OBITUARIES

Margaret Ann Digan

Margaret Ann Digan

Jun 27, 2022

Margaret Ann Digan, a lifelong resident of Lakeland, passed away on June 27, 2022. She was preceded in death by parents, Tom and Judy Digan, and twin sister, Mary Digan. She is survived by brother, Tommy Digan, sister, Cindy Fry (and brother-in-law, Terry Fry), niece, Shelby Digan, stepchildren, Ashley Lang, and Justin Gray. Also, extended family and many friends,...

Gene "Al" Allison Finch, Jr.

Gene "Al" Allison Finch, Jr.

Jun 21, 2022

Gene “Al” Allison Finch, Jr., 55, of Lakeland, passed away June 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Melissa Finch. Born August 2, 1966, in Lakeland, he was the son of the late Gene A. Finch, Sr. and Elizabeth “Betsye” Kay Finch. Al was a devoted husband and father. He loved his family and Jesus...

Claudia J. Shaffer

Claudia J. Shaffer

Jun 19, 2022

Claudia J. Shaffer, 84, of Lakeland, passed away June 19, 2022. She is survived by her husband, of 63 years, Charles Shaffer. Born July 23, 1937, in Logansport, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Jess and Agnes Hoover. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Joni Beth Shaffer; sisters, Barbara Shafer and Mary Hoover; and...

Burton Clare Spalding

Burton Clare Spalding

Jun 18, 2022

Burton Clare Spalding, 84, Lakeland, went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2022. He was born on January 6, 1938, in Ionia, MI; a son of the late Leon and Viola (Nichols) Spalding. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Wallace; his grandson, David Spalding; and stepfather, Lloyd Strandburg. He is survived by his...

Margaret Frances Pennington

Margaret Frances Pennington

Jun 11, 2022

Lakeland, FL - Frances Keller Pennington went to be with our Heavenly Father on the morning of Saturday, June 11, 2022. She was 96 years old! Frances was born on June 6, 1926, in Yukon, McDowell County, West Virginia. She had a long career at Appalachian Power in Bluefield, WV, and was a member of various social clubs. She...

Frederick Thomas Steel

Frederick Thomas Steel

Jun 10, 2022

Fred "Freddie" Steel sadly passed away on June 10, 2022, in Lakeland FL. Jackson High School basketball state champion starter, University of Michigan graduate, U.S. Marine, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. plant manager, proud father of 3 beautiful daughters, model grandfather of 6 exceptional grandchildren, scratch golfer, professional fisherman, savvy gambler, and the life of the party. These are...

Norman Francis Curran, Sr

Norman Francis Curran, Sr

Jun 7, 2022

Norman Francis Curran, born in Boston, MA, on September 22, 1926, passed away on June 7, 2022, in Lakeland, FL. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 67 years, Caroline Curran. He is survived by Caroline and two children, Catherine Curran Livingston of Silver Spring, MD, and Norman Curran of...

Hilda D. Walters

Hilda D. Walters

Jun 3, 2022

Hilda Diane Walters passed away June 3, 2022. She was born on February 2, 1954 in Orlando, FL to Robert and Virginia Herrington. She is survived by her husband of 50 years Jim Walters and three children, Candy Gordon (Clint), Jimmy Walters (Michelle), Kathy Singler (Ron) and eight grandchildren Megan, Maverick, and Montana Gordon, Cole and Isabella Singler, and...

Lillian  M. Narvaez

Lillian M. Narvaez

Jun 3, 2022

Mulberry-Lillian M Narvaez passed away Friday, June 3, 2022. She was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico on October 17. 1981. She is survived by her husband Jose Narvaez, son Lucas Mateo Narvaez, parents Hector & Hilda Deida. Siblings Anne-Marie Bernard (Richard Bernard - spouse), Hector M. Deida (Sonia Deida - spouse) and Lisette M. Moore (Herman Moore - spouse)....

Jerel Francis Eaton

Jerel Francis Eaton

Jun 3, 2022

Dr. Jerel Francis Eaton known as “Jerry" passed peacefully on June 3, 2022. Born in Illinois to Ortis A. and Mildred V. Eaton, he is preceded by his parents and brother David Hart. He resided in Lakeland, Florida with his wife Linda C. Eaton, married for 55 years. A member of the Chiropractic Association, he received his Doctor of...

Jerry P. Brookins

Jerry P. Brookins

Jun 2, 2022

Jerry P. Brookins, 61, Lakeland, passed away on June 2, 2022. He was born on April 9, 1961, in Lakeland, FL; son of the late Burl M. and Margaret (Blair) Brookins. He is survived by his brother, Larry Brookins of Lakeland. He was a United States Veteran. Inurnment will take place at Florida National Cemetery at a later date....

Francis Lincoln Merritt Jr.

Francis Lincoln Merritt Jr.

Jun 1, 2022

Francis Lincoln Merritt Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 1, 2022. He was born on February 6, 1927, in West Springfield, Massachusetts to Francis Lincoln Merritt Sr. and Myrtle Robertson Merritt, both proud New Englanders with relatives who fought in the Revolutionary War. Frank became a member of the Mayflower Society through William Bradford....