Plant City Observer

Obituaries 11.09.23

James “Jim” Wells

James “Jim” Wells, 87, of Plant City, Fla. born on Aug. 10, 1936, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 2, 2023. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Jeanette Copeland Bennett

Jeanette Copeland Bennett, 86, of Plant City, Fla., born on Jan. 17, 1937, in Sulfur Springs, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 4, 2023. 

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Donald “Donnie” Weldon

Donald “Donnie” Weldon, a beloved husband, father, PaPa, and friend, passed away in Asheville, NC, on Oct. 22, 2023. Born in Bartow, Fla. on Dec. 16, 1950. Services were previously held. 

Online condolences can be made at www.haught.care.

Austin, Milton Earl “Papa”

Austin, Milton Earl “Papa”, 92 of Plant City, Fla., went to be with the Lord October 13, 2023. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Shirley Ann Austin. He is survived by children Sheree Corrales (Roland), Jeffery Austin, David Austin (Linda). Gene & Shirley were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He retired from the United States Air Force after serving proudly for 23 years. A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Harmony Baptist Church, Plant City, FL.  To honor his military service please wear patriotic colors. 

For full obituary, please visit haught.care.

Bertie J Baer

Bertie J Baer, age 84, passed comfortably on Oct. 28, 2023.  Bertie was born on Nov. 25, 1938. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Baer family.

Catherine Atos

Catherine Atos, age 96, of Lakeland, Fla. passed away on Oct. 27, 2023. Catherine was born on March 24, 1927. 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Atos family.

Mary Ann Barrow

Mary Ann Barrow, 72, of Plant City, Fla., entered eternal peace Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023; courageously fighting to the very end in her battle with breast cancer, surrounded by her loving daughter Cynthia, son Steven, and devoted brother John. Her granddaughters Reagan and Piper, and grandson (not so) little Steven, who made up the entirety of her world, fueled her fight, filled her heart, and forever will be impacted by her love. She will be dearly missed by all her family and numerous friends. 

She will be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life and will finally reunite with her beloved husband Dewey. 

Clara L. Wells

Clara L. Wells, born Nov. 30, 1933, died Oct. 25, 2023.  Clara was a member of Community Baptist Church in Yulee, Fla. She is survived by her spouse, Keller Wells of Plant City, Fla., her children and grandchildren. Though she is no longer with us physically, she is now in the presence of the Lord whom she loved so much. A Memorial service will be held for the family on November 30, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Home, 11005 N. US Highway 301, Thonotosassa, FL at 11 a.m.

Dr. Francis (Frank) Alexander DeRito

Dr. Francis (Frank) Alexander DeRito, age 69, of Blue Ridge, formerly of Apollo Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday evening Nov. 3, 2023, following a brave and well fought battle with cancer. Dr. DeRito was born on Apr. 11, 1954 in Camden, NJ, the son of the late Alexander DeRito and the late Theresa Asselta DeRito. Frank had been a Physician for over thirty-eight years. Frank was known by his friends and family to be incredibly selfless throughout his life, always putting others before himself. He was fearlessly loyal. He was an exceptionally loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. His departure will leave a huge hole in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. 

    Surviving Frank are his loving wife and best friend of forty-three years, Anne Henderson DeRito of Blue Ridge, two sons and daughters-in-law, Alex and Christy DeRito of Plant City, Fla., and Daniel and Catherine DeRito of Fairfield, CA; one daughter, Stephanie DeRito of Jacksonville, Fla.; five grandchildren, Ava, Ashlyn, Raleigh, Liberty and River DeRito. 

    A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Tampa Bay area, where he, Anne and their children lived for over thirty-five years. Details will be announced. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Dr. DeRito’s memory.

     Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.

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