Obituaries – 12-24-2014

Col. John Atkinsonobit-atkinson-122414-c

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. John Atkinson, 96, of Holmes Beach, died Nov. 24.

Col. Atkinson was born Nov. 3, 1918, in Auburn, Alabama. He served with the U.S. Air Force as a pilot during World War II and the Korean Conflict, retiring after 30 years as a colonel.

He moved to Manatee County more than 40 years ago, served on the Bradenton City Commission for several years and held the office of vice mayor of Bradenton.

He also worked for 15 years as a broker with Merrill Lynch in Bradenton. After living in Bradenton for many years, he moved to Holmes Beach.

Col. Atkinson was a member of the Retired Air Corps and the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post No. 24 of Bradenton.

Wife Nancy Atkinson died in March 2013.

A celebration of Col. Atkinson’s life was held Nov. 28 in the clubhouse of the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach with full military honors by the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post No. 24 of Bradenton.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice.  Condolences may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Col. Atkinson is survived by sister Sarah and husband Jack Miller of Bradenton; son Burton and wife Glenna of Pompano Beach; daughters Corinne Pool of Bryan, Ohio, and Sherry and husband John Kirschner of Celina, Ohio; step-daughter Christine and husband Steve Nelson of Bradenton; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

 

Anna Fettrow

Anna Fettrow, 80, of Tampa died Dec. 17.

She was born and raised in West Jefferson, Ohio, and worked for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company for many years. In 1969, she came to Florida and lived for several years on Anna Maria Island, where she worked at the Sand Dollar Gift Shop and was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church. She moved to Tampa in 2002.

A graveside service will take place at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.

Online condolences can be made at www.blountcurrywest.com.

Survivors include daughter Wilhelmina “Willie and husband E. Kightlinger of Tampa, and cousin Sally Rees, of London, Ohio.

Her husband William preceded her in death.

 

Robert ‘Bob’ Lampobit-Lamp

Robert “Bob” Lamp, 90, died Dec. 18.

He was born in Detroit and retired to Florida in 1984.

He was a member of the American Legion after serving in the Navy during World War II. He also was a member of Elks and Moose lodges, as well as a member of St. Joseph and St Bernard Catholic churches.

Mr. Lamp was an avid golfer, fisherman, bowler and dancer.

He retired after 41 years from the Ford Motor Company.     He is survived by his wife Phyllis; sons Lawrence and wife Rose and Keith and wife Debbie; grandchildren Ashley, Jared, Connor and Rachel; sisters Jill and Bonnie; several nieces and nephews and many.

 

John Campbell Neillobit-neill

John Campbell Neill, 63, of Bradenton and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 13. He was born Sept. 3, 1951, in Panama City, the son of late Doris and John “Jack” Neill Jr.

He was a contractor and owner of John Neill Stucco.

His family recalled his kindness and generosity to those less fortunate, often picking up workers and taking them home, especially helping homeless people. He had a contagious laugh and smile that brought happiness to many.

A memorial gathering will be held at noon Tuesday, Dec. 23, on the beach at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, with a celebration of life to follow at 1 p.m. at Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach.

He is survived by son John and wife Shayna of Orlando; daughter Shannon and husband Brian McCoy of Sarasota; grandchildren John “Jack” V and Brooks McCoy; brothers William of Bradenton and Blair of Farmington Hills, Michigan; and sister Ranie Phillips of Bradenton.

More from The Islander