Owen G. Cartwright, 71, of Zephyrhills, died suddenly Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. He was born July 27, 1937, in Davenport, Iowa, to Owen and Doris Cartwright. He retired from the City of Rock Island, Ill., as an engineer technician in 1994. He was a Reiki master and was a Quantum-Touch instructor. During his life, he was an acolyte for Trinity Episcopal Church, a former Cub Master and Scout Master and active in the Exchange Club, all of Rock Island. He loved to fish and hunt. He and his wife spent the last 14 years traveling the US in their motor home and lived in Zephyrhills the last four years. His survivors include his wife of 51 years, Marilyn; his children, Randy (Susan) Cartwright, and Cindy Leacox; grandchildren, Erica (Jeff) Allen, Adam (Chrystal) Leacox, Michael, Jonathan, Trey, Kenneth and Veronica Cartwright; and great-grand-children, Davyd Leacox and Ari Allen. Services occurred Aug. 22, at Hodges Family Funeral Home, in Zephyrhills. Memorial contributions may be made to his grandsons' Scout Troop 110 and Cub Pack 690 in Brandon.

Malcolm H. "Mac" Dow, 76, of Zephyrhills, died Aug. 7, 2008, after a long courageous battle with leukemia. He was born June 3, 1932, in Dayton Maine, the second son of George Bert and Alice (Cole) Dow. He had a lifelong love of all sports and participated in everything available. Mac served the U.S. Army for three years in Korea, where he earned two Purple Hearts and was proud to say he had served one year in the 1st Division, also known as the "Big Red One." He worked as a heavy equipment operator until entering the post office in 1965. He retired as postmaster in Bar Harbor, Maine, in 1992. Mac remained very active in sports, as a coach and instructor for Red Cross swimming programs, and learning golf. He was remarried in 1993 to Mary Ann Beal McIntire from Seal Cove, Maine. They spent many enjoyable days camping, hiking, hunting, going on cruises and playing golf. After wintering in Florida for several years they moved to Zephyrhills in 1995. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary Ann; daughter, Rebecca (Mike); sons, Frederick (Chrissy), and Malcolm "Hank Jr."; sister, Joyce (Russell) Taylor; sister-in-law Ruth Dow; brother-in-law, Bob Callnan; his stepchildren, Scott McIntire, Sheryl and Troy Woodard; grandchildren, Joann Dunton, Jourdan and Haley Dow, Brittany and Nicholas Woodard, and Bryon and Tyler McIntire; and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests that donations be made to your local hospice, or to East Pasco Care Center, 37439 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL 33525, in his name. Burial will be in West Tremont, Maine.

Judith A. Flanagan, 63, of Dade City, died Aug. 21, 2008, in Tampa. She was born May 1, 1945, in Viroqua, Wisc., to Beuford and Irene Ottum Cunningham. She owned and operated Mechanical Construction Services, and enjoyed horseback riding and woodworking. Survivors include her son, Clay (Carrie) Flanagan; her daughter, Gina (Bill) DeTellem; her mother, Irene Cunningham; one sister, Diane (Roland) Sherry; and three grandchildren. Funeral services occurred Aug. 26, at the 301 Chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home. Burial followed Floral Memory Gardens.

Helen Loretta Fortunato, 85, of Zephyrhills, died peacefully, Aug. 20, 2008, surrounded by her family. She was a devoted loving mother, grandmother and friend. She was born April 22, 1923, in Youngstown, Ohio. Survivors include her longtime friend, companion and caregiver, Joseph Stahl; son, Joseph G. (Peggy) Fortunato; daughters, Mariellen (Harry) Blackstone, and Janet (Steven Field) Weinstock; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many close family friends, Donna Rowe, Victoria (Tory) Carr and Eileen Pallante, who we thank for your love, care and support. Helen enjoyed life up until her illness took over just a year ago. Her passion was family gatherings, which brought her so much joy. She stayed physically fit through her active lifestyle. She loved ballroom dancing, fashion, golf, reading and volunteering at Florida Hospital, and was known for her homemade cooking and baking. “Our mom, lifetime partner and friend will be greatly missed, for she is in peace and comfort now. We thank hospice for their kindness, support and love.” Donations may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 37441 Clinton Ave. of Dade City, Fla. Memorial services were conducted Aug. 23, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Zephyrhills.

Lester Robert Halvorsen, 83, of Zephyrhills, died Aug. 16, 2008, at Zephyrhills Health & Rehab Center. He was born Sept. 13, 1924, in Reed City, Mich., to Dan and Lucille Halvorsen. He married Reva Jean Denslow Nov. 30, 1946. They were married 62 years. He moved to Zephyrhills in 1992 from Orlando. Mr. Halvorsen was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the South Pacific. He received his master’s degree in business administration and worked for his church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as an accountant at several places, including three years in West Pakistan, and retired in 1988. Survivors include his wife, Reva; a son, Ken Halvorsen; daughter, Karen Gimbel; grandchildren, Derek, Bradley and Scott Castleberg, Jeff Gimbel and Lori Steenhoven; and great-grandson, Ethan Steenhoven; and two sisters, Ruby Roosenberg and Thelma Woolever. Donations may be made to East Pasco Adventist Academy's Worthy Student Fund, in his memory. A celebration of his life took place at East Pasco Seventh-day Adventist Church. Interment followed at a later date at Florida National Cemetery.