Reginald Butler
Gone home to be with Jesus. Reginald Butler, 95, died Friday, June 13, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. He was born in Hartford, Alabama on July 27, 1929, to Festis and Mary Butler. He founded the former Calvary Baptist Church in Starke. He pastored South East Marion Baptist and also West Marion Baptist churches. He was a CPA and owned a paving business and a janitorial business in Marion County. In his early retirement, he and his second wife, Doris, traveled the United States, overseeing government campgrounds. He will be missed so much by those who loved him most. For the last 17 years, he was the soul mate of his wife, Virginia. He was preceded in death by two former wives; and one son, Ronnie Butler.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Butler; son, Kevin “Ricky” Butler; and granddaughter, Stacey Berg.
Services were held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, Ocala.
PAID OBITUARY
John Goodman Sr.
John N. “Hammer” Goodman Sr. passed away Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. He was a lifelong resident of Starke and attended the schools of Bradford County. He was a member of Mount Moriah Church of Starke. He worked in the construction and dry wall business.
Viewing will be Friday, Aug. 15, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St., Starke. The Cortege will form at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the home of Steve and Mary Goodman, Starke. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Truevine Outreach Ministry, 422 St. Clair St., Starke, with Pastor Alvin Green, officiating. Interment will follow at Odd Fellow Cemetery, Starke.
Arrangements are in the care of Haile Funeral Home, 802 Oak St. Starke. 904-964-7905.
PAID OBITUARY
Evelyn Lobenthal
Evelyn Lobenthal, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Gainesville, at the age of 88. Born on March 17, 1937, in Lake Butler, she was the youngest of seven children born to the late Ben and Donnie Gainey. She was not only a devoted homemaker; she was also a nurturing spirit whose love was reflected in every flower she tended in her beloved garden and in every stitch she made while sewing. Her home was a sanctuary filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful aroma of home-cooked meals, a testament to her generous heart. In her lifetime, she shared a deep and abiding love with her husband, Charles “Chuck” Lobenthal, until his passing in 2005. Together, they raised three wonderful boys, Brandt (Christina) Lobenthal of Gainesville, Darren (Terri) Lobenthal of Citra, and Kurt (Michelle) Lobenthal of Providence. Her legacy continues through her adoring family, including three grandsons, Taylor, Sean, and Brannon Lobenthal; and her five treasured great-grandchildren, Gabby, LeAnn, S.J., Bree, and Lucas. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and grandson, Carl Brandt Lobenthal Jr. Her gentle soul and unwavering compassion for others will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.
A visitation will be held at Archer-Milton Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 18, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., offering family and friends the opportunity to pay their respects. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the same location, followed by a graveside service at Hunt Cemetery with Pastor Carl Harris officiating.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Evelyn’s family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Richard McRae
Richard Dale “Rick” McRae passed away quietly on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He was 71. He was born Oct. 11, 1953 in Jacksonville to Owen and Iris McRae. Rick served in the Army, did a tour of duty in Korea and was an expert rifleman. He grew up in Starke and moved to Keystone Heights for work over 20 years ago. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marilyn “Kay” McRae.
Rick is survived by his son, Steven McRae; daughter, Melanie McRae (Talmadge Smith); stepson, Eric Long; stepdaughter, Amber Fishley; and three grandchildren, Talmadge and Laken Smith and Mackenzie McRaney. He is also survived by his brothers, Harley (Kathy) McRae, Gary (Linda) McRae and Michael (Edie) McRae; and his first wife, Kelley McRae.
He will be missed.
PAID OBITUARY
Sara L. Mullins
Sara Louise Mullins entered this world on Feb. 16, 1953, and left Tuesday, July 15, 2025, surrounded by family. Mary and George Bryant were proud to have her as their daughter while they were here. She was the most amazing “Grammie,” mom, sister, friend, and wife. For those who knew her, they knew she never met a stranger and always thought of others before herself. Because she had so many people who loved her, her life will be celebrated twice.
Her Celebration of Life will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, located at 2115 FL-100 SE, Lake City 32025, on Friday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. The family will also spread her ashes where her parents are at Fish Eating Creek.
Those who would like to attend can meet the family at the corner of Bermont Road (CR74) and Tasmania Road in Glades County on Aug. 23, at 11 a.m.
PAID OBITUARY
Lorene Sumner
Wilma “Lorene” Sumner, 78, of Starke, passed away Aug. 11, 2025, at Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville surrounded by family. She was born Nov. 19, 1946, in Starke, to the late Willis Clifton Broughton Sr. and Nina Corene Broughton. She was a lifelong resident of Bradford County. While attending Bradford High School, she married her best friend and forever companion, Clyde W. Sumner Sr., on May 19, 1962. They were blessed with 51 amazing years of marriage, three beautiful children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Family was her greatest joy. She took pride in being a wife, mother, and grandmother and loved tending to their needs. From an early age, she had a deep desire to help others and be a light to those she surrounded. Beyond her role as a homemaker, Lorene was able to advocate for others and impact many through her careers. She worked at Lake Butler Sewing Factory and managed local convenience stores for years, but her true calling was serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant and owning her own company with her daughter, Tina, called New Perceptions. Her company was dedicated to creating opportunities and providing support for people with disabilities. Through her work, she touched countless lives, giving hope, dignity, and purpose to those often overlooked. When not working, she loved playing computer games and being active at her church, Smyrna Baptist Church, where she was a longtime dedicated member. She was truly a woman of faith and a devoted believer in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. She was known for making the best cup of coffee, a talent even her grandchildren enjoyed. She also had a love for butterflies, finding in them a symbol of beauty and sweet transformation. Her collection of butterfly treasures extended throughout her home; delicate figurines, artwork, bedspreads, etc. It surely brought happiness and beauty to each day. More than anything, she loved spending precious time with her family. She was such a treasure and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Clyde Sumner Sr.; and sister, Ruby Joyce Sutton.
She is survived by her children, Tina (John) Hutchins of Starke, Brenda (Malin) Sumner Dick of Raiford, and Clyde W. Sumner Jr. of Jacksonville; brother, Willis “Buddy” Broughton Jr. of Lake Butler; sister, Louann Simpson of Keystone Heights; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; along with many family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church with Pastor Thomas William Smith, Pastor Paul Cannon, and Pastor Charles Starling officiating. Interment will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 5 p.m until 7 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757.
PAID OBITUARY
Karen Wacha
Karen Ann Wacha, 85, of Keystone Heights died at her home Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Her Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 204 SR 26, Melrose, 32666 on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
