Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Crematory

03/30/2026

Goldie Irma Free

Goldie Irma-Gene Kimes Free, lovingly known as Mrs. Irma, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2026, surrounded by her cherished family, whom she deeply loved.

She is survived by her husband, Eric Free; one son, Shawn (Cindy) Nelson; one daughter, Dawn (Christopher) Odum; and a stepdaughter, Jessica (James) Mellott. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Gabrielle (Taylor) Traugott, Cooper Nelson, Christen (Cody) Bass, Kelsie (Nathan) Rodriguez, and Mary Odum (Andrew Bennett); and four great-grandchildren: Nona and Lula Bass, and Ezra and Emma Rodriguez. Additionally, she is survived by three sisters: Sue Ross, Betty Newcome, and Debbie Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Lee Kimes, Leroy Darby, and Ralph Darby.

Irma was born on August 16, 1943, in Arkansas and moved to Scottville, Michigan, at an early age. After graduating from high school and living around the world as a military wife, she eventually settled in Lake City, where she began working at the Veterans Affairs Hospital until her retirement.

Irma adored her family and was a friend to all. She was highly skilled in the culinary arts and generously shared her talents with others throughout the years. She was often the first to bring food whenever there was a need and was especially known for her chocolate chip cookies. She was a faithful member of Hopeful Baptist Church and the Charity Sunday School Class, and she served in Vacation Bible School for many years.

A visitation to honor Goldie Irma-Gene Kimes Free will be held at Hopeful Baptist Church on _Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 AM A funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Mark Cunningham officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery immediately following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US HWY 441, Lake City, FL 32025. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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03/28/2026

Robert Harris Simmons

Robert Harris “Coach” Simmons, 86, of Lake City, passed away on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026 in Lake City after a brief illness. He was born in Menlo, Georgia on October 11, 1939 to the late Joe Simmons and Mamie Harris Simmons. He made Lake City his home beginning in 1964 after moving from Northwest Georgia.

He worked for over 40 years with the Columbia County School District, first serving as an Assistant Football Coach and Golf Team Coach under Paul Quinn at Columbia High School. After Quinn’s departure, Coach Simmons was chosen as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Columbia High, where he became the winningest football coach in the program’s history. Following his coaching career, he served as Principal of Richardson Middle School and Fort White Elementary School before retiring in 2003.

Bobby was a member of the Lake City Country Club for more than 40 years and continued playing golf until his health no longer allowed it. In addition, he was a dedicated cyclist who rode his bike every morning. He was also a member of Elks Lodge No. 893 and Providence Village Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanna Simmons Barrs; his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Les Mathis; and his grandson, Brad Barrs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Mona Clyatt Simmons of Lake City and his bonus children, Dustin Brannan and Bridget Hosford (Trey) both of Lake City. His son, Jeff Simmons (Nancy) of Lake City; seven grandchildren, Brian Barrs (Pam), Joshua Simmons (Liza), Justin Simmons (Misa), Jacob Simmons, Destin Hosford, Sydney Hosford and Harper Hosford; along with two great-grandchildren, Ada Lillian Simmons and Edison Nguyen-Ngoc Simmons also survive.

A memorial service for Coach Simmons will be conducted on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Dr. Mike Tatem officiating, assisted by Coach Brian Allen, CHS Principal Trey Hosford, and Mr. Mike Lee. The family will have a time of visitation on Tuesday evening, March 31, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Columbia High School Quarterback Club. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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03/27/2026

Richard Eugene Romine

Richard Eugene Romine, 86 of Lake City, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, surrounded by his family. Mr. Romine was born in Rising Fawn, Georgia to the late Ralph Pershing Romine and Frances Pauline Burnett Romine. He had made his home in Lake City since 1969 having moved here from Pasco County. Mr. Romine was of the Methodist Faith and a member of the First Methodist Church of Lake City. He was a lifetime educator and a coach. While teaching in Pasco county, he served as the athletic director and head football coach. Mr. Romine, at retirement, served as the Assistant Principal at Columbia High School. He had also served as a teacher and coached golf and was the defensive coordinator and football coach for CHS. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and spending time with his family.

Mr. Romine was the Patriarch of his family and is survived by his wife of 68 years, Peggy Romine of Lake City; two daughters, Cindy Romine and Sonya Westberry (Bobby) all of Lake City; seven step brothers and sisters, “The Rinaldi Family”; four grandchildren, Salena Keith (Charlie), Alaina D***s (Ryan), Chelsea Brewington (Chase) and Robbie Westberry (Theresa); and nine great-grandchildren, Clayton, Abi, Caleb, Brayden, Maci, Colten, Tyton, Brynleigh and Harlie.

Funeral services for Mr. Romine will be conducted on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Burl Harkey officiating. A time of visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service on Monday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the funeral home. A private Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice.

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03/27/2026

Deborah Ann Linton

Deborah Ann Linton, 75, of Lake City, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on March 26, 2026, at 6:15 a.m., surrounded by the love of her family. While her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, we take comfort in knowing she is now resting in the eternal peace and presence of her Savior.

Deborah was born on June 13, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Delores Nowak. She and her sister, Diane, were raised with strong values of faith and family—principles that remained central to her throughout her life.

On June 8, 1975, Deborah married the love of her life, John, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned nearly 50 devoted years. Their marriage was a testament to unwavering love, faith, and partnership. Together, they raised seven children, creating a home filled with love, strength, and the guiding presence of God.

Deborah was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life reflected kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. She poured her heart into her family, offering encouragement, wisdom, and care to all who knew her.

She is survived by her seven children: David Linton (Brandi), Sara Gregory (Shannon), Micah Linton (Leah), Elicia Linton-Ewing (Derek), Caleb Linton (Brandy), Becky Smith (Matt), and Susie Welch (Dustin); twenty-six grandchildren: Suzanna (Austyn), Charles, Ava, Kirby (Haylee), Kasey, Kyle, Cameron, Carson, Calista (Jordan), Chad, Brantley, Olivia, Dylan (Carolann), Darren, Jaden, Ethan, Tessa, Carter, Aliyah, Ashlyn, Alexis, Adrian, Jamine, Jalexis, Landon, and Sierra; and four great-grandchildren: Brenlee, Asher, Stephen, and Luke. She is also survived by her sister, Diane, along with many dear friends.

Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, George and Delores Nowak; and her grandson, baby boy Dunn.

Deborah spent many years raising her family in Park City, Montana, before moving to Lake City, Florida, in 1990. Wherever she lived, she created a home centered on faith, love, and family.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1st, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 4:00 p.m. at Gateway-Forest Lawn in Lake City, Florida. A private burial will follow.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. We find comfort in the promise of eternal life and peace in knowing she is at rest.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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03/24/2026

Harriet Sue Cohen

Mrs. Harriet Sue Cohen, 80, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the ET York Care Center in Gainesville, FL, following an extended illness. She is the daughter of the late Rudolph and Minnie Bloom (Mamber), and she was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Earl Cohen, and a sister, Joetta Mandel. She had made Lake City her home for the past eleven years after moving here from New Hampshire. She enjoyed shopping, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, and going to the senior center in Lake City. She was very devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Jonathan Cohen (Jeanette), Lake City, FL and Andy Cohen (Kristin), North Easton, Mass. Seven grandchildren (Jordan, Vanessa, Ben, Joshua, Sophie, Jacob, Jared) and two great-grandchildren (Xavier, Charlotte).

Graveside services will be conducted on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Lake City, FL, with a Chaplain. Interment will immediately follow the services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ET York Haven Hospice Care Center, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL. 32606. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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03/22/2026

Ashley Joy Drummond

Ms. Ashley Joy Drummond, 32, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the HCA FL Lake City Hospital unexpectedly. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Maryann and Jimmy Hamm and her paternal grandparents Dale and Minnie Philman. She is the daughter of Ricky Drummond and Carla and Mike Philman. Ashely was a lifelong resident of Columbia County. Ashley was part of the 2012 graduating class of Columbia High School. She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed doing make-up, shopping, pocketbooks and jewelry as well as watching YouTube. Listening to Christian music and loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In her you would always see Jesus. She loved going to the farmers and craft markets. She was an avid Florida Gator Fan especially Florida Gator Basketball cause of the “Good Looking Boys” she would say. Ashley was a pure soul that loved and inspired everyone she met. She never met a stranger, and she always left with your phone number and a new friendship. She was a beautiful messenger for her Christian faith. She always lived to glorify the kingdom of heaven. Through grace and mercy, she completed her calling and was called home.

Ashley is survived by her father Ricky Drummond, Lake City, FL, her Momma and Daddy Carla and Mike Philman, Lake City, FL; three brothers Jimmy Drummond (Marlee), Georgia, Ronnie Philman, Jr. (Cady) Lake City, FL and Trey Philman (Aleise) Lake City, FL. two sisters Tabitha Walker (Kevin) Perry, FL; and Deanna Philman, Gainesville, FL. her paternal grandparents Roger and Carolyn Creamer, Lake City, FL and Gene Drummond and a host of aunts and uncles and cousins also survive.

A funeral service for Ms. Ashley Joy Drummond will be conducted on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jamie Howell officiating. The Family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to service. Arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. US HWY 441, Lake City, FL, 32025, 386-752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.

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03/20/2026

Glenn David Richter

Glenn D. Richter, 73 of Lake City, Florida, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City. He was born in San Rafael, California on December 30, 1952. Mr. Richter had made his home in Lake City for the past 25 years having moved here from Flemington, New Jersey. He retired from New Jersey Bell and Verizon as a telephone repairmen with 30 years of employment. Mr. Richter loved fishing and was a member of New Life Christian Fellowship of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Dianne.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Evelyn Gilreath Richter of Lake City; three children, David Richter (Nicole) of O’Brien, Corey Richter (Denise) of Little Egg Harbor, NJ and Bree Dominguez (Phil) of Forked River, NJ; two brothers, Ken Richter of Green Valley, AZ and Tom Richter of Middlesex, NJ; one sister, Karyn Babus of Huntsville, AR; eight grandchildren and one great grand-child.

A celebration of life service will be conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Buddy Meloy officiating. Private interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center at 6037 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055, in memory of Mr. Richter.

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03/18/2026

Dixie "Elaine" Phillips

Dixie "Elaine" Phillips, 88, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 10, 2026 at the Haven Hospice - Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City after an extended illness.

She was born in Clinton, Missouri on August 7, 1937 to Herman C. Guenther and Frances Baker Guenther. Following High School, she attended Central Missouri State College graduating with a degree in teaching. While in college, she met her future husband Ralph who was also pursuing a teaching degree. Shortly after graduating, Elaine and Ralph moved to Pennsville, New Jersey where she taught students for 23 years.

Upon retirement, Elaine and Ralph moved to Lake City, Florida to build their retirement home in an airpark flying community and spend their time relaxing, flying and travelling. While in Lake City, Elaine was active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of Lake City. She also enjoyed doing crafts with her neighbors, flying their airplane, and helping run the Young Eagles Program, a flying program for kids.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; son, Keith; and daughter, Karen Sue. She is survived by her children, Cheryl, Kevin, Carl, and Chris, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family and burial will be at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.In lieu of flowers, Elaine would prefer donations to St. Judes Children Hospital in her name.

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03/14/2026

Reuven Refaelov

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03/11/2026

We want to take a moment and wish all of our Funeral Director friends a very happy National Funeral Directors and Morticians Day! We hope all of you have a very blessed day!

03/11/2026

Marvin Gean McFarlan

Marvin Gean McFarlan (Zipper), 71, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, peacefully passed away at his home in Lake City, Florida, on March 5, 2026, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by the warmth and love of his family as he made his final journey. Born on March 14, 1954, in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, son of Mary Jo O’Steen - O’Neal. Zipper lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and a genuine love for those around him.

Zipper’s career was marked by his enjoyment of managing construction crews and running heavy equipment (especially with his son & son in law), a vocation that highlighted his strong work ethic and dedication. However, what truly defined him was the kindness of his heart and his ability to make others laugh. Zipper had a unique talent for telling jokes that would bring smiles to faces, leaving behind a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and light.

Family was the cornerstone of Zipper’s life. He cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife, Ginger, with whom he shared 43 wonderful years. Their bond was characterized by deep affection and mutual respect, amplifying the love that echoed throughout their family. Zipper took immense pride in being a daddy to his son and daughter. The joy of being a daddy was only surpassed by his adoration for his grandchildren who called him Papa. He delighted in teaching them the joys of fishing and hunting, imparting not only skills but also the values of patience and appreciation for the natural world.

Zipper will be remembered not just for the roles he played as a daddy, papa and a husband, but also for his profound impact on those around him. His love extended beyond his immediate family to friends, where his warm-hearted nature and humor left an indelible mark. Those who had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful man knew how thoughtful and loving he was. He was a true blessing to this world!

Zipper is preceded in death by his mother Mary Jo O’Steen - O’Neal. Zipper is survived by his Beloved wife, Ginger Moreau McFarlan of Lake City, FL ; Son, Travis McFarlan of Lake City, FL; Daughter, Krystal McFarlan Stalker (Wayne Stalker) of Greenwood, IN; and Grandchildren, Westen McFarlan, Trinityy Stalker, Meghan McFarlan and Holten Stalker all of whom will hold near and dear the cherished moments they shared with him. His passing leaves us all with a heavy heart and a void that will be felt deeply, yet the memories he created will continue to bring smiles, and comfort reminding all who knew him of the kind man with a big heart. Marvin Gean McFarlan will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends, celebrated for the joy and love that he brought into their lives.

Services were held Wednesday, March 11th at 11 A.M. at Sandhill Cemetery in Horseshoe Beach, FL.

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03/11/2026

Kathleen Thurmond Welch

Kathleen Thurmond Welch, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at HCA Florida Suwannee Emergency in Live Oak. She was born on December 22, 1947, in Dallas, Georgia. Kathleen made her home in Lake City in 1963 after moving from Atlanta, Georgia.

A member of Columbia High School, class of 1965, Kathleen enjoyed her time as a member of the basketball team, showcasing her competitive spirit and commitment to teamwork. Those who knew her will remember her warm and inviting personality, as she loved spending quality time with her family. Kathleen took immense pleasure in sharing experiences with her children, often taking them to the beach and river during their younger years. She was also deeply involved in their lives, coaching them in cheerleading and fostering a close-knit family bond.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Lisa Little Frazier of Lake City and Shelli Little Buxton (Nate) of Lake City, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, H.L. Thurmond and Helen Thurmond, her brothers, Richard Leon Thurmond and Scott Thurmond, her son, Clifton James Little III, her daughter, Juanita Little Schroader, and her son-in-law, Michael Frazier.

Kathleen will be remembered not only for her enduring love for her family but also for her passion for nurturing and supporting those around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.

A private service for Ms. Welch will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens at a later date.

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