Category: Obituaries

Tamara Lynn Mckinney Peterson, age 48 passed away on March 11th at Winter Haven Hospital. She was born in Winter Haven on March 5, 1975, to James & Sandra McKinney. Tamara was born and raised in Winter Haven. She graduated from Winter Haven High in 1993. After graduation, she got a Ford Mustang and fell in love with them. She was the Queen of the Cool Car Club! Tamara worked retail and eventually became part of the Management Team at Belk & Talbot’s. She began bowling with her sister Christy at Cypress Lanes where she was introduced to the love of her life Vernon Peterson. They were married for 4 wonderful years. Tamara loved all animals, especially her Yorkies. Tamara loved to travel & the Sun & Fun Air Shows. She is survived by her Husband Vernon Peterson, her mother Sandra McKinney, her Sister Christy Mckinney and her beautiful Niece Liberty, and many more loving family & friends.

Michael Eugene Hart, Sr, Age 74, went fishing in the big pond in the sky on 3/10/2023 in Lakeland, FL, he was a lifelong resident being born in Lakeland on September 6, 1948. He served in the Vietnam War while serving in the US Army. He married Patsy in 1970 and they had five children. Mike loved to fish and ride motorcycles. He was an avid gardener, artist, and musician, and he was a bit more curious about the universe than others. Patsy preceded him in death in 2022 having been married for 52 years. Mike is survived by 5 children, Michelle, Michael Jr, Sharon, Daniel, and PJ; 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Charles A. King was born February 18, 1951, in Camilla, Georgia to the late Lonnie King, Sr., and Annie Mae McCraw King. He was educated in Lakeland’s Kathleen and Rochelle High Schools; He graduated in 1969. After graduation, he worked for Red Lobster where he became the Manager of the franchise restaurant after 18 years of service. He retired then continued his career at Publix Warehouse for 10 years then transferred to Sattlecreek where he served for 20 years before officially retiring in 2018.

Sylvia Ann (Smith) Newmaker, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, in Lakeland,
FL. She was born in Warren, PA, to parents Martin H. Smith and Eva M. (Schussler) Smith on June
27th, 1935. She married Frederick Charles Newmaker Jr. on April 20th, 1957, in Warren, PA. Sylvia was full of life and loved her family deeply. She was quite the firecracker and kept everyone on their toes with her unexpected wisecracks and witty humor. Her smile could light up any room she entered and served to help everyone stay on a forward focus. She was quick to let you know what she was thinking, no holds barred.

Harry L. Bowers, Jr., age 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 24, 2023. Harry was born in Davis, WV to Harry Lowell Bowers, Sr., and Dorothy Evelyn Justice on October 2, 1928. At 17 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, became a Radio Operator and served in the ETO, and occupied Germany. After serving, he married Helen Lacek and just a few months later entered a sanitorium for TB. He was a lifelong educator. After earning his MEd from WVU he taught physics, and chemistry and led in administration all over the US. Upon retirement, he entered active duty service in the Special Forces Reserve 12th Special Group. He served as Master Sergeant until his 2nd retirement where he started his 3rd career in cattle ranching. Then he sold the ranch and moved to Lakeland FL to be near his family.

Age 81, died Saturday, March 11, 2023, after a brief illness. Born in Rogersville, TN on January 29, 1942, to James Franklin and Lola Mae Walden. She came to Lakeland in April 1981. She was a restaurant manager, homemaker, and member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Dolores E. Wagner died on March 10, 2023. She was born on July 7, 1927, in Monessen, PA to Harry and Anna Bubar. She was a telephone operator for Bell Telephone and went on to be a notary at Perryopolis Auto Auction. She married the love of her life, Bill Wagner, in Winchester, VA on August 22, 1946. They raised their children in Fellsburg, PA. Upon retirement, they moved to Highland Fairways in Lakeland.

Robert E. Pratt of Lakeland passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023, at his home. Robert was born in Ceredo, WV, the son of Herbert and Nina Pratt. He was a member of the Church of Christ and retired from New Wales Chemical Plant. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Charles Kelly Pratt, grandson Luke Robert Pratt, and brother Jimmie Pratt. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Beatrice of Lakeland, sons Jeffrey E. Pratt of Corpus Christi, TX, and Robert (Irene) Pratt of Spring, TX, Three grandchildren James Kelly Pratt, Sarah (Brett) Rhine, and Anna Rose Pratt, Three great grandchildren Maddison Pratt, Samuel Pratt and Nehemiah Pratt and a host of nieces, nephews, and family.

Clarice Elizabeth Throckmorton was born January 8th, 1922 in Chillicothe, Ohio, Ross County. Her parents were Robert and Helen. She was one of nine children, third to oldest. She is the last to survive. She grew up through the depression and worked for the Navy during WWII in a munitions factory. She met her husband there. He was a type one diabetic and a supervisor for the government. They married on June 6th, 1943. They both worked in a paper mill after the war. In 1954 they hired on with STUCKEYS and ran a store in Florida on the Suwannee River.

Robert (Bob) Paul left this earth just before his 93rd birthday. A native-born Michigander from Detroit, Bob traded in his snow shovel for flip flops with a move to Florida in 1986. He was a proud member of a military family, serving his country with 2 tours of duty in the Army. As a Korean War soldier, he was awarded the bronze star, purple heart, and many service medals. Bob continued his service to the city of Lincoln Park for 27 years and retired as a Detective Lieutenant. His successful police career – and proudest achievement – included the formation of the Downriver Narcotics Organization, credited with the removal of a significant amount of criminals and drugs from the area.