Donations will cover funeral expenses

The community steps up to help the family of a man killed in an Arkansas car wreck.

By BETH N. GRAY, Times Correspondent
Published August 27, 2007

SPRING HILL - With an outpouring of generosity from the community, Gordon Dean Scudder is coming home to be laid to rest.

The 39-year-old Scudder, along with his sister, Bonnie Scudder, 45, were killed Aug. 10 in a traffic accident in Arkansas. They were en route to the funeral of their grandfather when a pickup crossed into their traffic lane and struck their car head-on.

Bonnie Scudder was buried in Oklahoma, her place of birth. But the family of Gordon Dean Scudder couldn't afford his trip home: $1,400 due the funeral home in Arkansas and $425 for an airlift back to Florida. The family includes his fiancee, Michelle DeWitt, 37, and children ages 15, 14 and 6.

Family friend Mary L. Scarff put out a plea for money, and all of the financial needs have been met, DeWitt said last week.

Merritt Funeral Home has donated a burial plot in Florida Hills Memorial Gardens on Spring Hill Drive. It is also providing free of charge a casket, vault and funeral service.

Said David Merritt: "When I read the article in the paper, it just touched my heart. The least I can do is give them the space in a burial plot he owns. If I can assist them in any way, we have a certain duty to help other people. I'm thankful to do what I can."

DeWitt responded: "I'm shocked. I'm very appreciative. I felt like a thousand pounds had been lifted off my shoulders."

Scarff added that Merritt has been amazing.

Merritt brought Turner Funeral Homes on board. Turner will provide the opening and closing of the grave.

Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Merritt Funeral Chapel at 4095 Mariner Blvd. A Mass will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 14385 Spring Hill Drive.

Beth N. Gray can be reached at graybethn@earthlink.net.

[Last modified August 26, 2007, 20:11:26]