Vermont without the severity of winters. Here he enjoyed golfing with his men’s group and with his wife in mixed outings. One of the highlights of his years in Flat Rock was being included in the HonorAir trip to Washington. Always the ultimate patriot, he was grateful to be included and to see the World War II memorial.
Those who knew him well knew him as a passionate man. He loved his family, sports, especially baseball and the New York Yankees, boxing and golf. He was a competitive, beautiful swimmer, sprint runner, second baseman and marksman. Music and reading were passions until his death, when there were three books still on is nightstand. Always kind and considerate, he possessed a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor and a photographic memory.
He held memberships in the Dorest Field Club, Stratton Mountain Golf Club, Manchester Country Club, Seabrook Island Club, Hendersonville Country Club and Kenmure Country Club.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Betty Galen Knowles; two daughters by a former marriage, Loralee Neal of Longwood, Fla., Leslie O’Keeffe of Stony Point, N.Y.; grandchildren, Michael Crenshaw and Kelly Morales of Colorado; sister-in-law, Holly Groves of Patuxent, Md.; and brother-in-law, Christopher Shannon and family of Nantucket, Mass. He is also survived by his two cats whom he adored, Charleston Charlie and Dixie.
Burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792, or to Historic Flat Rock Inc., P.O. Box 295, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www. thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce arrangements.

View Full NoticeLeo J. Reuther III, 90


Wanda Robinson Whitaker, 71

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FLETCHER — Wanda Robinson Whitaker, 71, of Fletcher passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012, at Pardee Hospital. A native of Buncombe County, Mrs. Whitaker was retired from Dr. Caserio’s office as a nurse. She was a member of Fruitland Baptist Church.
Mrs. Whitaker was preceded in death by her husband, Hilliard A. Whitaker. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Shelia and Lowell Corn of Hendersonville; son, Raymond Mathies of Fletcher; daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Allen Porter of Fletcher; grandchildren, Andrew Corn, Jennifer Corn, Cable Porter and Christa Porter; brother and sister-in-law, Stanley G. and Shirley Robinson of Hendersonville; brother, Ralph W. Robinson Jr. of Fletcher.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Fruitland Baptist Church with interment in Emma’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends today, October 22, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd and Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

View Full NoticeWanda Robinson Whitaker, 71

Timothy P. Kennedy, 50

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ASHEVILLE — Timothy P. Kennedy, 50, of Asheville, died on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the Elizabeth House. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

View Full NoticeTimothy P. Kennedy, 50

Ralph Dietsche, 81

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FLAT ROCK — With his family at his side, Ralph Dietsche peacefully went to be with the Lord on October 18, 2012. While we are saddened for the loss, it is truly a blessing as he has suffered from dementia since 2005.
Ralph was born in Schwerzen, Germany, on December 8, 1930. His childhood was filled with challenges as he was raised through the foster care system. Ralph immigrated to America in 1955 to work in greenhouses on Long Island, N.Y. It was there he met and married the love of his life, the late Eleanor Baumgartner Dietsche. They were happily married for 46 years. Together they operated a flower shop and successful landscaping business in West Hempstead, N.Y., for many years before retiring to Flat Rock, N.C. Ralph served his country in the U.S. Army and was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. He loved to garden, work outdoors, and give selflessly of himself to help others. Many of the flowers, plants and trees he planted for friends and neighbors will be enjoyed for many years to come.
He is survived by two daughters and five grandchildren: Elizabeth Dietsche Dalrymple and her husband, Louis Craig, of Flat Rock, and their three children Jennifer, Michelle and Louis Craig Jr.; Eileen Dietsche Burmester and her husband, George, of Long Island, N.Y., and their two children, George Jr. and Melissa.
A celebration of his life will be held sometime in the future.
Should you wish to memorialize Ralph in some way please consider a donation to The Westin Woods Elder Park, 306 Spring Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

View Full NoticeRalph Dietsche, 81

Marguerite Ferguson Cooper, 87

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HENDERSONVILLE — Marguerite Ferguson Cooper, 87, of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2012, at the Brian Center.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Sudie Ferguson; her husband, Otis Luster Cooper; three brothers, Ernest Ferguson Jr., William Blanton Ferguson and John Ferguson; and one sister, Willowdean Chism.
Marguerite was a devoted preacher’s wife and loved to sing. She retired from Southern Bell after 25 years of service.
She is survived by a daughter, Janice Montgomery and her husband, Stan, of Hendersonville; a brother, Smitty Ferguson of Jasper, Ala.; two grandchildren, Tony Pangle and Connie Cahoon; one great grandson, Zachary Pangle; several nieces and nephews and her beloved puppies, Ginger and Auburn.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 23, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Jackson Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Oakdale Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Glass, the Rev. Gordon Straus and Mr. Conrad Altmann officiating.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www. jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

View Full NoticeMarguerite Ferguson Cooper, 87

Leon Benjamin McClain, Sr., 63

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FLETCHER — Leon Benjamin McClain Sr., 63, of Fletcher died on Monday, October 15, 2012, at his home. A service will be announced in the future. Wilson Funeral Directors is handling the arrangements.

View Full NoticeLeon Benjamin McClain, Sr., 63

Joseph Gooding III, 79

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ETOWAH — Joseph H. “Guppy” Gooding III, 79, of Etowah died on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the Elizabeth House. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center will announce arrangements.

View Full NoticeJoseph Gooding III, 79

Ingeborg G. Klose, 85

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FLAT ROCK — Ingeborg G. Klose, 85, of Hendersonville died Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Elizabeth House. No service is planned. Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice. com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

View Full NoticeIngeborg G. Klose, 85


Carrie Dieora Levi Ward Dillard, 98

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ZIRCONIA — Carrie Dieora Levi Ward Dillard, 98, of Zirconia went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, October 20, 2012, after a lengthy illness.
Mrs. Dillard was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County and a member of Bob’s Creek Baptist Church. She was a daughter of the late David Huston Levi and Florence Revis Levi. Carrie was preceded in death by two husbands, Luther Sherman Ward and Boyce Dillard; two daughters, Beulah Ward and Shirley Beddingfield; four sisters; and four brothers.
Survivors include her daughter, Margaret Helms and husband, William; four grandchildren, Brian Ballard and wife, Deborah, Jeffrey Ballard and wife, Christy, Jason Ballard and wife, Lori, Lisa Hill and husband, David; six great- grandchildren, Michaela, Marissa, Caroline, Emily, Jacob and Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2012, at Ward Cemetery with the Rev. Bobby Capps officiating.
A guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.forestlawnhender sonville.com.
Forest Lawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

View Full NoticeCarrie Dieora Levi Ward Dillard, 98

Inez S. Brown, 73

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HENDERSONVILLE — Inez Julia (Silver) Brown, 73, died on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at the Medical Center of Carolina Village after a short illness. The grace with which she faced death matched the grace of her entire life.
She was born in Sauk Centre, Minn., on April 12, 1939. Her family moved to Wadena, Minn., when she was a child and she lived there until graduating from Wadena High School in 1957. She later lived in Wisconsin, California, Mexico City, Roswell (Atlanta) Ga., and in 1988 moved to Hendersonville where she lived until her death.
Her life was spent reaching out to others. An excellent cook, she tried to make sure that everyone was fed properly. That belief continued throughout her years in Hendersonville with a “career” of 23 years delivering Meals on Wheels for the Council on Aging. More than 13, 000 times, she knocked on a door, gave someone a nutritious meal and a hug, and topped it off with one of her great smiles.
Other agencies felt her warmth, among them Mainstay, FISH, the Free Clinic, Department of Social Services and WCCA. Promotional material for WCCA often showed Headstart kids wearing colorful winter caps that she crocheted by the hundreds while watching JEOPARDY.
Music was an important part of her life, with band and choral work in high school and participation in church choirs wherever she lived. She loved Handel’s Messiah, singing in “sing-a-longs” dozens of times. A few hours before her death, a good friend sat at her bedside and sang the favorite hymn that will be sung at her service.
Inez was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Inez Silver; a sister, Helen Halliwell, and a brother, John Silver, who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action in Vietnam.
She is survived by her husband, Robert R. Brown; her sisters, Fran (Bill) Gustine and Barbara Robinson; her children, Michael (Lisa) Ehlen, Kristine Ehlen, and Sara Ehlen. She is also survived by stepchildren, William (Cindy) Brown, Nancy (Ronald) Roberts, and James (Gretchen Winter) Brown. There are five grandchildren, Andrea, Holly, Otto, Jacqueline, and Jill, and one great-granddaughter.
Inez was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville. She has sung in the choir, and served several years as coordinator of the prayer chain.
The family wishes to thank long-time friend Dr. Ron Moffitt for his care and understanding, the magnificent staff at the Carolina Village Medical Center, and the members of the Four Seasons Hospice team who always seemed to know just when to “be there”.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at the Village Hall of Carolina Village, with the Rev. Dan Martin and the Rev. Christy Sharp officiating. A private inurnment will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Henderson County Council on Aging (Meals on Wheels program), 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.
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 NoticeInez S. Brown, 73

James P. Burge

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HENDERSONVILLE — James Plumblee “Jim” Burge went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, after an approximate 4 month illness from a brain tumor. Jim was born Jan. 12, 1931, in Fletcher, NC to the late Sara Johnson Burge Fite and Walter Reese Burge. He later lived and worked with his father, farming and logging, on top of what is now known as Burge Mountain. Jim attended the Fruitland Bible Institute in 1951. He married the love of his life on June 1, 1952, and continued their love affair for an amazing 60 years. On Jan. 28, 1954, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter. Shortly after the birth of their daughter, they moved and lived in Michigan for two years. Jim then took his family and moved to El Cajon, Calif., in 1957 where, among others, he acquired contracts as an independent contractor for the Coronado Island Naval Base until Jim retired and moved back to North Carolina in 1977.
Jim loved the Lord and was blessed to be a master of all trades. He always enjoyed teaching others all that he knew.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cornelia “Connie” Robertson Burge; his daughter, Sarah Rebecca “Becky” Wing and husband David, of Pisgah Forest, NC; his sister, Henrietta Dillingham and friend Ron Caldwell, of Arden, NC; his six grandchildren, Erik Watkins, of Cullowhee, NC, Greg Watkins, of Hendersonville, NC, Heather Murray and husband Adam, of Hendersonville, NC, Brent Wing and Tony Wing, of Asheville, NC, and Adam Wing and wife Kate, of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; two nephews, Bryan Dillingham, of Arden, NC, and James Larkin Beddingfield, of Charlotte, NC; two great-nieces, Carrie Chandler, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Molly Chandler, of Asheville, NC; one great-nephew, Evan Dillingham, of Arden, NC, and two great-grandsons, Benjamin and Asher Murray, of Hendersonville, NC,
Jim was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Lucy Ann; two sisters, Sally Beddingfield and Molly Huffman, and a niece, Ellen Huffman Herring.
There will be a memorial service at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at Vision Jesus Church located at 400 1st Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC. The service will be officiated by Pastor Mauricio Mercado.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be made directly to them to help with the cost of medical expenses incurred prior to Jim’s passing.

View Full NoticeJames P. Burge

Benjamin F. Stepp, 94

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RALEIGH — Benjamin Franklin Stepp, 94, of Raleigh, passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Wake Med Hospital in Cary.
He was born and raised in Henderson County where he grew apples for most of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ambrose Stepp and Leah Alice Nix Stepp; his wife, Eva Guice Stepp, and a granddaughter, Summer Leighan Stepp.
He is survived by one son, Randy Ben Stepp, of Apex; two grandsons, Randal Christopher Stepp, of Clemson, S.C., and Benjamin Nolin Stepp, of Asheville; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Teanette Pate, of Saluda, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at the Upward Baptist Church with the Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. Entombment will follow at Jones Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday night, at Jackson Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jones Cemetery Fund.
Condolence cards may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or P.O. Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.

View Full NoticeBenjamin F. Stepp, 94

Thomas Grover Stepp

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SENECA, S.C. — Thomas Grover Stepp of Seneca, S.C., passed away Oct. 19, 2012, after a long illness at North Fulton Regional Hospital in Roswell, Ga., with his son by his side. Born Sept. 12, 1932, in Hendersonville, N.C., he was the son of the late Hannah McGuinn and George Odell Stepp. The Stepps were one of the pioneer families of Western North Carolina.
Surviving are his son, John Jefferson Stepp (Linda), of Alpharetta, Ga., and daughter, Michelle Pearson (Hugh), of Jasper, Ga.; grandchildren, Lauren Kay Stepp and Jefferson Edmund Stepp, of Alpharetta, Ga., and Abby Stepp of Dawsonville, Ga.; brother, Ronald B. Stepp (Betty), of Hendersonville, N.C., and sister-in-law, Lawanna R. Stepp, of Dillon, S.C.; beloved niece and nephews and his faithful and much loved friend, Charlyne Grimes Coleman, of Hendersonville.
He was predeceased in death by his son, Thomas Grover Stepp, Jr.; grandson Zachary Stepp, and brother, Lewis Voyne Stepp, Sr.
Mr. Stepp attended Hendersonville schools where he lettered in football and basketball with the Hendersonville High Bearcats. He was well known as an exceptionally gifted athlete. He finished his high school years attending preparatory school at The Blue Ridge School for Boys where he also excelled in Varsity football. After graduation, he attended Wofford College before joining the United States Army. He completed his education at Ashville Biltmore College in Ashville, N.C., after his military service.
Mr. Stepp began his business life in Dana, N.C., as an apple grower. Later, the Stepp family moved to Vale, N.C., where he established a new apple orchard and nurtured it into outstanding productivity. After his years in Vale, he moved to Charlotte, N.C., where he was associated with the S&W and Barclay Cafeteria and the Alcoholic Beverage Control of N.C. He retired in 1997 to live on the shores of Lake Hartwell in Seneca, S.C., where he was affectionately known as “The Mayor”. He always felt so blessed by the enduring friendships of his Seneca neighbors. These friends will always be remembered for their faithful caring and continued loyalty by John, Linda, Lauren and Jefferson as they cherished their time with him during his last illness. This special time deepened their loving devotion and created lasting bonds that will stay forever in their hearts.
He was a member of the American Legion and the Seneca Foothills Elk Lodge #2822.
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in the Shepherd Memorial Park in Hendersonville, N.C., with longtime friend the Rev. Dan Blackwell officiating. The family will receive friends at the graveside after the service.
McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Cumming, Ga., will be assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

View Full NoticeThomas Grover Stepp

Theresa A. Wilson, 85

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FLETCHER — Theresa Amelia Wilson, 85, of Fletcher, left this world to be with her Lord on Oct. 16, 2012, at the Hospice Elizabeth House. Theresa was born in Barberton, Ohio, and lived in Black Mountain/ Hendersonville for most of her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jacob Casserman and Jennie Casserman, both of Austria. In addition to her parents, Theresa is preceded in death by her brothers, Jacob, Victor, Alphonsus, Henry, and Paul Casserman and her sisters, Ann McCaughlin, Christine Stopar, Rose, Jennie and Mary Casserman.
She is survived by her two daughters, Shirley Pennell and husband David, of Fletcher, and Barbara Wilson, of Hendersonville; a sister, Sylvia Casserman, of Barberton, Ohio; a niece, Pam Armstrong and husband Dave, and three grandchildren, Stephanie and Ryan Pennell and Billy.
Theresa was a Beloved Mother who always gave so much of herself for others.
The family will have a private family service on Nov. 3, 2012, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to celebrate her life.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the Hospice Elizabeth House in Hendersonville for their compassionate care of our Beloved Mother.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Elizabeth House and the American Heart Association.
Asheville Area Alternative Funeral Services on Riverside Drive is assisting family. For those who desire condolences may be offered to the family through www.ashevilleareaalternative.com.

View Full NoticeTheresa A. Wilson, 85

Bertha S. Flynn, 92

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FOREST CITY — Bertha Sims Flynn, 92, of Forest City, died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at Hospice House.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at Crowe’s Mortuary with the Rev. John Perry and the Rev. Jack Hansma officiating. Interment will follow in Southern Baptist Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p.m., prior to the service at Crowe’s Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.crowemortuary.com.

View Full NoticeBertha S. Flynn, 92


Cyril Futcher, 99

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FLETCHER — Cyril Futcher, 99, of Fletcher, died Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at Elizabeth House.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors will announce the arrangements.

View Full NoticeCyril Futcher, 99

H.B. Russell, 75

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HENDERSONVILLE — H.B. Russell, 75, of Hendersonville, passed away Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at the Elizabeth House.
Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

View Full NoticeH.B. Russell, 75

Benjamin Stepp, 94

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CARY — Benjamin Franklin Stepp, 94, of Raleigh passed away Friday, October 19, 2012, at Wake Med Hospital in Cary, N.C. Jackson Funeral Service will announce the arrangements.

View Full NoticeBenjamin Stepp, 94

Amy Hyder Allison, 90

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ETOWAH — Amy Hyder Allison, 90, of Etowah died on Saturday, October 20, 2012.
A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County she was born on October 6, 1922, to the late Adam K. Hyder and Laura Jones Hyder. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Clyde R. Allison; her sister, Margaret Hyder; and a number of half brothers and sisters.
During World War II, she worked for Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation as a machine operator as part of the war effort.
Amy was active in community service, and with her giving spirit she was always helping a friend with a meal or a kind gesture. She was a Cub and Boy Scout Leader, enjoyed canning, making jelly and working in her vegetable garden alongside her late husband. More than anything, she was an avid Tar Heel fan!
She is survived by her three children, Larry B. Allison and his wife, Alma, of Weaverville, Sandra Fowler and her husband, Joe, of Mills River, Robert F. Allison and his wife, Kathy, of Etowah; two sisters, Florence Stepp of Hendersonville, Geneva Chapman of Anderson, S.C.; five grandchildren, Brent Allison, Christopher Allison, Benjamin Allison, Laura Allison, Jenny Stanley; three great-grandchildren, Caroline Allison, Sarah Allison, Emaly Allison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. Burial will follow at Oak Forrest Cemetery in Etowah. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.
A register book is available online for family and friends by visiting www. thosshepherd.com.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

View Full NoticeAmy Hyder Allison, 90

Forrest A. Kramer

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COLUMBUS — Forrest Arthur Karmer, born to Fred and Helen (Lehr) Kramer on June 6, 1916, in Allentown, Pa., passed away Oct. 4, 2012, in his home at Tryon Estates, Columbus.
He graduated from Allentown High School, then attended Drexel Institute of Technology (Drexel University), attaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Because of this training, his skills were needed in the World War II war effort as an engineer at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, Pa. He also worked for the Mack Truck Company and held two patents.
He met and married Arlene Kern. They had no children, but in the 1980s, while they were members of the Hatboro United Methodist Church in Hatboro, Pa., the Kramers helped with resettlement of several of the “Boat People” from Vietnam and this developed into a loving family relationship.
Upon graduation from high school, he was recommended to, but did not attend, the Navy Band School, especially because of his proficiency on the seldon seen double-bell euphonium which his grandparents had purchased for him. From that start, he played in school bands as well as the Allentown Band of Allentown, Pa., (the oldest city band in continuous existence in the United States), the Tri-County Band of Feasterville, Pa., and the Hendersonville (NC) Community Band until in his late 80s.
Additionally, he played in several German Club bands throughout the Philadelphia area, as well as in the Foothills Oompah Band of Columbus, NC, always wearing his authentic traditional lederhosen.
He also was soloist in the annual TubaChristmas concert in Polk County, demonstrating and playing the unique instrument with which he started. He also was accomplished on a valve trombone.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene (2010) as well as his brothers, Earl, of Allentown, Pa., and Wilbur, of Atwater, Calif.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Maria Kramer, of Atwater, Calif.; a nephew, Joe Kramer, of Sacramento, Calif., and a niece, Yolanda Kramer Gardini, of Atwater, Calif. Additionally, the adoptive Vietnamese family including Phillip and Cathy Pham (son Michael), of Hatboro, Pa., Jennifer and Tuong Nguyen (daughters Denise, Kathleen, and son Jonathan), of Portland, Ore., Larry and Holly Bui (sons Kenenth and Derrek), of Warrington, Pa., and Hugh and Trina Bui (daughters Tammy, Tamnhu and Tamminh), of Sicklerville, N.J. Also surviving are long-time friends and fellow musicians, Dr. Stanley and Jean Howell, of Tryon Estates.

View Full NoticeForrest A. Kramer

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