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A6 | THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025 The Eatonton Aessenger www.msgrnews.com Letters to the Editor SEE MORE LETTERS » PAGES A4-5 Commissioner concerned Obituaries about public perception Merle Sebald Joseph Baker Sr. Dear Editor, It is often said that perception is reality. This is increasingly so with the public perception of the Putnam County Commission. Are the commissioners representing their constituents or is there some personal motives determining the vote? At the meeting of June 6, Chairman Sharp ruled that a member of the public could not speak on an agenda item even though he had signed in to do so and our ordinance allows anyone to speak on any agenda item. At a previous meeting (05/23/25), the commission voted 3/2 that a “condition” placed on a rezoning approval was no longer valid. Would this mean that no conditions applied to rezoning, past or future, can be enforced? Chairman Sharp has resurrected the tax exemp tion for the Helms Farm project. This has been rejected twice by the county commission. Although the item was “tabled,” it will come back at some future meeting. The Development Authority does not need the “blessing” of the county commission or of the tax commissioner or of the board of assessors. The Putnam Development Authority can act on their own and take full responsibility for their actions. At stake is the credibility of the proposals for the renewal of SPLOST 10. These projects will be on the ballot for the November 2025 election. Will the voters simply accept the proposals, or will they again reject SPLOST 10 as a “vote of no confidence”? Stephen Hersey District Three Commissioner TRIBUTE CONTINUED FROM >: A4 projects was cofounding Audrey’s Angels with a group of friends to handcraft Christmas ornaments in support of causes close to them all. All of these good works in just 19 years. As you might imagine, tributes have been pouring in for this remarkable and brave young woman. One, in particular, stood out: “To grieve for someone you never met, and yet, had such an impact on my life was undeniable. Through your words, your work, your faith, or simply your presence in the world, you left a handprint on my heart.” It seems Audrey DeShetler not only impacted those she met but those she had not. Ironically, in her obit uary, it mentioned her commitment to “making the world a better place.” Jasper Dorsey would say she did just that. I do, too. And it makes me wonder about my own words and work and faith and presence in the world. Am I making a positive difference? No matter where you land on the political divide, I think you will agree our rhetoric and actions have gotten meaner and louder and more divisive. I don’t see much evidence that the world is getting any better as a result. Losing an Audrey DeShetler doesn’t help. So, I guess that leaves you and me and the awareness that life is fleeting. We have no idea how many tomor rows we have coming. But we need to make the best of them by bringing out the best in ourselves. Audrey Joy DeShetler did just that in her short time with us. A little child shall lead them. May she rest in peace. You can reach Dick Yarbrough at dick (5} dickyarbrough.compr at P.O. Box 725372,Atlanta, Georgia 31139. Funeral Home May those who have lost a loved one find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends. McCommons Funeral Home Callaway Funeral Home, and Georgia’s Lake Country Crematory "Over 100 Years and 5 Generations of Family Funeral and Cremation Service” FUNERAL HOMES - MONUMENTS - PREARRANGEMENTS - CREMATORY 706.453.2626 706.486.4138 109 W. Broad St . Greensboro, GA 30642 208 N. Rhodes St » Union Point, GA 30669 mccommonsfuneralhome.com • |lakeoconeecrematory.com! lcallawayfuneralhome.com] 1 Take Oconee’s Onsite Crematory 1 1 Merle L. Sebald died peacefully at his Eatonton home on June 12 at the age of 89.Merle was born in Santa Monica, Cali fornia to the late Merle L Downard and Cora J. Huermann Sebald on August 28, 1935. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Sebald, two sons David Sebald (Patty) of Morgan Hill, CA, Daniel Sebald (Brenda) of Ruckersville, Va, grandpa to two grand daughters Samanatha (Zach) Settlage of Ruck ersville. VA, and Leann Sebald, of Boston, MA, and two great-grandchil dren, Laelia and Tristen Settlage of Ruckersville, VA. Merle is survived by many additional family members and also survived by his very special pet Puff. Merle served in the United States Army and Air National Guard. He retired from GTE World Headquarters (now Verizon) in 1984. Merle was always active in his community during his professional life & his retirement years. Merle has been an Elk for 52 years. He was initiated in the Moultrie Georgia Lodge in 1973 and upon his retirement from GTE, he became a charter member of the South Hillsborough Lodge in 1983. His Lodge granted him an Honorary Life Member ship in 2010. He has been a member of the Lake Oconee Lodge since 2016 and has volunteered to serve on the Memory Lane, Scholarship, and Veterans Committees. In Florida he became the third Exalted Ruler of his Lodge in 1985-1986, State Chairman for National Foundation Certificates in 1987-1988, SWC District Vice President 1988-89, SW District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1990-1991. Merle served four terms on the Florida Elks Association Board of Directors; he served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Elks Children’s Hospital from 1994-1997 with the last year as its President. Merle served as State Chaplain 1993-1994 and was appointed Grand Lodge Special Repre sentative 1993-1998. He served as Vice President at Large and President of the Florida State Elks Association. Merle served five years on the Florida Elks Youth Camp Board of Directors as an At-Large member. He served six years on the Florida Elks Properties Board of Directors with the last two years as its President. Merle served 5 years on the Grand Lodge Government Rela tions Committee with the last two years as its Chairman. He served one year on the Grand Lodge Membership Committee, one year on the Florida Elks Charities Board of Directors and has served as co-leader of the SW District 1998-1999, and as leader of the SEC District 1998-2006. Additionally, Merle served on many Commit tees & Boards in Cali fornia, North Carolina, and in Georgia. Merle was inducted as an Admiral in the Georgia Navy to honor his untiring community service while working and living in Georgia. Merle was a 33-year member of Rotary Inter national. During this time, he served 12 years as a Director, 4 years as Vice President, and 3 years as President. During his last year as President, he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Most recently, Merle has served on the Board of Directors for the Crooked Creek Community Asso ciation. He loved helping his community as long as he was physically able. Merle was always inter ested in speed, and as a young man, he raced both cars and boats at various state and national levels. He has been a member of 7 Yacht clubs, serving many years on the Board of Directors with 3 terms as Commodore. His primary interest, however, was in youth activities. His experience includes Junior Achieve ment Coordinator, Chairman of a Cub Scout Pack, 7 years as a Little League Manager, 5 years as a Pop Warner Coach and 2 years as a Football Junior League Coach. Merle requested no memorial service following his death, believing that the life you lead and the service you give to others is your best Memorial service. Joseph Baker Sr., a cherished member of the community, passed away on June 9, 2025 at age 69. He was known for his unwavering kindness, work ethic, and dedication to family. Joseph was born on May 17, 1956 in Eatonton, Georgia to his beloved parents, James “Snap” and Marie Baker, whose love and guidance helped shape the remarkable man he became. Joseph grew up on a dairy farm and loved his horse, Dairy Queen. As a teen, he developed a passion for cars and building engines that lasted his entire lifetime. As a trucker, he took many adventures across the country and touched the lives of many. He was admired for his ability to bring people together, whether through his warm presence, his thoughtful advice, or his enduring commitment to those he held dear. Joseph is survived by his siblings: Ann Baker Parchment (Hampton, GA), Lorenzo Baker (Detroit, MI), Julia Mae Baker Dunn (Eatonton, GA), Lilton “Bubba” Baker (Eatonton, GA), Elsie Baker Reid (Lithonia, GA), Lois Baker Reaves (Milled geville, GA), William Baker (Lomita, CA), James Baker (Macon, GA), Lois Marie Baker (Eatonton, GA), Robert “Bobby” Baker (Riverdale, GA), and La’ Verne “Quack” Baker (Eatonton, GA)-each of whom shared in the bonds of family, love, and memory that defined Joseph’s life. His legacy lives on through his children: Lee (Brandy) Adams, Joseph (Jenelle) Baker Jr., Denise Baker Watley, Shanta Baker, Dontae (Sheree) Crawford, Shameka (Rashad) Austile, Printice (Tiffany) Baker, Joseph Q. Baker, Alexis Baker, and Shurmearia Baker. Joseph’s memory also continues through a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who carry forward his spirit of love and generosity. Joseph’s Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2025, at Hunt Chapel A.M.E. Church in Eatonton, GA. Stella Collis Thrift ERNARD'S (706)485-4494 Eatonton, GA www.bernardsfamilyfuneralcare.com Y UN RA CARE0 "Service as good as its promise" EATONTON HEALTH REHABI LITATION Stella Collis Thrift, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away surrounded by family. She was a lifelong resident of Eatonton, Georgia, where she built a warm and beautiful home full of love, laughter, and countless memories. Funeral service will be held 11:00 Am Saturday June 21, 2025 at Lone Oak Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Friday evening, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home of Eatonton Stella had a true passion for interior design and flowers, pouring her heart into creating spaces that brought comfort and beauty to those around her. Her home was a reflection of her — welcoming, thoughtful, and full of life. But more than anything, Stella was devoted to her family. She was the heart that held everyone together, always making sure no one ever felt alone. She is survived by her loving husband, Huelon “Bubba” Thrift, and their kids: Trey (Crystal) Thrift, Donald (Lauren) Thrift, Vincent (Holly) Thrift, and Stoshia (Caleb) Austin. She was affection ately known as “Mama T” to her grandchildren: Alexis, Collis, Clyde, Vincent Jr., Kamille, Canaan, Huelon, Stella, Layla, and Dallas — each carrying forward her spirit with every smile and warm hug. Stella is also survived by her brother, Jimmy “Julie” Collis, and her niece, Mary Collis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mary Collis, and her brother, Gene Collis. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and together ness. Stella’s memory will live on in the lives of those she touched and the family she so deeply cherished. To express condolences and sign the guest book please visit www.williams- lfuneral.net] Williams Funeral Home of Eatonton has charge of arrangements. Q V/n/ng Ivy Hill Q 2 Chapel . 706.485.4144 "We will be there for you like a member of the family" www.viningivyhill.com 306 N. Jefferson Street, Eatonton, GA 31024 706-485-3303 1670 N. Jefferson St., Milledgeville, GA 31061 Funeral Homes 478-452-2148 a friend of the family |www.williamsfuneral.net| fir I Restore Habitat for Humanity of Putnam SUMMER SALE ! www.HuRTSFuNERALHOME.com In Your Time of Need, Call us Save THOUSANDS on Funerals A New Way, Guaranteeing Better Service Eatonton, GA 706-485-3281 118 W. Marion St • Eatonton, Ga 706-485-8573 Visit: leatontonheaith.org] Eatonton Health & Rehab is a Health Service of CHSGa • FURNITURE • OUTDOOR SETS • APPLIANCES • & MUCH MORE! HOURS: THUR-SAT: 1AM - 4PM ADDRESS: 866 HARMONY ROAD EATONTON, GA 31024 -0 OFF ORIGINAL PRICE STOREWIDE DURING JUNE Shop. Donate. Volunteer.
