FRANCIS PAUL FINLON passed away in Vero Beach September 1, 2014, one day shy of his 90th birthday. Known as Frank to his friends and family, he was born September 2, 1924 in Carbondale, PA. His parents were Hugh Finlon and the former Rose Tammany. Hugh and Rose also had three other sons—Joseph, Paul, and Robert, and two daughters—Mary and Agnes. His report cards from elementary school in Carbondale are peppered with remarks like “inattentive”, “wastes time”, and “whispers too much”. However, he found his stride in education as by the time he graduated from the Carbondale high school in 1942, he was class valedictorian.

He began his college education as an engineer immediately after high school with classes at the University of Scranton and the Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia. By 1944, he joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN and Los Alamos, NM where he was part of the team that developed the atomic bomb that ended WWII. He was honorably discharged from the army in 1946. After serving in the military, Frank continued his education with BS and MS degrees in electrical engineering from Penn State in 1947 and 1948, respectively. He also did graduate work in applied mathematics at Brown University in 1949-50.

While attending school, he married Mary Martha Henzi in November of 1947. They had three children—Dick Finlon of Denver, CO; Dave Finlon of Charlotte, NC; and Debra Finlon of San Diego, CA. His extended family included two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. He spent virtually his entire career at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University—from 1947 until 1983. Frank started as a Research Assistant and was Professor of Engineering Research and Associate Director of ARL at the time of his retirement. His work focused on basic and applied research of underwater sensors and weapons systems for the US Navy.

After leaving Penn State, he worked for two years in State College, PA for Vitro Corporation where he was a Senior Resident Representative. By 1985, he and Mary Martha decided the time was right to retire to Florida. They lived in a condo just off the beach in Ft Pierce, FL until 2000. At that time, they moved to the ACTS Retirement Life Community in Vero Beach, FL.

In 2006, Frank’s wife of 59 years, Mary Martha Finlon, died. He subsequently met another resident of the ACTS community, Josephine (Jay) Herter and they were married in November 2009. Jay continues to live in the ACTS community.

Frank had many interests including golf at the Centre Hills Country Club, card games, and all things Penn State. Frank and Mary Martha also helped to found the Centre Squares square dancing group. They spent many enjoyable hours practicing this art and participated in the annual competition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, winning numerous ribbons. He was devoted to his family, his work, and the Catholic Church. The family will hold a memorial service in the near future. Strunk Funeral Home (9/9/14)

 

JEANNE TOWNSEND HOLMES, 91, passed away September 4, 2014 under the care of VNA Hospice in Vero Beach, Fl. following an emergency surgery. 

Jeanne was born Feb. 10th, 1923, in Jackson, Michigan to parents Robert Laten Townsend & Florence Woodworth Townsend. 

She came to Fl .as a child & resided in Lake Worth, later Ft.Pierce,Fl.where she met her husband of 63 yrs., M. L. “Larry” Holmes, who predeceased her on Feb 17, 2006. She was married to Larry at First Methodist Church in Ft. Pierce, Fl, Nov. 21,1942 shortly before he left to join the Marines in WWII. 

Years later, they moved to Vero Beach. She was a devout Christian & an active member of many area churches. They spent summers at their home in Otto,NC. 

She is survived by her sons, D. R. “Bud” Holmes & wife Cindy,of St. Lucie West, Fl, Richard A. Holmes & wife Pam, of Ft Pierce, Fl.,daughter,Barbara Holmes Butler of Vero Beach, Fl.,brother, Robert L. Townsend & wife Marilyn of Orlando,Fl. 5 Grandchildren, Kim Klenotich of Vero Beach, Scott Holmes of Ft. Pierce, Kelley Holmes, Keith Holmes,& Adam Holmes, all of Pt.St. Lucie, 16 great grandchildren & two great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Carey. 

Jeanne was an accomplished genealogist who traveled extensively with her husband, compiling information about her ancestors. She was a member of the Indian River Genealogy Society for many years. A gifted artist, she shared her gift with family & friends. She made her own greeting cards,& never forgot anyone. She is remembered most for her unconditional love for her family, her wonderful advice, support & her happy outlook. 

Her greatest treasure was her family. Every one of us loved her dearly. 

A private family service will be held graveside in Winter Beach,Fl. under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home & Rev. Mary Rosendahl. 

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at The Brennity at Pointe West in Vero Beach,State Rd 60,Sunday, Sept.14, 2014 at 4PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in her name to VNA Hospice House, 901 37th St.,Vero Beach, Fl 32960 Strunk Funeral Home (9/9/14)

 

CLAUDE BRUCE TROUTMAN, 75, of Vero Beach, Florida died in his home on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 after a long illness. Bruce was employed for many years as a Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent in Florida and North Carolina after serving in the US Army in Korea. He was born March 20, 1939 in a log cabin on Roan Mountain, Mitchell County, Bakersville, North Carolina to Robert ClaudeTroutman and Dovie (Ledford) Troutman who preceded him in death as well as a brother Steve Henderson and a sister Hettie Mae “Toots” Troutman Reed.

Survivors include a son Bruce Kevin Troutman of Nebo, North Carolina and a daughter Karen Troutman of Vero Beach, Fl., grandsons David and Bryan Troutman of Nebo, North Carolina, brothers Ed Troutman of Burnsville, North Carolina and Allen Troutman of Vero Beach, Fl., sister Bonnie Troutman King of Three Springs, Pennsylvania, and many nieces and nephews,

A Life Celebration Service for Bruce will begin at 2 PM, Friday, September 12, 2014 at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Strunk Funeral Home (9/9/14)

 

EARL EUGENE WENZEL,  68, passed away September 1, 2014 at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian surrounded by his family. Earl was born in Ridgway, IL on September 19, 1945 to the late Earl Edward and Hazel Louise Wenzel. He was a veteran of the US Air Force having served during the Vietnam war. Earl had been a resident of Florida since he was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL. Earl was employed by the City of Kissimmee as a Treatment Plant Operator for over 15 years before his retirement in 2007.Earl was a member of the VFW Post 3851, Carmi, IL. He was an expert wood worker and enjoyed cruising. His favorite cruise destination was Costa Rica.

Survivors include wife of 25 years, Carolyn Wenzel of Vero Beach; daughter, Elizabeth Bridges of Waynesville, NC; stepsons, Chris Allsbury of Fort Worth, TX, Sean Allsbury (Lisa) of Kissimmee, FL and Zachary Allsbury of Vero Beach, FL; brothers, Mick Wenzel of Carmi, IL and Kenneth Wenzel of Carmi, IL; sister, Judy Wilson of St. Petersburg, FL; grandsons, Kyle Hamilton of Waynesville, NC and Mason Allsbury of Fort Worth, TX; granddaughter, Meadow Allsbury of Vero Beach, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517,Topeka, KS 66675 in memory of Mr. Earl E. Wenzel. Visitation will be held 5 – 7 PM, Saturday, September 6, 2014 Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian. A prayer service will be held 7 PM at Strunk Funeral Home, Sebastian, FL. Interment will be in Ridgway, IL on Friday, September 19, 2014. Strunk Funeral Home (9/9/14)