12/29/06
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Eduardo L. Lopez,
Merchant Seaman
Eduardo L. Lopez, 85, of Lewes, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006, at Harbor Health Care, Lewes, after a long bout with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mr. Lopez was born in Orinte, Cuba, May 31, 1921. After his mother Suzanna died, when he was five years old, his father, Manuel, returned to Galicia, Spain, where Mr. Lopez lived until he was 15. Mr. Lopez then became a Merchant Seaman and traveled the world extensively for many years.
In 1949 Mr. Lopez came to the United States and met Manuel Sanchez, who recruited Merchant Seamen to serve on ships out of Baltimore, Md. It was there that he met Manuel’s daughter, Dolores, who became his wife. Mr. Lopez continued to work as a Merchant Seaman until the birth of his son, Edward L. Lopez. He then went to work for the railroad, where he stayed until his retirement in 1986. While in Baltimore, Mr. Lopez was active in the Masonic Order where he was the Past Master of Warren Lodge Number 51, a member of the Scottish Rite of Maryland, and a member of the Masonic Veteran’s Association.
While traveling the world as a Merchant Seaman Mr. Lopez became fascinated with history, a fascination that continued after he left the seas. He read extensively, educating himself on the history of the world and its events. It remained his passion in life until shortly before his death.
Surviving Mr. Lopez are his loving wife of 56 years, Dolores Lopez; his son, Edward; daughter-in-law, Janet; and his grandson, Edward III, of the Savage Mill area of Jessup, Md., and his goddaughter, Kimberly Noland and her husband, Jay, and their daughters of York, Pa.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, 11 a.m., at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 7 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach. Interment will be private.
The family asks that donations be made in Eduardo’s memory to the Lutheran Church of Our Savior at the address above, or to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, or to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
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Orrie E. Hudson,
Cargill retiree
Orrie E. Hudson, 81, of Millsboro, passed away Wednesday Dec., 27, 2006 at the Green Valley Terrace Nursing Home in Millsboro.
He was born June 17, 1925 in Frankford, son of the late, Fred E. and Pearl Magee Hudson.
He retired from Cargill in 1993. From there he worked part-time at Rose’s until June 23, 2006. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He loved to spend time with his family, just talking and drinking coffee. He was an avid Orioles fan and loved sports.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sally M. Hudson, in 2002.
He is survived by two sons, Gerald Hudson and his wife Diane of Millsboro and Robert Hudson and his wife Myrna of Laurel; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. He was anxiously waiting for his fifth grandchild to be born.
He is also survived by two brothers, Norris Hudson of Frederica, and Bleat Hudson of Delmar, Md; and three sisters, Angeline Timmons, Millie Jones, Wilsie Donohoe, all of Millsboro.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday Dec. 31, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Thatcher Street in Frankford, where friends may call after 1:30 p.m.
Interment will be in Carey’s Cemetery in Frankford.
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Shirley Temple Gill,
nursing assistant
Shirley Temple Gill, 51, of Millsboro, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.
Shirley was a Certified Nursing Assistant for the CHEER Center in Georgetown. She was a member of the Morning Star Holiness Church in Frankford. She loved her job and her clients, especially Miss Kitty. Shirley’s nickname to many was Doll Baby. She was beloved as a caregiver. She adored and cherished her grandchildren. They were all she talked about.
She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert H. Predeoux.
She is survived by her mother, Marjorie Giles Predeoux; her children, Rynell Predeoux and his wife Phyllis of Pocomoke, Md.; George H. Dunton Jr. of Millsboro; Herschel Vick Of Dover; and Catrina Dorsey and her husband, Gary, of Rehoboth Beach; brothers, Jake Predeoux of Millsboro, Lawrence Predeoux of Frankford and Bruce Predeoux of Salisbury, Md.; sisters, Ernestine Miller of Millsboro, Mary Harmon of Frankford and Barbara Predeoux of Baltimore, Md.; sister-in-law, Shirley Predeoux of Ellendale; and very close family friends, loved as family, Bobby, Nick and Brother Taylor; and grandchildren, Rynell Jr., James Jr., Myleesha, Ta`shawnda and Jamere.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30, at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Bishopville, Md., where friends may call at noon. Prophet Rynell Predeoux will officiate. Burial will be in Zoar Golden Acres, Bishopville, Md.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
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Robert L. Gray Jr.,
retired engineer
Robert Lloyd Gray Jr., 80, of Long Neck, formerly of Chester, Pa., passed away at his home in Pot Nets Bayside, Friday Dec. 22, 2006. He was a resident of Pot Nets for 28 years.
He was born April 1, 1926 in Aberdeen, Miss., the son of the late Robert Lloyd Gray Sr. and Jewell Porter Gray.
He attended Smedley Junior High, Chester, Pa; a 1944 graduate of Chester High School; attended Swarthmore College Class of 1944; and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1959. He served the Air National Guard in high school and later served with the U.S. Army during World War II as rifleman and radio repairman. He was a retired electrical and electronics engineer and project manager for Burroughs Corporation and Hewlett Packard. Robert was a member of the American Legion and AARP.He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Collins Gray and a sister, Ella Louise Gray Reynolds, formerly of Millsboro.
He is survived by a daughter, Susan Gray; a son, Steven Gray and his wife, Jean Foley Gray; two grandchildren, Colleen Elizabeth Gray and Adam Joseph Gray; two brothers, Andrew Franklin Gray of Smyrna, and William Raymond Gray of Aston, Pa.; and a sister, Sylvia Marie Foreacre of Caldwell, Id.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday Jan. 6, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services on Long Neck Road. A private burial will be held at a later date.
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Richard A. Rausch Sr.,
sheet metal fabricator
Richard Allen “Rick” Rausch Sr., 54, of Millsboro and formerly of Port Penn, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, at home, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rick was born in Wilmington, son of the late James Sr. and Eleanor Tharp Rausch. He was raised in Port Penn and moved to Millsboro several years ago.
He was a sheet metal fabricator with Volair Heating and Air Conditioning in New Castle for 13 years and after moving to Millsboro had been employed in the same field with Quality Heating and Air, where he worked for three years.
Rick loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed Punkin Chunkin and was involved with both Old Glory and Let’s Bounce chunkin teams. Rick was always willing to help others in need.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a stepson, Gregory Hall.
He is survived by his beloved companion, Barbara A. Cochran; three sons, Jamie Rausch, Richard A. Rausch Jr. and Jason Rausch; two grandchildren, Brianna Rausch and Cody Hall; a sister, Darlene Moody; a brother, James Rausch Jr.; a stepson, Jeffrey Hall; a daughter-in-law, Kristina Hall; his mother-in-law, Fay Brounce; a special friend, Jim Welsh; and a host of extended family and friends who loved and helped care for him.
A funeral service will be held at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 6 p.m. Burial will be private.
The family suggests contributions in Rick’s memory to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown DE 19947.
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Mildred P. Cavalier,
Millsboro homemaker
Mildred P. Cavalier, 81, of Millsboro, died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Mildred was the daughter of the late Frederick and Magdalen Reed Schray.
She was a graduate of West Philadelphia Girls High School and worked as a waitress in Brown’s Coffee Shop.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Cavalier; her brother, Eugene Richard Schray and her sister, Joan Lerch.
Mrs. Cavalier will be dearly missed by her daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia Ann and Charles Cirillo of Millsboro and Teresa and Nicholas Galassi of Havertown, Pa.; six grandchildren, Charles, Sandy, Taryn, Bobby, Nicole and Mark; five great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Frederick Schray of Havertown, Pa., Dolores Calzaretti of Collegeville, Pa., Mary Burns of Frederick, Md., Martin Schray of Sterling, Va., John Schray of Shavertown, Pa., Rose Ellen DiPietro of Frankinville, N.J. and Francis Schray of Cheraw, S.C.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, where friends are invited to visit after 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, Pa.
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Charles E. Simpson,
Shields Lumber retiree
Charles Edward Simpson, 91, of Wilmington, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, in Capitol Healthcare Services, Dover.
Mr. Simpson was born Nov. 7, 1915, in Wilmington, the son of the late James Edward Simpson and Margaret Norton Simpson.
He worked for 50 years as a salesman at Shields Lumber.
He enjoyed all the Philadelphia sports teams, but most of all, his family.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Hogan Simpson of Dover; three sons, Charles J. Simpson of Lewes, Raymond F. Simpson of Bennington, Vt. and Daniel L. Simpson of Dover; and a daughter, Joyce Held of Pownal, Vt.; 13 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington.
Contributions are suggested to Mother’s Coat Closet Inc., 42 Cool Springs Drive, Dover DE 19901.
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Vernon W. Burris,
retired Dupont mechanic
Vernon W. Burris, 90, of Wilmington, died suddenly Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, in Christiana Hospital, just 11 days after his birthday.
Mr. Burris was a lifelong member of the Richardson Park United Methodist Church and its choir, and had served on many committees and offices in the church. He had been a member of the Newark DelTones Barbershoppers Chorus for 24 years; a member of Armstrong Lodge 26, AM&FM for 30 years; a member of St. John Commandery 1, Knights Templar; and a member of St. John’s chapter, Royal Arch Masons.
He retired from the DuPont Experimental Station as a sheet metal mechanic in 1979 after 28 years of service.
During World War II, he was employed at Pusey and Jones Shipyard in Wilmington. He later served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers occupation force in Korea.
Mr. Burris and his wife enjoyed participating in flea markets recently at Singerly Fire Hall in Elkton, Md., growing house plants and vegetable gardening. They also enjoyed traveling by auto; Mr. Burris had toured 49 states, including Hawaii, and most of the provinces of Canada.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence E. Stoud Burris, and a nephew, Eugene H. Scott.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Murray Burris; three sisters-in-law, Mary G. Murray of Newark, Janet Ivins of Continued from page 18
Milton, and Margaret Kinnikin of York, Pa.; two brothers-in-law, George Murray Jr. of Newark and John Kinnikin of York, Pa.; three nephews, George Murray III of Newark, David Murray of Newark and Richard Ivins of Milton; two nieces, Ann K. Parsons of Lewes and Bernice Scott of Elkton; nine great-nieces and nephews; nine great-great-nieces and nephews; and second cousins.
Services were held at Richardson Park United Methodist Church, 11 North Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, with burial in Head of Christiana Cemetery, Newark.
Contributions are suggested to Richardson Park U.M. Church at the above address.
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Deacon Oscar Truitt Sr.,
retired security guard
Deacon Oscar Maurice Truitt Sr., 58, of Wilmington, formerly of Chester, Pa., died Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, in St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington.
Mr. Truitt was born in Wilmington, son of the late Lenford and Hilda Perry Truitt He was a graduate of Howard High School, Wilmington
Mr. Truitt lived in Chester, Pa., before moving back to Wilmington.
He was a retired security guard at Gillpin Hall Nursing Home, Wilmington. Mr. Truitt was a deacon at Christian Tabernacle Church, Philadelphia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Pete Truitt.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Richardson Truitt; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Shawn I. and Lorraine Truitt of Austin, Texas, Jabarr A. and Tia Truitt of Atlanta, Ga. and Oscar M. Truitt Jr. of Philadelphia; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Lenford Jr. and Alberta Truitt and Luther and Harriett Truitt, all of Wilmington; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Joan and Francis Brown and Shirley Truitt, all of Wilmington; a niece whom he raised, Joan Bennett Truitt of Wilmington; an aunt, Blanche Painter of Lewes; a mother-in-law, Reba Richardson Jackson of Chester, Pa.; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held in Greater Mount Calvary Temple, 11th and Lumbard streets, Wilmington. Burial will be 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
Arrangements by Earl L. Foster Funeral Home, Chester.
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Connie J. White,
VFW auxiliary member
Connie J. White, 57, passed away suddenly Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, at her home.
Connie was a member of the ladies auxiliary of the VFW Post 838.
She is survived by her children, Tina Wolf and her husband, Dale, of Elkton, Md., J. P. White and his wife, Mandy, of Newark; stepdaughter Angel White, of Daytona Beach, Fla. Connie will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Jack, Kylee, Luke, Anna Wolf, Jonica and Alyssa White; sisters Pauline E. Wilkerson, of Port Penn and Dolly Morris and her husband, Paul, of Milton and her partner, Keith Owens of Wilmington.
Family and friends are invited to Connie’s Life Celebration and viewing Friday, Dec. 29, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., at Cornerstone Methodist Church, 3135 Summit Bridge Rd., Bear. Her funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., with entombment immediately following in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
In memory of Connie, a contribution may be made to “A Door Of Hope” 2884 Summit Bridge Rd., Bear, DE 19701.
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Bernard G. Hassemer,
teacher, poet
Bernard G. Hassemer, 76, of Ocean View, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Dec. 25, 2006 surrounded by his family.
He served with the United States Army during the Korean War.
Bernard received his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and his master’s degree from Iowa State. He was the first science teacher at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wis. in 1956. He was a long standing department chair for the science department at A.H.S. He developed a special course for advanced chemistry students and was admired by his peers and students alike. Bernie had many talents and interests, including stamp collecting.
He devoted his career to helping students learn and love chemistry. After retiring from Arrowhead in 1988 he and his wife moved to Delaware to be near the ocean, which they both loved.
He loved writing poetry in which he won many awards from Who’s Who of Poetry and was a member of the International Society of Poets. He was a devoted family man who endlessly worked to provide for his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anna Mae Hassemer in 2005; his parents, Anton and Mary Kramshuster Hassemer; and sisters, Frances, Josephine, Philomine, Marie; and a brother, Antony.
He is survived by his children, Lynn Krier of Georgetown, Jane Hassemer of Pewaukee, Wis., Patti West and husband James of Ocean View, John Hassemer of Hartland, Wis.; a brother, Edward Hassemer and his wife Verdine; sister, Margurite Smith; sister-in-law, Rita Hassemer; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and adopted family from the Philippines, Rapunzel and Rosary Morales.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 2 p.m., Friday Dec. 29, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bethany Beach. Friends may call on Friday from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. at the Bethany Chapel of Melson Funeral Services on West Avenue in Ocean View. Interment will be in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, 1021 Gilpin Ave, Wilmington, DE. 19806.
12/27/06
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Rev. Priscilla Maxham,
Milford pastor
Rev. Priscilla “Cilla” Maxham, 66, of Milford, passed away Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at home, with her children at her side after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rev. Maxham was born Jan. 18, 1940 in Barre, Vt., the daughter of Blanche Corliss Maxham and the late Earl M. Maxham.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Christian education from Drew University; her master’s degree in pastoral counseling from LaSalle University; and her master’s of divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary.
While still pursuing her degree in theology, she held the position of associate pastor for the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. After graduating, Rev. Maxham was assigned to the Ebenezer Methodist Church in Lebanon, Pa. as its pastor, where she served from 1997 until her transfer in 1999 to Milford, to serve as associate pastor of Avenue United Methodist Church.
Rev. Maxham became affectionately known as Rev. Cilla by most of the congregation and was very active in many aspects of the church’s activities. She was instrumental in working with other church members and health care professionals to organize a Health and Family Ministries program at Avenue, which still flourishes at present and benefits many people in the congregation and the community. She retired in 2005 from full-time duties at Avenue but remained on a part-time basis as pastor of congregational care. Her warm smile and tenderness were certainly a blessing to the many people to whom she ministered.
The Rev. Maxham was a member of the United Methodist Women and a member of the Milford-Lincoln Ministerium.
She is survived by a son, Christopher “Chris” E. Wooters of Giessen, Germany; a daughter, Cheri W. Will and her partner, Nancy S. Will of Lewes; her mother, Blanche Maxham of Ft. Myers, Fla.; a brother and sister-in-law, David and Maida Maxham of Swanton, Vt.; four grandchildren, Courtney Will, Daniel Murdock, Haley Will and Noa Siemon; and her Avenue church family.
Services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Avenue Methodist Church, Health Ministries, 20 N. Church Street, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.
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Jean Anthony Stork,
retired from Met Life
Jean Anthony Stork, 80, of Milford and formerly of Brentwood, N.Y., died Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Stork was born May 15, 1926, in New York, N.Y., son of the late Joseph and Katherine I. Krupp Stork.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was an insurance salesman for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. in Suffolk County, N.Y. for 21 years before retiring in 1985. He then worked as a salesman for the Meenan Oil Co., covering the Long Island area for five years before retiring in 1990 and moving to Milford.
He was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and was a very active member of the Blue Hen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6483, Milford, where he held many offices, up to the position of senior vice commander; he also served on the post’s house committee.
During the holidays, Mr. Stork was known for taking money donated by the VFW and delivering it to poor families in need during the Christmas holidays.
He was very savvy on his computer and enjoyed making music CDs for friends and family. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Veronica.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Veronica Suss Stork; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Maribeth Stork of Corydon, Ind.; a daughter, Linda Mary St. Chante of Ithaca, N.Y.; and a grandson, Max St. Brown of Ellensburg, Wash.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Seabury Avenue and School Place, Milford. Burial will be private in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
Contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, 600 N. DuPont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Mary Elizabeth Cook,
retired from Draper
Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Cook, 80, of Milton, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, in Milford Memorial Hospital.
She was born Oct. 13, 1926, in Washington, N.C., daughter of the late Dora Williams Lucas and Alester Crander. Mrs. Cook worked at Draper Canning Co. for 21 years until she became ill.
She was preceded in death by a son, William Day; two brothers, James Hopkins and Willie Williams; and a great-granddaughter, Jack’Kia Mitchell.
She is survived by seven children, Robert Mitchell, Rosa Mitchell, Mary Washington and Gladys Cook, all of Milton, Dora Brittingham of Ellendale and John Cook and his wife, Linda of Millsboro; a grandson she raised, Thomas Mitchell and his wife, Cynthia of Georgetown; 35 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held in Mount Zion Holiness Church, Milton, with burial in Old Hickory Cemetery, Slaughter Neck. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.
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Beth Ann Bullard,
USF graduate
Beth Ann Bullard, 53, of Lewes died Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, in Lewes Convalescent Center.
Ms. Bullard was born Oct. 13, 1953, in Highland Park, Mich., daughter of May (Brittingham) Shepard of Bethany Beach and the late Donald E. Bullard Sr.
She was a 1982 graduate of the University of South Florida at Tampa with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences.
Ms. Bullard moved to Delaware from Paramus, N.J. She loved children and pets, and was a very charismatic person.
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, May (Brittingham) Shepard and Dr. William D. Shepard of Bethany Beach; two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Robert W. and Jo Ann Bullard of Newton, N.J., and Donald E. Jr. and Catherine Bullard of Stafford, Va.; and four nieces, Amanda, Rebecca, Deanna and Leah.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, in Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, in St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, at Five Points, Lewes. The Rev. Jim Hreah will officiate. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro. The family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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J. Raymond Simpler,
contractor, golfer
Joseph Raymond Simpler, 87, of Rehoboth Beach, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Raymond was an outdoorsman, a history buff and a champion golfer, who took up the sport at age nine when he started as a caddy at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Then located in downtown Rehoboth, the back door of Mr. Simpler’s family’s Christian Street home Continued from page 16
looked out on the golf course, where the second tee sat about 200 feet away. He caddied until he was 19 years old and later became a member of the club.
He authored a history of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club for its 75th anniversary. The article was published in the Cape Gazette in August 2000 and recalls many of Mr. Simpler’s memories. His best score on the club’s original course was in the 1930s when he scored a 67, accomplished in part by six consecutive birdies. His best on the current golf course was a 71, played in 1965.
He competed regularly in the Delaware Amateur Open golf tournament. He won club championship matches in 1954 and 1955.
Believing that golf was a walking sport, especially during tournaments, he never rode in a golf cart in 28 years of tournament play, except for a benefit for Lewes Meals on Wheels.
In the anniversary article, Mr. Simpler wrote that as he got older, he stopped keeping score. “At age 80, I look on my golf as a way of making a walk more interesting.”
A Rehoboth native, he graduated from Rehoboth High School in 1938 and attended the University of Delaware.
He served in the Army Signal Corps in World War II and was stationed at Hickam Field, Hawaii, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A self-employed building contractor, Mr. Simpler took great pride in his work. He retired in 2000 at the age of 80.
He was the Rehoboth Beach Country Club’s longest active member. Mr. Simpler also was a member of the Peninsula Golf Association, Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Historical Society.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Irene K. Simpler; three nieces, Shirley Dawson of Lewes, Donna Miller of Wilmington, and Barbara Kay Alexander of Petaluma, Calif.; two nephews, Michael DeLoy, of Milton, and George William Maloney, of Alamo, Calif., and several great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 8 Olive Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. A reception will follow at the church.
Contributions can be sent to Delaware State Golf Association Scholarship Fund, 240 West Side Dr., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
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Mary V. ‘GG’ Ryan,
family matriarch
Mary V. “GG” (Duncan) Ryan of Smyrna, 91, formerly of Holloway Terrace, New Castle, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, in her daughter’s home in Lewes.
Mrs. Ryan was born July 8, 1915, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Francis and Frances (Peoples) Duncan.
She was a talented homemaker and greatly enjoyed crocheting beautiful pieces to share with family and friends. A loving mother and grandmother, she delighted more than anything in caring for and spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Walter T. “Toby” Ryan Sr., in 1992; three brothers, Edward Duncan, Joseph Duncan and Francis Duncan; a sister, Elizabeth Burns; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Ryan; and a son-in-law, Albert W. McCall Jr.
She is survived by four sons and three daughters-in-law, Theodore W. “Toby” Jr. and Shirley Ryan of Townsend, Raymond F. “Reds” Ryan, and James W. Sr. and Mary Ann Ryan, all of Smyrna, and Robert E. and Margaret Ryan of Odessa; two daughters and a son-in-law, Marianne V. and William Taylor of Newark, and Sheila M. McCall of Rehoboth Beach; two sisters-in-law, Betty Duncan of Gurnee, Ill., and Anna Mae Rogers of Millsboro; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services were held in Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, New Castle, with burial in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Melvin Donald Barrett,
retired state worker
Melvin Donald Barrett, 74, of Georgetown died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, in the Milford Center.
Mr. Barrett was born in Wilmington, son of the late Melvin and Mary (Evans) Barrett.
He was a 1973 graduate of Tennessee Temple University, Chattanooga.
He worked for the state of Delaware, State Service Center, Georgetown. He retired in 1995 as a coordinator after 20 years of service. He taught classes for the Delaware Safety Council. He left as Brookside chief of police in the late 1980s.
Mr. Barrett enjoyed camping, traveling, especially to different NASCAR tracks, genealogy and Civil War history. He loved Siamese cats.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Debbie Barrett; six children and their spouses, Jill and Mike Kenney of Salisbury, Md., Jodie and Charles Galate of Atlanta, Jason and Wanda Barrett of Fort Benning, Ga., Susan and Todd Mitchell of Milton, Laurie and Gene Handlin of Ocean View and Jordan Barrett of Reston, Va.; a brother, Charles Barrett of Lewes; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Georgetown, with burial in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgetown Regional Office, P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Donald D. Swartley
construction worker
Donald D. Swartley, 40, of Georgetown, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006.
Mr. Swartley relocated to this area in 1989 from Allentown, Pa. He was a construction worker for Carey‚s construction. He attended the Dagsboro Church of God. He loved to hunt and was a hard worker. He loved all of his children and was devoted to his family.
He is survived by his parents, David Kratzer of Sellersville, Pa. and Lori N. Miller of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; his wife of 21 years, Kim Ibach Swartley; a son, Chad Swartley of Georgetown; his daughters, Nichole and Heather Swartley of Georgetown; his beloved dog Roxie; a grandchild on the way.; his mother- and father-in-law: Mike and Andrea Brown of Frankford; and his brother, David Swartley of Carlisle, Pa.
Services were held at Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro, with burial private.
Contributions may be made to the Swartley Children Fund, checks may be made payable to Kim Swartley in care of Watson Funeral Home P.O. box 125 Millsboro, DE 19966
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
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Deirdre H. Sargent,
Chimes employee
Deirdre Hobbs Sargent of Elkton, Md. died at Johns Hopkins Hospital Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, from pulmonary fibrosis. She was surrounded by her family and partner, and moved peacefully into the afterlife with the guidance and prayers of a Buddhist priest.
She had lived in Lewes from 1991 to 1999, and was active in the women’s community.
Ms. Sargent was born in Newport News, VA 56 years ago. She is predeceased by her parents Meedie and Mary Hobbs. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1968 and was married to Donald Sargent from 1970 to 1982.
She worked for many years providing support and services to the developmentally disabled. At the time of her death, she worked for Chimes, Inc. in Newark.
Known for her deep love of nature, she drew artistic inspiration from the natural landscape surrounding her. Her outgoing, disarmingly friendly nature drew to her many friends. She was a woman of admirable strength and vitality, with many beautiful gifts ˆ her laughter, friendship, love of life and hard work. Dee will always be remembered because of the ways she touched our hearts. We will miss her dearly.
Ms. Sargent is survived by her son, David Sargent; four grandchildren,˜Selena, Alexandra, Ian and Evan; two sisters, Marywill Gemski and Patsy Miessler; and a nephew, Christopher Gemski. She also leaves behind her loving partner of many years, Anne Kollmann.
At her request, no services will be held. She was cremated and in the spring the family will scatter her ashes in the Chesapeake Bay.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, 1685 Branham Lane, Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95118.
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James F. Connaughton,
physician, BPW member
Dr. James F. Connaughton Jr., 65, of Lewes, passed away at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes Friday, Dec. 23, 2006.
He was born Dec. 31, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Indiana University Medical School. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania, and served as an assistant professor of medicine at that university. In 1976, he entered private medical practice in Phoenixville, Pa., where he remained until his retirement.
Dr. Connaughton served in the U.S. Navy in 1968 and 1969, including a tour at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Danang, Vietnam.
In recent years, Dr. Connaughton served as a member of the Board of Public Works in Lewes.
Dr. Connaughton is survived by his partner, Curtis Gillis; his two brothers, Thomas Connaughton of Alexandria, Va., and Stephen Connaughton of Wilmette, Ill.; and his sister, Jane Allen of Kenilworth, Ill.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Second Street in Lewes. Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be at St. Peters Cemetery on Pilottown, Road in Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ara Parseghian Foundation, 3530 E. Campo Albierto, Suite 105, Tucson, Arizona, 85718-3327 or to the Human Rights Campaign; Attn: Memorial Gifts; 1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20036 or online at www.hrc.org/memorialgifts.
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Ruth DuAime,
retired secretary
Ruth M. Clarhaut DuAime, 81, of Rehoboth Beach, died Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Lewes.
She was the daughter of the late Victor Clarhaut and the late Ruth (Eppihimer) Clarhaut.
Mrs. DuAime was employed as a secretary by the John P. Muroock Co., retiring in 1975.
She attended St. Edmonds Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, where she was a former prefect of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and a member of the Little Angels Prayer Group. She also was a member and past president of the Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in Philadelphia, and the Girl Scouts of America in Philadelphia. She also participated as a member of the Polar Bear Club in Rehoboth Beach since the early 1990s. She was a member of the board of directors of the Camelot Home Owners Association and the Cape Henlopen Senior Center.
She is survived by her daughter, Ruth C. DuAime Twaddell of Newark; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 28, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, Kings Charles and Laurel streets in Rehoboth Beach, with the Rev. Raymond Forrester officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, at St. Peters & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa..
Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163 Salisbury, MD 21803-0163. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
12/22/06
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Margaret Ann Smith,
Eastern Star member
Margaret Ann Smith, 88, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes.
She was born July 6, 1918, in Millington, Md., daughter of the late Frederick T. and Blanche Stouffer Lee.
Mrs. Smith was a member of the Five Points chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Newport.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Fred G. Smith; a son, Fred G. Smith II and his wife Colleen of Wilmington; two daughters, June Satterfield and her husband John of Wilmington, and Sharon Beavers and her husband Roger of Felton; six grandchildren, Jennifer Beavers Harris and her husband Jeremy, John Henry Satterfield and his wife Mary, Paul Satterfield, Scott Beavers and his wife Holly, Brett Smith and Dane Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Meghan Harris, Nicholas Satterfield and Drew Satterfield.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her sister, Catherine Green.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 23, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Bill Hopkins will be officiating. Interment will follow at Henlopen Memorial Park in Milton.
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Melvin Donald Barrett,
retired state employee
Melvin Donald Barrett, 74, of Georgetown, passed away Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at Milford Center.
Melvin was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Melvin and Mary Evans Barrett. He worked for the state of Delaware, State Service Center in Georgetown, retiring in 1995 as coordinator after 20 years of service.
He also worked for the Delaware Safety Council and taught the drunk-driving program. Melvin was retired as chief of police in Brookside in the late 1980s and was a graduate from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga in 1973.
Melvin was a member of Temple Lodge 11 in Wilmington. He enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to different NASCAR tracks. He was interested in genealogy and Civil War history and loved his Siamese cats.
Melvin is survived by his wife and best friend, Debbie Barrett; six children, Jill and Mike Kenney of Salisbury, Md., Jodie and Charles Galate of Atlanta, Ga., Jason and Wanda Barrett of Fort Benning, Ga., Jordan Barrett of Reston, Va., Susan and Todd Mitchell of Milton and Laurie and Gene Handlin of Ocean View; a brother, Charles Barrett of Lewes; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be at noon, Saturday, Dec. 23, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial will be in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgetown Regional Office, P.O. Box 625, Georgetown DE 19947.
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Aubrey P. Murray,
gas co. partner
Aubrey Phillips Murray, 84, of Millsboro, died Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006.
Aubrey enjoyed a long and accomplished life, including being a partner in Collins & Ryan Gas co., past president of the Delmarva Gas Association, past vice-chairman of the Millsboro Board of Sussex Trust col., past advancement chairman of the Delmarva Council of Boy Scouts of America and past president of the Millsboro Chapter of the American Field Service.
He was most proud that his son, Randy, was an Eagle Scout. At one time he served as a vestryman of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, was a life member of American Legion Most 28, a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution, a life member of American Legion Post 22 and a life member of VFW Post 7422.
Aubrey was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 5th Air Force in the South Pacific as an engineer gunner on the B-24 Liberator Bomber. He also served in the occupation of Japan.
Aubrey authored and published four books, “Rambling Around Millsboro,” “Millsboro Honor Roll,” “Small Town USA” and “Oak Orchard-Riverdale-Long Neck.” He also co-wrote with his wife, “Magyar Lace.”
He is survived by his bride of 62 years, Helen Magyari Murray; and a son, Randy Kevin Murray and daughter-in-law Sharyn. He is also survived by a brother, Millard F. Murray III of Millsboro.
Aubrey was preceded in death by his parents, Millard F. Murray Jr. and Beatrice A. Murray.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, State Street, Millsboro, with the Rev. David Archibald officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Burial will be in Millsboro Cemetery.
The family suggests contributions to The Millsboro Hut, Inc., P.O. Box 51, Millsboro DE 19966.
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John W. McEachin Jr.,
Vietnam veteran
John Willie “Sonny Boy” “Mr. Mac’ McEachin Jr., 73, of Dover, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, in his home with his family at his side.
Mr. McEachin was born Feb. 12, 1933, in Maxton, N.C., son of the late John Sr. and Margie McEachin.
He was a Vietnam War veteran. He served as a supply clerk. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant on March 1, 1975.
He loved to fish and watch wrestling and baseball. He also had a green thumb. He was a “self-appointed” security guard, always looking out for his neighbors.
Mr. McEachin gave his life to Christ on Oct. 23, 2006, under the Rev. Dr. John Bernard Wingate Jr. of the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hartly.
In addition to his parents, Mr. McEachin was preceded in death by his wife, Calanthia McEachin; and a brother, Thaddeus McEachin.
He is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Joyce McEachin, Barbara L. McEachin and Beverly K. and Carl Brown, all of Dover; three sons and three daughters-in-law, Glenn and Moria Brooks of Philadelphia, Dwight and Fiesta Brooks of Milton and Milton and Pyttoroarcha Brooks of Sumter, S.C.; a sister and a brother-in-law, Shirley Lee (McEachin) and David Tyson of Maxton, N.C.; a special sister-in-law, Sandra Muldrew; other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held in the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, with burial in Sharon Hill Memorial Gardens, Dover.
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Hannah Nicklas Mowen,
market researcher
Hannah Nicklas Mowen, 67, of Millsboro, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at home.
Mrs. Mowen was the daughter of the late James R. and Della Irene Parks Nicklas.
She was a self employed market researcher. She enjoyed cooking, ceramics reading and her grandchildren. She and her husband moved to this area in 1981.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Edwin B. Mowen; her son, James Adam Mowen and his fiancé Anna Andersen of Hjarring Denmark, a daughter, Onna W. Outten and her husband Greg of Georgetown; her sisters, Mary Louise Malay of Westminster, Md. and Susan Rachel Mask of Reisterstown, Md.; and two grandchildren.
Services and burial will be private.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
