Area Deaths

Raymond A. Pickell, 68, of Brooksville, died Thursday, May 8, at his home. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to this area nine years ago from Albion, Ind.
Mr. Pickell retired after 25 years as a Postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service in Fort Wayne and Albion, Ind. He was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran and a member of the National Association of Postmasters United States Retired and St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Denise Gwaltney of Fishers, Ind., and Jacqueline Bushong of Albion; two brothers, Daniel Pickell of Snow Camp, N.C., and Kenneth Pickell of Granger, Ind.; a sister, Ethel "Peaches" Johnson of Angier, N.C.; five grandchildren; and a foster grandson.
Arrangements by Merritt Funeral Homes, Spring Hill Chapel.

Betty J. Smith, 85, of Brooksville, died Wednesday, May 7, at the Hernando-Pasco Hospice House in Hudson. She was born in Redding, Ohio, and moved to this area recently from Zanesville, Ohio.
Mrs. Smith was a U.S. Army WAC and a Catholic by faith.
Survivors include a son, Orley W. Smith of Marion, Ohio; three daughters, Teresa Clements of Brooksville, Annette Morris of Newark, Ohio, and Patricia Lacey of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Franklin Gassaway of Zanesville, Ohio; four sisters, Violet Smith, Dorothy Brandfass and Delores Webb, all of Zanesville, Ohio, and Ela Nora Caudill of Lima, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville Chapel.

Eugene J. Kopitzki, 87, of Spring Hill, died Thursday, May 8, at Oak Hill Hospital. He was born in Detroit, Mich., and moved to this area 22 years ago from Detroit.
Mr. Kopitzki was an engineer test technician for Bude Wheel Company, Detroit, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church.
Survivors include several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Grace Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home, U.S. 19, Hudson.

Harry E. Eagan, 83, of Spring Hill, died Thursday, May 8, at his home. He was born in Waltham, Mass., and moved to this area 23 years ago from Salem, N.H.
Mr. Eagan worked for AVCO/Textron in the missile and space division for 28 years as director of operations and manufacturing. He received commendations from the military and NASA for his contributions to the aerospace program, including the Apollo Space Mission. He was a decorated World War II U.S. Navy Air veteran. He served two tours of duty in the South Pacific and retired after 26 years in the Naval Reserve. He was a senior member of the Society of Professional Engineers, Aerospace Society, Fleet Reserve, and Veterans of the Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his wife, Marie T.; a son, David Eagan of Methuen, Mass.; a daughter, Janis Carruth of Middleton, N.H.; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Commercial Way, Spring Hill Chapel.

Lois Beverick, 75, of Marblehead, Ohio, formerly of Brooksville, died Thursday, May 8, at her home. She was born in Sandusky, Ohio.
Mrs. Beverick was active at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Brooksville, and volunteered for several groups in the area. She was formerly a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Huron, Ohio, and the Altar and Rosary Society.
Survivors include two daughters, Ann Logan of Mansfield, Ohio, and Lisa Beverick of Sandusky; four sons, Wayne Beverick of Sandusky, Frank Beverick of Milan, Ohio, Craig Beverick of Marblehead and Marty Beverick of Lakeside, Ohio; four sisters, Frances Galloway, Ceil Oswald and Patricia Laux, all of Sandusky, and Dolores Morris of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home, Huron, Ohio.