08/31/07
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Frances H. Wiley,
former Lions Club member
Frances H. Wiley, 93, of Millsboro, formerly of Aston, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, in her home.
Frances was born in Concord, Pa., daughter of the late Clarence and Orpha Walters Husbands.
She was a homemaker.
While residing in Aston, Frances was an active member of the Mount Hope U.M. Church and a Lioness with the Aston Lions Club. She moved to Millsboro about seven years ago.
In addition to her parents, Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Charles B. Wiley, and two sons, Barry Wiley and Gene Wiley.
She is survived by two sons, Frank Wiley, with whom she lived in Millsboro, and Walter Wiley of Charlotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial services at Mount Hope U.M. Church in Aston will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mount Hope U.M. Church, 4020 Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014.
Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.
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Joseph E. Keate,
traveled extensively
Joseph E. Keate, 79, of Rehoboth Beach and The Villages, Fla., passed away Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in Florida. He was born July 9, 1928, in Los Angeles, Calif., son of the late Joseph and Janet Keate.
Mr. Keate retired from the Montgomery County, Md., Department of Transportation and moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1983. He worked for Coldwell Banker Rehoboth Resort Realty and Anderson Stokes. He then traveled extensively and became a Florida sun bird.
He was active in St. Edmond’s parish as a eucharistic minister, a member of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He overcame many medical problems with a cheerful heart and now has earned his well-deserved rest.
Mr. Keate was the beloved husband of Barbara Keate and the brother of Mae Miles of Solvana, Calif. Joe loved being a part of Barbara’s large family - her eight children, their spouses and nineteen grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 31, at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles Avenue and Laurel Street, Rehoboth Beach. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 646, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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Theodore E. Willing Sr.,
enjoyed fishing
Theodore Elwood Willing Sr., 72, of Greenwood, formerly of Salisbury, Md., passed from this life Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford.
He was born in Salisbury on Dec. 11, 1934, son of the late Raymond Willing and Elizabeth Ruggiero.
Mr. Willing worked at various jobs, including poultry producer, welder, mechanic, carpenter, heavy equipment operator and repairing railroad cars in Texas. He became disabled in 1992.
He enjoyed working on small motors, fishing and in his younger days, riding motorcycles.
Mr. Willing was a member of Old Paths Church of Christ in Georgetown.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph J. Willing; and a sister, Roselene King.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Theodore Willing Jr. of Eden, Md., Preston and Jennie Willing of Mardela, Md., James and Kathy Willing of Bedford, Pa., Paul and Ylonda Willing of Hebron, Md., and Daisey Myers of Selbyville; four brothers and their spouses, Leon and Doris Willing of Bridgeville, James S. and Lora Jean Willing of Salisbury, Charles and Ruth Ruggiero of Lewes, and Lennie Ruggiero of Ellendale; two sisters, Vivian Szabo of Virginia, and Teresa Myers of Ellendale; 10 grandchildren, Preston Jr., Brian, Andrea, Paul, Christopher, A.J., Rebecca, Raymond “Buck,” Jason and Bradley; his great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at noon, Friday, Aug. 31, in Old Paths Church of Christ, 18295 Redden Road, Georgetown, where family and friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be held at the adjoining cemetery.
Flowers are accepted, or donations can be made to Old Paths Church of Christ, 18295 Redden Road, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Joseph Garber,
U.S. Army Air veteran
Joseph Garber, 85, of Rehoboth Beach and formerly of Wilmington, died Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2007.
A U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, he was an entrepreneur.
He is survived by his daughter, Judy Yaakovian; his grandsons, Matthew and Michael Yaakovian; his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Natalie; his sister, Claire Cohen of Wilmington; and his companion, Florence Levy.
Graveside services were held at the Jewish Community Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Seaside Jewish Community, P.O. Box 1472, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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Amedeo E. DeBastiani,
U.S. Steel retiree
Amedeo “Mickey” E. DeBastiani, 85, of Milton, formerly of Ligonier, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at his home. Mr. DeBastiani was born in Renton, Pa., Jan.15, 1922, son of the late Giacomo and Antoinette Pinazza DeBastiani. Mickey was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navy and Merchant Marines.
Mr. DeBastiani retired after 34 years of service at United States Steel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mickey enjoyed photography, gardening, fishing, reading and music. He was also a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church choir in Georgetown, the choir at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ligonier and the choir at the Georgetown CHEER Center. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters, Gino DeBastiani, Gilda Potter, Thelma Rice, Elsie Dabin and Bruno DeBastiani. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Asunta “Sue” Nuzzo DeBastiani; a son, James DeBastiani and his wife Barbara of Georgetown; two daughters, Louise DeBastiani of Milton, and Bobbie DeBastiani of Lewes; four grandchildren, Annette, Mary Beth, Antonia and Tessa DeBastiani; and two sisters, Emma Pavlick of New Kensington, Pa., and Erma Grajcar of Prince Frederick, Md. A memorial mass was held Wednesday, Aug. 29, in Georgetown, with in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Mickey’s name to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
2007-08-28
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Ruth G. Peck,
retired accountant
Ruth G. Peck, 81, passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at Martin Nursing and Restorative Care Center in Stuart, Fla.
Born in Providence, R.I., she had resided in Jensen Beach, Fla., since 1982, coming from Millsboro.
Prior to retirement she was a tax accountant for H.B. Mitchell & Son in Millsboro for over 20 years.
She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro before moving to Florida.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Alice Peck of Fort Worth, Texas. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Jack and Zoe.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Harold A. and Gladys I. Gardner; and one brother.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. at the Millsboro Cemetery, Millsboro.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro.
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Kathy J. Goff LeCates,
floral designer
Kathy J. Goff LeCates, 57, of Millsboro, died Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at home.
Kathy was born on Sept. 29, 1949, in Fremont, N.C., to the late Willie E. and Agnes M. Bass Goff.
Kathy had just started working at Jeff’s Greenhouses in Bethel as a floral designer; she was a designer all her life going back to working with her parents in their florist shop years ago. In addition to being an excellent floral designer she loved to read and make jewelry, and she loved her grandchildren.
Kathy is survived by two daughters, Danika Swan of Wilmington, and Montera L. Dorsey of Millsboro; two brothers, Willie E. Goff Jr. of Greenwood, and John K. Goff of Millsboro; two sisters, Cheryl Ellwanger and Beverly West, both of Millsboro; and eight grandchildren, Adrian, Olivia, Quinn, Jozias, Juliana, Jacob, Jeradus and Samuel.
Services will be private and at the discretion of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190-5362 in memory of Kathy LeCates.
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Paul ‘Gene’ Barker,
retired custodian
Paul E."Gene" Barker, 75, of Georgetown, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. He served in the U.S. Army where his specialty was boxing. Gene retired in 1994 after serving 40 years as an Indian River School District custodian. He loved horse racing, fishing and traveling. In addition to his parents, Gene was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lee Barker, in 1993; his sister, Joann Edwards; and a stepson, David McDaniels. He is survived by his stepdaughter, Nancy J. Ireland of Dover; a stepson, Bobby McDaniels of Smyrna; his sister, Patty McClelland of Rutland, Ohio; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford Street, Georgetown, at noon, Thursday Aug. 30, with a viewing at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
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Leonard R. Brooks Jr.,
Chrysler retiree
Leonard R. Brooks Jr., 59, of New Castle, died on Friday, Aug. 24, 2007, at Christiana Hospital.
Born in Wilmington on Dec. 11, 1947, Mr. Brooks was a graduate of William Penn High School.
He served his country in the U.S. Army as a medical corpsman during the Vietnam War, earning many awards for meritorious service, including the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal.
Mr. Brooks was employed as an autoworker for 35 years with the Chrysler Corporation in Newark before his retirement in 2001. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of New Castle.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys M. Adkins Brooks.
He is survived by his father, Leonard R. Brooks Sr. of New Castle; daughter, Kimberly R. Brooks of Delaware City; three brothers, Russell G. Brooks and his wife, Donna, of Lewes; Edward T. Brooks and his companion, Rebecca, of Bear; and Ronald D. Brooks and his wife, Loretta, of New Castle; four nieces; a nephew; two great-nieces; and two great-nephews.
Services were held at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, New Castle, with interment in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Ste. 205, New Castle, DE 19720.
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J. Lester Satchell,
Southern States retiree
J. Lester Satchell, 80, of Federalsburg, Md., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at Caroline Home for Hospice in Denton.
He was born in Easton on June 26, 1927, the son of the late Curtis Crawford Satchell Sr. and Elizabeth Matilda Miller Satchell.
Mr. Satchell joined the Army-Air Force in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1948 as a corporal.
He had worked at Southern States Feed Mill, Seaford for 33 years.
Mr. Satchell was a member of the Federalsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5246.
He was a member of the Blades United Methodist Church, Blades.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Hazel L. Kemp Satchell, who died on June 17, 2003; and five siblings, Lawrence Satchell, Frances Satchell, Curtis C. Satchell, Doris Lomax and Gladys Quidas.
He is survived by three sons, Larry Satchell of Seaford, Ernie Satchell of Franklin, Tenn., Kevin Breeding of Clearfield, Utah; four daughters, Sandra Norris of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Tina Smith of Easton, Karen Jester of Federalsburg, Pamela McCraw of Fayette, Ala.; a sister, Elizabeth Mitchell of Jamesburg, N.J.; a brother, William Satchell of Brooklet, Ga.; his fiancé, Louise Meredith of Federalsburg; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held in the Framptom Funeral Home, Federalsburg, with interment at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Md. with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caroline Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 362, Denton, MD 21629; or to the Blades United Methodist Church, 306 S. Market St., Blades, DE 19973.
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Irene P. Hocker,
retired bookkeeper
Irene P. Papciak Hocker, 70, of Lewes, passed away at her residence after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born April 8, 1937 in Quakertown, Pa., daughter of the late Edmund T. and Edna (Zuchlinski) Papciak.
Mrs. Hocker was a longtime resident of Lewes and a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. She enjoyed relaxing on her screened porch admiring her beautiful gardens.
She was an avid reader, a bridge player and enjoyed arts and crafts. She was employed as a bookkeeper for several local businesses throughout her life.
However, her most cherished time was spent raising her children and spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Thomas M. Hocker Jr. in 1991 and her grandson-in-law, Sgt. Robert Stanley, who died in 2007 in Iraq.
She is survived by her fiancé Jim Brittingham; three daughters, Deborah Hazzard of Lewes, Kathleen Wood and her husband Greg of Rehoboth Beach and Patricia Medd and her husband Robb of Lewes; and seven grandchildren; Jayme Hazzard Stanley, John Hazzard III, Katherine Hazzard, Zachary Wood, Caitlin Wood, Devin Medd and Alexa Medd.
Funeral services were held at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, with interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Mary Teresa Platzke,
Milton resident
Mary Teresa Platzke of Milton, 80, died Friday July 6, 2007. Memorial services were private.
Contributions may be made to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958. Arrangements by Short Funeral Services, Milton.
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Esther McLendon,
Harbeson resident
Esther McLendon Johnson 68, of Harbeson died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007. Services were Saturday, Aug. 25, at the of Short Funeral Services chapel in Milton.
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Justin Alan Brown,
avid sports fan
Justin Alan Brown, 27, of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, while on vacation in Elysburg, Pa.
Justin graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and looked forward to them winning a major title. Justin enjoyed his many vacations to Disney World and Knoebels Amusement Park where he loved spending time with family and friends.
Justin was preceded in death by his grandfather, George M. Futcher.
Justin is survived by his loving parents, Alan and Kathy Brown; his devoted brothers, Joshua and Zachary Brown; grandparents, Virginia Futcher, Sarah Clark, and James F. and Carol Brown of Long Neck; along with many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Justin’s family would like to express their gratitude to Bayada nurses, especially Jackie, Debbie, Bernard, Charles and others for Continued from page 20
the terrific care they provided over the past three years.
Justin will be remembered for his easygoing and beautiful personality along with his warm, sunny smile, and the remarkable courage and grace he exhibited throughout his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, Greenville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Justin’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 371 W. North St., Dover, DE 19901.
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Christopher Spooner,
loved fishing
Christopher John Spooner, 28, of Rehoboth Beach and formerly of Canton, Conn., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at his residence. He was born June 23, 1979 in New York, N.Y., son of Terese Marion (Flood) Spooner and Albert John Spooner III of Rehoboth Beach.
Mr. Spooner relocated to Delaware six years ago. He loved fishing and Jeeps. He was a member of St. Edmond’s Catholic Church.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Amanda Nicole Spooner of Millsboro; his daughter, Alleah Rose Marie Spooner of Millsboro; his sister, Claire Grayson and her husband Geoff of Amesbury, Mass.; and his paternal grandmother Estelle M. Spooner of Cranbury, N.J.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Edmond’s Catholic Church, King Charles & Laurel Streets, Rehoboth Beach. Interment was private. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite 2200, Newark, DE 19713 or Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
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Ruth C. Huber,
avid bowler
Ruth C. Huber, 72, of Lewes, formerly of Baltimore, Md., and Shrewsbury, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at her home.
Mrs. Huber was born in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late Harry and Emma Meise Sr.
Mrs. Huber was family oriented and was known throughout the area for her beautiful smile and laugh. Ruth was a member of S.O.S. in Pennsylvania, the United Methodist Women of Conley’s Church in Lewes, Girls Night Out and was a member of the beautification committee of the Cove on Herring Creek. She was also an avid bowler.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband Joseph Edward Huber in 2005.
She is survived by a son, Jeffrey J. Huber and his wife Diane of Baltimore, Md., and a brother, Harry Meise and his wife Myrna of Lewes.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 1, at Conley’s Methodist Church, 22150 Robinsonville Rd., Lewes. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. Flowers are welcome at the church service. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.
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Thomas A. Saxton,
NSA retiree
Thomas Alexander Saxton, 74, of Bethany Meadows, passed Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
Mr. Saxton was born December 12, 1932 in Hartshorne, Okla., son of the late Ralph Merle Saxton and Mildred Isabel (Breckenridge) Saxton.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Mr. Saxton went to work with the National Security Agency, retiring in 1979 after 23 years of service. He and his wife Ruth moved to the Delaware area from Ellicott City, Md., in 2000. He was a member of the Lutheran Church Of Our Saviour, Rehoboth Beach, where he had served on many church committees over the years. He was a member of the Whirl-A-Ways Square Dancing Club and enjoyed bowling with Club 55. He also volunteered at ACTS in Ocean View. He enjoyed being a handyman for many people and could often be found working in his yard and gardens.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Rochelle Rambert in 2007.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Eleanor Saxton; a son, Ron Saxton and his wife Denise of Ellicott City; two daughters, Barb Saxton of Gaithersburg, Md. and Deborah Morgan and her husband Peter of Bowie, Md.; six grandchildren, Shawn Morgan, Jenifer Cochran, Colin Morgan, Chris Saxton, Marc Saxton and Kory Saxton; one great-granddaughter, Brittany Cochran; two sisters, Marianna Freeman of Mesa, Ariz. and Margaret Martin of Bremerton, Wash.
A memorial service will be held at noon, Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Route 1 and Bay Vista Road, with Pastor Donald Schaefer officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 7 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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Amedeo E. DeBastiani,
U.S. Steel retiree
Amedeo “Mickey” E. DeBastiani, 85, of Milton, formerly of Ligonier, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, Aug. 27, 2007 at his home.
Mr. DeBastiani was born in Renton, Pa., January 15, 1922, son of the late Giacomo and Antoinette (Pinazza) DeBastiani.
Mickey was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Navy and Merchant Marines. Mr. DeBastiani retired after 34 years of service at United States Steel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Mickey enjoyed photography, gardening, fishing, reading and music. He was also a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church choir in Georgetown and the choir at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ligonier.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters, Gino DeBastiani, Gilda Potter, Thelma Rice, Elsie Dabin and Bruno DeBastiani.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Asunta “Sue” (Nuzzo) DeBastiani; a son, James DeBastiani and his wife Barbara of Georgetown; two daughters, Louise DeBastiani of Milton, and Bobbie DeBastiani of Lewes; four grandchildren, Annette, Mary Beth, Antonia and Tessa DeBastiani; and two sisters, Emma Pavlick of New Kensington, Pa., and Erma Grajcar of Prince Frederick, Md.
A memorial Mass will be held at noon, Wednesday, Aug. 29, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 202 Edward St., Georgetown. Burial will be held in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Mickey’s name to Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services.
2007-08-24
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Everett C. Hopkins,
salesman, farmer
Everett C. Hopkins, 88, of Lexington, W.Va., formerly of Lewes, entered the Lord’s presence Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007, at Lexington Memorial Hospital, following complications from a stroke on August 9.
Mr. Hopkins was born May 9, 1919, to Laura Futcher Hopkins and James Woolsey Hopkins. He maintained an insurance business in his home for 50-plus years in addition to being engaged in farming. He was a member of Conley’s Methodist Church, Lewes, where he taught Sunday school, was a member of the men’s quartet and held various church leadership roles.
During the 1950s, he sang in the “Precious Memories” quartet from the live weekly radio program bearing the same name. He was a member of The Gideons International and held various offices in his local camp. He derived great pleasure from his involvement in the Lord’s work. He was also a member of the Grange for 50-plus years, having served as master of Coolspring and Henlopen granges, Sussex County Pomona Grange, state chaplain for the Delaware State Grange and represented the Delaware State Grange on the Governor’s Task Force on the Inland Bays from 1983 to 1984.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace Conaway Hopkins; a daughter, Judith Briggs and her husband, Bobby, of Lexington; a brother, Ernest F. Hopkins and his wife, Joy, of Lewes; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, where friends and family may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 27.
Interment will be at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery, Lewes.
The family requests memorials be made to Conley’s Methodist Church, 22150 Robinsonville Road, Lewes, DE 19958; or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 281, Millsboro, De. 19966.
