David Jason
Kaserman
David Jason Kaserman, 39, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2015, at Bethany House in Auburn Alabama. Born in Fairfax, Virginia, to David and Lois Kaserman, the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, when he was four months old. At age ten, the family relocated to Auburn where David felt his life truly began. He loved the small town and freedom that came with riding his bike and skateboarding all over town with his friends. David made friends easily, and in the small town tradition, all become loyal and lifelong. He was a lover of the outdoors and could be found many weekends hiking trails and camping along Goforth Creek in the Smokies. Free time was often spent biking and swimming at Chewacla State Park with his dog Ocoee. While attending Auburn High School, kayaking became a passion and he spent many happy hours paddling the Tallapoosa, Ocoee, and Nantahala Rivers, as well as many creeks and streams with his father and friends. After earning a degree in Industrial Design from Auburn University, David took a job with Shred Ready, a manufacturer of kayak helmets, where he designed the helmets worn by the 1996 Olympic Kayaking Team. Spreading his wings, he then moved to Austin, Lake Tahoe, and Chicago, before settling in Atlanta to do graphic design for Incentive, Inc. In 2013, David returned to Auburn, where he helped a friend build a house, did freelance design work, and was employed by a medical marketing company until he become ill.
David is survived by the love of his life, Anita Jolley, who was also his amazing caregiver; his mother, Lois Kaserman; sister, Laura Runion (Brett); niece and nephews, Emily, Sean, Jesse Grow, and Gage Justice, of Auburn; uncle, Joel Kaserman (Avery); niece and nephew, Mark and Julia Kaserman of Memphis; uncle, John Kaserman (Charlene); nephew, Mike Kaserman (Doris) of Salt Lake City UT; and nephew, Joel Kaserman (Jane) of Boise, ID; uncles, Robert (Judy), Tom (Donna), and Paul King of Knoxville, TN; and numerous cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. David L. Kaserman; grandparents, John and Nona Lee Kaserman, Jess and Wanda King; and his beloved labrador, Ocoee.
The family received friends at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A private memorial service will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Ethel Jeannette
Fichter Frandsen
Ethel Jeannette Fichter Frandsen (December 30, 1932-September 17, 2015) was born in Alva, Florida, the daughter of James Nicholas and Olive Whitten Fichter.
After attending high school in Gainesville, Florida, she attended the University of Florida, graduating with a baccalaureate in art. Subsequently, she attended the University of Alabama for a short time, then earned her M.Ed. in special education at Auburn University. In 1954, she married John Wright Blow, then taught school in several Alabama communities, including Cullman and Scottsboro, while accompanying him on his moves as an Episcopal priest. After returning to Auburn and remarrying, she spent many years teaching Special Education at Chevala, later Russell County, High School. Jeannette had a lifelong interest in horticulture and gardening, nourished and stimulated in her early years by a neighbor in Alva who was an avid gardener and expert on herbs. With money from a small inheritance, she created an herb shop with garden, Village Arbors, in Auburn, that became famous in the area not only for the uncommon herbs available there, but also for its classes in herb growing and construction of Christmas wreaths using herbaceous materials. It also became a favorite gathering place for herb-lovers and those who simply wished to enjoy the beauty of its unique garden. She was actively engaged in many activities beyond gardening. She was a vestry member and senior warden at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Auburn, and subsequently, an active member of the congregation of Holy Trinity. A dedicated and devoted member of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, she served many years as board member and regent of the Light Horse Harry Lee chapter. As an artist, she worked with textiles, paint, and ceramics. In her later years, research in genealogy and local and family history became principal pastimes. She was active in the Lee County Historical Society, serving as board member and president during the development of the Pioneer Park Museum in Loachapoka.
Among Jeannette’s favorite things were scented geraniums, all stories by Jane Austen, family mementos, cats and Pomeranian dogs, evenings at concerts and plays, children and grandchildren, a newly-arrived issue of The New Yorker, and an African Gray Parrot named “Clint” who was a personality at Village Arbors. She loved to travel, and was always on the lookout for herbs familiar and unfamiliar.
Jeannette died at her home after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her husband of nearly forty years, John Christian Frandsen; her daughters, Margaret Blow Bearss, Elizabeth Blow Holden, Susan Blow Cochran; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; four step-children, Michael T. Frandsen, Wesley Frandsen, Teresa Frandsen Smotherman, and John T. Frandsen; and her only sibling, Robert Fichter, a noted artist-photographer living in Tallahassee, Florida. Her memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, in Auburn, on Friday, September 25, 2015, at 4:00 pm. A social gathering with light refreshments will follow.
The family requests that donations to The Food Bank of East Alabama be made in lieu of flowers.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
James Michael
“Mike” Ratledge
James Michael “Mike” Ratledge, 65, of Opelika passed away September 14, 2015, at East Alabama Medical Center. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Graveside service was at 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Pastor Aaron Pruitt officiated.
Mr. Ratledge is predeceased by his parents Marvin and Vera Ratledge. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hall Ratledge; son, Chris Ratledge (Debbie); daughters, Crystal Ratledge, Barbara Bonner (Wayne), Chrystal Dumas (Tamario), Nonia Ware (Jeff); grandchildren, Robby Adair, Christopher Kellum, Ryan Bonner; sisters, JoAnne Mayben (Bob), Linda Reed (Don); brother, Ronald Ratledge (Coretta); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Robert Franklin “Bob” McCormick, Jr.
Bob McCormick, age 77, of Auburn, passed away Thursday, Sept. 17 at Bethany House. He was born in Grenada, Mississippi, on April 2, 1938, to Robert and Lillie Mae McCormick.
Affectionately known as “Bebob” by his grandchildren and those close to him, Bob was a 1961 Mississippi State University graduate majoring in agriculture. He encouraged his son to show cattle at a young age and passed on his love for farming/agriculture to his son’s heart. Renowned for his knowledge in seed cleaning, he was a Master seed cleaner in the State of Alabama and was known for this throughout the country. In 1972, he built a seed harvester which was a one-of-a-kind machine that was internationally used. During 1966, Bob and his father-in-law encouraged his son Michael to start showing walking horses which became a family affair. He supported his granddaughter Amy Ann in showing cattle and walking horses and was instrumental in supporting her successes one of which was winning the Walking Horse World Championship. He enjoyed fishing with his grandson Cole and delighted being with him at various fishing tournaments.
Bob was well established in Auburn community and was well known for his compassion for people. He also enjoyed cooking and grilling ribs and brisket for others especially for his granddaughter. Bob was always willing to lend a helping hand as he was affectionately known as a “jack-of-all-trades.” He truly loved his dog and best friend Louie.
He is survived by his son, Michael John McCormick; two grandchildren, Amelia Ann McCormick and Cole Austin McCormick all of Shelbyville, Tennessee; a brother, James Benton McCormick of Como, Mississippi; niece, Andrea Michelle Wyatt; nephew, Matthew Brian McCormick; add long-time friend and co-worker of 26 years Carol Holder.
Graveside service was at 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery. First visitation was 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 19, and a second visitation was held 1 -2:30 p.m. Sept. 20, both at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Dr. George Mathison officiated.
Jeffcoat-Trant directed.
www.jeffcoattrant.com
Dr. Roderick
Wilbert Powers
Dr. Roderick Wilbert Powers of Auburn passed away September 19, 2015, at EAMC. A memorial service will be held at the Auburn United Methodist Church at 12:00 noon on Friday, September 25, with visitation to follow. Dr. George Mathison will officiate.
Rod was born January 19, 1930, to James Dewey Powers and Isobel Gear Powers. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother James Powers and a sister Margaret Barber.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda B. Powers; his sons, Kirk Powers (Sally) of Arlington, Texas, Chris Powers (Ray) of Montgomery, Alabama, Michael Powers of St. Petersburg, Florida; step-son, Brad Meadows (Leah) of Auburn; grandchildren, Kathryn Haubold (Patrick) of Arlington, Texas, Ryan Powers (Erin) of Eugene, Oregon, and Carson, Beau and Jackson Meadows of Auburn; great-grandsons, Wesley and William Haubold; sister-in-law, Kathy Powers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rod grew up in Rochester, New York, and graduated from Acquinas Prep School. He attended Wofford College on a football scholarship and received his BA degree from there. He received his MA from the University of South Carolina and his Doctor of Education from Auburn University. He spent his professional career as an educator holding positions as a coach, teacher, and principal in South Carolina. He held administrative positions in New York and Alabama. He is retired from the State Department of Education in Alabama.
Service to others was important to Rod. He spent much of his life and especially the last 20 years as a volunteer. The many organizations and individuals he helped changed over the years. At the time of his death he was active with EAMC auxiliary and the Athletic Directors Club. He spent his last Saturday before his death volunteering at an Auburn University football game. He received many formal awards for his service but his greatest reward was knowing he made a difference.
He was a loving husband, father and “Grandpa” and the memories he made with his family will be cherished by all of us. He loved us all, but the grandchildren were special. He was so proud of them. He made time to attend as many of their sport activities as time and distance would allow and so enjoyed their company on the phone or visits. He loved his great-grandson and was looking forward to the birth of a second great-grandson who was born the day he passed. We would be inattentive if we did not mention Maizie his four legged companion of 13 years who preceded him in death in July of this year.
Rod also loved attending sporting events, working in his yard, playing golf with his friends and volunteering with the Athletic Directors group.
Family and friends will miss him, but we can take comfort in knowing that he lived a life worth living and that we are lucky to have been a part of it. If you knew Rod and he touched your life in some way carry on his legacy by giving back and living every day to the fullest.
His family appreciates the many acts of kindness during his illness and after his death. We are grateful to those who cared for him at the hospital especially Dr. John Thomas, Dr. Gary Bridges and the ICU nursing staff.
The Auburn Athletic Directors Club members and his Moore’s Mill golf group will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice or that you volunteer to do something for others in remembrance of him.
Memorial service will be 12:00 noon Friday, September 25, 2015, at Auburn United Methodist Church in the sanctuary. Dr. George Mathison is officiating.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing.
www.jeffcoattrant.com