Update. Lynne

SUNDAY - FEB 24 2019


TUE - FEB 19

2/16/19, Saturday, more... Other than Saturday's Tracheostomy and MRI, everything else stayed steady... wakeful, initiating all breathing and vital signs remain good. Rediscovering her mouth and tongue now that the Endotracheal tube has been removed.

2/16/19, Saturday, more... MRI showed little change and have a consult in for Neurosurgery, to see if they see any reason to intervene. Otherwise likely to go back to Long Term Care at Select Tuesday, or at least sometime soon after.

2/17/19, Sunday... Very good day. Moving along getting used to the Trach and weaning off any support/supplement the ventilator was providing. Probably back to Select Monday or whenever otherwise ordered (still waiting for that on Tuesday) .

2/18/19a, Monday... Still @ WFH in ICU1 (2nd floor). Will eventually return to Select, but no timeline for that yet... Lynne's doing good. Not sure when transport back to Select will occur... maybe Tuesday, or who knows. Trach has made a big difference for Lynne. Now off the ventilator, but still supported with some oxygen. Vitals stable and good.

2/19/19, Tuesday, Probably safest to call before visiting, just to make sure where we are.


THURS - FEB 14
NOT GOOD NEWS


We're at WFH ICU2 (2nd floor). I'm afraid Lynne's liver may be failing, and that most likely means discontinuing treatment and looking at palliative care. I'm waiting on one more check on the lab values before I make a decision, but I'm struggling with it. Keep me and Lynne in your prayers!

And then the next Dr says he will do another MRI and depending, may still recommend doing a tracheostomy, but forego the PEG/Stomach feeding tube, and let her liver do whatever it will now or some other time. Vitals and breathing and wakefulness are still going strong. I'm all about optimism, but this rollercoaster is rugged! Seems like Hope is still vying for a place in line though!
WED - FEB 13

2/13/19 p.m.... Currently arranging transport to West Florida Hospital, ICU5 (on 2nd floor) sometime this evening. Not sure how soon the transport will occur. Not sure when they'll remove the endotracheal tube, place a tracheostomy, feeding tube, etc, either, or how long they'll hold her there before returning to Select Specialty Hospital (I'm assuming). More as I know more.

FROM 2/13/19 a.m....
PT has Lynne sitting in a chair right now and looking out the window into the trees and sunlight, very alert! It's a good morning!


Tuesday Feb 12

2/12/19... Lynne had a similar day to yesterday with responsiveness and wakefulness. Ammonia was slightly elevated,  but not an issue that would cloud her wakefulness. Didn't get PT attention to sit bedside or in a chair today, but did get some limb exercise. Will probably be scheduled and transported sometime in the next 24 hrs to West Florida Hospital for removal of the endotracheal tube and placement of a tracheostomy and probably also a different sort of feeding tube. Then likely back to somewhere in Select Specialty Hospital. Nothing certain on any of that yet. I'll update on our changes of location as soon as I'm aware. Thanks for your continuing prayers! 

XXXXXXXXX

Monday Feb 11

2/11/19...

AM The PT Team put her sitting on the side of the bed for a 1bit and got some good eye responses to look in various directions. Now she's been seated in a rolling reclining chair beside the bed, upright and for 1-2 hours before maybe back to the bed. All very responsive compared to trying for that purely lying in the bed. Whoopee!

PM

 The Physical Therapy Team put Lynne sitting on the side of the bed for a bit and got some good eye responses to look in various directions. She was then seated in a rolling reclining chair beside the bed, upright and for over 2 hours before getting back into the bed. All very responsive compared to trying for those  responses purely lying in the bed. Whoopee! By the end of the day though, she seemed pretty tuckered out, but still responded to some commands, wiggled her toes just a little, but seemed agitated, maybe at the endotracheal tube still in place, or possibly by some confusion/disorientation that might mean her ammonia got elevated... will see in lab results sometime Tuesday. If it's elevated ammonia, that clouds determining what about her wakeful state is stroke and what may be caused by the ammonia issue.  Might be in for a Tracheostomy in the next day or so, because that Endotracheal tube must come out. Hope for the best on that prospect, but at least w!

 akefulness is close at hand. Thanks for your continuing prayers! 

XXXXXX

SATURDAY, FEB 9

2/9/19, day 23... More toward wakeful overnite and this morning! Gittin' 'er Done, a little at a time! HOPEFUL! Lynne was trying hard today to attain wakefulness, but didn't quite get there. She would open her eyes wide, turn her head toward the sound of voices, and even lift her head a little. I expect she'll make some progress overnite as the seizure medication continues to leave her system. Still breathing on her own with some supplement of oxygen and her vital signs continue to be good. I'll have her glasses handy if that helps her get her bearings at any point in waking up.

XXXXXX

FRIDAY, FEB 8

2/8/19... I think Lynne made progress toward waking up today. She moved her head toward familiar voices numerous times today with her eyes at least partially open. The medical team says she should be waking up, and they further reduced the seizure medication trying to help that along. Lynne's liver metabolism isn't the most helpful with that, but it's still in the game, along with her continuing to breathe on her own (supplemented by some oxygen) and maintaining respectable vital signs. Had an EEG about 4:30-5:30 this evening and the Neurologist was on hand to observe that seizures really weren't a continuing issue right now and the latest CAT Scan didn't show any significant change, so the Brain Bleed has stabilized. He's still expecting Lynne to wake up. That said, if she doesn't pull that off by mid week next week, his prognosis will likely dim. Thank you for your continuing prayers and thank you for your support just to keep up with Lynne and her roller coaster ride!

I forgot to mention earlier, but visiting hours are 8a-10p with the exception of 6p-8p which is report/shift change and associated prep for and after that.


XXXXXX
THURS PM Feb 7

2/7/19...There were some PA/Nurse Practitioner visits Wednesday after mid afternoon (for Nephrology/Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology) and an Infection Control Dr dropped by wanting to culture for possible source of elevated white blood cells. The EEG, to see what the brain waves show, is still in for scheduling as of Thursday p.m.. They did a CAT Scan late Wednesday, but I haven't heard yet what it showed. Thursday was really a pretty similar day to Wednesday for Lynne's eyes opening. Thursday the Neurologist said so far that doesn't reflect a cognitive response like wakeful awareness, but both he and the Pulmonologist are still expecting a wake up, so Hope is the Word of the Day! Any rehabilitation efforts will be the next challenge once we get wakefulness and there's something of a shelf life on that to regain as much as you can as soon as you can, so keep us in your thoughts and prayers toward good outcomes there. Thanks so much for all the support you've been providing! 

XXXXXXXX

WED am Feb 6

2/6/19... Correction on the Rm#. It's ICU Rm#5, not 6. Cuz'n Martha gave me a very thorough report of 2 Dr visits yesterday evening while I had gone home for just a bit. The Neurologist reduced or stopped much of her medications that could have been attacking the Brain Bleed, but may also have been preventing her waking up too. This morning Lynne is opening her eyes without commands and I'm pretty sure she saw me, moving her eyes toward me. I'm ecstatic, but keeping in mind the roller coaster this has been. Everything this morning seems very hopeful. Will be getting another EEG and CAT Scan today.

XXXXXX

TUE, FEB 5

Just general info...

2/5/19... Lynne is now at Select Specialty Hospital, ICU Rm#6. Enter the Hospital front entrance, proceed straight ahead till you must turn right or left. There is a Family Waiting Room right there with 2 entrances. If going to ICU Rm#5, just make a left at that intersection and there's a metal door activation button on your left. Depress that button and the double doors to your right will open. You'll be looking at or into ICU Rm#5. Visitors in the room is limited to 2 at a time. Visiting hous are 8a - 10p. If you happen to go out of the hospital after 10p, you may have to call the security staff to let you back in. I dont expect any change in Lynne's status, but have not asked for an update yet. If there's anything noteworthy, I'll be sure to pass that along.

https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com

Oh, Don't forget to log in at the front desk, indicate the room# you're visiting and the time in/time out, and take visitors badge.

MONDAY FEB 4
2/4/19a2... We're waiting on transport to Select Specialty Hospital, anytime now. Will send new Rm# etc when we get there or I know it otherwise. Lynne opened her eyes a little on her own this morning, so that was good to see. Neurologist said though the brain bleed appears to him, based on the most recent MRI, to have increased in size from the initial MRI. He's still wondering what the cause of the bleed is, now considering that it could relate to the possibility of a small tumor not yet detected. The Roller Coaster continues, but I'm optimistic that the eyes opening, even a little, is a good sign. Certainly appreciate your continuing thoughts and prayers


SAT FEB 2

2/2/19a... Still waiting on Lynne to wake up.  Vitals good, breathing on her own. Went for for an MRI about mid-day today and waiting for that to be read. Sounds like a Tracheostomy is in the plan in the next few days, just for continued safety with her airway, to be done while she's still @ WFH or possibly after transfer to Select Specialty Hospital in a day or 3 when a bed becomes available there. Your continued prayers always appreciated!

xxxxxx

Fri. Feb 1

2/1/19... Seems like seizures are under control, antiSeizure medication still being administered, and no longer in an induced coma... no sedation, so in a postictal state waiting on her to wake up... could be soon or take Hrs, Days, Weeks, just not easily predictable. Planning to assess her for transfer to Select Specialty Hospital,  maybe in the next day or 3. Planning for another MRI sometime today. Select can take over where the CCU at West Florida Hospital has been maintaining her in her postictal state waiting on her to wake up, then go into assessing her neuro responses for deficits when she wakes up and plan rehab for there or elsewhere. Select's  Web link is: https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com https://pensacola.selectspecialtyhospitals.com

Select Specialty Hospital - Pensacola

7000 Cobble Creek Drive

Pensacola, FL 32504

Hrs: 9a-10p, some limit on #s

Phone: (850) 473-4800

XXXXXXX

UPDATE TUE JAN 29

Sounds great! Today has shown improvement.  Going down for a CAT Scan soonish. I'll report progress after I hear from that

Follow up

1/29/19b... The Neurologist was by and seemed content to keep waiting on the wakeup to remove the endotracheal tube. Did another CAT Scan this afternoon which was basically no noteworthy change. The Brain Bleed has stopped, but there's still some residual swelling/edema. Nothing to prevent waking up. She has moved her head side to side some when stimulated, but not opened her eyes yet.

The Hospitalist was next, and has brought in the Kidney Specialist/Nephrologists to manage fluid issues, like sodium level, fluid retention/swelling/edema, etc. Still hunting the sweet spot for medication to manage ammonia, but its improving.

The Pulmonologist is happy with her breathing, all on her own, supplemented with some oxygen. When she does wake up, he'll manage removal of the endotracheal tube.

Looking continually more optimistic for a wakeup sometime soon. Then we can begin to evaluate her responses to neurological tests that will reflect any deficits the stroke may have caused and start addressing those for rehabilitation. All prayers are much appreciated as we keep marching.

XXXX

UPDATE - Jan 28, Monday 

The Neurologist was by and seemed content to keep waiting on the wakeup to remove the endotracheal tube.

The Hospitalist was next, just now, and given her fluid retention, the increased ammonia (been juggling to find the right dose to manage the ammonia, same as we do), the condition of her liver, and the intracranial bleed that occurred, he said her prognosis is poor. 

I'm still optimistic for a wakeup so we can evaluate her responses to neurological tests that will reflect any deficits that can be addressed for rehabilitation. All prayers appreciated as we keep marching.

XXXXXXXXX

Update: Jan 27 from Jim

The Neurologist report was much more optimistic following today's EEG. Now looking toward trying to wake Lynne up, however the Pulmonologist works that through. Thanks for all your prayers, but keep it up as we try to move through the next process and into recovery and rehabilitation working with whatever deficits are presented. This is a much better place to be than yesterday!!

XXXXXX

FROM JIM JAN 26

I just sent to the Carswell 1st Cousins...

I need to let y'all know that Lynne suffered a Hemorrhagic Stroke/Brain Bleed 9 days ago (1/18/2019) and, except for the 1st day of admission during which she seemed to have dodged a bullet, she's eventually been intubated so they could protect her airway as they pursued some high intensity sedatives to try and eliminate seizure activity which has been a factor preventing them from getting best access to evaluate damage from the stroke and begin any treatment that might indicate. So, she's still heavily sedated, still trying to breathe on her own (but supported be the ventilator) and getting nutrition through a Nasogastric Tube. There's still hope for recovery and rehab for any deficits, but those prospects keep sliding away. Still hoping and praying for a good outcome, but beginning to think and plan for the more grim prospects too. Appreciate your prayers. I know some of you are still neck deep in recovery from Hurricane Michael, so we're all praying for y'all too.

Feel free to share further as you wish. I'm not going to Facebook with anything. The only # you can reach me on is (850) 221-8248. Vic and Wanda are up with the situation and there's been abundant help to sit with us or spell me for errands etc. I'll try to keep you updated as this continues.

XXXXX

Update: Lynne Campbell 1-25-2019.

Since hemorrhagic stroke event of 1/18/2019

At this point, from voices of experience it would be a miracle if Lynne recovers. And, if she does, her brain is so bruised she would never be the same, personality or functioning. 

It could be weeks, or months but it's sinking in that recovery is not likely.  From neck down all vitals good. Brain seizures kick in with any reduced sedative. Pray for Jim and the boys too.

Text Jim. (850) 221-8248

XXXXXXXXX

Many locally know about the Senior Meals at Chumuckla Community Center every weekday from 9am to noon.  But JAY ALSO Has a program ! For Jay, your contact is 

Josh Newby jnewby@coawfla.org

(850) 292-8846

open the graphic below and print it for someone you know

To sign up for the Chumuckla Meals (so they are free)

email Charlene Miller 

ROCKS OF CHUMUCKLA

IF YOU FIND A ROCK...

.... You or the next person who finds the rock that you photograph and then pass-forward might be up for a small prize (see below) .  
Look for hints when you post a photo of your rock at the CHUMUCKLA ROCKS FB page. 
  

As an alternative you can email your photo and a short description of your find to vic@buzzcreek.com. We will post if for you. We won't post private information and only your name if you agree to it.

To enhance the experience of a FINDER -  take a digital photo and post it with a brief note about the area where you found it or what you learned from the rock: maybe a store area or a community location.  Enjoy it a few days and then "re-gift" the rock to a random location that is not hard to find so someone else can enjoy the FIND.  Or use one of the photos from the fb page to repost.

Every month or so, all the posts to the page will be collected and a random poster will be selected to win a modest prize - like a book from the Jay Historical Society or some interesting item.  

Good luck and enjoy the fun.  Here are some examples

FYI Local Authors and History

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vEat558Z14XJdHyJ2

Jay Museum visiting

Check out this review of Jay Museum on Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/h7PVWiL8g552

Genealogical Society Meets April 21

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PAGE

Family History Research | Northwest Florida

The Challenge of Holmes County Family History Research | Northwest Florida History & Genealogy

Brenda Elaine Hopkins McGraw 1951-2018

Brenda Elaine Hopkins McGraw, 66, of Jay passed away on March 2, 2018. She was born on July 15, 1951 in Pensacola to Aaron and Helen Hopkins.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, she celebrated 49 years of marriage to her husband, Clifford. She was a Godly wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, daughter, sister-in-law, and friend.

Brenda was a lifelong member of the IPH Church where she ministered alongside her husband for 45 years.
She was preceded in death by son, D’wayne McGraw and father, Aaron Hopkins.

Survivors include: husband, Clifford; daughter, Tina (Jeff); grandchildren: Christopher, Joshua, Abigail, Benjamin, and Brady; mother, Helen Hopkins; sisters, Hazel (Burdell) and Helen; brother, Troy (Virginia); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Covenant Church of God, 4645 School Lane, Pace, FL.
Special thanks to Covenant Hospice for their exceptional care.

Joyce Morris Raney 1937 - 2018

Joyce Morris Raney

Service
Sunday, March 4th, 2018 2:00pm
New Bethel Baptist Church

Today a very special lady had a memorial service at our church which was her church also, her vocal voice was so special, Roy and I were sick,unable to be there, we will never forget Joyce Raney,

Friends in Chumuckla . On Thursday afternoon my Aunt, Joyce Morris Raney passed away. She was the daughter of the late John (Obb) and Vera Mae Morris.


Lost one of my dear, sweetest sister's in Christ last week to the Heavenly Angel Choir! Ms. Joyce Raney sang like an angel & I will miss her beautiful voice until I am singing with her in the Heavenly choir,TOO! Prayers continue for her FAMILY & all of her friends who miss her as much as I do!!! See you when I get home, Ms. Joyce

Jean Walther Kirkland - 1960 - 2018

Jean Teresa (Walther) Kirkland, 58, of Jay, passed away from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Saturday, February 24, 2018, due to a brief illness.

Jean was born in Milton on December 25, 1959, and was a graduate of Chumuckla High School. After graduation, Jean began her employment with the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s Office in Milton. She enjoyed a successful career for over 20 years. She was most proud of her sons, Jonathan and Josh, and felt that was her greatest accomplishment. Also, for the last five years she has been consumed with pride and joy over her only granddaughter, Dixie.

Jean was preceded in death by the father of her children, Johnny Kirkland; her parents, Norman “Plug” and Grace Walther; her oldest sister, Martha (Ed) Levins; her nephew, Tim Levins; and niece, Alisa Walther.

Jean leaves behind to forever cherish her memory, her loving boys, Jonathan and Josh; and special granddaughter, Dixie. Also, she leaves behind, her very best partner in crime, “wife-in-law” Patsy Kirkland, as they often referred to each other. Jean is also survived by her two sisters, Marie (Wayne) Goddard and Jane (David) Chavers; and her favorite brother, Jack (Eddnie) Walther; brother-in-law, Ed Levins; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Coldwater Community of Christ Cemetery.

James "Wendell" Enfinger - Obituary

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery.

On February 13, 2018, James “Wendell” Enfinger lost his battle with colon cancer and went Home to be with Jesus.
Wendell worked for 2-3 years at Piggly Wiggly in Milton, 27 years at Sears (Warehouse), 16 years at Westinghouse, and 16 years with CSX Railroad. He retired on February 28, 2014 due to health problems. He decided after working 50 years, it was time to retire.

Wendell came through 67 chemo treatments, two major surgeries, and several procedures. He was proud of being a bronze level blood donor, even receiving a spot on the wall as a 28 gallon blood donor.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Henry “Buddy” Ezekiel Enfinger; mom, Eula Mae Enfinger; and brother, Charles Quinnon Enfinger.

Wendell was a loving husband to his wife of 52 years, Helen; caring dad to their only son, Randy; a good brother to Harvey (Winnie) and Donald (Ethel Rene) Enfinger; he also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, many friends and co-workers.

Trahan Family Funeral Home of Milton is in charge of arrangements.
Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the funeral home.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 at Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Elizabeth Chapel Community Cemetery.

Wendell left us while at the West Florida Hospice Unit at West Florida Hospital. The family would like to thank everyone at the hospital and especially the nice people at Covenant Hospice who helped us get through this.




Condolences for Helen and Both Their Families,

Brenda Ard Kelley 1949 - 2018

Brenda L. Kelley, age 68, of Chumuckla, Florida, passed away, Saturday, January 13, 2018.

Brenda was one of four children born to the late Jessie James & Winnie Ard. She retired from the Santa Rosa Property Appraiser Office with ten years of service.

She was preceded in death by a brother, James Curtis Ard; and a sister-in-law, Betty Jean Ard.
Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jerry Kelley; a son, Jeffrey (Teresa) Kelley; a daughter, Stacey Craig; four grandchildren, Brianna (Matt) Taylor, Kennedy (Ryan) Schotsch, Parker Kelley, and Zachary Hirman; three great-grandchildren, MaKenna Peacock, Mason Taylor, and Lincoln Schotsch; a brother, Gerald (Darla) Ard; and a sister, Debra Sue (Johnny) Pierce.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Ard Field Church of Christ Cemetery in Jay, Florida, with Pastor Greg Kell officiating.

Brenda was full of love! She enjoyed spending every single moment with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Brenda worked part-time at Pruitt and we would like to thank Mrs. Linda and Ms. Sharon for the support they showed our family during this time.

A very special thank you to the staff and the physicians at West Florida Hospital. The physicians provided great care for Brenda and to provide treatment for a very challenging unknown diagnosis.

She will forever be in our hearts and be missed tremendously. We LOVE you Mom!




Send a gesture of sympathy to Brenda Ard Kelley's family



Brought to you by
Lewis Funeral Home
6405 Highway 90 West
Milton, FL
32570
Phone: 850-623-2243
www.lewisfuneralhomes.ne

• t

Tina Yvette Gillman 1964 - 2018

Tina Yvette Gillman, 53, of Milton, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, January 11, 2018.

Tina was born in Milton, Florida, to Rita Cotton Gillman and Roger Gillman, and she lived in Milton her whole life. She was a 1982 graduate of Milton High School, and she worked for over 20 years at West Florida Hospital as a medical transcriptionist.

Tina loved life and was known for her cheerful personality and laughter. She had a Heart of Gold and loved God, her family and her friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Gillman; her paternal grandparents, Dallas and Jessie Gillman; and her maternal grandparents, Ruthard and Edna Cotton.

Tina leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Rita Cotton Gillman; her sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Glenn Ruedy; her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Susan Gillman; four nieces and nephews, Courtney (David) Hudson, Cassy Gillman, Jarrett Ruedy, and Lexi Gillman; and a great-niece, Addison Hudson.

Homegoing Services for Tina will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Pine Terrace Baptist Church, with Dr. Mike Wiggins officiating.

Burial will follow in Serenity Gardens Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel, directing.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Pine Terrace Baptist Church, prior to services.

John Horton 1926- 2018

John Russell Horton 1926 - 2018

John Russell Horton, 91, died Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Hillcrest House in Dallas, Texas. John was born on February 18, 1926, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Jake and Ella Floyd Horton. He lived in Tuscaloosa until he was eight years old and then moved to Chumuckla, Florida. He attended Chumuckla High School where he played basketball.

In 1943, at 17, John convinced his mother to allow him to enlist in the Navy and was trained as a Pharmacist’s Mate. He was assigned to the USS Sheridan and participated in seven landings in the Pacific including the invasions of Tarawa, Saipan, Kwajalein, Guam, two different landings in the Philippines and was at Okinawa but did not go ashore. His ship was in Tokyo Bay on the day the surrender documents were signed. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps and Bronze Star Medals for gallantry in evacuating wounded on the first day of the invasion of Tarawa. He was discharged from active duty in January 1947.

Returning to Pensacola, Florida, after the war, he met and married Elaine Manning and they had two daughters, Brenda and Sandy. John spent many years working for Sherrill Pure Oil Company in Pensacola before starting his own company, Horton Energy Products. John loved Alabama football, golf, catfish and his daughters and grand kids to whom he was known as Pops. We are most appreciative that he lived the last two years of his life in Dallas, Texas, where his great-grandson came to know and love him, just as his grand kids did.

John was predeceased by his parents and brother, Jacob. He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Elias (Matthew) of Dallas, Texas, and Sandy Smith (Timothy) of Leesburg, Virginia; four grandchildren, Claire Elias Gordon (Jeff) and Sarah Elias of Dallas, Amanda West Jones (Pete) of Panama City, Florida, and Johnathan West of Arlington, Virginia, one great grandson, Matthew Gordon and his sister in law, Frances Horton of Pensacola, Florida.

Graveside services and burial with full military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 12, at Barrancas National Cemetery. Family and friends will depart Olive Baptist Church (the old Warrington Baptist Church), 103 West Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, Florida, at 9:15 AM to travel to the graveside services.



EULOGY - by Claire (granddaughter)

My memories of our Pops run long and deep. I am grateful that he was able to live such a long and rich life, and at the same time I know that there will be a huge void in our lives as he was such a huge pillar in the architecture of our entire family. He was larger than life and lived that way. What a legacy he leaves behind! He touched his children, grandchildren and everyone he met in such memorable ways! Pops loved Alabama football, golf, catfish and his daughters and grandkids. And how fitting that Alabama won the National Championship on Monday – Roll Tide!

He was born on February 18, 1926, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Jake and Ella Horton. He lived there until he was eight years old and then moved to Chumuckla. He attended Chumuckla High School where he played basketball.

In 1943, at 17, Pops convinced his mother (Big Momma) to allow him to enlist in the Navy and he was trained as a Pharmacist’s Mate. He was assigned to the USS Sheridan and participated in seven landings in the Pacific, two different landings in the Philippines and was at Okinawa but did not go ashore. His ship was in Tokyo Bay on the day the surrender documents were signed. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps and Bronze Star Medals for gallantry in evacuating wounded on the first day of the invasion of Tarawa. He was discharged from active duty in January 1947.

Returning to Pensacola, after the war, he met and married our grandmother Elaine Manning and they had two daughters, Brenda and Sandy. Pops spent many years working for Sherrill & Pure Oil Company in Pensacola before starting his own company, Horton Energy Products.

Some of my oldest memories of Pops are of his home that he loved and loved to share with his children and grandchildren running around, and playing in the pool. We had some amazing times there and share a lot of memories. And while he and my Granny were not together any more during the years that we were young (they were still very close), I have so many memories of him constantly coming over to her house or calling her to see what we were up to. He enjoyed the time with us, and us with him.

He gave the BEST advice. And he also gave it often. If he was watching the weather channel, he would call us (whether in Dallas or Virginia or Panama City Beach) to tell us about a storm passing through. (He loved following the Weather Channel). He would give advice on almost anything – especially if you asked. When I began working and was telling him about my travels, one of the funniest things I remember him saying is that when he traveled he would go to the cemetery and look up names to put on his dinner expense reports!

Pops gave lots of advice on driving. He would always give us a lecture about safety on the roads. And when it came to choosing favorite stories, everyone’s boiled down to being on the road with Pops. While he might have lectured us on road safety, he found himself in a sticky situation when babysitting Mandy and Johnathan when they were teenagers and he got lost driving them home in their neighborhood. Embarassing Mandy and Johnathan as they drove around in circles, at a certain point he asked “Where do I turn??” and when Mandy said “right here!!” he turned and they would up in a ditch. And the kids on the floorboard – still ensuring none of their friends would see them.

I once drove him from Pensacola to Dallas, when I first moved to Dallas, in a little red Honda I owned. It was small. And it was jam packed with my belongings – laundry baskets full of clothes, a printer, all types of junk. His passenger side seat was so far forward, he kept joking that if the airbag deployed he would “be a goner!” And every time he would doze off I would accidentally go over the raised median markers and it would startle him and wake him up! So he didn’t sleep a wink. We made it to Dallas, and unfortunately that night my car was broken into and they stole everything. The first thing he said was that he wish that would have happened 700 miles back! He always knew how to diffuse a situation – especially for all of us whenever we were in a tough place.
*************
I am most grateful that he came to live with us in Dallas for the past couple of years, and we got to spend so much time with him and Matthew really got to know him as well. Pops called Matthew his “buddy boy” and was always asking where the “little man” was. Pops loved to tease Matthew!
Another testament to his personality and how much character he had – was seen at the nursing home he lived at these last several months. Even though he was there for only a short time, so many of the staff really got a kick out of his personality and all of his joking around. He kept them on their toes and every time they would pass by he would shout “Yo!!”. It became something they all said back and forth. In such a short time they told us no one had ever made such a large impression on them!

Pops, we will always miss you. But we have so many wonderful memories to hang on to. Your guidance and love will carry us through to the end of our days. The past couple years when Pops was with us in Dallas, he would say almost daily that it was time to get on the road back to Pensacola. Pops, you are home now. We love you – and we will see you again one day!