Darwin Earl Schaper, affectionately known as Gus to his friends and family, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 90 in Wicksburg, Alabama. Born on June 26, 1935, in State Center, Iowa, Gus was known for his unwavering faith, kindness, and courage throughout his life.
Gus was a devoted husband to Beverly Schaper, his beloved wife of 64 years. Together, they built a life rich in love and joy, marked by the milestones of their two sons, John (Kym) and Steve (Danna Kay). Gus’s legacy continued through his adored grandchildren, Tyler (Ashley) Schaper, Hannah (Harrison) Pitman, Austin Schaper, Jacob (Rebecca) Schaper. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Janet Burns. Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ruie Schaper, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication.
Educated at the University of Southern California, Gus earned a master’s degree that would serve as the foundation for his varied and impactful career. He honorably served in the United States Navy for 22 years as a Naval Aviator during Vietnam. After completing his service in the Navy, he transitioned into his second career in the civilian aviation industry at PEMCO World Air Services. His commitment to service didn’t end with his military career; he continued to serve his community as a hospital volunteer at Flowers and as a volunteer fireman in Wicksburg. Gus’s influence on naval traditions remained strong as both his sons followed in his footsteps, serving in the Navy.
In 1978, Gus moved his family to Wicksburg, where he embraced rural life with enthusiasm. He was a man who was always on the go, whether it was tinkering with a new project, playing a round of golf, or traveling the world with his wife, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Gus was a pillar of his community, serving as a deacon and elder at Trinity Lutheran Church, where his faith shone brightly. He was an avid reader and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially time spent with his beloved family. His passion for life was evident to all who knew him, and his laughter and stories will be deeply missed.
As we say farewell to Gus, we celebrate a life lived to its fullest, a heart given freely to family and friends, and a spirit that inspired courage and kindness in others. His was a life that embodied faith in every action, a testament to the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind. Gus Schaper’s memory will continue to be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of Gus’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mark Kocsis officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.
Sammy Keith Cantrell, known affectionately as Keith to his friends and family, passed away in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama, on March 14, 2026, at the age of 52. Born on July 15, 1973, to Sammy Cantrell and the late Melanie J. Cantrell, Keith was a lifelong resident of Dothan, where he built a life filled with love, hard work, and dedication to those around him.
Keith attended school at Cottonwood High School and at Ashford Academy. His academic years were marked by a burgeoning talent for practical skills, which he later turned into a successful career. Keith was well-known in the community for his work in plumbing, electric, and home remodeling. His hands were rarely still, as he was always found fixing, improving, or creating something that would benefit others.
A true embodiment of the words “handy” and “selfless,” Keith devoted much of his time to helping neighbors, friends, and anyone in need. His ability to tinker with and repair anything that came his way was matched only by his eagerness to share his knowledge with others. Keith’s presence was a comforting one, and his willingness to lend a hand was a testament to his generous spirit.
He is survived by his father, Sammy Cantrell, his children, Logan, Keegan, and Aaliyah, and his cousin, Emma (Dave) Collins. Keith was preceded in death by his mother, Melanie J. Cantrell, who instilled in him the values of kindness and community that he carried with him throughout his life.
The family will receive friends at Sunset Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 2-3 pm to share stories, memories, and celebrate the life of a man who was truly one of a kind.
Mrs. Mary Ann Sansbury Brown of Enterprise peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 87, at Enterprise Health and Rehab Center.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with her brother, Rev. Donald Sansbury officiating, followed by interment at Meadowlawn Cemetery in Enterprise with Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Born on January 22, 1939, to the late Oliver James and Euna Mae Gilley Sansbury, Mary Ann was a remarkable woman of deep faith who cherished her relationship with the Lord. She was a beloved wife, a devoted mother, and a loving grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her. Her presence in the lives of her family and friends will be profoundly missed.
Mrs. Brown was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 56 years, Berleen Brown; her son, Tony W. Brown; and her siblings Betty Kernodle, Nadine Sansbury McConnell, George Sansbury, James Sansbury and Shirley Sansbury Nelson.
She is lovingly remembered by her son James Greg Brown and his wife Pamela Lynn of Enterprise; her cherished grandchildren James W. Brown, Tony P. Brown, and Ashley N. Gonzalez, Dillon King; and her treasured great-grandchildren Gabriel J. Gonzalez, Amelia G. Gonzalez, and Everett J. and Emma Rose Brown. Mary Ann is also survived by her siblings Linda Hobbs and her husband Wayne, Lamar Sansbury, Donna K. Mauldin, and Donald Sansbury and his wife Sandra; as well as her sister-in-law Debbie Sansbury, sister-in-law Johnnie Sansbury, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who hold her memory dear.
Mary Ann’s life was a testament to faith, love, and family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the blessing to know her.
Dennis Lamont Hoomes, a resident of Rehobeth, Alabama passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Donalsonville Hospital. He was 66.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, March 21, 2026 in the Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Glover Funeral Home directing.
Dennis was born to the late Hayward and Clarice Moore Hoomes on October 23, 1959 in Opp, Alabama. He was a hard worker who began a career in farming, transitioning into a full-time truck driver. His hobbies included watching wrestling and old westerns. His most precious times were made making lasting memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a loving companion, father, grandfather, and brother. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, TJ Chumney.
Left to cherish his memories are his fiancé, Patricia Senn; two sons, Kevin Hoomes (Becky) and Jeremy Hoomes; one stepson, Nick Chumney (Jordan); eight grandchildren, Dakota Hoomes, Kansas Hoomes, Ty Hoomes, Rydge Hoomes, Alexis Jenkins (Paxton), John Carter Chumney (Mallory), Kingston Chumney, and Kennedy Chumney; three great grandchildren, Gracelynn Chumney, McKinley Jenkins, and Presley Beal; one sister, Anita Peacock; one brother, Daryl Wilkerson (Kim); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Glover Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com
Donald “Bud” Owens, a cherished family man, respected engineer, and a passionate model airplane enthusiast, passed away on March 15, 2026, in Dothan, AL, at the age of 98. Born on January 4, 1928, Bud was a beacon of wisdom and joy for all who knew him.
Bud’s early years were shaped by the loving influence of his parents, Ralph and Arletta Owens. Though they, along with his son Jon Owens, half-brother Lambert Owens, half-sisters Margaret Shott and Lois Lind, and lifelong best friend Bud Allen, preceded him in death, the legacy of his warm, vibrant family lives on.
Bud’s devotion to his wife, Sandi Owens, was the epitome of a lifelong love story. Married for 60 years, their partnership was an exemplar of unwavering commitment and deep affection. Together, they raised a family that includes son Richard Owens, daughters Susie Barton and Susan Wise (Douglas), and were the proud grandparents to Tranace, Justin, Marissa, Megan, Morgan, Callie, Shawn, Crystal, and Alan. His joy was further multiplied by the presence of numerous great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the stories and memories of their beloved great-grandfather.
A graduate of Carnegie Tech in Pennsylvania, Bud’s intellectual prowess and precise attention to detail laid the foundation for a remarkable career as an aeronautical engineer. His journey took him from Pennsylvania to Ocala and finally to Dothan, where he left an indelible mark on the model industry. Bud’s expertise in the design of baggage systems for airports showcased his exceptional skills as a mechanical engineer and earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bud was known for his love of model airplane flying, a hobby that brought him immense pleasure and relaxation. His eyes would light up with childlike wonder as he piloted his creations, sharing his passion and knowledge with anyone who showed interest.
Bud’s faithful dachshund, Opie, was his constant companion, embodying the loyalty and unconditional love that Bud himself exemplified throughout his life.
As we mourn the loss of Donald “Bud” Owens, we also celebrate a life well-lived—a life filled with love, laughter, innovation, and the pursuit of happiness. Bud’s memory will soar on the wings of his model airplanes, forever reminding us of the joy and beauty in life’s simplest pleasures. Though he may have taken his final flight from this world, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest in peace, dear Bud, your legacy will forever glide gracefully through the hearts of those you touched.
Evelyn Adams Harrell, a resident of Ashford, Alabama died Saturday, March 14, 2026 at her residence. She was 82.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday, March 19, 2026 at New Beginning Church with Pastor Logan Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Howard Grove Church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 6 PM until 8 PM at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Harrell was born January 10, 1944 to the late Dempsey and Eva Fulton Adams. She was a lifelong resident of Houston County and the Ashford area. She was a member of New Beginnings Church where she worshipped her Lord and Savior that she loved with all her heart. Mrs. Harrell will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all.
Mrs. Harrell is proceeded in death by her parents; husband, William F. Harrell, granddaughter, Brittney Phillips; one sister and two brothers.
Survivors include her children, David F. Harrell (Mildred). Carla Harrell (Carlton Jones); grandchildren, Maryann Henderson (Paul), Connie K. Harrell and Samantha Paige Sellers (Paul) along with nine great grandchildren.
