Pearl Ellen Davies
Pearl Ellen Davies, 66, of Plant City, Fla., born in Potsdam, New York on Feb. 10, 1959, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 17, 2025. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Joan Florence Meyers
Joan Florence Meyers, 87, of Valrico, Fla., born in Festus, Missouri on Sept. 1, 1938, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 16, 2025. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Jimmie Sue McMichen
Jimmie Sue McMichen, 92, of Thonotosassa, Fla., born in Omega, Georgia on Nov. 27, 1933, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 19, 2025. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Colonel Kenneth George Cassels
Colonel Kenneth George Cassels, US Army Retired, 98 of Salt Springs, Fla., passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2025, with family alongside while a resident at the Clifford C. Sims State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Panama City, Fla.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Peggy Sparkman Cassels.
He is survived by his sons Kent Lamar and Scott George and granddaughter Martha Christine.
Kenneth was also preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Alma Cassels and brothers and sisters in law Fred and Marguerite Marchman, Robert and Christine Zimmerman, Perry and Virginia Sparkman and extended family.
Kenneth, born at home in Plant City to parents Samuel and Alma Cassels, was affectionately known simply as ‘Buddy’. With a railroad man father, he grew up mainly in Plant City where he rose to Eagle Scout then moved and graduated high school in New Port Richey. After WWII military service he earned his University of Florida Education BA then taught industrial arts in Starke. Active duty during the Korean War earned him a Regular Army commission as an Officer of Infantry.
Ken’s family lived in Plant City during his time in the Republic of Vietnam. There he commanded the Iron Rangers (1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division). During his combat tours as a Lieutenant Colonel, he earned the Silver Star w/OLC, Legion of Merit W/OLC, Bronze Star w/”V” device w/1 OLC, the Air Medal w/10 OLC and a Purple Heart. He also earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Ranger Tab. Ken proudly was selected to serve as the Honorary Colonel of the 16th Infantry Regiment from 2011 to 2014 and was a life Member of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. Ken proudly served our country in war and peace for 32 years, rising from Private to Colonel.
After military retirement, Ken returned to teaching special needs kids in Hillsborough County before becoming Manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival for many years.
Visitation begins at 10 A.M. EST Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, followed by a service at 11 A.M. EST at First United Methodist Church, 303 North Evers Street, Plant City. Burial with full military honors will follow immediately at Oaklawn Cemetery, 109 West Spencer Street, Plant City.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Scouting America…Kenneth crediting them as a formative life influence:
Online at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/Hv-HJg?vid=1nr0kc
or checks to Scouting America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, 13228 N Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.
Grady Bowers
Grady Bowers, born on Sept. 29, 1932, in North Carolina, passed away on Dec. 7, 2025, at the age of 93. Cherished memories and heartfelt expressions can be shared at www.Wellsmemorial.com for the Bowers family.
Maria Cordova
Maria Cordova, born on Apr. 29, 1931, passed away on Dec. 12, 2025, at the age of 94. Cherished memories and heartfelt expressions can be shared at www.Wellsmemorial.com for the Cordova family.
Anthony Mendolia
Anthony Mendolia, born on Mar. 13, 1949, passed away on Dec. 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Cherished memories and heartfelt expressions can be shared at www.Wellsmemorial.com for the Mendolia family.
Allie Faye Fritze
Allie Faye Fritze, born on Jan. 6, 1931, passed away on Dec. 16, 2025, at the age of 94. Cherished memories and heartfelt expressions can be shared at www.Wellmemorial.com for the Fritze family.
