1930-2024

Biography:

Evans Crary, Jr., a distinguished figure and native son of Martin County, passed away at the age of 93 on January 18, 2024. Born in Stuart, Florida, on February 11, 1930, shortly after the formation of Martin County, Crary was a man whose life was intertwined with the development and leadership of his community. His parents, Lawrence Evans Crary, Sr., and Talley McKewn Crary, set a path of service and leadership that he would follow, embodying charisma and a natural aptitude for leadership. Evans Jr.'s academic achievements were notable; he was the Class Salutatorian in 1947 at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, and his educational journey continued at the University of Florida, where he excelled in the Air Force ROTC, was an active member of Blue Key, joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and graduated with a BSBA degree in 1951. His academic accomplishments extended to law school, where he was a member of the Honor Court and president of the John Marshall Bar Association, earning his juris doctorate with high honors in 1952.

After completing his education, Evans served as a JAG officer in the Air Force and later joined his father's law practice, where his leadership skills flourished. His community involvement and dedication were evident as he took on roles such as chairman and president of the Stuart Junior Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to service was recognized statewide, leading to his appointment as the County Judge of Martin County at the young age of 28. Throughout his life, Evans held numerous leadership positions in various organizations, contributing significantly to the growth of his community. His contributions extended beyond professional achievements; he was a dedicated Freemason, becoming the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F & AM of Florida, and was deeply involved in his church and evangelical activities, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to his faith and community.

Evans Crary, Jr.'s legacy is marked by his outstanding community contributions, professional excellence, and commitment to faith and service. He leaves behind a family that continues his legacy, including his wife, Margaret Whitney-Smith, three children, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His life was celebrated by the community he served, with a public visitation held in his honor. Instead of flowers, donations were encouraged to local charities in his name, reflecting his enduring spirit of giving and community support. Evans Crary, Jr.'s life was a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community through dedication, leadership, and service.

LARRY BUCHANAN

1941-2012

Biography:

Larry E. Buchanan joined the firm in 1967, and was elevated to manager in 1970. Larry’s practice was concentrated in the area of general corporate counsel for a multi-corporate health care system providing health care through acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, home health care services, walk-in medical clinics, wellness centers and a tax-exempt foundation. He also served as general corporate counsel for a community mental health provider and as attorney to an industrial development authority.

His practice included tax-exempt bond financing for health care providers as well as representation of a local industrial development authority providing financing for local and national companies. Larry had extensive experience in the purchase and sale of businesses and general contract negotiations associated with commercial transactions.

His practice also included general real estate, probate and estate planning. Larry earned his B.A. from the University of Florida in 1963. He was awarded a Juris Doctor in 1966 from the University of Florida College of Law.

Larry was “AV” rated by Martindale Hubbell.

ROBERT J. ELDER III

1964-2015

Biography:

Robert J. Elder III practiced primarily in the areas of civil litigation, including construction lien law and construction defects, commercial disputes, real property disputes, probate, wills and trust litigation, creditors’ rights and UCC-1 matters as adopted by the Florida Statutes. Rob had represented Martin County’s only hospital for over ten years and handled civil litigation matters and garnishments for Seacoast National Bank, one of Martin County’s oldest banks. He also had extensive experience from previously working with a U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, representing both debtors and creditors in bankruptcy matters and adversarial proceeding before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Rob earned a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Finance in 1992 from Florida State University. Rob was awarded a J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, in 1996.

• The Florida Bar
• United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
• United States District Court, Southern District of Florida
• United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
• Martin County Bar Association
• Bankruptcy Law Committee (Past Chairman)
• Trial Lawyer Committee
• Pi Kappa Alpha, Gamma Psi Chapter, Alumni.