'Our hearts are broken': Raytheon director Jeff Lumpkin, wife remembered fondly after fatal plane crash
VENICE, FLORIDA: The associate director at Raytheon and his realtor wife lost their lives in a polane crash alongside another couple on Wednesday, April 5. Jeff and Patty Lumpkin were flying on a single-engine plane with Rick Beaver, 60, and his wife Bethe, 57, of Noblesville, Indiana, when it crashed near the Venice Fishing Pier in Florida.
The Daily Mail reported that all four victims had gone to Venice for dinner with friends after boarding the flight at St Petersburg airport in the evening. They enjoyed dinner at Sharky’s On the Pier restaurant before boarding the return flight again at around 9:35 pm. But the plane crashed soon after the departure, the accident happened, killing everyone.
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All passengers on flight died
People who witnessed the tragedy called 911 for help before emergency personnel reached the location to begin the rescue operation. According to Venice Fire Rescue, the remains of Jeff and Rick were discovered on Wednesday but the women’s bodies were found Thursday morning, April 6. The crash is now been probed by the National Transportation Safety Board.
As the news of the couples’ death came out, tributes started to pour in for them. A known one to Lumpkins wrote on Facebook, “Could you please pray for Jeff and Patty Lumpkin’s family? They were both killed in a tragic plane crash last night. Our hearts are broken as they were our friends and faithful servants of Jesus here at Life Church. Let’s lift their loved ones to the Lord. They will be sorely missed, but they are waking up to the Savior’s face this Easter Weekend.”
‘Can't wait for one of your hug’
Another known one named Lori McKinney shared, “This will be a long post - I am asking for prayer for the Lumpkin and Beaver families. I was told today at 2:15 pm, that four amazing Christians were killed in a plane crash last night off the Gulf of Florida. I had the honor of knowing one of them, Patty Lumpkin. I first met her at Crossroads Great Banquet in October 2011.”
McKinney continued, “She served on the team when I attended. Her faith was like nothing I had ever seen before. Her testimony of God healing her from stage 4 breast cancer was life-changing to me. She also experienced God's healing from critical care covid 19 just a few short years ago. Patty impacted my life with her love and faith. She was also so special to my daughter, Julianne. Ohhh, she loved Julianne! I am so sad to lose this beautiful woman, but at the same time, I know she and her husband and friends are experiencing pure JOY.”
“Friends, JESUS IS THE REAL DEAL - He changed my life, restored my marriage, and gives the gift of salvation to ALL. This life is just a vapor and NOTHING compares to the Glory awaiting us. If anyone wants to talk, I would love to tell you about my Jesus♥️ I know Patty shared her story with hundreds of people and I invite you to know Jesus too. Amidst the devastation, God is Good. Thank you for your prayers for the Beaver and Lumpkin families. See ya later, Patty, and I can't wait for one of your hugs! (Patty is pictured in the back right).” the person added.
Erin Shadley-Juarez posted, “As I mourn the loss of my dear sister-in-Christ and friend Patty Lumpkin I know she is experiencing her greatest Joy.. being in the presence of her King Jesus. She had no fear of death or reservation to, at any moment, go and be with her King when she is called. Her dream has come true.”
“Patty… I will miss our talks, your wisdom, and advice, your voice, your laugh, your smile, your hugs… and just knowing I can call you at any time to talk about anything. You were one of the first people to show me the Love of Christ and share your testimony which taught me about faith and the power of prayer. I am so blessed to have known you. You are Home now to be with your King…. See you there one day my sweet sister. I love you.”
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