David Brogan Jr.
Mr. David Glen Brogan Jr. was born on March 28, 1969, and passed away at the age of 57 on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
Arrangements are in the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Gertrude Curtner
Gertrude Lorraine “Sam” Curtner, 79, of Starke passed away surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. She was born June 10, 1947, in Starke to the late Marvin Henry and Mary Ellen Johnson. Gertrude was married for 44 years to Joseph Roy Curtner. She treasured spending time with her family and friends. She worked for many years at Division 5 Steel and Davis Express before returning to and eventually retiring from Division 5 Steel in 2012. A longtime member of Bradford Baptist Church, she faithfully taught Sunday school and cherished her faith. Gertrude will be remembered for her loving heart, strong faith, and devotion to family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; daughters, Brenda Gail Curtner, Tammy Jo Curtner, and Deborah Elaine Meng; her parents; and brother, Marvin Edwin Johnson.
She leaves behind her daughter, Lorraine Curtner; grandsons, Sebastian Curtner and Michael Meng; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 4, with funeral services Monday, Oct. 5, both at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home in Starke.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 Nona St., Starke 32091. 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
Thelma Dampier
Mrs. Thelma Harpe Dampier, 93, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2026. She was born Jan. 29, 1933, to John and Florence (Guthrie) Harpe. She was a member of Eliam Baptist Church and was more than just a homemaker. She and her husband were instrumental figures in the establishment and support of the Melrose Fire Department, the first in Alachua County, where they organized yard sales every Saturday to raise funds. Her commitment to the community extended to the Eliam Cemetery Association, where she served for over 30 years, passionately contributing to the care and upkeep of the grounds. She cherished creating beautiful flower arrangements for weddings and loved to plant flowers in her garden, attracting birds and butterflies that brought her joy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, William Rudolph Dampier; grandson, R. Michael “Skippy” Stapleton; sisters, Evelyn (Truman) Perry, Pearl (Bill) Riddling, and Catherine (Earl) Hartsfield.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Rudy (Patty) Dampier, Darlene Dampier-Stapleton, and Steve Dampier; as well as her sister Judy (Joe) Knapp; and brother John L. Harpe. She was affectionally known as “Granny” to seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and was a source of love, wisdom, and guidance to all that had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Eliam Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 621, Keystone Heights, 32656. A graveside service was held, Wednesday, Sept. 30.
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
Michael Eason
Mr. Michael Eugene Eason was born March 1, 1971, and passed away at the age of 55 on Thursday, Oct.1, 2026.
Arrangements are in the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights, 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Jasper Poppell Jr.
Jasper Clayton Poppell Jr. passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the age of 95. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who was very sweet and caring, someone who would give the shirt off his back to help another. He was a faithful and devoted family man, and the accomplishment he held most dear was being a family man and sharing 73 years of marriage with his late wife, Ruth. He also served his country with honor, spending two years in the Army. In his everyday life, he enjoyed working and fixing things, and he found happiness in going on mountain trips. Those simple pleasures reflected the steady, capable, and generous spirit that defined him so well. Family and friends will remember Clayton for his kindness, his strong work ethic, and the love he gave so freely. His life was marked by devotion, service, and care for the people around him, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his wife and companion of 73 years, Ruth Poppell; son, William Clayton Poppell; two great-grandsons, Apollo Leviticus Poppell and William John Poppell; one brother; and three sisters.
He is survived by his son Mike (Laura) Poppell; and daughter-in-law, Marguerite Poppell. He was a committed grandfather to, Christopher “Wayne” (Kristen) Poppell, Ashley Nicole (Keith) Harrison, Jessica Lynn (Keone) Silva, Philip Nathaniel Poppell, Jonathan Malachi (Victoria) Poppell, and Ethan Daniel (Mariah Marrero) Poppell. As well as a great-grandfather to, William Clayton Wayne Poppell, Preston Wayne Tyre, Cooper Ty Harrison, Jasper William Poppell, Averie Rain Poppell, Jacob Nathaniel Poppell, Zachary Skylar (Shelby) Silva, Kealoina Kirsten Silva, Kia’Ikaika Elijah Silva, Lilli Grace Poppell, Isabel Rose Poppell, Elijah Malachi Poppell, Royal Tiberius Poppell, Calipso Havanna Poppell, Aries Atlas Poppell, and Persephone Poppell. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him dearly.
Visitation was on Monday, Oct. 5, at Providence Village Baptist Church, 4504 W State Rd 238, Lake Butler 32054. A Celebration of Life followed at the church with Brother Dax Summerhill officiating the service. A graveside service was held the following day on Oct. 6 at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee 32311. Military honors were rendered at the graveside. May his life of love, faithfulness, and generosity continue to be a blessing in the hearts of those who knew him.
Archer-Milton Funeral Home was honored to serve the Poppell family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY
Jonathan Slater
Jonathan C. Slater, 67, of Keystone Heights, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. He served his country in the United States Army for four years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin E. Slater and Juanita McClain Slater
Survivors are his wife, Geraldine Slater; children, Stacey (Greg) Clatterbuck, and Jonathan Scott (Robyn) Slater; brothers, Daniel (DeDe) Slater and Michael (Kimmi) Slater; and extended family.
Services were held Saturday, Oct. 3, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656.
Arrangements were in the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 East Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Jerry W. Smith
Jerry W. Smith died Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in Keystone Heights. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a Mason for 20 years.
Survivors are his wife, Nancy (Foster) Smith; children, Dana Moody and Katie (Jay) Payne; and extended family.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, Keystone.
Arrangements are in the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
Janet Starling
Janet Marie Starling, 84, of Lawtey passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Starke. She was born on Feb. 1, 1942, in Highland Park, Michigan, to James Addison Harold and Lorraine (Potvin) Johnson. For many years, she was the proud owner and operator of The Flower & Gift Shop in Lawtey, where she brightened many lives with her beautiful floral arrangements and warm spirit. She was deeply involved in her community, serving the Lawtey City Council and the Bradford County Development Authority, and was a past member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Starke. She was also affiliated with the Lutheran Church in Starke and was an active member of the Order of the Daughters of the King, reflecting her deep faith and commitment to service. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Nathan Starling; and a brother, Harold Johnson.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her brother, James (Mary) Johnson of Lake Geneva; children, Ella (Tim) Anderson of Pennsylvania and Nathan Eric Starling of Jacksonville; and stepchildren, Carol Darlene (Ron) Dowling of Jacksonville, and Harold “Wayne” (Kay) Starling of Starke. Also left behind are her grandchildren, Kelli, Paul, Jenni, Gareth, Jeremiah, and Robert Michael (Fiancé Jessica); and their children, Augusta, William “JR” and Journee, and Joshua; along with great-grandchildren, Asa, Ayden, Bella, Walker, and Kason. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, beloved cousins and cherished friends.
A memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 5, at DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Rev. Boby Epps officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be made to the hospice of your choice.
Arrangements were by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 E. Nona St., Starke 32091. 904- 964-6200. www.jonesgallagherfh.com
PAID OBITUARY
Alfred Swanson
Alfred Swanson, born Jan. 17, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Alfred grew up in Starke, where he spent most of his life. He faced numerous health challenges from birth, including cerebral palsy, which progressively affected him throughout the years. But Alfred never let his challenges take away his joy for life. Gloria, Alfred, and Bobby were very close. They shared a special bond and were always there for one another. They were always looking out for each other, and together they got into their fair share of trouble and made plenty of memories along the way. Alfred had an infectious smile, the prettiest baby-blue eyes, and a personality that could light up a room. He never met a stranger. He loved to laugh, cut the fool with you, or, as he would probably say, laugh at you! He had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making people feel like they had known him forever.
For the last 15 years, Alfred called Windsor Manor Nursing Home his home. During that time, he made so many wonderful memories and, more importantly, gained another family. We will be forever grateful for the love, kindness, patience, and compassion that was shown to Alfred throughout all of these years. He loved all of his girls at Windsor Manor, and we’re pretty sure he flirted with every one of them! He enjoyed watching his Syfy shows and wrestling, and he especially loved his snacks that Sandra always made sure he had plenty of. It was the little things that brought him so much happiness. One of his final wishes was to be able to return to Windsor Manor, the place he considered home. We are so incredibly thankful to all of the girls who came to see Alfred, loved him, cared for him, and showed up for him during his final days. Your love meant more than words can express, and our family will never forget it. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Lewis; father, George Swanson; sister, Gloria Starling; and nephews, Michael Swanson and Otis Starling.
Alfred is survived by his brother, Bobby (Connie) Swanson of Clay Hill; nieces, Jennifer (David) Barrs and Cheri (Randy) Chesser of Starke; and numerous great-nieces and nephews and lots of cousins that he loved dearly. Alfred will be missed terribly by his family and by all those who were blessed to know and love him. His laughter, smile, beautiful blue eyes, and unforgettable personality will live on in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully, Alfred. You were loved more than you ever knew, and you will never be forgotten.
A visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel, Starke, with a funeral service to following. Interment at Kingsley Lake Baptist Church Cemetery took place immediately following chapel services.
Arrangements were under the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 620 Nona St., Starke 32091 904-964-6200.
PAID OBITUARY
James Zaricor
Mr. James Lewis Zaricor was born on Jan. 6, 1963, and passed away at the age of 63 on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
Arrangements are in the care of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home, 340 E. Walker Drive, Keystone Heights 32656. 352-473-3176 www.jonesgallagherfh.com
