Kenneth Joseph Kelson Sr.
January 22, 2019
Kenneth Joseph Kelson Sr. of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at home at the age of 97 on January 20th, 2019. He is now reunited with his one true love of 79 years Helen Zonetta Kelson.
Born September 14th, 1921, to Charles and Anita Kelson. He was the last remaining child out of eight. Along with his parents and siblings, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife and childhood sweetheart Helen and loving son Robert. He is survived by his daughter and caretaker Dixie (Mike) Wilkinson, son’s Kenneth and Albert including ten grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He met his sweetheart Helen when he was 17 on a church hayride. In 1941, he joined the Navy during WWII and was about to ship out when Helen put her foot down and said he wasn’t going anywhere without her. So on August 8th, 1942, they were married. They spent approximately 79 years together before her passing May 8th, 2016.
He owned and operated Florida Electric Company for over 60 years, only retiring due to health concerns at the age of 93. He also served on the City of Pensacola council from 1959 to 1970 and was a County Commissioner from 1974 to 1994. He was known as “Dr. No”, because he always looked after the citizens during the meetings and voted this way if he felt it was in their best interest. In 1981-1982 he was an advocate to restore the 1890 Court house Clock during his Commission days. It now stands fully operational at the corner of Palafox Place and Government St. After three decades of Public Service the Vernon McDaniel Historical Society presented him with a plaque for his life’s work for exceptional service to the community. He was also presented with a Proclamation by the Escambia County Commissioner’s in July 2015, for his exceptional service to his community and to mankind.
Dad loved his family first and foremost. He also cherished his friends and was devoted to his customers. He never met a stranger and his heart was as big as the County he loved and dedicated so much of his time to.
Special thanks to his grandson and caretaker Cole C. Chancellor. Cole’s favorite and every night ritual would be to tell them “I love you, you’re my heroes, and my best buds”. They loved you so much, Cole!
Another special thanks to Dad and Mom’s Angel’s from Homecare Solutions, Shneidra, Alexandria, Georgia, Yvonne, Hisano, Patricia, Karen, Cassie and all the other staff who took such wonderful care of them. You became our family and we love you all. Also, to Primary House calls Nurses Christy and Barbara. Covenant Hospice Nurses Marty, Barbara, Hanna, DJ, Zackery and of course Aides Tasha and Jane. Your support was amazing and very much appreciated. In lieu of flowers it is requested to send a donation to Covenant Hospice in Dad’s name.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 24th with Services at 11:00 a.m., at Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home, 124 W Gregory St, Pensacola, FL, with Father Dennis O’Brien officiating. Burial following at St John’s cemetery, with Military Honors.
Francis “Frank” Eugene Pippin
January 22, 2019
Francis “Frank” Eugene Pippin was born on September 30, 1934, in Chipley, Florida, and was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2019 at the age of 84. Frank graduated from Bay High School in Panama City, Florida in 1952. He attended Pensacola Junior College for two years.
Frank worked in Mill Supply for 46 years including Industrial Marine Supply, Gulf Coast Marine and retired from Piping and Equipment in 1999.
Frank dearly loved his family, singing in the Allen Memorial Methodist Church Choir and the Gulf Coast Chorale. He also loved his Florida Gators and was a really great softball pitcher.
He was preceded in death by his parents William W. Pippin and Annie Lee Ward Pippin. Frank is survived by his loving wife Carole Lee Dubus Pippin, they would’ve celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in April, his son Jeff Pippin (Sue), daughter Valerie Kelly (Jimmy); his grandchildren, Derek Hensel (Ashley), Shane Hensel, Dustin Pippin, Cassie Pippin and Ginger Lee (Scott). Great Grandchildren: Luke, Joshua and Harleigh Hensel, Toby Pippin, Brandon Wiggins (Amber), Cody Wiggins (Bailey) and several Great Great Grandchildren. His sisters: Patricia Perkins (Wayne), Beverly Warren (Bill), brother in law Robbie Dubus (Debbie). Sisters in law Sandie Dubus and Joann Dubus, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Allen Memorial Methodist Church 206 Pace Parkway, Cantonment, Florida, 32533, on January 23rd, 2019, with Pastor John Edwards officiating. Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until noon with the service beginning at noon.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Nall, John Bledsoe, Charlie Campbell, Steve England, Andy Martin and Rusty Sparks.
Burial will be at Spruell Memorial Cemetery in Cantonment, Florida.
Celebrating The Legacy Of Martin Luther King, Jr. (With Gallery)
January 21, 2019
A large crowd turned out in Century Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Century-Flomaton Improvement Association (CFIA) held their annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Century Ag Building Monday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Songs, essays and speeches honored King’s memory during the program, which was themed “Keep the Dream Alive”.
Guest speaker Cameron Cunningham poised a question to those in attendance, “Where do we go from here? Where do we go from here if we are raising a generation that believes if they have designer clothing it can cover up ignorance?” He raised other examples of a generation that believes in expensive shoes, has not read a book “since 12th grade”, buys expensive cars and other extravagant items.
But they never, he said, come back to their roots and understand the struggles of previous generations and Dr. King.
“They go to where they go, and they forget where they come from. They never want to come home,” he said. “Where do we go from here?”
The first step, he said, is establishing a relationship with the Lord.
Cunningham, 22, is a senior majoring in religion and philosophy at Morehouse College in Atlanta, and he plans to become a pastor. His family is from the Flomaton and Century area, and he began his preaching ministry at the Damascus Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Henry Hawkins, who currently serves as Century’s mayor.
The CFIA also named their Essay Competition Winners. Markavia Johnson won first place, Bianca Wright was second, and Naveah Bush had the third place essay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Injured After Hitting Tree On West Kingsfield Road
January 21, 2019
Two people were injured when their vehicle struck a tree Sunday night on West Kingsfield Road near Beulah Road about 10:30.
At least one person was seriously injured and was airlifted to an area hospital by LifeFlight.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the 10:30 p.m. crash. They have not released any additional information.
The Beulah Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Photos: Super Blood Moon Total Eclipse
January 21, 2019
There was quite the celestial show Sunday night with perfect cold, clear weather for a Super Blood Moon total eclipse.
It’s was the only total lunar eclipse of 2019. Visible for its entirety in the U.S., this eclipse was referred to by some as a super blood moon – “super” because the Moon will be closest to Earth in its orbit during the full moon and “blood” because the total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a reddish hue.
Pictured: Sunday’s night’s lunar eclipse seen from North Escambia during totality. NorthEscambia.com photos by William Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Highway 95A Rear-End Wreck
January 21, 2019
Two people were injured in a rear-end collision Sunday evening on Highway 95A north of Barrineau Park Road.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash and has not released additional details.
The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
What’s Closed For The MLK Holiday, Trash Pickup Info
January 21, 2019
Below is a listing of Escambia County offices and departments closed Monday, January 21 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- Escambia County Board of County Commissioners - All departments, including:
- West Florida Public Libraries (All locations)
- Escambia County Property Appraiser
- Escambia County Tax Collector
- Escambia County Supervisor of Elections office
- Escambia County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office
- Waste Services Administrative Offices
- ECAT buses will not operate Monday, Jan. 21. There will be no UWF Trolley or Express Shuttle services. All services will resume schedules Tuesday, Jan. 22. For more information about ECAT schedules, click here.
Exceptions:
- The Perdido Landfill will have regular hours Monday, Jan. 21.
ECUA
ECUA offices will be closed Monday, January 21, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. All residential and commercial sanitation collections for ECUA customers in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties will be unaffected, and will be carried out as scheduled.
Century
All Century town offices are closed Monday, January 21. The regular third Monday of the month council meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, January 28.
ECUA Board Member Elvin McCorvey Passes Away
January 21, 2019
Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board member Elvin McCorvey passed away on Sunday. He was 74.
McCorvey served on the ECUA board since 1996 and worked for 36 years in the Escambia County School District.
“He was a champion for his constituents and passionate about workforce equality and customer service. Elvin always did the right thing. Politics never played a roll in his decisions. He pushed the hardest for our recent IT upgrades and better customer service. I will miss having him on the board. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” ECUA District 1 board member Vicki Campbell said.
Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clear And Cold Tonight
January 21, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tuesday Night: Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 62 by 2am. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 70. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: Showers likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 36. Northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. North wind around 5 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 53.
Saturday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 50.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 54.
Regina Sue Matney Harsaw
January 21, 2019
Shortly before dawn, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, after a long and painful struggle with lung cancer, Regina Sue Hartsaw was called home to the Lord.
Sue lived her 84 years on earth to the fullest. In high school in Logan, West Virginia she was actively involved in Glee Club, Alpha Xi Sorority, Thi-Hi-Y, National Thespian Society, Prayer Club, and two years in the All-State Chorus. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1955 and serving as a Registered Nurse for 35 years.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, James David Matney; her mother, Dova Elizabeth (McCalvin) Matney; her five sisters and three brothers, and many dear life-long friends.
Married to Commander David R. Hartsaw, Ret. USN, for 63 years, she followed him throughout his career making a loving home for him and their son, Michael David Hartsaw, in every locale including stays in Hawaii, California, Washington State, Virginia Beach, and overseas in Morocco. Everywhere she lived, Sue was active in the community. In Pensacola she was a member of the Retired Officers Wives Club, The Pensacola Oleander Garden Club, and the Pensacola Museum of Art Guild.
She is survived by her husband; son; daughter-in-law, Lela Rast Hartsaw; her two grandchildren, Emily Hope Hartsaw and David Randolph Hartsaw II, and nieces and nephews, including Melinda Beckett of Pensacola.
The family has chosen to forego visitation or services for Sue. She will be cremated and inurned with her husband at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to any of the above organizations in her name.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is entrusted with arrangements.