Donald Lester Kerr services in Medford
MEDFORD, Oregon-Funeral services for Donald Lester Kerr, will be
held today (Friday, Sept. 4) at 11 a.m. at the Phoenix Church of Christ
in Medford, Oregon.
He was 73, born in Twisp, Washington July 30, 1925, and died in Medford
Aug. 31.
He was a warehouseman for southwest Plywood and Lumber in Rancho Dominguez
until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Phoenix Church of
Christ, was a Boy Scout leader from 1968-1974, and was a volunteer for
his church and access/community action agency.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and camping.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; a brother, Charlie Kerr;
and an infant brother.
Survivors include his daughter, Jody Jaime of Downey; two sons, Paul
Kerr of La Habra, Richard Kerr of Ontario, CA; three grandchildren; numerous
nieces and nephews; two sisters, Roberta Kolos (his twin sister) of Susanville,
and Bertha Thomas of Lynwood.
Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Medford.
Contributions are suggested to the Phoenix Church of Christ, 411c W.
1st St., Phoenix, OR 97535, or Access/Community Action Agency, 3630 Aviation
Way, Medford, OR 97504.
Arrangements were by Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary in Medford.
Burial at Riverside for James Maurice Orndoff
SOUTH GATE-Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. today (Friday,
Sept 4) at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside for James Maurice
(Jim) Orndoff, a South Gate resident and an engine lathe machinist with
Veric Industries for 30 years.
He was born Oct. 25, 1925 in Metz, West Virgina, and died Aug. 31 at
his South Gate home. He was a veteran of World War II and received many
meritorious citations while serving with the U.S. Marines in the Pacific.
Survivors include his children, John D., James S., Michael W., Steven
M., and Linda K.; and eight grandchildren.
He will be buried next to his wife, Betty Jo, who died in 1985.
Arrangements are by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
Friends, family mourn Elizabeth Alcock, 101
SOUTH GATE-Funeral services were held Aug. 31 at the Miller-Mies
Mortuary Chapel in Downey for Elizabeth Alcock, a resident of South Gate,
who died Aug. 26 at the age of 101.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Edith Pedersen; granddaughters
Janet Beck and Terry Parks; great-grandchildren Jennifer, Rick, Sean, and
Wendy; and great-great-grandson Tyler.
The Rev. Mel Moore officiated. Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial
Park. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.
Friends, family mourn Edna Cornell Cavette
LYNWOOD-Graveside services were held Aug. 30 at Olive Lawn Memorial
Park for Edna Cornell Cavette, a resident of Lynwood and a former employee
for 13 years of the Downey Unified School District.
She was 65, born in California Sept. 21, 1933, and died at her home
Aug. 25.
Survivors include her beloved cat, "Betsy Ann,"; her son, Greg; a daughter-in-law,
Lillian; grandson Scott; and many loving friends.
Pastor Harold Pierce officiated. Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies
Mortuary of Downey.
June K. Blakeney, longtime Hoag employee
DOWNEY-June K. Blakeney, a longtime employee of the Hoag Company,
died Aug. 10.
She joined the Hoag Company in 1978 and since that time had been a company
bookkeeper dealing with property owners, clients, and managers on a daily
basis.
She was respected by all those who knew and worked with her over the
years. Her pride in a job well done, her attention to detail and her own
special brand of humor will be greatly missed, said spokesmen for the management
and employees of the Hoag Property Management, Inc.
Robert Bob Hartman remembered at age of 83
DOWNEY-Funeral services for Robert Bob Hartman, a retired former
employee of Jack Stephan Plumbing and a three year resident of Aliso Viejo,
were held Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel in Downey.
He was 83, born in New York, and died Aug. 29 in Norwalk.
He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity for 49 years.
Survivors include many family members and friends.
Masonic Lodge 220 officiated. Burial followed at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.
Memorial open house honors Bob Schlatter
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA-A memorial open house was held at the Santa
Margarita home of Rick and Kim Akasaka Thursday, Sept. 25, for former longtime
football coach and beloved teacher Bob Schlatter, who died Sept. 16.
He was 71 and died in Buena Park.
He was head football coach at Warren for 10 years. Several players from
his teams in the late 1960s and early 1970s had scholarship offers, and
at least two played in the NFL.
He spent the last 20 years before his retirement as a counselor at Downey
High School.
At his retirement in 1991 he had served a total of 38 years at Griffiths,
Warren and Downey.
He was a true character who always had a joke and a smile to greet the
teachers on their morning arrival at the front counter at Downey.
Survivors include his wife, Mickey; four daughters and several grandchildren.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that friends may donate to Bob's
favorite charity, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 17500 Red Hill
Ave., Irvine, CA "In memory of Bob Schlatter."
Memorial service for Bill Zacker Sunday
DOWNEY-Memorial services for William J. (Bill) Zacker, Jr., a longtime
friend of the Downey YMCA and the owner and operator of Downey Plumbing
& Heating for 47 years, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 28,
at the Candlewood Country Club, 14000 Telegraph Road, Whittier.
Born Sept. 25, 1931 in Los Angeles, he died Sept. 11, 1997 in La Quinta,
California.
He was active in the Downey YMCA (a member of the Board of Directors),
the Downey Community Hospital Memorial Trust Foundation, Downey National
Bank (on the Board of Directors), was a founder of the Downey Los Amigos
Kiwanis Club, was active in the Boy Scouts of America, the Masonic Lodge,
and was a member of the PHCC Association.
He was honored at the 1993 DCH Charter Ball for his community service,
and received the "Good Scout of the Year" award from the Los Angeles Council
Boy Scouts of America Frontier District in 1991.
His awesome contributions to the Downey Family YMCA included founding
and chairing the YMCA Golf Tournament for 20 years, along with Bob Earl.
In 1981, he was inducted into the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles' Golden
Book of Distinguished Service, the highest honor the YMCA awards a volunteer.
He was preceded in death by mother Rachel Fresecas; and daughters Lynn
Mitchell and Gwen Zacker.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia A. Zacker of La Quinta; his father,
William J. Zacker, Sr.; a sister, Linda Loney of Atascadero; daughters
Pamela Harris of Menefee, Vicki Jeffries of La Quinta, Michelle Bolks of
La Mirada; a son, William J. Zacker III of Huntington Beach; 13 grandchildren,
and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions in his name
to the Downey Family YMCA, the National Brain Tumor Association, 785 Market
St., Suite 1600, San Francisco, CA 94103, or to the Downey Community Hospital
Memorial Trust Fund.
Rev. John Toay will officiate.
Friends, family mourn Doris Ruth Lo Bue here
DOWNEY-A Funeral Mass will be heard today (Friday, Sept. 26) at
9 a.m. at St. Raymond's Catholic Church here for Doris Ruth Lo Bue, a resident
of Downey for 22 years.
Born in Los Angeles Oct. 12, 1923, she was a former resident of South
Gate, and died at her home Sept. 23.
Survivors include her husband, Mario Lo Bue; her daughters, Kathy Gelbard
of Huntington Beach, Theresa Lo Bue of Seal Beach; her sons, Larry Lo Bue
of Thornton, Colorado, Joe Lo Bue of Concord, Paul Lo Bue of Seal Beach;
10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Arrangements are by the
Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
Francis A. (Bud) Matson to be remembered
DOWNEY-Memorial services will be held tomorrow (Saturday, Sept.
27) at 2 p.m. at the Downey Zrelak Mortuary Chapel for Francis A. (Bud)
Matson, a resident of Downey since 1952, and a former machinist for 20
years for the High Shear Corporation.
He was 87, born in Marshall Town, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1910, and died in Whittier
Presbyterian Hospital Sept. 23.
Survivors include his wife, Marie Matson of Downey; brothers Robert
of Chico, and Leslie Matson, Jr. of Roseburg, Oregon.
Pastor John E. Scarr of the Landmark Community Church will officiate.
Arrangements are by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
Helen Brenier mourned by many at age of 86
PASO ROBLES-A Memorial Mass was heard Sept. 16 at St. Rose's Catholic
Church in Paso Robles for Helen Brenier, 86 a native of Downey, who died
Sept. 12.
She lived in Downey for 77 years before moving to Paso Robles in 1989.
She was born March 12, 1912 in Downey, and as a young girl worked on
her father's ranch with her sister, Alice. After graduating from Downey
High School, she packed oranges, and later worked in an aircraft factory
during World War II.
She married Frank Brenier on Feb. 21, 1944. Together they owned a hobby
shop on Third Street, and later operated Belvedere Liquor Store for more
than 20 years, which was formerly located at Paramount Blvd and Florence
Ave.
Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Frank of Paso Robles; a son,
Lawrence of Paso Robles; daughters Mary of Downey, Therese and her husband
Mike Olivero of Templeton; four grandchildren, Kerry of Anaheim; Maria
of Paso Robles, Matthew of Sacramento, Gina of Paso Robles; a great-grandson,
Jaylon of Paso Robles; and a sister, Alice Ware of Downey.
Mary Ann Kretschmer remembered by many
DOWNEY-Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Miller-Mies
Mortuary Chapel in Downey for Mary Ann Kretschmer, who died peacefully
at her home Sept. 17. She was age 69, born Aug. 6, 1930 in Harlan, Iowa.
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Edward; her children, Gayle
(Mike), Terry (Bill), Edward Jr. (Joann), Laurie (Carl); and nine grandchildren.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, with a positive
attitude that inspired everyone who knew her.
Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.
Friends, family mourn Joseph Aaron Davis
DOWNEY-Joseph Aaron Davis, a former member of the Board of the Downey
Unified School District and a Downey resident for more than 50 years, died
Sept. 1 at his daughter's home.
He was born March 24, 1910 in Denison, Texas, to parents Maude Ruby
Glover and Marion Phillips. His mother later married Roy Grady Davis who
raised Joe as his own son.
During a serious childhood illness, he was visited by members of a local
Boy Scout troop who read to him. He developed a love for reading and scouting
that led him to achieve Eagle Scout rank.
During the hard times of the Depression he was forced to leave school
to help support the family. He left Texas and "rode the rails" to California,
living in Los Angeles at the YMCA and supporting himself wherever he could
(frequently working as a movie extra). He became involved in the aircraft
industry, took a job with Aerojet, and settled in Downey.
During World War II he grew an award-winning Victory Garden, and continued
his interest in gardening for the rest of his life.
He was also an avid photographer, particularly fond of portrait work.
It was this that caused him to meet his wife, Aleta June Phillips. They
were wed April 16, 1954. They raised three daughters in Downey, Lisa, Jill
and Gina, each of whom attended Downey schools. The family was very active
in the Children's Theater.
He was committed to education all his life, attaining a GED, a Time
and Motion Study certificate from Cal Tech, and an AA degree in business
from Cerritos College.
He was also a physical fitness enthusiast, was interested in political
issues, writing and music.
Survivors include his wife, Aleta Davis; daughters Lisa Mothersbaugh,
Jill Bisegger and Gina Davis-Wurzler; sons-in-law Jim Mothersbaugh, David
Bisegger and Charley Wurzler; grandchildren Jacob and Rachel Mothers-baugh,
David Bisegger and Davis Wurzler; brother-in-law Frederick Phillips; and
cousins Hazel Brink Owens and William Brink.
The family suggests contributions to Zero Population Growth in his memory.
Friends, family remember Edith Margaret Lombard
DOWNEY-A Memorial Mass will be heard Saturday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m.
at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for Edith Margaret Lombard, a resident
of Downey for 28 years and a former price communication manager for the
Fluor Corp., for 31 years.
She was born Sept. 29, 1912 in Covington, Kentucky, was 84, and died
at her Downey home Aug. 15. A former resident of Cudahy, she was preceded
in death by her husband, Harry, in 1967.
Survivors include her son, Eugene Lombard of Mountain Center, California;
sisters Ruth Jules and Dorothy Reese of Downey, Betty DeAtley of Scottsdale,
Arizona; a brother, Bill Brodet of Porterville; and one grandson.
Monsignor Robert Gipson, will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary
Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Downey Zrelak family Mortuary.
Alice Hankins Priest mourned at age of 79
DOWNEY-A Funeral Mass will be heard today, Friday, Sept. 19, at
11 a.m. at St. Raymond's Catholic Church for Alice Hankins Priest, a resident
of South Gate since 1973 and a former resident of Downey, who died at Specialty
Hospital of Southern California Sept. 13.
She was born in Denton, Texas, Oct. 11, 1917 and was 79, the youngest
of 11 children.
She was preceded in death by her son, James Joseph Priest in 1957.
Survivors include her husband, Vern A. Priest of South Gate; a son,
Robert A. Priest of Mt. Baldy; a brother, Pierce Hankins of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
and a sister, Ruby Betts of Wilton, California.
Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Arrangements
are by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
Donations in her memory are suggested to the Mother Teresa Missionary
Sisters of Charity, 10950 California Ave., Lynwood, CA 90262.
Services held Sunday for William Carlyle Cole
DOWNEY-A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.
at the Miller-Mies Mortuary Chapel for William Carlyle Cole, a longtime
local resident and a retired employee of Livingston & Graham Cement
Co.
Born in Missouri, he was 81 and died Sept. 12 in Long Beach.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Downey United 220 Scottish/Rite.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Cole.
The Masons will officiate. Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary
of Downey.
George G. Pagaduan services set tomorrow
DOWNEY-Private Memorial Services for George G. Pagaduan, are set
for 1 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 20, at his daughter's home in Downey.
He lived with his daughter, Gloria Pasmant of Downey, was age 91, born
in the Llocos Norte, The Philippines on Dec. 12, 1905, and died at home
Sept. 14. He was a retired Rockwell employee, and a 13 year resident of
Downey.
He came to America at the age of 18, arriving in Seattle, and traveled
all over the U.S., finally settling in California.
He joined the Jehovah Witness ministry in 1950, and was a member of
the Santa Fe Springs Congregation.
He was preceded in death by his son, David Pagaduan in 1981.
Survivors include daughter Carmen P. Hemulgada of San Diego, her husband
Benjamin, and their children, Ben Jr., and Melinda; daughter Gloria Pasmant
of Downey, her husband, Andrew, and their six children, Andrew Jr., Leianna,
David, Marie, Michael, and Angelina; a sister, Trifina Castellano of the
Philippines; a niece, Thelma Llvares of San Diego; a nephew, Dave O. Pagaduan
of Jacksonville, Florida, and many other nieces and nephews.
Steve Delgado will officiate.
Arrangements are by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey. Burial will
be in Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach.
Mary Ann Shull dead at age 77 in Downey
DOWNEY-A Funeral Mass was heard Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Mary Ann Shull, a resident of Downey
for 45 years, and an employee of various medical institutions for 50 years.
She was 77, born in Oakland, and died Sept. 11 in the USC/Norris Cancer
Hospital.
She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, the
National Registry of Medical Secretaries, and the Republican Women's Club
of Downey.
Survivors include her husband, Robert W. Shull; sister-in-law Ruth Rollins;
brother-in-law Bill Rollins; four nieces and nephews, and 14 grand-nieces
and grand-nephews.
Father John Moloney officiated.
Burial followed at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
Arrangements were by the Miller-Mies Mortuary of Downey.
Funeral Mass held for Jess Hernandez at 79
PICO RIVERA-A Funeral Mass was heard Tuesday, Sept. 15 at Our Lady
of Perpetual Help Catholic Church for Jess Hernandez, a 27-year resident
of Pico Rivera and a former self-employed barber in La Habra for many years.
He was born in Ventura and died Sept. 10 at the Hospice of Inter-Health
at the age of 79.
He served in the Marine Corps in World War II, and was a past Grand
Knight of Norwalk Council 3678 Knights of Columbus, and a member of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Maria Elena Hernandez; his children, Thomas
J. Hernandez of Fullerton, Stephen J. Hernandez of Las Vegas, Maria Elena
Maley and Lorrie Almanza of Whittier, and Rose Marie Esclenta of Santa
Ana; brothers Ruben Hernandez of Minnesota and Dan Hernandez of Tucson,
Arizona; a sister, Rachael Torres of Santa Barbara; 16 grandchildren and
10 great-grandchildren.
Pastor John Moloney officiated. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements were by the Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary.
Friends, family mourn Arvin 'Mac' McCauley
DOWNEY-Arvin "Mac" McCauley, a longtime Downey resident and a noted
air historian, died Sept. 4.
He was born Jan. 17, 1923 in Anaheim, graduated from Downey Senior High
School and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He completed both cadet
pilot training and gunnery school. His war experiences included five missions
to the Ploisti Oil Fields, and the first Russian shuttle mission in June
of 1944.
After the war he became a member of the Millwright Local 1607, and was
later employed as a sales and field engineer with Standard Conveyor Co.
Following a heart attack in 1976, he retired and became active in recounting
the history of the air war. He joined the B-17 Combat Crewmen & Wingmen
organization and was editor of their monthly publication for 19 years,
in addition to serving as chief officer for eight years. He was an active
board member with the 97th Bomb Group and recently served as Second Vice
President. As a member of the 97th Bomb Group he was currently involved
in the restoration of a B-17 and the 15th Air Force Memorial Wall at March
Field Museum in Riverside.
His other affiliations include the Downey Elks Lodge; the Downey Historical
Society; the Vultee Club; and the John Birch Society.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Douglas Scott McCauley.
Survivors include his son, Gerald McCauley of Arcadia; a daughter and
son-in-law, Nancy and Randy Wallis of Bellevue, Washington; grandsons Scott
and Doug Wallis; and a sister and brother-in-law, Nadine and Don Fishbeck
of El Segundo.
Donations are suggested to the March Field Museum in Riverside.
Memorial gathering for Charles C. Ettien, 88
DOWNEY-A memorial gathering was held at the family home in Downey
for Charles C. Ettien, a Downey resident for 57 years, who died Aug. 26
at the age of 88.
A man of many talents and interests, he worked as a cowhand in his youth
in Montana, and later became an operating engineer. He became involved
in many California water projects and in the construction of Mare Island
in the Bay Area.
He and his wife, Frances, purchased their home in Downey in 1941. He
worked as a shipfitter for Bethlehem Steel and served as an air raid warden
in World War II. After the war he became a painting and decorating contractor,
owning and operating a paint and wallpaper store with his wife in Downey.
Retiring from contracting, he became the chief maintenance engineer
for Lincoln Hospital in Los Angeles. He began a new career as a locksmith
at age 70, retiring finally at the age of 85.
He loved bowling, and was an avid target shooter (even loading his own
shells), and loved "muscle cars." He raced a 1954 Ford pickup with a full-blown
Chrysler engine at drag strips in the 1950s. His last "muscle car" was
a 1966 Dodge Charger equipped with a 426 hemi engine.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, in 1992.
Survivors include children Charles Norris Ettien, Joyce Fanning, Evelyn
Rogers, Shirley Martinez, and Frances Larson; son-in-law Keith Rogers;
12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and
sisters Peggy, and Dorothy.
Special thanks is extended by the family to Randy and Vicki Davis, whose
kindness and caring were a comfort for their elderly neighbor.
Burial was beside Frances in All Souls Memorial Park in Long Beach.
George W. Loos, Sr. mourned in Downey
DOWNEY-Memorial services for George W. Loos, Sr., a longtime Downey
resident, who died Sept. 16 here, will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Rose
Hills Memorial Park.
He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, May 13, 1931.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Loos; children Toby Mitton of West
Virginia, Carla Wharton of Kentucky, Roberta Loos of West Virginia, George
Loos, Jr. of West Virginia, Darla and Bob Wegener of Salinas, Michael Hefner
of Ohio, Karen and Steve Goldsholl of Downey; grandchildren Jimmy Sample,
Shelley Sample, Chris Wharton, Erik Wharton, Ryan Loos, Alex Wegener, Ashley
Goldsholl, Seth Goldsholl and Brook Goldsholl; great-grandchildren Morgan
Sample, five others; a sister; two brothers; nieces, nephews and friends. |