Remembering George Touart
January 25, 2014
Flags across Escambia County are at half staff on this Saturday as the county’s residents and leaders mark the death of Escambia County Interim Administrator George Touart. He passed away early Friday morning with his family at his side. Touart had been on sick leave since December 26 due to complications from his battle with cancer. He was 65.
He recently announced his retirement, which was to have been effective February 3.
“I would like to thank the Board of County Commissioners for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Escambia County,” said Touart in his retirement letter. He was named interim administrator December 1, 2012.
In the retirement letter, Tourt said he was proud of accomplishments that included the transition of the Escambia County Jail and the library system, the four-cent gas tax for mass transit and a three percent across the board employee pay raise.
Previously, Touart served as county administrator for almost six years before he retired he 2007.
Born and raised in Pensacola, Touart graduated from Pensacola High School in 1966 and was very proud to call Escambia County home.
A longtime businessman with more than 25 years experience in management, Touart owned multiple successful companies and served in numerous leadership roles in local government; including Pascagoula city councilman, public information officer for the Mississippi State High Department and county administrator of Madison County, Mississippi.
Touart belonged to the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church and was a member of many community and civic organizations throughout the years, including Five Flags Rotary, Irish Politician’s Club, Moss Point Young Men’s Business Club, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Escambia County and Baptist Hospital Board of Directors.
Touart is survived by his parents Clyde and Mary Touart, wife Barbara, sons Mathew and Jacob Touart and daughters Amber Howard and Christy McDonald, as well as numerous grandchildren.
Flags at county facilities are being flown at half-staff in memory of Mr. Touart.
The BOCC is currently in the process of hiring a new permanent administrator from a short list of five candidates that did not include Touart. Although he applied for the job, the board had voted to exclude him from the final selection process.
Pictured top: The American flag flies at half staff Friday at the Molino offices of the Escambia County tax collector and property appraiser. Northescambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Lawrence Melvin LaCoste
January 25, 2014
Lawrence Melvin LaCoste, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and brother in Christ, slipped the bonds of earth and entered into the presence of his heavenly Father on January 21, 2014. He was 79.
Born one of seven children to Lawrence LaCoste and Paralee Merchant LaCoste in Century, Florida on September 25, 1934, Melvin grew up helping his father on a small family farm. Their lives were humble – he recalled drawing water from the well because there was no running water in the house – but full of love. Melvin’s mother passed away when he was just 16 and as his four older siblings had already left home, Melvin cared for his younger brother Ronnie and baby sister Patricia. Despite his responsibilities, Melvin was a favorite and star athlete at Century High School, excelling in football and baseball. He met his wife, Vonnie Dunsford there, and the two married when he was just 18 and she 16.
He attended apprenticeship school and learned to be an electrician. The trade took the young couple from Pensacola to New York City in the early 1950s where Melvin worked on the restoration of the Waldorf Astoria among other projects. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, they made their home where work took them, Utah, Idaho, California, Texas and Birmingham, Ala. With his easy manner, quick wit and penchant for teasing, Melvin made fast friends wherever he went. Back in Pensacola, Melvin partnered with his brother to form LaCoste Electric Company and later his own company, Arc Electrical Contractors. He developed a reputation for fairness, loyalty and a superior work ethic and made many friends in the construction industry in Northwest Florida.
Melvin and his family joined Smyrna Baptist Church in the early 1970s. The church was Melvin’s anchor in life. He served as Sunday School superintendent for 20 years and has served as chairman of the Board of Deacons for the past decade. He sang in the church choir and often sang solos during services. His clear tenor voice seemed impossibly sweet coming from a broad-shouldered man who topped six-foot-three, and people were moved to tears hearing him sing his favorite songs, such as “Beulah Land”. Melvin also spent time volunteering at the Waterfront Rescue Mission, accompanying his pastor to sing hymns before the sermon. He never forgot his humble beginnings and his generosity knew no bounds. He has helped countless souls through the years – whether they were family members, church visitors or a homeless stranger passing through.
Melvin was married to the love of his life for 61 years and never tired of kissing her and telling her how pretty she is. Melvin’s pride in his three sons, his daughter and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were obvious to all who met him. He loved people and through his career and dedication to his church, touched hundreds of lives. Children were drawn to him and he always had a hug and candy to hand out for the Sunday School children at Smyrna. Wait staff at restaurants he frequented knew him by name and his habit of greeting girls and ladies with a “Hey Boy!” remains a source of great delight and amusement.
He suffered a stroke in late 2012 and moved to the Health Center of Pensacola. Though he could only attend his beloved church infrequently, he enjoyed visits from his church family and his children and grandchildren. The twinkle in his eye and the smile on his lips remained to his last day. Melvin was bigger than life, both literally and figuratively. His passionate love for his wife and family, his unfailing dedication to his Lord and his true Christ-like, servant’s spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Vonnie LaCoste of Pensacola; his four children and 12 grandchildren: Skip LaCoste of Pensacola, wife Jean and children Kari, Joshua and Sarah; Tim LaCoste of Slidell, La., wife Vickie and children Megan Gulledge, and Leanne and Chantry Huffman; Scott LaCoste of Chumuckla, wife Mitzi and children Wyatt and Cameron LaCoste and Alexis and Nate Gentry; and Jenny LaCoste Caputo of Austin, Tx., husband Anton and children Dante and Lexi. He is also survived by three siblings, Elsie Allred of Century, Patricia Gibson of Ponchatoula, La.; and Ronnie LaCoste of Pensacola; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Joshua LaCoste, Dante Caputo, Bruce Robertson, Danny Fuller, Marc Fuller, Mark Trinkle, Bryan LaCoste and Mike Jones.
Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of Smyrna Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held January 25, 2014, at Smyrna Baptist Church.
Interment was at Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Hollis Luker
January 25, 2014
Mr. Hollis Luker, age 63, of Brewton, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at Atmore Community Hospital.
Mr. Luker was a native of Atmore and a longtime resident of Baldwin County, where during his working years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was of the Pentecostal faith and was preceded in death by his son, Benny Hollis Luker and his brother, Howard Luker.
He is survived by his son, Clarence Luker of North, AL; daughter, Jennifer Luker of Cantonment; sisters, Clara Allison of Calera, AL, Linda Harrelson, Louvania Roberson of Pineview, AL; and two grandchildren.
Graveside services were held on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Pineview Cemetery with Rev. Homer Stewart officiating.
Pallbearers were Sammie Roberson, Wayne Lisenby, Bob Fore, Earl Parker, Ray Parker and Huston Gill.
Flomaton Funeral Home directing.
Luveda Etta Cunningham Shanks
January 25, 2014
Luveda Etta Cunningham Shanks, 88 of Atmore, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2014, in Atmore. She was a retired nurse with 45 years at Atmore Community Hospital. She was born in Atmore on August 27, 1925, to the late Buddie and Hattie Belle English Cunningham. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore.
She is preceded in death by Voncile C. Madison; brother, Charles T. Cunningham; niece, Charolette M. Underhill; and nephew, David Russell Madison.
Survivors include her son, Charles Larry (Vicki) Shanks of Atmore; one daughter, Debra Ann (Gene) Agerton of Walnut Hill; two sisters, Marvadean (Lloyd) C. Barrow of Century; Dorothy C. Killam of Atmore; grandchildren, Mindy Jackson McGhee, Nicklas Agerton, Jordan Agerton, Heather Michelle Shanks and Matthew Ryan Shanks; great-grandchildren, Christopher Fay, Thunder Jackson, Kaiden McGhee, Adrianne Shanks, Troy Nicole Ard, Kendell Ard, Brianna Shanks, and Jaylee Shanks.
Services were held Friday, January 24, 2014, from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Diane Everette officiating.
Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers were Nicklas Agerton, Matt Shanks, Christopher Fay, Greg Legerton, Russell Lee, Russell Underhill and Hunter McKinley.
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of all arrangements.
Winter Weather Advisory
January 24, 2014
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 8 a.m. A mixture of light sleet, light freezing rain and light snow is forecast during the night.
Little accumulation is expected over most of the area but a few slick spots may occur on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses this evening. Elevated roadways including bridges and overpasses, as well as exposed metal surfaces, may see minor accumulations this evening.
Although no significant accumulation of sleet or snow is expected, there is the possibility of some light accumulations on sidewalks, grassy areas, as well as bridges and overpasses.
Car Burns At Credit Union Drive Thru
January 24, 2014
A car in the drive-thru line at Gulf Winds Credit Union in Atmore burned Friday afternoon. There were no reports of any injuries, and no reports of damage to the building. The driver believes the fire was associated with the rear window defroster. Reader submitted photos by Kayla Brewer and Carla Spears for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Interim County Administrator George Touart Passes Away
January 24, 2014
Escambia County Interim Administrator George Touart passed away early Friday morning with his family at his side. Touart had been on sick leave since December 26 due to complications from his battle with cancer. He was 65.
He recently announced his retirement, which was to have been effective February 3.
“I would like to thank the Board of County Commissioners for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Escambia County,” said Touart in his retirement letter. H was named interim administrator December 1, 2012.
In the retirement letter, Tourt said he was proud of accomplishments that included the transition of the Escambia County Jail and the library system, the four-cent gas tax for mass transit and a three percent across the board employee pay raise.
Previously, Touart served as county administrator for almost six years before he retired he 2007.
Born and raised in Pensacola, Touart graduated from Pensacola High School in 1966 and was very proud to call Escambia County home.
A longtime businessman with more than 25 years experience in management, Touart owned multiple successful companies and served in numerous leadership roles in local government; including Pascagoula city councilman, public information officer for the Mississippi State High Department and county administrator of Madison County, Mississippi.
Touart belonged to the Perdido Bay United Methodist Church and was a member of many community and civic organizations throughout the years, including Five Flags Rotary, Irish Politician’s Club, Moss Point Young Men’s Business Club, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Escambia County and Baptist Hospital Board of Directors.
Touart is survived by his parents Clyde and Mary Touart, wife Barbara, sons Mathew and Jacob Touart and daughters Amber Howard and Christy McDonald, as well as numerous grandchildren.
Flags at county facilities are being flown at half-staff in memory of Mr. Touart.
The BOCC is currently in the process of hiring a new permanent administrator from a short list of five candidates that did not include Touart. Although he applied for the job, the board had voted to exclude him from the final selection process.
County Cutting Down Old Oak Trees To Pave Dirt Road
January 24, 2014
One Enon School Road resident is questioning why several oak trees estimated to be over 100 years old are being cut down to pave the road, rather than routing the road around the trees.
But Escambia County says they were given the right of way by a property owner on the side of the road with the trees, and they don’t have any right of way to go around the trees.
The dirt Enon School Road is about a mile and a half long between Highway 97A and South Pineville Road in a remote area of the county near the Perdido River about 10 miles south of Walnut Hill. The road is sparsely populated, but is home to the Enon Country Manor, a 25-bed assisted living facility.
Pictured top and below: Workers cut down several oak trees in Enon Thursday afternoon. Escambia County was given the right of way to needed to pave Enon School Road on the side of the road with the pictured oak trees. The trees are being cut down for the paving project becuase the county does not have right of way to go around the trees. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Cold Air Hangs Around
January 24, 2014
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
- Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north after midnight.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
- Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.
- Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.
Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway Going On Now In Molino
January 24, 2014
Escambia County Extension will host an Arbor Day celebration and tree giveaway event until noon today at the Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North.
To obtain a free tree, residents must participate in a 10 minute tree-based educational session that will include site selection, proper planting, watering and general care and maintenance. Two tree species will be offered, mayhaw and willow oak, in one gallon containers. The giveaway is limited to one tree per client.
Information about the two tree species:
The willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to North America. As a deciduous shade tree, it averages 70 feet in height and 40 feet in width. Leaves are narrow and grow up to 5 inches long. Fall leaves are a pale yellow color. Younger trees are pyramidal in shape becoming rounded with age. The willow oak grows in many soil types and is drought tolerant once established. Acorns attract many birds and trees are used for nesting and cover.
The mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is native to southeastern United States. At full maturity, it will be a large shrub or small tree with height and width averages 20 feet. The small leaves of the mayhaw drop in the fall. It should be noted that the branches have thorns. Trees bloom with white flowers in late winter before leaves emerge. Small fruit (about ½ inch in diameter) form about May. The mayhaw prefers soils with some moisture but well drained and grows best in sun.
Pictured: This morning’s tree giveaway in Molino. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.