09/30/05

Charles R. Wilson,
retired teacher
Charles R. Wilson, 78, of Milton, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005, at his residence.  
Mr. Wilson was born March 29, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Russell & Clara (Loynd) Wilson.
Mr. Wilson retired after teaching health and physical education for 31 years in the Bridgeton High School and the Lower Cape May Regional High School systems. He was the former athletic director for Lower Cape May Regional High School and past president of the Cape Atlantic League. 
He was also a member of the South Jersey Coaches Association and New Jersey Track Officials. 
And, for more than 50 years he was a past master and member of the Masonic Lodge, Evening Star Lodge 97, Bridgeton, N.J.  
Mr. Wilson served in the Army Air Corps during WW II.
Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, Helen E. (Porch) Wilson; a daughter, Pamela G. Beckman and husband Chris of Rehoboth Beach; two sons, Steven C. Wilson and companion Doreen DiCarlo of Cape May, N.J., and Charles P. Wilson of Milton; two grandchildren, Christine Beckman of Rehoboth Beach and Daniel Wilson of New Jersey; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Janet C. Ortolf of Vero Beach, Fla.; and a brother, Richard A. Wilson and wife, Carol J., of Hockessin.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m., at Lewes Presbyterian Church, 133 Kings Highway, Lewes.   Interment will follow in the Churchyard Cemetery. 
Friends may call Sunday, Oct. 2, from 7-9 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes where Masonic Services will begin at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lewes Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box  616, Lewes, DE 19958.

 
Margaret Harmon Banks,
retired domestic worker
Margaret Harmon Banks, 104, of Milton died of heart failure Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford.
Mrs. Banks was born Sept. 5, 1901, in Milton. She was a domestic worker.
Mrs. Banks was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher and missionary worker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marce and Victoria Hood Harmon; her husband, Elijah Banks; and a son, Richard M. Banks.
She is survived by three sons, Nolan Banks and Alton Harmon, both of Milton, and Milton Banks of Rochester, N.Y.; three daughters, Pearl Cirwithian of Milton, Joyce Jones of Ellendale and Marie Ealy of Philadelphia; three sons-in-law; two daughters-in-law; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; great-great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
Services will be noon Monday, Oct. 3, in Bethel A.M.E. Church, Milton, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Bethel A.M.E. Cemetery.
Arrangements by Young’s Funeral Home, Milford.

Joan Chapman Wilhoit
avid golfer, bridge player
Joan Chapman Wilhoit, 72 of Wilmington, and formerly of Victoria, Texas, passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, at the Stonegates Health Center in Greenville.
She was born Feb. 13, 1933. She was the daughter of the late Fred F. Chapman and the late Mary Hughes Chapman of Wilmington. Joan was born and raised in Wilmington and was a graduate of Wilmington Friends School, attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts, and was a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She also lived in Orange, Texas, Wilmington, N.C., and Bethany Beach, before returning to Wilmington.
She was a generous, kind and loving person, and a devoted mother. In her free time she enjoyed playing golf and bridge.
Joan is survived by a son, Michael C. Wilhoit of Austin, Texas; brothers, Fred H. Chapman of Lewes, and W. Donald Chapman of Stow, Mass.; her sister, Anne “Nancy” C. Berl of Wilmington; and a number of loving nephews and nieces.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Stonegates for their thoughtful and professional care.
Visitation will be held at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, Saturday Oct. 1, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m.
Burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720.
Arrangements by Chandler Funeral Homes.

Hazel Passwaters Fox,
Lewes native
Hazel Passwaters Fox, 82, of Miami, Fla., passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005.
A resident of Miami since 1946, she as a former secretary for the War Department under President Franklin Roosevelt.
She was born Jan. 1, 1923 in Lewes, the daughter of the late Caroline Passwaters Jones.
She was the wife of the late Terry Fox who played football for the Unibersity of Miami, 1946-47 and for the Miami Seahawks.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Terrance P. and Charlene Fox; two daughters, Valerie Anne Fox and Patrice E. Davidow, all of Miami; three grandchildren, Jennifer, Nathan and Natalie; and three great-grandchildren, Maximillian, Oliver and Emily Rose.

Roger I. Wells,
retired mechanic
Roger I. Wells, 69, of Lewes, died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, at home.
Mr. Wells was born in Red Bank, N.J. He was a mechanic at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant in Forked River, N.J. and was a veteran of the United States Navy.
He is survived by his son, Jason R. Wells of Lewes; a brother, David, of Red Bank, N.J.; and a sister, Patricia Wilson, of Lady Lake, Fla.
Services will be held at noon, Friday, Sept. 30, at the Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Long Neck, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Joyce Dale Hafko,
Millsboro homemaker
Joyce Dale Hafko, 71, of Millsboro, and formerly of Baltimore, Md., died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at home.
Mrs. Hafko was born in Baltimore, the daughter of the late Melvin and Pearl Walton.
She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hafko.
She is survived by four sons, Terry, Barry, Bryan and Gary; two brothers, Huyette and Leonard Walton; and a granddaughter, Jessica Hafko.
Services will be private.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Rev. Dr. Leroy Davis,
priest, scholar
The Rev. Dr. Leroy A. Davis, 70, of Lewes, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005, peacefully at home with family and friends.
Dr. “Roy” Davis, as he was known, was born Dec. 28, 1934 in Buffalo Center, Iowa.
A graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary, Dr. Davis was an Episcopal priest for 45 years. He was known as a scholar and received his Ph.D. in education from Ohio University.
A parish priest for many years in Ohio and Delaware, Dr. Davis went to Turkey in 1991 to teach in a project sponsored by their Ministry of Education. He later taught at the University of the Yucatan in Mexico.
Known as a skilled linguist, Dr. Davis also tutored students in Spanish and Greek.
Dr. Davis spent three years working in Church World Service in Elkart, Ind., for the National Episcopal Church. Dr. Davis served as a priest in the Diocese of Delaware for churches throughout Sussex county. He led many spiritual growth groups and, in the opinion of many of those students, changed lives. Following a family history of educators, he enjoyed teaching human development and psychology at Delaware Technical and Community College in Georgetown. Dr. Davis remained active and involved in life to the end. A man with wide ranging interests, Dr. Davis and his wife Marsha shared a love for international travel and gardening. He also enjoyed photography, amateur radio, carpentry, and last, but not least, his two special cats, “Cricket” and “Chu Cho.”
Dr. Davis grew up in Rochester, Minn. and graduated in 1952 from Rochester High School. He received his first college degree at Hamline University in St. Paul.
The son of Marion H. Davis and Arnold M. Christopherson, Dr. Davis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marsha L. Davis; two daughters: Tammy Raetz and Heather Davis, both of California; three step-children: Col. John Moore and his wife Amanda of Fort Polk, La.; Susan Parobek and her husband, James, of Louisville, Ky.; and Kathryn Moore-Hughes and her husband, Mark, of Newark; his sister, Helen Kolb of Rochester; and nieces and nephews. There are 10 grandchildren.
A Eucharist service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. There will be no viewing.
The family requests that remembrances be sent to Delaware Hospice’s Capital Campaign Fund for the planned Delaware Hospice facility. Mail gifts to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite 107, Georgetown, DE 19947. Internment will be in Ohio at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium

Dr. Donald Cowan,
retired dentist
Dr. Donald Richard “Don” Cowan, 78, of Dover passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, in his home, with his family at his side.
Dr. Cowan was born Oct. 26, 1926, in Mount Vernon, N.Y., son of the late Llewellyn Williams Cowan and Ella Winnifred Tilley Cowan.
He was raised in New Jersey, where the family spent happy times at the shore in Belmar. At the age of 8, he and his family began vacationing on Vinalhaven Island in Maine. Exploring Penobscot Bay with his family and friends began a lifelong love of the ocean, boats and sailing.
Dr. Cowan served in the Navy’s Aviation Corps as an electronic technician’s mate in World War II.
He completed his B.A. from Rutgers University after the war and then studied at Yale Divinity School before turning to the field of public health and receiving his master’s degree from Yale University in 1953.
After teaching and serving as a hospital administrator, Dr. Cowan went to dental school, earning his degree from the University of Buffalo in 1962, and then, came to Delaware to establish a practice and join the state’s Division of Public Health, first as director of the Office of Dental Health, and later, director of the Bureau of Specialized Health Services and finally as director of the Bureau of Disease Control. He retired from the Division in 1991, but continued for some years after to work in private practice and as a dentist for disadvantaged children.
During his 24 years with the Division of Public Health, he was most proud of his work to establish and maintain nine dental clinics throughout the state to serve children under Medicaid and the Head Start program. He single-handedly designed the program, and then, fought for its funding, trained personnel and established a transportation system to get schoolchildren to the clinics. He received the American Dental Association’s highest award in 1994 for providing excellent access to dental care for Delaware’s needy children. During his tenure, more than 100,000 children received comprehensive dental treatment via the clinics, which remain in place today.
Dr. Cowan was ever curious. He was a thinker and a doer, someone who read widely and deeply and asked life’s larger questions. He sailed and canoed and played tennis and explored. His humor, intelligence and true interest in others made him a wonderful person to talk to, rely on, live and laugh with.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolores Conrad Cowan of Dover; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jennifer Cowan and Stephen Kogler of Lewes, Jessica Cowan and Sanjaya Krishna of Reston, Va., and Lesley Cowan of Lewes; a brother and a sister-in-law, Paul and Mary Cowan of St. Helena Island, S.C.; two grandchildren, Max Kogler and Anjali Krishna; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be private.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Du Pont Highway, Dover, DE 19901; or to The Salvation Army, PO Box 123, Dover, DE 19903.
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover.

Phillip C. Jones
local artist
Phillip C. Jones, 72, a resident of the Captain’s Deck in Claymont, passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, from complications of emphysema.
He was born in Wilmington, Dec. 15, 1932. Phil was a practicing artist most of his life, working with oils, pen and ink, watercolors, incisings and pottery. He studied with Ed Loper and later Henry Peacock, well known area artists. He began exhibiting his work in 1962 at the Wilmington Clothesline. He exhibited in many shows at the Ware Gallery in Arden, in juried shows at the Delaware Art Museum and the University of Delaware, at the Jewish Community Center, the New Castle Historical Society, the Chester County Art Association in West Chester, Pa. and many other venues.
He joined the Philadelphia Sketch Club at their invitation and participated in shows there. He also participated in the Brandywine Arts Festival regularly in the 70s and 80s, and in 1985 was named as the artist to whom the festival was dedicated. Phil was one of the originators of the Gallery at the Wilmington Drama League, which gives exhibition opportunities to emerging artists. He exhibited there many times since its inception in the 1970s. A memorial exhibit of his work is being planned at the WDL Gallery. Phil’s friend, Bill Pickhardt, was a prominent member of the deaf community of Delaware. Phil was his devoted assistant in bringing the arts, visual and performing, to that community. Volunteering at the Mancus Foundation was also a commitment which began in the mid 50s and continued most of his life. In his later years, Phil shared his talent as an art teacher for senior citizens with classes at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Sellers Senior Center, the Arden YMCA an the Jewish Community Center.
He also taught art to emotionally and physically challenged children under the auspices of the Mancus Foundation and New Castle County programs. In addition to his love of the arts, Phil loved animals and along with Bill, shared their home with some very lucky pets. They strongly supported the Delaware Humane Association.
He is survived by his nieces, Charlene Green and Barbara of Chesapeake City, Md., Susan Ashby of Lewes, Melanie Sekora of Tampa, Fla.; his nephews, Bernie Reed of Daytona, Fla. and Kenny Reed of Newark; and several great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, Bessie V. Jones; a sister, Marian Cooling; a brother, H.C. Stanley; a nephew, Charles W. Cooling; and his friend and companion for 45 years, William P. Pickhardt.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Doherty Funeral Home, 1900 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 3, in Gracelawn Memorial Park, Dupont Hwy., New Castle.
Donations may be made in Phil’s memory to Heartland Hospice, 261 Chapman Rd., Newark, DE 19713; or to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

David W. Pepper
retired grocery manager
David W. Pepper, 50, of Millsboro, formerly of Roxana, died Monday, September 26, 2005 after a 5?-month battle with a brain tumor, at his home.
He was born in Lewes, to Gerald W. and Fran Fisher Pepper of Fenwick. David was a 1973 graduate of Indian River High School and a 2002 graduate of Delaware Technical and Community College with a degree in human services. He had a long career with Acme Markets, Inc. in Selbyville and Millsboro, as a grocery manager, with 31 years of service. After retiring, he served as a paraprofessional with the Indian River School District.
He served two years at the Southern Delaware School of the Arts and two years at the Sussex Central Middle School. David was a member of Zoar United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and was treasurer of the men’s group. He had a very distinguished career in the fire service, serving 18 years in the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company as an assistant chief. He served for four years in the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, and for the last 13 years served in the Millsboro Fire Company, where he held the office of vice president and was a member of the board of directors. He was always willing to serve and to do for others.
In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Carisa Hall Pepper; son, Justin William Pepper of Millsboro; and brother, Richard Pepper of Dunn Loring, Va.
A viewing will be held from 6-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. The Rev. Edward Wilkins, the Rev. Fred Duncan and the Rev. Robert Hudson will conduct the memorial service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Millsboro Fire Company Station, State St., Millsboro. Interment will be held privately.
Donations may be made to the Justin Pepper Fund, c/o the Delaware National Bank, PO Box 368, Millsboro, DE 19966; to Zoar United Methodist Church, 24463 Gravel Hill Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966; or to the Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 83, Millsboro, DE 19966.

Jordan A. Elliott,
independent contractor
Jordan A. Elliott, 26 of Lewes, formerly of Penn Acres in New Castle, died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in an automobile accident.
Born on Aug. 31, 1979 in Seaford, Jordan graduated from William Penn High School in 1997, where he was a two-time state champion and high school All American in wrestling. He served as assistant wrestling coach at Delcastle High School for two years, working with Coach Jeff Hughes. Jordan was currently attending Wilmington College, completing a degree in communications and web page design. He was employed as an independent contractor doing house construction and home improvement.
Jordan is survived by his parents, Jerry A. Elliott and Janice L. Tingle Elliott of Lewes; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Sheila Elliott of Bear; sister and brother-in-law, Jamie and Donovan Delaney of Middletown; niece, Jenna; two nephews, Alec and Donovan, Jr.; girlfriend, Kim Thorpe and her daughter, Tori Thorpe; maternal grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends. He was preceded in death by two brothers, twins Justin and Jason; and two nephews, twins Georgie and Justin Delaney.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Red Lion Evangelical Free Church, 1400 Red Lion Road, Bear. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jordan’s memory may be made to the William Penn High School Wrestling Boosters, 713 E. Basin Road, New Castle, DE 19720.

John D. Allen,
Marine Corp veteran
John D. Allen, 77, of Millsboro, passed away at his home Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005.
He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Leonard and Margaret McAlpine Allen.
John served with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and also retired from the USMC with 21 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Ingling Allen.
Services will be private and arranged by Melson Funeral Services of Long Neck.

09/27/05

Eileen E. Gardner,
retired bank employee
Eileen E. O’Neill Gardner, 91, of Milton, passed away at Beebe Medical Center Friday, Sept. 23, 2005.
Born in Wilmington, Mrs. Gardner was the daughter of the late John and Sabina (Morley) O’Neill. During World War II, she served her country working for the Department of the U.S. Navy. She worked for Wilmington Trust Company as a night auditor. A member of the Democratic Party, she was an election worker in the 11th Ward.
She was predeceased her husband, Joseph “Hook” Gardner; her son, John; her brothers, John, Thomas and William O’Neill; and her sisters, Sabina McMahon and Nora Suchta. She will be dearly missed by her sons, Joseph and his wife, Mary, of Milton, Lawrence and his wife, Sandi, of Elsmere, and Robert and his partner, Gary Norman, of Edgewood, Md.; five grandchildren, Teresa, John, Shannon, Crystal and Matthew; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.,Tuesday, Sept. 27, at St. Elizabeth Church, Cedar and Clayton streets, Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Elizabeth Building Fund, 809 S. Broom St., Wilmington, DE 19805.

James Lank Short,
chemical engineer
James Lank Short, 78, of Lewes died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Short was born July 17, 1927, in Lewes, son of the late Herman C. and Elizabeth Lank Short.
He graduated from Lewes High School, served in the U.S. Navy, then graduated from the University of Delaware as a chemical engineer.
Mr. Short worked in the Philadelphia, Chicago and northern New Jersey areas. He returned to Delaware, where he retired from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Maull Short; a daughter and a son-in-law, Shellace Ann and Todd A. Williams; a grandson, Charles A. Williams of Frankford; a sister, Ann Short; a brother and a sister-in-law, Robert C. and Carol Short; many nieces and nephews throughout San Francisco, New York and New Castle; and cousins in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Sept. 28, in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Lewes.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 36, Harbeson, DE 19951.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.

Walter J. “Jim” Davis,
decorated veteran
Walter James “Jim” Davis, 78, of Dover, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, in Bayhealth Medical Center-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
Jim was born in Wilmington to the late Howard Benjamin and Anna-Margaret Walker Davis.
He moved to Dover in 1978 from the Newark-Wilmington area.
His decorated military career spanned World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He entered the Air Force Jan. 25, 1946, serving as a teletype operator until Dec. 22, 1946. Upon honorary discharge, he was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He reenlisted and served a second term as staff sergeant and, upon his second discharge, was awarded two more service medals and a ribbon. He enlisted in the Air Force Reserves where he served as tech sergeant, staff sergeant and master sergeant, the rank he had at his honorable discharge in 1975. He had been awarded numerous military achievement medals, ribbons and clusters.
Upon his retirement, after 28 years of service to the Air Force, he was commander of VFW Broadkiln Post 6984 in Milton for 10 years and service officer for four years. He was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association and American Legion Post 28 in Long Neck.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, a sister, and a stepson, Jack Masterson.
He is survived by two brothers, Donald Davis of Dover and Gregory Davis of Wilmington; two sisters, Margaret Martin of Milton and Carole J. Davis of Newark; a stepson, Francis Masterson of New Jersey; a stepgrandchild; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial services will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 5 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Contributions are suggested to the American Red Cross, Katrina Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

Chester C. Clifton,
owned barber shop
Chester Courtland Clifton, 82, of Milton, died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at home.
Mr. Clifton was born June 10, 1923, in Angola, the son of the late John E. and Jennie P. Wells Clifton.
He was a barber for 61 years and operated Clifton’s Barber Shop on Broadkill Road for 53 and a half years. He also enjoyed farming.
He was an Army veteran of World War II and had served in the 461st Bomb Squadron.
He attended Milton Wesleyan Church.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking and gardening,
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Howard, John David, Norman and Dale Clifton, and by his sisters Hattie Moore, Mamie Clifton, Nellie Wilson and Laura Rust.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty L. White Clifton; a son and daughter-in-law, C. Ray and Lynda Clifton of Lewes; a daughter, Jennie L. Clifton; a sister, Dessie C. Carey of Milton; a sister-in-law, Retta W. Clifton of Milton; three granddaughters, Christine Rockwell and her husband Raymond of Lewes, Amanda Archambault and her husband Ryan of Lewes and Meg Clifton of Philadelphia; two great-granddaughters, Landon Rockwell and Haley Archambault; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 27, in the Chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal Street, Milton, with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Larry M. Pritchett and Delaware Hospice for their loving care and support.
Contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 600 DuPont Highway, Georgetown DE 19947.
Arrangements by Short Funeral Services, Milton.

John Ford Parker,
retired farmer
John Ford Parker, 96, of near Millsboro, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, at the Seaford Center, Seaford.
Mr. Parker was born Feb. 8, 1909, in Georgetown, to the late Carl E. and Jennie Lee Givens Parker.
He was a retired farmer and a longtime member of the Hickory Hill United Methodist Church, Millsboro.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Armenia Steel Parker in 1967 and his second wife, Myrtle E. Parker, Sept. 10, 2002.
He is survived by two sons, John H. Parker Sr. and Merrill J. Parker, both of Millsboro; two daughters, Minnie F. Parker of Milton and Linda J. Dykes of Laurel; a brother, J. Alfred Parker of Georgetown; three sisters, Helen Baker of Harbeson, Margaret Wootten of Millsboro and Vetta Millman of Milton; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Services were held at the Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, with burial in Millsboro Cemetery.

Blanche Jones Clemmer,
devoted mother
Blanche J. Clemmer, 82, of Arlington, Va., died Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 at Wexford House in Kingsport, Tenn..
Mrs. Clemmer was born on March 18, 1923 in Orange, Va., the daughter of the late Alice Pannill Jones and Charles Rosser Jones of Culpepper, Va.
Mrs. Clemmer was the widow of Louis Morton Clemmer, retired Army officer who died in 1970.
She retired from the Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company in 1995, where she had been in charge of employee benefits. Previously she had been an administrative assistant with the Association of Secondary School Principals-National Education Association.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Morton Clemmer, retired Army officer, who died in 1970.
Her three children, R. Michael Clemmer of Lewes, Gerald Rosser Clemmer of Waynesboro, Va. and Lucinda Morton Carter of Kingsport Tenn.; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren survive Mrs. Clemmer. Also surviving is Delia Pannill Mitchell of Lewes, her beloved cousin.
Contributions are suggested to the Delaware Valley Alzheimer’s Association, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805 or to a favorite charity.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Arlington Funeral Home, Arlington, VA.

Richard Arnel Marcrum Sr.,
Milton native
Richard Arnel Marcrum Sr., 65, of Lady Lake, Fla., died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2005, in his home.
Mr. Marcrum was born Jan. 24, 1940, in Milton, son of the late George and Gladys Marcrum.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard Arnel Marcrum Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diann (Boyce) Marcrum of Lady Lake, formerly of Milford; a son, Douglas Marcrum of Lady Lake; and two grandsons, Jake Marcrum and Christopher Marcrum, both of Margate.
Burial will be held at the convenience of the family in the Slaughter Neck Cemetery, Argos Corner.
Arrangements by All Face Cremation Society, The Villages.

Edith M. Shockley
church, community volunteer
Edith M. Shockley, 88, daughter of the late Willie and Lillie Matthews, quietly and serenely slipped away to eternal rest Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 at the Methodist Country House.
As a minister’s wife, she ardently worked with her husband to develop various church programs & activities at churches in the Delaware and Peninsula Conferences. As a member of United Methodist Women, she enjoyed leading devotions and participating in the Interdenominational Minister’s Wives & Mates. Edith was a longtime substitute teacher in the Wilmington public schools. Before failing health, she was an active member of St. Augustine College Alumni, the Board of Trustees of the Children’s Beach House, Lewes, and Peninsula-McCabe United Methodist Church.
Her husband, Rev. John R. Shockley; a son, Dr. John R. Shockley, Jr.; a grandson, John R., III; two sisters, Elizabeth Elias and Raphael Mathes; and two brothers, William and Harold Matthews, preceded her in death.
She is survived by three daughters, Carol O. Shockley, Zarina Shockley-Sparling (Steven) and Audrey S. Reshard (Leroy); two sisters, Windal Fletcher and Madelyn Hollis; a brother, Orlando Matthews; seven grandchildren, Tristan Shockley, MD, Travis and Tara Shockley, Stephanie and Shelley Sparling, Shawna and Phylicia Reshard; a daughter-in-law, Diane D. Shockley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Funeral services were held at Peninsula-McCabe United Methodist Church, 22nd & Baynard Blvd., Wilmington, with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Fruitland, Md.

Thomas J. Bradley Jr.,
Cape district employee
Thomas J. Bradley Jr., 55, of Milton died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, in Perry Point Veteran’s Hospital, Perryville, Md.
Mr. Bradley was born Feb. 3, 1950, son of the late Thomas J. Bradley and Elsie E. Cooper Bradley Smith.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving his country during the Vietnam War.
He was employed as a master heating and air conditioning technician with the Cape Henlopen School District, retiring in 1989 due to disability.
Mr. Bradley was a member of the Elks Lodge 2401 in Milford, the Broadkiln Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6984 in Milton, a charter member of the Lewes Rehoboth Moose Lodge 646 and a member of the American Legion Post 7 in Harrington.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel Bradley; two sisters, Lillian King and Nancy Boyer; and a nephew, James Bradley.
He is survived by his wife of seven years, Shirley L. Bradley; two sons, Robert Bradley of Delaware City and Clint Bradley of Delaware; a stepson, William G. Weller III of Dover; a step-daughter and her husband, Virginia and Bruce Doering of Georgetown; three sisters and four brothers-in-law, Joan and Earl Brown of Harrington, Marie and Robert Bradley of Lincoln and Frances and Roy White of Milford and Keith Boyer of Ellendale; a sister-in-law, Margaret Bradley of Georgetown; a step-brother and his wife, Bruce and Sherrie Baker of Seaford; three step-sisters and their husbands, Sandra and Wayne Nailor of Georgetown, Tammy and Ray Morrison of Georgetown and Bridgette Aymar of Las Vegas; a grandchild, Tyler Smith Bradley; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great nephews.
Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave,, Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial with military honors will be in the Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln.
Instead of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, Robbins Building, 802 Silver Lake Blvd, Suite 100, Dover, DE, 19904.

09/23/05

Margaret L. Taylor,
retired accountant
Margaret L. Taylor, 83, of Rehoboth Beach, and formerly of Washington, D.C., and Stanley, Va., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, at Lewes Convalescent Center, following a brief battle with cancer.
Mrs. Taylor was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Joseph Kolarik and Eva Morris Kolarik.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Royce W. Taylor; her sisters, Anna Hays, Emma Lewis, and Ann Lesley; and her brothers John Kolarik, and Joseph Kolarik. 
She is survived by her daughter, Diane Taylor of Rehoboth Beach. 
She is also survived by nieces, Vicky Daugherty of Brandywine, Md., Cindy Good of Stanley, Va.; and nephew Chris Hall of Shenandoah, Va.;  as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
She was an accountant for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for 38 years, and retired in 1982. 
She moved from Washington, D.C., at the time of her retirement to Stanley, where she lived for 20 years. 
She then moved to Rehoboth Beach in 2002, and made many friends in her short time here.  Margaret will be best remembered for her profound love and compassion for animals, and her ability to laugh and smile in the most difficult of times.
The memorial service in Stanley, and burial at Epworth in Rehoboth will both be private.  Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to Beebe Medical Center c/o Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.

Thomas M. Richfield,
financial consultant
Thomas Malatesta Richfield, 64, of Washington, DC, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Monday, Sept. 19, 2005 at George Washington University Hospital.
Mr. Richfield was the owner and operator of Infe-Ventures, a financial consulting firm in Washington DC. He was a 1959 graduate of Salesianum School.
His son, Steve Richfield, and father, Thomas Malatesta, predeceased him. He is survived by his mother, Ann (Celano) Malatesta of Wilmington; his son, Jeff Richfield of Nashville, Tenn. and his wife, Jodi and their sons, James and Jacob; his son, Eric Majors of Cape Town, South Africa, and his wife, Lisa and their son, Ian; and his longtime companion, Elizabeth Sara of Washington, DC. Also surviving are his brothers, John, Mike, Roger and Jim and his sisters, Mary Ann Malewski, Jennie Sorbello and Antoinette McBride.
Visitation will take place from noon and 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, at St. Matthew’s Church, 901 E. Newport Pike, Woodcrest, where Mass of Christian burial will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.
Contributions are suggested to either St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church, 2436 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20037 or St. Matthew’s Church, 3 Curtis Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19804. www.mealeyfuneralhomes.com

Dr. W. Philip Portz
hospital chief
Dr. W. Philip Portz, 80, of Milford, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Dr. Portz was born on Sept. 25, 1924 in Long Beach, Calif., son of the late Warner Philip and Cecelia White Portz.
He received his medical degree and served his residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, who served on active duty during the Korean War.
Dr. Portz joined the medical staff of the Milford Memorial Hospital as Chief of the Department of Anesthesiology in 1955. He served as president of the medical staff there in the 1960s and served several years on the Credentials Committee of the medical staff there. He remained with the department as chief for 35 years, retiring in 1990.
After retirement, he completed another master’s degree through the University of Delaware Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program. He traveled extensively and enjoyed gardening, music, the arts and time with his family.
Dr. Portz was a member and past president of the Sussex County Medical Society, served on the State Board of Medical Practice, was a fellow of the American College of Anesthesiologists, served as a member of the Milford School Board and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Milford where he participated in the choir, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and many other church activities. He was also active locally with Meals on Wheels and the Literacy Program.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn H. Portz; two sons and a daughter-in-law; Thomas W. Portz of Orlando, Fla. and Dr. Robert A. and Barbara Portz of Lewes, seven daughters and five sons-in-law; Cynthia P. Murphy of Raleigh, N.C., Carolyn P. and Miroslaw Holisz of Newark, Julia P. and Gerald Hoyt of Stevensville, Md., Virginia P. and Edward Carney of West Chester, Pa., Sherill P. and Robert Russel of West Grove, Pa., Susan E. Portz of Milford and Katherine P. and John Spangler of Milford, a brother-in-law; James B. Herring of Milford and 14 grandchildren; Ashley Portz, Clarissa Chenoweth, Ian and Christopher Murphy, Eva Holisz, Ania Nickle, Jason and Jordan Hoyt, Katie and Sarah Russel, Cecelia Portz and Eric, Brian and Melissa Spangler.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford. Burial will be in the Milford Community Cemetery.
Contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o St. John’s Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE, 19963.
Arrangements made by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.

Alton Terry Moore,
lay minister
Alton Terry Moore, 47, of Georgetown, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, at home.
Born in Milford May 3, 1958, the son of Alton and Kathryn Moore, he worked for the state of Delaware at the Stockley Center in Georgetown, retiring after 25 years of service due to failing health.
Mr. Moore attended Millville United Methodist Church where he was a lay leader and served on several office committees. He was also on the Dover District Board of Lay Ministries. On several occasions he preached at his church and was studying to become an ordained minister.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alton E. Moore of Whaleysville, Md., formerly of Millsboro; his grandparents, Edwin and Dorothy Moore of Millsboro and Alvin Melson of Millville.
He is survived by his mother, Kathryn Melson Moore with whom he lived in Georgetown; his sister, Sherry Lynn Littleton of Dagsboro; his brother, Jerry Lee Moore of Rehoboth Beach; a niece, Nicole Ranae Littleton of Dagsboro; a nephew, Thomas James Moore of Georgetown; his very devoted grandmother, Agnes Catherine Melson with whom he also lived; his brother-in-law, Wayne Littleton of Frankford; and several dear and thoughtful aunts, uncles, cousins who visited him frequently.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25, at Millville United Methodist Church where friends may call at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. George’s Cemetery, Clarksville.
Contributions are suggested to the Millville United Methodist Church, 407 Atlantic Ave., PO Box 1179, Millville DE 19970.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Frankford.

Marta V. ‘Mart’ Perry,
Salvation Army employee
Marta Veotos “Mart” Perry, 47, of Lewes, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, in her home. Ms. Perry was born March 22, 1958, in Lewes, daughter of Naomi Perry of Lewes and the late Theodore Perry Sr.
She was employed by the Salvation Army, Rose’s and Allen Foods.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a son, Bryan Perry; and a brother, Theodore Perry Jr.
She is survived by two sons, Matthew Perry and Jamaal Perry, both of Lewes; her mother, Naomi Perry of Lewes; six grandchildren, Briana Perry and Matthew Perry III, both of Lewes, Jaleel Perry and Capone Perry, both of Lincoln, and Bryan Perry and Wanya Badger, both of Virginia; five sisters, Margaret Ayers, Phyllis Sheppard, Evelyn Johnson, Jacqueline Weston and Ernestine Coursey, all of Lewes; three brothers, Timothy Perry and Sherman Perry, both of Lewes, and Robert Perry of Dover; and a host of friends.
Services will be noon, Saturday, Sept. 24, in St. John’s Church, Mount Joy, near Millsboro, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Lewes.

09/20/05

Mildred (Bennett) Ingram,
retired local teacher
Mildred (Bennett) Ingram of Wilmington died Saturday, Sept. 17, at Foulk Manor South. Mrs. Ingram was born Aug. 7, 1907, in Roxanna, daughter of the late William C. and Clara E. (Daisey) Bennett. She was 98.
Mrs. Ingram graduated from the University of Delaware, formerly Delaware College, in 1926. Her first teaching assignment was in Williamsville, near Fenwick Island; she taught grades one through five in a two-room schoolhouse. Two years later she moved to the Gumboro school system teaching there for one year. Starting with her third year of teaching, Mrs. Ingram was in the Lewes school district where she taught for 44 years for a career total of 47 years as a teacher. She is still remembered today by many of her long ago Lewes students. Mrs. Ingram was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Lewes, for many years where she was a member of the Mary Martha Circle.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ingram was preceded in death by her husband E. Wilson Ingram (1974); two step-sons and their wives: John E. and Mary Ingram and Robert W. Ingram and his wife M. Elsie Ingram Stant; a step-granddaughter, Carol Lee Ingram; and two step-grandsons, John E. Ingram Jr. and David B. Ingram. She is survived by four step-grandchildren, Gail Guerra of Annapolis, Md.; Allen K. Ingram of Dunellon, Fla.; Robert W. Ingram Jr. of Claymont; and Cordelia Anne White of Wilmington; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and two step-great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. Interment will follow at Bethel Methodist Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway in Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808 or to Bethel United Methodist Church at 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes, DE 19958.
Send online condolences to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Elwood L. Mowday,
loving father
Elwood L. Mowday, 88, of Greensburg, Pa. and formerly of Wilmington, died Monday, Aug. 29, 2005.
Mr. Mowday was preceded in death by his son, Jack; and daughter, Barbara Jean.
He is survived by his sons; Charles L. and his wife, Mary, of Wilmington, and Bud of Rehoboth Beach.
A memorial mass was held at the Chapel at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Wilmington. Burial will be private.

Kennard A. Ellingsworth,
retired fork lift operator
Kennard Artis Ellingsworth, 67, of Dover, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at home.
Mr. Ellingsworth was born in Milford, son of the late Archie Merrill Ellingsworth and Annie Marie (Smith) Ellingsworth. He had been employed for 17 years as a fork lift operator for Tuscora Industries in Hayward, Calif. He retired in July 2003 and moved back to Delaware.
Mr. Ellingsworth enjoyed growing palm trees. He was an avid stock car fan and liked old cars. He was a former member of the Greenwood Kiwanis Club, and was a U.S. Army veteran.
Mr. Ellingsworth is survived by three daughters, Teresa Leyanna and her husband Leonard of Milford, Amy Jo Ellingsworth of Salisbury, Md., and Joy Irene Ellingsworth of Parsonsburg, Md.; a sister, Alice Tholstrup of Dover; two brothers, Samuel H. Ellingsworth of Milford and Harvey M. Ellingsworth of Georgetown; a special friend, Rhoda E. Ellingsworth of Salisbury, Md.; and six grandchildren, Leonard, Joseph and Kyle Leyanna, of Milford, Briana and Darius Foreman of Parsonsburg, Md.; and William Kennard Allen of Salisbury, Md.
Graveside services were held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford, Contributions are suggested to the Home of the Brave, 6632 Sharps Road, RD 1, Box 149, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes, Hardesty Chapel, Bridgeville. Online condolences may be sent to condolences @parsellfuneralhomes .com.

Mae B. (Harris) Clark,
retired nurse
Mae B. (Harris) Clark, 89, of Lewes, died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, at Harbor Healthcare  Center in Lewes.
Mrs. Clark was born in Chester County, Pa., daughter of the late Samuel J. and Mercie Melissa (Brown) Harris.
She was a registered nurse and had been employed in a hospital and as a private duty nurse. She also had worked with her late husband in his dental office in Paoli, Pa.
Mrs. Clarke was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach, where she had formerly served as a Deacon and Elder. She was also a member of the Sussex Gardeners.
Mrs. Clarke is survived by two sons, James G. Bloomer of Wichita, Kan., and Larry W. Bloomer of Harrisburg, Pa.; a stepson, William Clark Jr. of Vermont; a stepdaughter, Nancy Clark Stephens of Hawaii; and six grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Curtis W. Clark, in 1974.
A memorial service was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rehoboth Beach, with burial private at West Nottingham Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Colora, Md.
Contributions are suggested to the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rehoboth Beach.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. Online condolences may be made to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com

Steven F. Rowe,
master HVAC mechanic
Steven F. Rowe, 57 of Milton, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, after a long and brave battle with injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident two years ago.
Steve was born Dec. 13, 1947 in Wilmington, and served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a flight mechanic during the Vietnam War. A certified master HVAC mechanic and member of the Communication Workers of America union, he was employed in building maintenance with Verizon for 32 years. He retired in February of this year. Active in his community, Steve was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Telecom (formerly Telephone) Pioneers of America, and American Legion Post #28 in Millsboro. In his leisure time, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, surf fishing, boating and NASCAR racing. He was loved for his witty personality and making people laugh. An electronics enthusiast, Steve was also gifted in computer repair and rebuilding.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Kathryn D. (Doucette) Rowe; 3 children, Lisa K. Panariello and her husband, Michael, of Hockessin, Christopher S. Rowe and his fiancée, Erin E. Wilson, of Elkton, Md., and Andrew S. Rowe of Millsboro; his parents, William S. Rowe Jr. and Joan M. (Hare) Rowe of Marshallton; two brothers, Brian Rowe of Marshallton and William R. Rowe III of New Castle; and two grandsons, Nicholas Panariello and Anthony Panariello.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Spicer-Mulliken Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.
Contributions are suggested to the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center, 414 Paoli Pike, PO Box 3007, Malvern, PA 19355. To send condolences, visit www.spicer-mullikinfuneralhomes.com

Arno Herbert Nehrling,
retired executive
Arno Herbert Nehrling, Jr., 77, retired DuPont Company executive, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005, after a brief illness, at Stella Maris Hospice in Cockeysville, Md.
Mr. Nehrling moved to Mercy Ridge in Cockeysville from Shipcarpenter Square in Lewes in May. Mr. Nehrling was the son of horticulturalist and Cornell University professor, A. Herbert Nehrling, and the grandson of Henry Nehrling, renowned German-born botanist, who conducted groundbreaking research on caladiums and other tropical plants in Gotha, Fla.
Born in Richmond, Ind. in 1928, Mr. Nehrling was raised in Needham, Mass., where he attended Needham High School in 1946. He graduated at Harvard Business School in 1955. A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he served for two and a half years as an officer on the light cruiser USS Manchester, known affectionately to its officers and crew as “The Mighty Man.”
Mr. Nehrling joined the E.I. duPont Company in 1955 as an accountant and held positions in credit, financial analysis, accounting, and pension funds. In the late 1960s and early 70s, he served as director of finance for DuPont’s foreign subsidiaries in Germany and Mexico. He retired in 1990 as director of employee compensation and benefits division.
Mr. Nehrling served as a member of the Delaware State Pension Fund Investment Committee, the Delaware Health Resources Board, the Delaware Healthcare Commission, and other boards in the benefits area. In retirement, he remained active on many of those boards. He was listed in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, Who’s Who in the East, and Who’s Who in the World.
Known as “Herb” to family and friends, Mr. Nehrling was an avid golfer, who held memberships in the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington and Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth. He was also an active member philanthropist, who donated regularly to more than 40 charities, in addition to his alma maters and church groups.
Survivors include his wife, the former Mary Helen Mudd, of Bryantown, Md.; two daughters, Mrs. Amy N. Belz and Mrs. Dorothy N. Murphy, both of Lutherville. He was a devoted grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Mary Eleanor Belz, Grace N. Belz, Claire C. Belz, John T. Belz, James R. Murphy, Henry F. Murphy and Anne L. Murphy.
A private service will be held in Bryantown, Md.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of choice in the name of Arno Herbert Nehrling, Jr.

Luther P. Hatfield,
former Harrington mayor
Luther P. Hatfield, 81, of Angola By The Bay in Lewes, died Thursday, Sep. 15, 2005, at Christiana Care Hospital of Wilmington.
Mr. Hatfield was born April 11, 1924, in Harrington, son of the late Luther W. Hatfield and Lillian (Harmstead) Hatfield. He graduated from Harrington High School in 1942 and was employed by Dravo shipyard in Wilmington until going in the U.S. Army for three years in the 506 AAA Battalion in the Pacific Theatre. His unit was attached to the 5th Marine Division during invasion of Iwo Jima. Mr. Hatfield was employed by Diamond State Telephone Co. as supervisor of construction for Sussex County and outside plant engineer for 22 years before transferring to Southern Bell to work in Miami and Homestead, Fla., restoring areas hit by Hurricane Andrew. After completing 30 years with the telephone company he traveled around the United States in a motor home for two years, and was able to visit 33 states. He then returned to work as a consulting engineer for outside telephone plant in Miami; Charlotte, N.C.; New Jersey Bell; Cairo, Egypt and an air defense system, around the country of Morroco. Mr. Hatfield and his wife helped to organize the Harrington Alumni Association and he was one of the first presidents. He was a past president of the Harrington Lions Club, a member of the city council and mayor of the city of Harrington. Mr. Hatfield was president of the board of education of the Harrington Special District and was involved with the school boards of Felton and Frederica and the Delaware Department of Education in the initial planning for the Lake Forest School District. He was past president of the Angola By The Bay Property Owners Association and was a member of Conleys United Methodist Church, Angola.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 20 years, Zita (Zimmerly) Hatfield; his wife of 30 years, Lou (Mervine) Hatfield; a sister, Betty Jory; and a grandson, Christopher Hatfield. He is survived by his wife of six years, Mary B. “Betty” (Markland) Hatfield of Angola By The Bay; a son, Marshall Hatfield of Hadden Heights, N.J.; two grandchildren; one great-grandson of Hadden Heights, N.J.; a stepdaughter, Tamara L. Knox and her husband, Michael, of Boothwyn, Pa.; a stepson, Christopher and his wife, Barbara, of Chadds Ford, Pa.; four stepgrandchildren; and a step great-granddaughter.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South Dupont Hwy. in Harrington, where friends may call two hours prior to the service. Pastor Randy Booth of the Conley United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment in St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Conley United Methodist Church Building Fund, 22150 Robinsville Road, Lewes, DE 19958; or to the Salvation Army, 701 North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19123.
Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home in Harrington.

09/16/05

Mary F. ‘Sancy’ Furches,
devoted wife, mother
Mary F. “Sancy” Furches of Frederica, 68, formerly of Wilmington, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Mrs. Furches was born June 22, 1937, in Clayton, daughter of the late John N. Clough and Mary E. Scott Clough.
She was a dedicated homemaker.
Mrs. Furches greatly enjoyed crocheting, gardening, reading and caring for her pets. Most of all, she delighted in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren whom she adored.
She will be remembered for her love of all children and her talent for caring for the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in her extended family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John E. Green Sr.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Frank J. Furches; two sons, Edward A. Brittingham and Lewis E. Brittingham, both of Wilmington; a stepdaughter, Marcia Kelley of New Castle; four sisters, Chris Kintzer of Lewes, Mildred Bingham of Newark, Joann Kuhn of Georgetown and Pamela Chisholm of Lewes; three grandchildren, John Edward Green Jr. of Lancaster, Pa. and Amber L. Green and Matthew D. Green, both of Frederica; and five great-grandchildren, Michael Roberts, Desiré Roberts, Zachary Wingo, Joshua Wingo and Dalton Green.
Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16, in Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kent County SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19943, www.kentcountys pca.com.

Anne McHale Cooper,
Pennsylvania secretary
Anne McHale Cooper, 84, died Sept. 6, 2005, at her summer home in Rehoboth Beach.
Born in Chester, Pa., she was raised in Middletown Township, Pa., and attended Roosevelt Elementary School. She was a 1940 graduate of Media High School and the Philadelphia Business College.
Mrs. Cooper worked at Delaware County Courthouse as a secretary for the Board of Adjustment for 25 years. She formerly worked for Sun Ship and Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton Locomotive in the controller department. She was co-chairwoman of the building fund at Riddle Memorial Hospital and organized the first Riddle Memorial Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. She lived in Media, Pa., and was secretary of the Western Precinct of Media borough in 1943. She was also the first committeewoman president of the Republican Party.
Mrs. Cooper was the wife of the late Donald V. Cooper, who died in March 1993 and the mother of the late John Cooper, who died in 2002. She is survived by her daughter Donna Ann Tancredi of West Chester, Pa.; granddaughter Debbie Blake; grandson Christopher Tancredi; three great-grandchildren; and the kind and loving family friend Tony Cella.
Services were Sept. 15 in Walllingford, Pa. Interment was at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Aston, Pa. Contributions are suggested to Delaware Hospice, 600 DuPont Highway, Suite 107, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Florence E. Ehart,
Lewes homemaker
Florence Elizabeth Ehart, 85, of Lewes and formerly of Wilmington, passed away Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at Beebe Medical Center.
Mrs. Ehart was born in Jacksonville, Fla., the daughter of the late Walter Lafevre and Marie Lafevre Wakely.
She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold A. Ehart in 2003; her brother, William Lafevre and her sister, Charlotte Campbell.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Harold and Deborah Ehart of Rocky Ridge, Md.; a daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Michael Deloy of Milton; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Daniel Woods of Rocky River, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Heather, Trey, Kelly, Dawn, Joseph, Gregory, Robert, Amanda, Brian and Jennifer; three great-grandchildren, Sadie, Ava and Jack; and a sister, S. Jayne Wikle Murray of Atlanta, Ga. and formerly of Wilmington.
Services will be at 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Long Neck. Private burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery South, Millsboro.
Contributions are suggested to Meals and Wheels of Lewes-Rehoboth, 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes DE 19958.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Charles E. Marsh Sr.,
owned Charley’s Place
Charles Erasmus Marsh Sr., 79, a lifelong resident of Rehoboth Beach, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at the University of Maryland Medical Center, following a sudden illness.
Mr. Marsh was born March 8, 1926 and was the proprietor of the popular Charley’s Place Christmas tree and produce market on Rehoboth Avenue and the founding member of the 6 a.m. Cracker Barrel Social Club.
Charley served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association as an owner, trainer and driver of standard bred horses and raced many successful pacers and trotters in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and throughout New England. He passed his love of horses and his skills on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom remain in the horse racing business today.
He was preceded in death by his son William; his brother Harry; his second wife Jean; and his parents, Peter and Hettie Marsh.
Charley is survived by his wife, Ellin D. Marsh, originally of Berlin, Md.; and her two sons, Allan Rogers of Bear and Mitch Rogers of Millsboro; his first wife, Virginia Horsey, with whom he had five sons and four daughters, Charles Jr. of Lewes, Robert and Steve of Milford, Jeff of Milton, Jeanne Wright of Lexington, Ky., Bonnie Cunningham and Wendy Marsh of Lewes, and Barbara Huber of Milton; Charlene Marsh of Texas, the daughter from his second marriage; his sister, Esther Baker of Millsboro; 22 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Long Neck, with burial following the funeral in the Marsh Family Cemetery, Kings Creek Country Club, Rehoboth Beach. Visitation hours are 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16 and again from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.
The family gratefully acknowledges the outpouring of sympathy and requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions me made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck.

Anne McHale Cooper,
Pa. court secretary
Anna McHale Cooper, 84, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, at her summer home in Rehoboth Beach.
Born in Chester, Pa., Mrs. Cooper was raised in Middletown Township and went to Roosevelt Elementary School and was a graduate of Media High School class of 1940. She was also a graduate of Philadelphia Business College.
Mrs. Cooper worked at the Delaware County Courthouse as a secretary for the Board of Assessment for 25 years. She formerly worked for Sun Ship and Baldwin-Lima Hamilton Locomotive in the comptroller department. She was co-chairman of the Riddle Memorial Hospital Building Fund and organized the first Ladies Auxiliary for Riddle Memorial. In 1943, she lived in Media and was the secretary of Western Precinct of Media Borough, and the first committee woman president of the Republican party.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald V. Cooper, who died in 1993; and her son, John Cooper, who died in 2002.
She is survived by her daughter, DonnaAnn Tancredi of West Chester, Pa.; a granddaughter, Debbie Blake; a granddaughter, Christopher Tancredi; and three great-grandchildren; and a kind and loving family friend, Tony Cella.
Services were held at James M. Brower Funeral Home, Wallingford, Pa., with burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Aston, Pa.

Louis P. Michaels,
retired from World Bank
Louis P. Michaels, 74, of Bethany Beach and formerly of Chevy Chase, Md., died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, at Lewes Convalescent Center.
Mr. Michaels was born in Dorchester, Mass. He received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Brown University in 1952, his master’s degree from Boston University in 1954, and his LLB from the Georgetown University School of Law in 1959.
He retired from the World Bank, Washington, D.C. in 1986, where he was Division Chief for Compensation and Benefits. He had lived in Chevy Chase, Md. for 26 years and in 1986 moved to Bethany Beach.
Mr. Michaels enjoyed traveling, and was a keen student of foreign languages. He was also an active gardener.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann I. Michaels; one son, Dwight P. Michaels of Wilton, Conn.; a daughter, Caroline A. Lent of Fredericksburg, Va.; and five granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Clarksville.
Send online condolences to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.

09/13/05

E. Josephine Branford,
involved Christian
E. Josephine Branford, 83, of Brandywine Assisted Living, Rehoboth Beach, DE died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, at The Arbors Nursing Home, New Castle.
Miss Branford was a former teacher in the Indian River School District from which she retired in 1979. Prior to that she had taught in the public schools of Baltimore, Md. She had been the director of the Mt. Vernon Place Community Center in Baltimore and was a director of religious education at Grace United Methodist Church of Baltimore.
Miss Branford was an active member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Chancel Choir and the United Methodist Women. She worked as a volunteer for the Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, and as a volunteer for the Rehoboth Beach Public Library.
She was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Harry V. Branford. The Rev. Branford had been a minister in the Peninsula Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday Sept. 15, 2005, at Epworth United Methodist Cemetery in Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Jack Abel officiating. The 11 a.m. service on Sunday. Sept. 18, at Epworth United Methodist Church will be dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Branford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, or to Delaware Hospice, 600 N. DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel in Lewes.
Send online condolences to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.

Nancy S. Hanna,
devoted wife, mother
Nancy S. Hanna of Newport and Long Neck, went to be with the Lord on her 89th birthday, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005.
Nancy who was a homemaker, also worked previously for the Town of Newport. She was a very active member of Peniel United Methodist Church. Nancy enjoyed handcrafts, the shore, time with her family and friends, and studying God’s word. She was a devoted wife and mother, and lived her life as a witness for our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; and two sons, Tom and Jay. Survivors include a son, Gary of Newport; brothers, Fred Smith of Lewes and Richard Smith of Greenville; three grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Peniel United Methodist Church. The family will greet relatives and friends immediately following the service. Burial will be private.

Walter R. “Bud” Snyder,
World War II veteran
Walter “Bud” Snyder of Newark passed away Sept. 8, 2005, at Christiana Hospital.
Formerly of Burlington, N.J., Bud served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was involved in the European Theatre of Operations as a ball turret gunner in the 511th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. He was missing in action from Jan. 11, 1944, until May 13, 1944, on the way to the target at Aaschlebben, Germany. Bud enjoyed frequenting the Delaware Park racetrack.
Born in Lancaster, Pa., on May 18, 1924, he leaves behind daughters, Donna Carver and her husband, Bob, of Lewes, Carolyn Griffiths and her husband, Jim, of LaCrescenta, Calif., Patricia Snyder, also of California; and stepdaughter, Joyce Steinmacher of Wilmington. Other survivors include a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren including Tiffany Carver of Milford, U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Frank Borkowski, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and Jeremy and Jason Griffiths, both of California; sisters, Dolores Suessegger of Burlington, N.J., and Viola Swart of Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews, also survive him.
A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Rd., (Rt. 896), Bear, DE 19701. Interment will follow at 2 p.m., in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear.

Judd P. Hart,
equipment operator
Judd P. Hart, 35, of Millsboro died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005, in the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, following a motorcycle accident on Labor Day.
Mr. Hart was born in Reading, Pa., son of Eddie P. and Ginger M. (Steiner) Hart of Laureldale, Pa.
He was a graduate of Gov. Mifflin High School, class of 1987. Mr. Hart was employed for the past year and a half as a heavy equipment operator by George and Lynch in Dover.
He is survived by a stepson, Dylan B. Drago of Muhlenburg Township, Pa.; two daughters, Delaney L. Hart of Mertztown, Pa., and Riley J. Steer of Millsboro; a son, Dalton P. Hart of Mertztown; his parents, Eddie P. and Ginger M. (Steiner) Hart of Laureldale, Pa.; a brother, Shane P. Hart of Millsboro; his maternal grandmother, Barbara Steiner of Millsboro; his maternal great-grandmother, Marion Sweitzer of Millsboro; and his paternal grandmother, Martha Smith of Birdsboro, Pa.
Services were held Sept. 11 at Joseph D. Giles Funeral Home Inc. and Crematorium, Mohnton, Pa. Burial was in Mohnsville Cemetery in Mohnton.

J. Howard Hamstra,
retired lawyer
J. Howard Hamstra was born April 7, 1917, in Rochester, N.Y. His parents were the late Mary Hollis Hamstra and the Rev. John Hamstra.
Mr. Hamstra graduated on May 17, 1934, from Bridgewater High School in Bridgewater, S.D. He attended Yankton College in Yankton, S.D., and graduated cum laude, June 13, 1938, with a bachelor of arts degree.
Mr. Hamstra went to graduate school for law at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and graduated on June 14, 1941, with the juris doctor degree.
J. Howard Hamstra was granted license to practice by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York Jan. 2, 1943.
He accepted a law position with Root, Clarke, Buckner & Ballantine in New York, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1941, and became a member of the Law Department of Pan American World Airways Jan. 1, 1946. On Dec. 20, 1971, President Najeeb E. Halaby named J. Howard Hamstra, vice president law, as acting general counsel pending the board of directors’ electing a new general counsel. The board of directors confirmed Mr. Hamstra as vice president, general counsel of Pan America in March 1972.
Mr. Hamstra served in this capacity, as well as secretary of the board of directors, until his retirement in 1981.
Mr. Hamstra was elected to the board of trustees of Dowling College in Oakdale, N.Y., April 3, 1973, and he was elected chairman of the board of trustees April 19, 1977, where he served until his resignation June 23, 1981.
Mr. Hamstra was a member of the Southward Ho Country Club, Babylon Yacht Club and South Bay Cruising Club, all of Long Island, N.Y., and the Sky Club and Wings Club and the New York Bar Association, all of New York City. J. Howard Hamstra purchased the Tarten 27 sailboat “Slim” No. 62 in 1965 and raced from 1966 through 1990, participating in 36 races in 1989 and 37 races in 1990 on Great South Bay, N.Y.
Mr. Hamstra sailed in the PanAm Clipper Cup Yacht Races in Hawaii in 1978 and 1980 on the Maxi Yacht “Sorcery,” and sailed the “Round the State of Hawaii” Yacht Races in 1982 on the Maxi Yacht “Condor.”
Mr. Hamstra sailed the Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro Yacht Races in 1979, the Newport to Bermuda Yacht Rave in 1980, and the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit Races from St. Petersburg to Ft. Lauderdale in 1980, all on the Maxi Yacht “Ondine.”
In 1990 J. Howard Hamstra won the 1990 Non Spinnaker Class Championship races of the South Bay Cruising Club.
Mr. Hamstra is survived by stepson Frank R. Palmer of Rehobeth Beach. He was preceded in death by his wife Grace Elizabeth “Betty” Hamstra.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Red Cross “Katrina Relief Fund”, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in New York.