Paul Wayne Bates
Paul Wayne Bates, age 54, of Okeechobee, died Friday, February 9, 2007 at the Hamrick Home. Born June 6, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan, he has been a resident of Okeechobee for the past 10 years. He was involved with the Eagles, enjoyed riding motorcycles, watching Nascar, and was an overall very very sweet man.
He is preceded in death by his father William Bates.
He is survived by his mother Rena V. Jenkins of Okeechobee, FL, daughters; Heather, Courtney, and Shelby Bates all of Orlando, FL, brothers; Billy Bates of Sanford, FL, Buddy (Beverly) Bates of Archer, FL, Ronnie Bates of Archer, FL, and Jimmy Bates of Mississippi, sisters; Sonja Holland of Las Vegas, NV, Judy Bates of Okeechobee, FL, and Sue Bates of Harrison Township, MI. In addition he is survived by a grandson from Orlando, FL.
A memorial service was held Monday, February 12, 2007.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Okeechobee, PO Box 1548, Okeechobee, FL 34973.
All arrangements are under the direction and care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory.

Julie Mae Hare
Julie Mae Hare, age 94, of Okeechobee, died Friday, February 9, 2007 at the Hospice Hamrick House in Okeechobee.
A resident of Okeechobee for 65 years, Mrs. Hare was also a member of the Okeechobee Church of God for the same number of years and enjoyed cooking and walking. She was preceded in death by her husband Rastus Hare.
Survivors include one daughter, Joann Walker (Edwin) of Okeechobee, two grandsons; Tommy Walker (Kathy) all of Okeechobee and Joel Walker of Fort Myers, Florida. There is one granddaughter, Joy Walker of Tampa, FL. In addition, Mrs. Hare is survived by three grandsons; Michael Hazellief, Derek Walker and Saun Walker all of Okeechobee. There are two great granddaughters; Deidra Arrants of Okeechobee and Danielle Gluskin of Richmond, Virginia. Also, she is survived by five great great grandchildren.
Friends were able to call at the Buxton Funeral Home on Monday, February 9. Funeral services will be conducted at the Buxton Funeral Home and Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Okeechobee, PO Box 1548 Okeechobee, Florida 34973.
All arrangements are under the direction and care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dr. Philip Rochford
Dr. Philip Rochford, age 74, died Monday, February 7, 2007 at his residence. Born February 23, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and shortly after his birth he and his family moved to Lakeland Florida.
He attended Sewanee Military School in Sewanee, Tennessee, graduating in 1948 as Commandant of the Cadet Body. He attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; the University of the South, Sewannee, Tennessee; and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, Texas in 1953. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps.
In 1955, he attended Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida, for a year of post graduate work. Later that year, he entered the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. In 1959 he graduated with the Degree of Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Dr. Rochford did a year of internship in Cincinnati Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.
In September, 1961, Dr. Rochford entered the U.S. Navy and served for thirty one years, and nine years with the U.S. Marine Corp. Dr. Rochford served during Vietnam and received the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star, and several other prestigious accommodations awards.
When Dr. Rochford retired from the United States Navy in 1992, he was the Senior Captain on active duty with the USN Dental Corps. He was a Life Member of the Masonic Shriners; York Rite, Scottish Rite, Life Member of the VFW Post #10539; Moose Lodge; American Legion; Elks; and the Yachtette Club. In addition he was an avid pilot and flew for thirty years with a commercial pilot's license.
He is survived by his beloved wife Linda who is well-known in Okeechobee for her work with Hospice. In addition he is survived by three step children; Michelle Miller of Okeechobee, Christine (Vern) Jones of Elk Grove, California, and Christopher S. (Shari) Miller of San Diego, California.
Services were held February 9 at the Buxton Funeral Home.
All arrangements were under the direction and care of the Buxton Funeral Home and Crematory.