Share this story | More Date of Issue: Oct 22, 2008 Obituary David Dean Arling David Dean “Mechanic Dave” Arling, 48, of Bradenton Beach, died Oct. 9. He was born in Chicago and raised on an Illinois farm. Mr. Arling enjoyed boating, art and the friendship of Karma, his golden retriever. He attended Denver Technical Institute and worked as an auto mechanic on Anna Maria Island. He is survived by son Adam of Bradenton Beach; mother Dorothy of Bradenton Beach; sister Barbara Douville of husband Mike of Craig, Alaska; brother Edward and wife Ann of Lyons, Colo.; and nieces and nephews Raymond, Heather, Victoria and Dana.   Cora Louise Barnes Cora Louise Barnes, 87, of Bradenton, died Oct. 15. Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., Mrs. Barnes moved to Bradenton in 2001 from Lithia and Brandon. She was a member of West Bradenton Baptist Church. Visitation was Oct. 17 and services Oct. 18. Brown and Sons Funeral Home, 43rd Street Chapel, was in charge of arrangements. She is survived by son Ray and wife Adele of Anna Maria; daughters Glenda Slattery and husband Bernard of Fort Lauderdale, and Jennifer Stewart of Fort Coy; brother William Daniel of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.; sister Ruth Champion of Rock Spring, Ga.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.   Richard D. Fernandez Richard D. Fernandez, 57, of Bradenton, died Oct. 16. Mr. Fernandez worked with Smith Realty, Green Realty and Wedebrock Real Estate as a man who could fix, repair or remodel whatever was needed. He also loved to fish and was a great cook. A celebration of his life will be at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Melinda’s Cafe, 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. He is survived by wife of 19 years Patty; sons Chris and Derek; stepson Jason; sisters Melinda and her family and Delores and her family, grandchildren Aidan and Natasha; and many other family members and friends.   Benjamin David Gullett Benjamin David Gullett, 72, of Bradenton, died Oct. 19. He was a lifelong Manatee County resident, having been  born March 7, 1936, in Duette, Fla. He was one of 12 children and attended Manatee High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Alice McGowan, in 1957 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. They made their home in Bradenton following Ben’s military service and raised four children. He served in the U.S. Army and then was employed at CSX Railroad, where he retired after 42 years of service. He helped raised funds to support his children’s athletic pursuits, youth baseball, wrestling and football. He enjoyed fishing and reciting his musical lyrics. He and wife Alice celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary June 15, 2008. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and an avid fisherman and rancher. A mullet fishing tournament was inaugurated this year to honor Mr. Gullett, who was recognized in Cortez for his quality, smoked mullet, and for contributing his culinary delicacy and fundraising at the annual Cortez Fishing Festival. The Ben Gullett Mullet Invitational fishing tournament was held Sept. 5-6 and is expected to be an annual event. His grandfather, the late Benjamin David Gullett Sr., served 17 years as Manatee County superintendent of schools and was honored in 2007 with the naming of the B.D. Gullett Elementary School. A celebration of Mr. Gullett’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at Bethel Baptist Church, 1805 30th Ave. W., Bradenton. The family requests donations be made to the youth/children’s ministries at Bethel Baptist Church, 1805 30th Ave. W., Bradenton FL 34205. He is survived by wife Alice; sons Benji and wife Millie of Palmetto, Mark of Bradenton, and Richard and wife Holli of Parrish; daughter Betsy Johnson of Bradenton; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren; five brothers; five sisters; and numerous other family and friends.   Joseph A. Lightner Joseph A. Lightner, 54, of Dixon, Ill., died Oct. 15. Born in Dixon, Mr. Lightner was head of custodial maintenance at Anna Maria Elementary School prior to his retirement. He attended First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Dixon. Visitation was Oct. 19 and funeral services Oct. 20. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon. Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www. prestonschillingfuneralhome.com He is survived by wife Eris; mother Marillyn of Anna Maria Island; brothers John and wife Linda of Bradenton; and Tom and wife Elise of Sarasota; sisters Linda Brantley of Dixon and Peggy Covert and husband George of Dixon; and grandson Joey.