Archive for the ‘Obituary’ Category

In Memoriam: Antioch resident Jordan Davis passes at 29

Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

A Journey of Joy and Jests

On January 21, 2024, the world lost a bit of its sparkle when Jordan Phillip Davis, age 29, exited the off-ramp from life in Antioch, California. He embarked on this adventure on November 12, 1994, and from day one, Jordan was all about making waves – both literally and figuratively. If life’s a highway, Jordan was riding wheelies down it. He rode his dirt bike with the gusto of a kid at a candy store and jet skied as if he had fins instead of feet. His BBQs were the stuff of legend—where the grill was hot, and the steaks were never at risk. Jordan’s camping tales were more gripping than a tent peg in the earth, and if fish could talk, they’d have asked for autographs. After moving from Pittsburg at age 14, he attended Antioch High School.

As for cars, he wasn’t just under the hood—he was the wizard waving the wrench. But the heart of Jordan’s world was his little co-pilot, Jordan, Jr.

Together, they navigated the bumpy roads of life with laughter as their GPS and unconditional love was their fuel. Jordan’s career was a mixed bag of gigs from Save Mart to Tesla; until one day he branched out and plated his own business, HD Tree Service with his best bud, Carlos. They were the dynamic duo, shaking the family tree of the tree service industry one branch at a time.

The cast of characters in Jordan’s life story is as vibrant as a rainbow after a storm. He leaves behind his mom, Dolly; stepdad, Jimmy; son, Jordan, Jr.; Aunt Christene; Uncle Robert; cousin Robert; Uncle Moe; cousin Kayla; Grandma Linda; Grandpa Richard; Cheri and Robbie; and his ever-faithful best friend, Cutty (Carlos), the Robin to his Batman, who also survives him along with a forest of friends and distant kin. We are busy planning the after-party, ensuring that Jordan’s final send-off is as lively as he was.

So, let’s not say good-bye to Jordan; instead, let’s rev our engines and honk our horns in celebration of a man who lived life in the fun lane. Here’s to Jordan, may we all keep our tires dirty and our grills sizzling in his honor.

In Memoriam: Antioch native and lifelong resident Mark Smith passes at 35

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

Mark Anthony Smith (aka Markie) passed away on Feb. 10,2024 in a motorcycle accident. Markie leaves behind his parents Mark and Toni Smith, his brother Jacob, sister Jessica, his dog Deebo, many aunts and uncles, cousins and best friend Uriel along with many other good friends. Markie was full of energy with a little wild and lived life to the fullest.

Mark loved to duck hunt with dad and his dogs, Knuckles who passed away recently, Deebo who he trained, fishing and going to and watching 49er games, snowboarding with his sister and dad, playing disc golf and riding his Harley.

Mark often took his mom to Warrior games, went to concerts and festivals among many other things. Markie loved taking his brother Jacob to Monterey for long weekends, he would take Jacob putting at the golf course and concerts with his mom and sister Jessica. Mark always made everyone feel cared about and welcome no matter where or what he was doing. He made time for everyone.

Mark adored his dogs Knuckles and Deebo and often took them out for brunch on the weekends and took them to work with him on most days. When you were with Markie you knew it was going to be fun. Mark purchased his first home last September on the water and was looking forward to boating on the Delta.

Mark worked as hard as he played. Mark graduated from Antioch High School then Chico State with honors. Mark and his sister Jessica went to Chico together and lived down the street from one another, spending all their free time together. Mark just received a big promotion at work where he was a project manager and was loved and respected by his coworkers. He recently purchased his first home in Pittsburg.

Markie touched the life of everyone he crossed paths with. Markie will be missed by many and never forgotten.

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, April 12th, 2024, 4:30 to 9:00pm at Heather Farms in the Lakeside room, 301 N San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.

Everyone who knew and cared about Mark is welcome to come.

In Memoriam: Co-owner of Dad’s BBQ in Antioch, real estate broker Dietra King passes at 60

Thursday, February 1st, 2024

Dietra was born in Biloxi Mississippi on November 6, 1963, at historical Biloxi Memorial Hospital to Dennis Ray, Sr. and Etta Hicks. Her dad moved the family to East Oakland, California when she was three years old alongside her siblings. She attended Brookfield Elementary, Madison Junior High, and in 1981 graduated from Castlemont High School with a 3.0 GPA. Dietra was a “widow twice in one life” In November 1983-January 5, 1984 to Jimmie Rideout – (child Delitha Henson, mother-in-law Martha (Bob) Thornton) and August 11, 1990-August 23, 2020 to Eric Rowland-King – (children Eriesha Holmes, Eric King, Derek King).

Dietra was a resident of Antioch, California for over 30 years with her late husband Eric King, where the remainder of her life was lived. She attended and visited several congregations in Antioch and throughout California. During her adult life, she worked for the Internal Revenue Services, Naval Supply Center, VA/HUD Real Estate Loan Department, real estate agent for CJ Patterson Red Carpet Realty, Oakley Morning Star Real Estate Properties and the family-owned Dad’s BBQ Restaurant.

In 2005, she became co-owner/partner and manager of Dad’s BBQ and in 2006 obtained her real estate Broker License.  She launched and opened her entrepreneurial real estate agency, called Hearts Realty. Her motto was “Heart to Heart, Home to Home,” and the home sale yardage sign was in the shape of a heart. From 2006-2008, Hearts Realty was growing and flourishing financially. Since Dietra’s businesses were being blessed, she wanted to give back the blessings by depositing a percentage of all home sales into an account funded for those in need and her 10 agents. Dietra educated and provided families the opportunity to own their own home and making sure her children owned a home before she departed which was a goal for her that was accomplished, even during her illness and fighting days. In 2008, the housing market collapsed, which caused millions of people to lose their jobs and many businesses went bankrupt but God Sustained Heart’s Realty and even during the 2020-2021 pandemic Dad’s BBQ was blessed to continue servicing their community. For the past several years, Dietra was a mentor to real estate agents, while training the family’s next generation to work and manage Dads BBQ. Dietra enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to gospel music, going to gospel and comedy concerts, hosting family and community gatherings. Over the past several years, Dietra was working on a book writing as a self-published author, her unique life’s memoir; to be released in the future. 

Dietra Letitia Hicks-King departed her earthly life peacefully the early morning of January 7, 2024, at the age of 60, in the home of her daughter, Eriesha (De’Andre) Holmes and grandchildren. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family and hospice support during the last days of her life.

Dietra touched and supported so many lives throughout her short, yet very memorable and special life’s journey. According to man, she is gone too soon; but it was God’s will that she departs from all those who loved and spent time with her. Dietra was ready to be offered, and the time of her departure was at hand. She fought a good fight, finishing her course for God’s purpose and glory, leaving a legacy.

Dietra was a Christian and her life lived was close to her Lord and Savior. Keeping the faith, being steadfast on her morals and values during her journey in life, confirmed that her goal was to live a life to please her Lord.  Dietra’s life offered quality and quantity time for all those she touched. There are no goodbyes, because to have had the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship with Dietra and all the special memories will never be gone but live in our hearts and minds forever.

Dietra was preceded in death by her late husband Eric King, Sr.

Dietra is survived by her parents – Dennis and Etta Hicks, mother-in-law Clarice King, her children – Delitha (Van) Henson, Eriesha (De’Andre) Holmes, Eric King, Derek King, five grandchildren that called her “GrandD,” Jimmie’, Gizelle, D’Andre’, Dezmond, and Nyoko, and Godchildren – Deandrea Johnson and Dominic Woods. Her brothers – Dennis Ray, Jr., Cedric (Nina) Hicks, sisters – LaMonica (Ronnie) Samuel, and Amelia Hicks.

“Auntie” Dietra created a home where a host of her nephews and nieces spent quality time, had lots of fun, spreading contagious laughs and lifetime memories. A host of brother/sister in-laws, cousins and surviving aunts and uncles. Dietra’s “heart to heart and home to home” open door gathering environment for family, friends, employees and colleagues was to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, by encouraging and inspiring one another. Her one-of-a-kind sense of humor, realness and sincerity will be cherished forever in our hearts and minds.     

Dietra, rest in peace with eternal life and may an angels’ chorus greet you in heaven. Your footsteps can never be filled, nor your love ever forgotten, because a spiritual journey doesn’t end with death. You were the cornerstone in so many lives, beautiful melody in the rhythm of our lives and the music of your life will live on. Your life well lived and spent; a powerful work of art. Beautifully created and remembered by all who loved and knew you. The hours and minutes tick by slowly, and it’s finally time to say goodbye to no more of your beautiful smile, hugs and moments on this side of eternity; yet the beautiful memories bring comfort from the disbelief/heartache. You will be so dearly missed!

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” -Psalm 29:11

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, on my soul.  I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” – Psalms 146:1-2

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1Thessalonians 5:18

Viewing – Dans Scales Funeral Services
107 W. 8th Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Friday, February 2, 2024
4pm-6pm

Funeral – Solomon Temple Ministries
655 California Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Saturday February 3, 2024 at 11am 

Watch Dietra’s service via livestream on YouTube.

If you would like to send flowers please send them to Solomon Temple Ministries Saturday morning by 10am Thank you!

Repast to follow!

In Memoriam: Former Antioch insurance agency owner Frank Saxen passes at 82

Monday, November 20th, 2023

FRANK SAXEN:  Born November 10, 1940, and died October 30, 2023, eleven days shy of his 83rd birthday, in Georgetown, Texas after relocating there in October 2021.      

Born to Alfred T. F. Saxen and Henrietta Mae Luke Saxen Mapleton, Iowa, Frank is survived by siblings (Elsie) Kaye Burlingame, CA, Jeanette Saxen, WY and Jerry Saxen, NV and preceeded in death by Katherine Colborn, CA, and Shirley Belleci, CA.

Frank joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, served 9 years as an Electronic Engineer, and was a Vietnam Veteran.

In 1958 he married Donna Cooper (now Olson) of Estherville, IA. They had five children:

Rick Saxen (Georgia Saxen, deceased), Iowa

Robert Saxen (Carman Rivera) Surprise, Arizona

Ron Saxen (Leslie Sosnick) Brentwood, CA

Rebecca Saxen Swanson Garcia, Estherville, Iowa

Robin Saxen (Gace Lan) London, UK

Stepchildren: Kimberlee Baird Fleury, TX, Scott Baird, CA and Tish Baird, CA

Grandson: Ian Swanson, Stockton CA

Frank was an avid hunter and looked forward to his annual hunt in Wyoming every fall. He had a special understanding about all animals and their behavior including a love and knowledge of birds.  Saxen loved the game of golf and at one (younger) time was a scratch player and was proud to have a hole in one.

In 1989 he married Carol Biggam Baird of Santa Barbara and Walnut Creek, CA. They were married for 34 years.

After serving in the Navy, Frank moved to Antioch, CA (for its sunshine) and opened Frank Saxen Insurance Agency. He was a strong community leader and contributed greatly and tirelessly to its growth, economy, and celebrations. He was a great organizer and fundraiser for the Fourth of July parades and fireworks. Saxen took over the Antioch Economic Development Committee and successfully ran the organization for 12 years.  

He was active in the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsburg/Antioch. He also served as President of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and rose to the rank of Lt. Governor in Kiwanis. Saxen also served two six-year terms on the Contra Costa Council.  

When BART decided to extend service down the (San Francisco) Peninsula before Antioch’s extension (for which Antioch had contributed for 25 years) he fought back, hard. Eventually, BART acquiesced after Saxen started a task force and began legal proceedings for East County to secede from Contra Costa County.  It was a huge win for East County to finally be recognized and soon have a BART extension.   

Frank was also known to be seen around town with his famous pigeon, Samatha, on his shoulder. You see, Dr. Nolan of the San Diego Zoo proved Samatha thought Frank was her lifelong partner. The pair were featured on the TV show “That’s Incredible”. Numerous re-runs of this segment were shown for several years thereafter. Sammy died Thanksgiving Day 1988. She was 11 years old, living six years longer than an average pigeon.

Saxen was a long-time member of the Church of God An International Community and attended services mainly in the greater San Francisco East Bay area. Frank and Carol traveled to various locations in the US and the world to attend the annual Feast of Tabernacles.  He leaves many, many dear friends.

Services will be private, as per family wishes.

In Memoriam: First female Mayor of Antioch Louise Giersch passes at 97

Monday, November 6th, 2023
Louise Giersch

Louise passed on September 4, 2023; weeks shy of her 98th birthday. Louise was born in Arvada, Colorado, the first of four children. She and her husband Lauron met in the Chemical Engineering department at the University of Colorado. After years in Washington, Oregon and Southern California they moved to Antioch, with Lauron working for Crown Zellerbach and Louise raising their three daughters, Leslie, Linda, and Lori.

Louise became a substitute teacher and in 1964 she was appointed to the Planning Commission, where she remained until she won a seat on the City Council in 1968. She became the first woman mayor of Antioch in 1970-1971, and again in 1975-1976, a groundbreaking role model for future generations of young women. In addition to the City Council, Louise served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). She was also appointed to the Seismic Safety Commission and was an independent contractor for environmental protection at Caltrans.

 In 1966 Louise obtained her pilot’s license and in 1969 she and Lauron flew the family in a six-seater Cherokee on a tour of the United States. After retirement they loved to travel and were proud of the fact, they had visited all seven continents. Later Louise and Lauron relocated to Sonora, California, where they resided for over 20 years. They loved exploring the Eastern Sierras and she was involved in the local arts community and became a prolific oil painter, often painting scenes of the Sierra foothills.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Lauron, her sister Bobbie & brother-in-law Tom Warfield. Louise leaves behind daughters Leslie Lum, Ollie Linda Anderson & Lori Brown, her sister Billie Homberg & nephew David (Donna) O’Bryan and niece Donna Ruth (Todd) Schutz, brother Tony (Joie) Price, nephew Bill (Linda) Warfield, and niece Debra (Blue) Bergmann. She will be greatly missed.

In Memoriam: Former Antioch Councilman Frank Stone passes at 96

Monday, November 6th, 2023
Former Antioch Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Frank L. Stone, his dog Rambo and the plaque in his honor at the Antioch Animal Services building. Source: Antioch Animal Services

By Antioch Animal Services

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Frank L. Stone at 96 years of age on Wednesday, October 25th in Palm Springs, FL. Frank was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Animal Shelter here at 300 L Street, which was dedicated to him in 1994.

Frank, a Tennessee native, lived in Antioch during his career and retirement from PG&E. Frank was an active member of the community and a huge animal lover from his dog Rambo (pictured) to his last dog, Rita, Frank was never without a canine companion. He was a part of the Antioch City Council and Mayor Pro Tem for two terms. He was also a founding member of the Association of Responsible Citizens formed in 1978 and a founding member and first Treasurer for Friends of Animal Services formed in 1979.

In 1994 during the dedication of the new Animal Shelter, former president of Friends of Antioch Animal Services, Barbara Sobalvarro, fondly recounts what her “friend” Frank said, “A City that does not care about its children, older people or animals, is a City without a soul.”

We are so thankful for Frank’s service to his Country as a naval officer, to his City as a Councilman and to the people and the animals of Antioch as a voice for the voiceless. He was a true friend to all.

To his family, our sincerest condolences.

In Memoriam: Patti Jo Woolcott passes at 74

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

Patti Jo Woolcott passed away September 20, 2023, in Pioneer, Ca at the age of 74. She was born on December 9, 1948, in Taft, Ca to Roy and Josephine Bennett.

Patti is survived by her spouse Cameron Woolcott Jr. of Pioneer, CA, daughter; Tammi Ziel of Antioch, CA, Grandchildren: Tyler Ziel, Zachary Ziel, Emily Mason and brother; Bob Bennett of Pittsburg, CA

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy Lee Bennett and Josephine V. Pinneo. 

At the family’s request, there will be no services at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting  www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guestbook. Donations can be made to Rusty Fun Co: Amador Animal Shelter.

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Services for Leo Fontana Friday, September 1

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

By Antioch Sports Legends

Leo Fontana

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Holy Cross Cemetery 2200 East 18th Street in Antioch.

Leo Fontana, “Mr. Antioch” leaves a legacy of over 60 Years of Community service! Sports Legends Co-Founder, long time Antioch Rotarian, he had a perfect attendance record of 29 years with the Lions Club. Antioch’s voters elected him to the Antioch City Council, on which he served from 1982-1986. He was also an Antioch Planning Commissioner, Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Charter President of the Antioch Merchants Association.

Sports and recreation programs in the city all seem to trace their origins back to Leo. He participated in the creation of the Antioch Hornets football team, Lob Ball League, Antioch Softball League and Antioch Babe Ruth Baseball, for which he served as its first president. An athlete himself, Leo played catcher for the Antioch Merchants team and left halfback for the Antioch Alumni Football team in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Leo left an indelible mark on Antioch. He truly lived the Rotary International official mottoes of Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best. Leo will be missed.

Learn more about Leo’s life here.