In Passing – February 2025

Charlie Broughton

Charles Melvin Broughton, age 80, of Emden, Mo., passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, at Shelbina Villa Lifecare in Shelbina, Mo.

Charlie was born July 24, 1944, in Hannibal, Mo., the son of Joseph Melvin and Grace Loy (Hawkins) Broughton. He was united in marriage to Donna Kay King on July 18, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina, Mo. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. She survives.

He is also survived by his two sons, Mike Broughton and his wife Kim of Fishers, Ind., and Mark Broughton and his wife Deanna of Fenton, Mo.; six grandchildren, Drew Broughton (Bekah), Patrick Broughton (Annika), Matt Broughton (Julia), Emily Broughton, Adam Broughton, and David Broughton; two brothers, George Broughton of Shelbina, Mo., and David Broughton (Kathi) of Chesterfield, Mo.; and one sister, Marge Woolever (Warren) of Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Charla Broughton.

Charlie was a graduate of Shelbina High School. He enjoyed being a farmer and worked his farm in Emden for over 40 years where he raised hogs, cattle, and row crops. Charlie was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, MO Pork Producers, MO Beef Producers, POET Ethanol Plant, and Soybean Association. Charlie and Donna enjoyed wintering in Sun Lakes, Ariz., for more than 20 years with many friends. He loved family vacations, golfing in Arizona and Shelbina, and camping with friends at Shelbina Lake. Most of all, Charlie was a proud father and grandfather and loved supporting them at their activities, events, and games. He had great friends, a wonderful life, and loved Northeast Missouri and Sun Lakes, Ariz. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelbina, Mo., and St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes.

Burial was at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Shelbina, Mo. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Steven’s Catholic Church, Salt River Nursing Home, and American Cancer Society.

 

Charles Webber Bunce, Jr.

Charles Webber Bunce, Jr. passed away on Dec. 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Charlie was born on Oct. 22, 1934 in Erie, Pa., to the late Charles Webber Bunce, Sr. and Lucille Parsons Bunce.

Charlie was raised in Erie, attended college at the University of Pittsburgh in 1952, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1956.

Charlie met his wife of 66 years, Nancy, in Pittsburgh at a Phi Gamma Delta fraternity party in 1953. They were married in June 1957 and settled in Butler, Pa., where Charlie continued his career as a bank examiner for the state of Pennsylvania. In 1966 they relocated to Pueblo, Colo., where he was the Cashier/Senior VP of First National Bank/Colorado National Bank for 25 years.

Upon leaving Colorado in 1992, Charlie and Nancy eventually ended up in Jacksonville, Fla., where they retired from AOL before settling in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in 2003. They loved living in Oakwood Unit 36-C on Lake Diamond and built the first house on the lake in 2003.

Charlie served on countless boards including Iron Oaks in Sun Lakes, where he was a board member/VP/President, 2008-2012. Nancy had designed the logo for Iron Oaks.

Charlie was a committed golfer, serving as President on the Lakers Niners golf league. He was also commonly seen on the walking paths with his beloved dachshunds and in his later years, as a steadfast attendee at the fitness center.

Charlie was so proud he made it to 90 and although we miss him, we take comfort in knowing that he was surrounded by love when he passed and that he is now reunited with Nancy and their dogs.

Charlie is survived by son Charles W. Bunce, III (Shanynn); daughters Martha (Greg) Thomas, Mary Oldham, Cheryl Gonzales, and Karen (Dave) Sheff; grandchildren Elizabeth (Kyle Riester) Bunce, Jonathan (Katie) Bunce, Stephen Bunce, Luke (Christine) Thomas, Thad Thomas, Taylor Oldham, Brady Oldham, Buddy (McKinley) Gonzales, and Josie Minjiao; greatgrandsons, Matthew and Caleb Thomas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Teeters Bunce.

The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice of the Valley, Chandler Regional Hospital, Chandler Fire Department, and friends and neighbors in Sun Lakes.

At Charlie’s request, no services; a private family memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Charlie’s memory to Tunnels to Towers, www.t2t.org.

For more information about Charles’s life, visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12137890.

 

Loren L. Seago

Loren L. Seago, age 97, flew into the wild blue yonder on Nov. 15, 2024, to join his beloved wife of 76 years, Frances (Frankie) Seago. Loren was born in Cambridge, Neb., but grew up in Denver, Colo. He served in the United States Merchant Marines toward the end of World War II. After the war he worked as a mechanic for the Denver Fire Department and later owned his own insurance agency. Loren and Frankie raised their family in Denver, enjoyed spending time with friends and family at their cabin in Grand Lake, Colo., and purchased a winter home in Sun Lakes in 1975. Loren had a fierce devotion to his family, and enduring sense of fun and mischief, an insatiable interest in learning, and a constant desire to be doing.

He is survived by his youngest brother Jerry Seago; his children Judy Sleasman, Loren Seago Jr., and Ralph Seago; and six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

 

Jim Watkinson

James William “Jim” Watkinson, 75, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Jan. 1, 2025, surrounded by his family and in the arms of his beloved wife. Born on Aug. 1, 1949, in Middletown, Conn., Jim spent his childhood in Deep River, Conn., where he developed a strong sense of community and a tireless work ethic.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Engineering from the University of Connecticut and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from St. Thomas University. His professional journey was defined by innovation and leadership, with contributions to esteemed organizations such as Hartford Insurance, IBM, Unisys, AION, Everex, The Badger Group, Lautz Grotte Engler & Swimley, Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, Ports America, and Verifone. In 2006, Jim founded Watkinson Consulting, serving as managing partner and providing visionary project management consulting.

While attending the University of Connecticut, Jim met the love of his life, Candace “Candy” Ann Watkinson. Their marriage of 52 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and adventure.

Jim was a devoted father to Jane (Scott) Filkin, John (Mollie) Watkinson, and Anne (Brandon) Borowski. He cherished his role as Papa to eight grandchildren: Lucy, Kate, and Jed Filkin; Abraham, Lydia, and Caspian Watkinson; and Miles and Jovie Borowski. He also leaves behind his siblings Barbara Watkinson, Wayne Watkinson, Lin Watkinson, and Brian Watkinson and their families.

A man of deep trust in God, Jim lived out his faith through worship and service. He was actively involved in Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church and dedicated much of his time to mentoring others. His adventurous spirit led him to explore the world through travel and athletic pursuits, creating cherished memories with loved ones. He had hoped for many more years with his family and friends.

Jim’s legacy is one of love, faith, sacrifice, and generosity. He will be remembered for the countless lives he touched with his kindness and wisdom.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church on Feb. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family encourages all who are able to donate blood or to support the American Cancer Society to help those in need.

 

Josephine Saucerman Williams

Josephine Saucerman Williams, age 106, passed away on Jan. 1, 2025, at Aspen Valley Senior Living in Boise, Idaho. She was born on Oct. 7, 1918, in Portland, Ore., to Caterina and Giuseppe Molinari and was the youngest of 11 children.

She was married to Willis Saucerman for 46 years who preceded her in death and together they raised four children. Josephine enjoyed her 10 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

When Josephine and Bill relocated to Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1955 after serving our country in the Air Force they joined the Idaho Falls Country Club. Josephine started playing golf at the age of 42 and served on several social events and tournament committees. She served on the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary for 13 years and served as their President for 2 years. She enjoyed working numerous years on their Christmas Bazaar.

Josephine and Bill moved to Sun Lakes in 1978. Josephine continued her love of golf and had her first hole-in-one at the Sun Lakes Country Club in 1981. She continued enjoying and being active in the golfing communities in Sun Lakes into her 90s. Jo was a founding member of the Oakwood Ladies Niners. In 2000 she received a lifetime membership to the Niners. In her honor, their Low Net Cup tournament was renamed the Jo Williams Cup.

She married Carl Williams in 1996 in Sun Lakes and they enjoyed two years together before his death in 1998.

Josephine became a member of St. Stevens Catholic Church in 1978 and served as a Martha’s Volunteer. Along with serving her church and playing golf, Josephine also enjoyed knitting, playing cards, bird watching, reading, dancing, music, gardening, and watching her Diamondbacks and Cardinals. Above all, she enjoyed being with family and friends.

A private graveside service for her family was held Jan. 10, 2025, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Idaho Falls.

In honor of Josephine’s memory, please consider donating in her name to: Keystone Hospice Foundation, 21N Fisher Park Way, Eagle, ID 83616.