Theodore Clement Santana, Jr., age 95, of Lecanto, FL, passed away May 15, 2018, at New Horizon Assisted Living Facility, Inverness. Theodore was born on February 14, 1923, in Miami, FL, to the late Theodore and Clara (Braddock) Santana. He proudly enlisted to serve his country as a Naval Aviation Cadet in July of 1942. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy, was a Veteran of World War II and Naval Aviator.
In 1946, after his military service, he was employed by the United States Postal Service as a level 4 Clerk and retired in 1978 as a level 15 Supervisor. On May 19, 1943, he married Betty Lee Bennett with whom he shared 71 years of loving marriage until her passing on March 1, 2015. After his retirement in 1978, Theodore and Betty made Citrus County their home after relocating from Miami, FL. He and his wife were founding members of the Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church and he was one of the churches first elders. Theodore was a member of the Citrus County Good Time Cloggers and was an avid runner. He ran his first 10K in 1979 and his last race in 1991. As a 5th generation Floridian, he enjoyed everything that Florida had to offer including fishing, camping, boating, swimming and hunting in the Everglades.
Those left to mourn Theodore’s passing include his grandson, Ted Santana IV and his wife Kelly of Lake City, FL; granddaughter, Terri Santana of Clemmons, N.C.; great grandchildren: Spencer, Logan, Addison and Tucker. He was preceded in death by his son, Theodore Santana III in 2001.
A Funeral Service of Remembrance has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, with Reverend Ray Cortese officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, where full military honors will be rendered by Inverness VFW Post #4337. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Seven Rivers Christian School, 4221 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461. Arrangements are under the direction of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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