Hubert Howard Vesser, Jr.

Hubert Howard Vesser, Jr., M.D., aged 92, was called home by his Heavenly Father and passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida, having recently relocated from Lake County, Florida, where he resided for 50 years. He led a full and vibrant life and positively impacted many individuals throughout his journey.

Howard was born on October 26, 1932, to Hubert and Elizabeth Vesser in Mascot, TN. He graduated from Knoxville Central High School, University of Tennessee (Knoxville), University of Tennessee Medical School, and continued his education with an orthopedic residency at the Mayo Clinic. He served as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He practiced as a respected orthopedic surgeon in Lake County, Florida for 50 years.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Leesburg, Florida, and a man of faith.

Howard demonstrated exceptional generosity and compassion. He came out of retirement as an orthopedic surgeon to help establish the "Community Medical Care Center", a ministry of First Baptist Church of Leesburg. Serving as President and Orthopedic Specialist, this center provides medical care to those who otherwise would not have had access to healthcare. Additionally, he dedicated his time and medical expertise by volunteering internationally. In his own words “medicine is in my blood”.

He was married to his beloved wife, Sarah, for 50 golden years, his true love and partner in life.  They had an undying love for each other, a love like no other.

Family was his top priority. He loved unconditionally, encouraged our dreams, and offered wise advice. As a father and "Granddaddy," he showed great love and patience. He lived life to the fullest and included us in every moment.

In his leisure time, he could frequently be found on the tennis courts engaging in a match. Additionally, he had a passion for playing the piano and trumpet. His home was often filled with the sound of music emanating from his grand piano, as music was one of his passions.

He enjoyed traveling the world and shared adventures with his family. For years he took the family to New York City during the Christmas Holidays.  He always said that New York City was the “center of the universe”. He loved his various Mercedes and convertibles, often driving with the top down and music playing with the sounds of Frank Sinatra, John Denver, and Michael Bublé.

Howard was preceded in death by parents Hubert and Elizabeth Vesser, and son Allan Howard Vesser.  He is lovingly remembered by his surviving family, Sarah Matheny Vesser (wife); son Mark Vesser (Jeannine); daughters Linda Lou Vesser and Sara Vesser Hart (Ted); son Rick Turner (Pam), daughter Cindy Turner (Shelley), daughter Kathy Nail (Brady); grandsons Ricky Turner, Matthew Nail (Rachel), and Ben Vesser (Melissa); granddaughters Ashley Gussler (Josh), and Elyse Vesser (Derek Wetherell); great-grandchildren Wesley Gallagher, Colton and Brooklyn Nail, Lexie and Madelyn Gussler, and Benjamin and Anna Vesser.

Howard will be remembered for his generosity and cheerful nature. He was a prominent member of the community, extending warmth and joy to everyone he encountered. His memory will endure in our hearts.

He healed with his hands and loved with his heart.

An Honor Guard Burial Service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL on Friday February 28th at 11 AM, and a Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church of Leesburg, FL on Sunday March 2nd at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Community Medical Care Center” at First Baptist Church of Leesburg (https://onrealm.org/ChristianCareCe/-/form/give/now).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hubert Howard Vesser, Jr., please visit our floral store.