David Canova
David E. Canova, 85 of Starke and Kingsley Lake died at HCA Hospital in Gainesville, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of Kingsley Lake Baptist Church.
Survivors are his wife of 57 years, Dee (Walters) Canova; sons, Brian (Erica Pfenniger) and Jason (Peijie) Canova; five grandchildren; and furbies, Benjii and Anndee.
The family will have a private graveside service at Crosby Lake Cemetery with Rev. Jonathan Rodriguez officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Rodney Hansen
Mr. Rodney Douglas Hansen, a beloved husband, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on his 81st birthday in Ocala. He was born Oct. 21, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Morris and Phyllis (Sandell) Hansen. He was known for his warmth, sense of humor, and passion for life. Prior to retiring, he was employed with Florida State Prison as a classification officer. He spent 58 wonderful years with his devoted wife, Judy (Ellington) Hansen. Together, they created a beautiful life full of cherished memories with family and friends. He was a proud veteran of the Navy and member of American Legion Post in Starke, where he felt a strong sense of camaraderie. He was a member of Foundation Church of Starke and an avid Florida Gators football fan, and nothing brought him more joy than sharing cookouts and fishing trips with friends and family.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Judy Hansen; sister, Marlys Hansen; and many cherished nieces and nephews, including Burke (Tammy) Kirkland, Tammy Hansen, Lisa Williams, Donnie Hansen, and Justin Hansen; in addition to great-nieces and nephews. His kind spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service was held in his honor Friday, Oct. 24, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel, with a visitation prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Starke American Legion Post 715 Edwards Road, Starke, 32091, a place close to Rodney’s heart.
Arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
James Henson
Mr. James Glenn Henson, 61, of Keystone Heights passed away at his home, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born March 1, 1964, in Todd County, Kentucky, to William and Linda Henson. He spent his later years in Keystone Heights, where he made a home filled with laughter and love. He was a dedicated superintendent in the construction industry, proudly working for Phillips. He was a jack-of-all-trades and loved rolling up his sleeves and getting things done. Whether he was barbecuing in the backyard, casting a line on fishing trips, or riding his motorcycle down winding roads, he embraced every moment life had to offer. He cherished playing darts with friends and shared countless good times with his fur babies, Brownie and Bella. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Henson. He was a devoted family man, married for 11.5 years to his loving wife, Stephanie (LaFave) Henson. Together, they built a life filled with joy and adventure.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Pamela (Scott) Deemer and Melissa (Daniel) Carter; along with his stephildren, Jessica (Emmett) Karmozyn and Alex LaFave; and siblings, Eddie (Tabitha) Henson and Wanda (Dave) Wallace. He was lovingly called “Papa J” by grandchildren, Emily (Pablo) Borda, Nathan Deemer, Lila Deemer, Clara Carter, John Carter, and Rosalie Karmozyn. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Orion Borda. Also left behind is his special friend of 35 years, Curt Bender and a host of extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 12 p.m. at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Terry Lyons officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Veazie Jones
Mrs. Veazie Emily Jones, 83, of Starke passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, following an extended illness. She was born Nov. 19, 1941, in Washington, DC, to the late Charles and Vera (Frakes) Parks. Her journey led her to Starke, where she became a beloved member of her community. She dedicated many years of her life to serving others as a Family Advocacy Representative, having retired from the Naval Hospital in Orlando. She brought warmth and compassion into every role she took on, always advocating for those in need. Married for 40 wonderful years to her loving husband, Thomas “Tom” Jones, she was the cherished mother of Kevin Skinner, Lisa (Bill) Macmillan, John Skinner, and Dana Skinner; stepmother to Thomas Jones, and a loving sister to Louise Shub. She was a proud “Grandma” and “Meemaw” to her five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who will fondly remember her kindness and spirited personality. She was a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and was actively involved in the Daughter’s of the King and found joy in gardening, cultivating not just plants, but also relationships rooted in love and community.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, where friends and family will come together to share stories, laughter, and love in remembrance of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Legacy in her honor.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Leon Odom III
Leon Thomas Odom III, 71, of Starke passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at his home in Starke. Leon was born Sept. 7, 1954, in South Carolina to Rev. Leon, Jr. and Louise Odom. He was a 1974 graduate of Bradford High School and lived his entire adult life in Bradford County. He was a welder by trade. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law: Cynthia (Cindy) and Pete Barnum.
He is survived by his children, Thomas (Wendy) Odom of Lake Butler, Travis (Danette) Odom of Starke, Tiffany (Michael) Baxter of Starke, and Terrell (Brandie) Odom of Starke; grandchildren, Cherith (Colten) Bass, Titus (Michaelyn) Odom, Meariah Odom, Jerry Michael Baxter, Breanna Odom, Kylie Odom, and Josiah Baxter; great- grandchildren, Trace Odom, Clara Odom, and Caleb Bass (arriving soon); and brothers, Michael (Julie) Odom and Bobby (Terri) Odom.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 7, beginning at 3 p.m. at Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Santa Fe Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel, Starke. 904-964-5757. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family guest book.
PAID OBITUARY
Ronald Waites
Mr. Ronald “Ron” Bowen Waites, 85, of Keystone Heights passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka following an extended illness. He was born July 30, 1940, in Jacksonville to the late William and Agnes (Padgett) Waites. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure, making his way to Keystone Heights, where he called home. Prior to retiring, he was employed with Ryder Trucking company as an office clerk, where he spent many fruitful years contributing his talents and hard work. But above all his accomplishments, he cherished his family. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed days on the lake, whether it was water-skiing, fishing, or golfing. He had a knack for telling jokes that could light up any room and was known for his vibrant spirit on the dance floor. He even had a brief moment of fame when he was offered a job at Cypress Gardens and won several fishing tournaments, showcasing his competitive yet fun-loving nature. He was also deeply committed to his community, actively engaging with the youth at Community Church of Keystone Heights.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Louise (Torbett) Waites and his children, Rhonda Waites, Lisa (Jimmy) Umstattd, Bo (Ann) Waites, Debbie Hall, Cindy Ridaught, and Carol Still; along with stepsons, Richard Woodard and Robert Woodard. He was lovingly called “Big Daddy” or “Papa” by 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at a celebration of life Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. at Community Church of Keystone Height, 345 SE Palmetto Ave., Keystone Heights, 32656. Following the celebration of life there will be a lunch at the church for family and friends.
Arrangements are under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
