07/17/09

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Stanford B. Klein Sr., retired custodian
Stanford B. Klein Sr., 82, of Millsboro, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2009, at home. Mr. Klein was born March 30, 1927, in Reading, Pa., to the late John and Emma Freeman Klein. Mr. Klein retired from the Indian River School District as a custodian at the Sussex Central Junior High School in Millsboro. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He enjoyed collecting coins, auctions, gardening and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Stanley B. Klein in 2006. He is survived by his wife Evie Bragg Klein; three children, Mollie Mae Flores of Millsboro, Mary Elizabeth Klein of Punta Gorda, Fla., and Stanford B. Klein Jr . and wife Brenda of Millsboro; a brother Belford J. Klein of Reading; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m., Monday, July 20, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call at noon. Pastor Russ Kessler will officiate the service. Interment with honors will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Patriots Way, Millsboro.

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Horace C. Stephens Jr., poultry inspector
Horace C. Stephens Jr., 78, of Lewes, passed away after a brief illness at Beebe Medical Center Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
He was born March 15, 1931, in Selbyville to the late Horace Sr. and Edna Stephens. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict.
“Steve” was a retired poultry inspector with the United States Department of Agriculture and was a past member of the Lewes Fire Department and the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company and a former post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7447 and a former district commander.
He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years, Irene Jean Boudrow Stephens, formerly of Gloucester, Mass. He is survived by his children: David Stephens Kelso of New York City, Craig Stephens Sr. and his fiancée Lisa Brittingham, and his daughter Melanie Wingate and her husband Lou; grandchildren Craig Stephens Jr. and his fiancée Jennifer Mickel, Robert Stephens, Joshua Wingate, Andrew Sheppard, Matthew Butcher, Chase Brittingham and Bailey Wingate, and great-grandchild Talan Stephens, all of Lewes.
Funeral services with Pastor Charlie Arnold officiating will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 18, at the Parsell Funeral Home & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road Lewes, DE 19958

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Barbara M. Weatherly, gifted teacher, artist
Barbara Miller Weatherly, 81, of Georgetown, passed away Monday, July 13, 2009, at her residence. Born Nov. 17, 1927, in Champaign-Urbana, Ill., she was a graduate of the University Laboratory High School in 1944 and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois in 1948. She was a lifelong and enthusiastic fan of the Fighting Illini athletic teams of her alma mater.
A gifted teacher, she taught second- and third-grade students in North Carolina and South Carolina. After moving to Delaware in the 1966, she taught psychology and sociology on the college level. She taught numerous yoga classes throughout Delaware in the 1970s, leaving a lasting influence on many students. During the 1980s, she was the Sussex County program director for Delaware First, a program that encourages grassroots community participation. Her most beloved event, which she originated, is the annual Caroling on the Circle in Georgetown.
She was also active in many volunteer programs including the Delaware Symphony Association, the Delaware Humanities Forum and the Delaware Council for Women. She served four years as president of the Sussex County Arts Council and was a member of AAUW, serving as statewide vice president in charge of cultural affairs.
A talented watercolorist, Barbara was well known for the vibrant colors of her paintings depicting flowers, local landscapes and wonderfully interpretative faces and portraits. She was never happier than when someone was admiring her work. She was often honored with awards in local shows and exhibitions.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Paul K. Weatherly. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Dennis, son-in-law Drake Dennis, grandson Adam Dennis, grandson Jason Dennis (who as a child christened her “Mimi”) and Jason’s wife Sarah, and great-grandson Jack; daughter Barbara Mignon Weatherly and son-in-law Dean Johnson. She is also survived by her cousin Charles Miller and by her very special Illinois friends, Dean Collins, “Stew” Daniels, Morris Butsch, “Tank” Sholem and Alice Johnson, all of whom provided her with much companionship and amusement. Her elegance and intelligence will be missed by all who knew her.
As Barbara requested, there will be no public service. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Bridgeville.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions in her memory to be made to the Paul K. and Barbara Weatherly Scholarship Fund at Delaware Technical & Community College, P.O. Box 897, Dover, DE 19903.

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Joyce Mullins memorial service set
A memorial service celebrating the life of veteran journalist Joyce A. Mullins, who died Saturday, July 4, 2009, will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 210 Old North Road, Camden. Family and friends are invited to remember her life and those who wish to speak about their love of her are welcome to participate.
Mullins, 69, worked for newspapers for more than 45 years. She covered and wrote from hard news to features, including stories on theater and dance in the Delaware and Philadelphia areas. In recent years she wrote a weekly opinion column, “Like it or not, we’re in this together,” for the Delaware Coast Press.
A graduate of Wesley College and Delaware State University, Mullins became an accomplished journalist with the Philadelphia Bulletin, Wilmington News Journal, Delaware State News, the Dover Post, Delaware Today magazine and Au Courant.
She was a composer of neo-classical music and taught piano for many years. The Milford Branch of The Music School of Delaware will host a recital in her memory at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25. Organizers said for five years Mullins was a dedicated and devoted faculty member at the Music School, where her love of music and piano inspired many students. The recital, open to the public, will feature performances by music school faculty, staff and students. The school is located at 10 S. Walnut St., Milford.
In her quieter moments, Mullins enjoyed the pursuit of American and biblical history. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother and will be remembered as one who sought to live an authentic life.
She is survived by three sons, Marc V. Clery of Florida, David A. Cephas of Magnolia and Jonathan A. Cephas of Collingswood, N.J.; four grandchildren, Cassandra Clery, Ryan Davis, Connor Cephas and Keenan Cephas; and two brothers, Jerry Mullins of Georgetown and Timothy Mullins of Wilmington. Born in Chambersburg, Pa., she is the daughter of the late Lewis Mullins and Lena Mullins Kersey.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul’s Church, 210 Old North Road, Camden, DE 19934.

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Clarence A. Teichert, Millsboro resident
Clarence A. Teichert, 97, of Millsboro, formerly of Whitehall, Pa., passed away Monday, July 13, 2009, at the Renaissance Health Center in Millsboro.
Clarence was born in Packerton, Pa., son of the late Frank and Anna Teichert.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Stella in 2007; a son, Clarence A. Teichert Jr.; and daughter, Patricia Ann Teichert.
He is survived by his son, Robert L. Teichert and his wife Patricia of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Debbie Koval and her husband Steve of Wyomissing, Pa., Robert L. Teichert Jr. of Slatedale, Pa.; four great-grandchildren, Kimberly Davis, Nina Davis, Nathan Teichert and Bobby Teichert.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 27, at St. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, 260 North 3rd St., Lehighton, Pa..
Interment will follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Clarence’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association of Sussex County, PO Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Arrangements by Melson Funeral Services of Millsboro.

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William E. Tatman Sr., maintenance mechanic
William E. Tatman Sr., 58, of Milford, died Sunday, July 12, 2009, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
He was born in Dover, the son of the late William and Grace P. Jefferson Tatman. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a maintenance mechanic on tugboats.
He loved being around people, enjoyed joking around and spending time with his grandkids. He also loved being on the water, fishing and feeding the birds. He also enjoyed listening to music.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his son, William E. “Billy” Tatman Jr. of Milford; a daughter, Theresa Lynn Tatman of Harrington; a stepson, Michael L. Colvin of Harrington; nieces, Pamela J. Klein of Felton, Chrissie Lynn Tatman of Milford and Alisa Ann Tatman of Lewes; and a nephew, Gary Klein of Philadelphia; eight grandchildren, Kadyn Tatman, Keanyn Tatman, Kye Tatman, Darin Hill, Kirsten Burch, Payton Colvin, Dakota Colvin and Dawson Colvin.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 17, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford, where friends may call after 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

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Merle E. Miller, Lowe’s employee
Merle E. Miller, 85, of Milton, died Monday, June 29, 2009, at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
He was born in Somerset, Pa., the son of the late Leo F. and Dora M. Snyder Miller. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He worked for 17 years at General Electric as a warehouse forklift operator and 14 years at Sears as a salesman and then seven years at Lowe’s in Lewes in the electric department. He enjoyed woodworking and metal detecting.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Shaffer Miller in April 2005. He is survived by his son, Randy G. Miller of Milton; and five sisters, Florence Westerman of Berlin, Pa., Ethel Stiffler of Somerset, Betty Lynch of Somerset, Maxine Lapp of Baltimore, Md., and Eileen Terayke of Somerset.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, July 17, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. Burial will be private.
Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801.

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Charles S. Crompton Sr., avid baseball fan
Charles S. Crompton Sr., 94, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Delaware City, Monday, July 13, 2009.
The son of the late Walter and Ella Crompton, he was born on his family’s farm near Middletown, March 20, 1915. He attended Middletown Academy and public school in Chesapeake City, Md. In 1927, his father took over a general store, farm machinery and dairy business that had been operated by an uncle in St. Georges.
Mr. Crompton attended and graduated from Delaware City High School. He attended the University of Delaware, class of 1937, and excelled as shortstop on the baseball team and also lettered on the soccer team. When his father became an invalid in 1936, Mr. Crompton left the university and, with his older brother, Albert, took over the family business in St. Georges that they operated as Crompton Bros. until his retirement in 1981.
He married his high school sweetheart, Jean Armstrong, in 1936 and lived happily with her at their home in Delaware City until her death in 2001.
He was an avid baseball fan and made many trips to the games of the Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies. He continued to play semi-pro baseball for many years during the 1930s through the 1950s, playing for teams in St. Georges, Delaware City, and Port Penn.
He never lost his farming heritage and maintained a large vegetable garden at his home until his 90th year, supplying vegetables to many friends and neighbors.
He was active in Democratic Party politics and in civic affairs, serving for many years on the Delaware City and Gunning Bedford school boards. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Delaware City for over 70 years and served both as a deacon and elder of the church. He was also a member and past master of Jackson Lodge 19, AF&AM, in Delaware City.
He is survived by his sons, Charles S. Crompton Jr. of Centreville, and Thomas F. Crompton, M.D., of Millville, N.J.; two grandchildren, Rebecca A. Crompton of Kennett Square, Pa., and Charles S. Crompton III of San Francisco, Calif.; two great-grandsons, Evan S. Jones of Kennett Square, and Charles S. Crompton IV of San Francisco; and his sister, Helen M. Lester of Lewes. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and her husband, his next-door neighbors, Beverly A. and Henry Walton; his niece, Jill H. Snow; and his housekeeper and principal caregiver, Katie Edgar, all of whom have been attentive and faithful.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 17, at the St. Georges Cemetery, Kirkwood-St. Georges Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Delaware City, P.O. Box 4105, Delaware City, DE 19706.

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Lillian W. Drebing, devoted homemaker
Lillian Willis Drebing, 80, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 12, 2009, at her residence with her loving family by her side.
She was born April 13, 1929, in Palestine, W.Va., daughter of the late Sidney Coleman and Elizabeth Berkley Willis.
Mrs. Drebing was devoted to her family and church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. For many years she oversaw the Altar Guild at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes and she was also a member of the Rolling Meadows ladies luncheon group.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Elender Drebing (1997); three sisters, Leona Halloran, Louise Sarver and Jean Shelton; and a brother, Harry Willis. She is survived by two daughters, Beverly Joyce King and husband Scott of Manassas, Va., and Barbara Drebing Kauffman and husband Neil Kauffman of Swarthmore, Pa.; two sons, Charles Edward Drebing and wife Susan of Holliston, Mass., and David Elender Drebing of Lewes; eight grandchildren; a sister, Helen Batty and a brother, Carroll Willis, both of Alderson, W.Va.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, July 19, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Second and Market streets, Lewes, with the Rev. Carlyle Gill officiating; interment will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 18, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at the address noted above.