07/24/09

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Alton B. Bradley, former Lewes man
Alton B. Bradley, 87, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2009, in Morehead City, N.C.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Monday, July 27, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 11 a.m.
Interment at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, will follow the services.

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Robert V. Layfield, business co-owner
Robert V. Layfield, 88, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, after a long illness.
Mr. Layfield was born July 14, 1921, in Dagsboro to the late Orville and Viola Mears Layfield.
He was co-owner of Mitchell & Sons Inc. in Millsboro. Mr. Layfield was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy campaigns. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Millsboro, served as mayor of Millsboro multiple terms during the 1970s, and served on the Millsboro Town Council for several years. Mr. Layfield loved to serve people, put others first, make people happy, and he was a determined man.
Mr. Layfield is survived by his wife of 65 years, Grace M. Layfield; a son Reginald M. Layfield and wife Donna of Millsboro; a daughter Deborah A. Ware and husband Les of Hampton, Va.; three grandchildren, Mark B. Hall of Mathews, Va., Jennifer L. Ware of Arlington, Va., and U.S. Army Capt. Andrew M. Ware of Savannah, Ga.; and two great-grandchildren, D. Grace Hall and Eileen B. Hall. A daughter, Dolores D. Hall, preceded him in death in 1984.
Services will be graveside at 2 p.m., Friday, July 24, at the Millsboro Cemetery, State Street, Millsboro. The Rev. Ed Kuhling will officiate the service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for contributions to a charity of choice in memory of Robert Layfield. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Joseph Thoroughgood, appliance store owner
Joseph W. Thoroughgood, 85, a loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford Monday, July 20, 2009, after a short hospitalization due to a fall.
Mr. Thoroughgood attended the Gull House in Rehoboth five days per week, receiving wonderful care and enjoying a variety of activities aimed at senior citizens.
He and his wife Iris were lifelong residents of Rehoboth Beach, where he and his brother Bill owned and operated Thoroughgood Appliances on Rehoboth Avenue. Mr. Thoroughgood retired in the mid 1980s and resided at The Plantations, a residential community between Rehoboth and Lewes.
His hobbies included surf fishing, coastal and bird watching, and his innate ability to fix just about anything. Joe had a great sense of humor.
He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, stationed in Italy, where he received two Purple Hearts due to injuries incurred during the war.
Born May 28, 1924, in Georgetown, Joe was the son of the late George and Pearl Thoroughgood.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Jack and George “Bugs” Thoroughgood.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Iris C. Thoroughgood; two daughters, Denise Goepel and her husband Charles of Severna Park, Md., and Tina Thoroughgood and her partner Susan Schening of Milton; two grandchildren, Katie and John Goepel, who are both attending college in Maryland; he is also survived by his brother, James “Sparky” Thoroughgood of near Lewes.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, at St. George’s Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson. Friends may call after 10:30 a.m. The family requests memorial donations to either Gull House, 38149 Terrace Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.

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Sarah E. Clifton Dillon, former hotel owner
Sarah Elizabeth Clifton Dillon, 84, passed away Monday, July 20, 2009, at Juniper Village Assisted Living in Williamstown, N.J.
A lifelong resident of Lewes, she was the daughter of the late William W. Clifton and Emma M. Torbert.
She was the co-owner of the Valley of the Swans Hotel from the late 1950s to 1978, currently the Hotel Rodney; owner of Sarah’s Beauty Shoppe; and owner/operator of the Driftwood Motel.
Sarah was a member of the Delmarva Amateur Radio Club and a ham radio operator (Morse code), NZED38. She was also a member of Atco Trinity United Methodist Church in Atco, N.J., and Conley’s Methodist Church in Lewes.
She was the wife of the late Thomas F. Dillon and companion of the late Walter Lupish. Her brothers, Wesley, Carlton and Calvin Clifton, also preceded her in death.
She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Kashner (Massey) of Dover; five grandchildren, Lenora Wittje (Louis) of Franklinville, N.J., Dorothy McDowell (Scott) of Midlothian, Va., Charles Kashner Jr. of Dover, Thomas Kashner of Dover, and Sarah Kashner-Forwood (Josh) of Camden, N.J.; 13 great-grandchildren, Louis III, Kayla, Michael, Steven, Kelly, Zoe, Beckham, Dillon, Ava, Alexandra, Olivia, Mason and Adam; and many friends and relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25, at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. Interment immediately following at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery near Lewes.

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James Monihan services extended
The Lewes Fire Department Inc. regrets the passing of President Emeritus E. James Monihan Saturday, July 18, 2009. E. James Monihan was a 43-year member of the Lewes Fire Department and a life member of the Cranston Heights Fire Department.
Full firemen’s services are as follows:
Funeral services will be held at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, Coastal Highway and Tulip Drive just north of Five Points at 10 a.m., Friday, July 24. All firefighters should be at Station 1 by 8:30 a.m. All members are to be in full dress uniform or proper attire.
Following services a procession will proceed north on Coastal Highway to Nassau Road to New Road to Pilottown Road to Savannah Road for Final Alarm at Station 1, then proceed on Savannah Road to north Coastal Highway for interment at Henlopen Memorial Park.
The family is requesting everyone to join them for food and fellowship following the services at Lewes Fire Department Inc. Station 1 on Savannah Road.

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John S. Coursey, propane operator
John Sterrett Coursey, 71, of Millsboro, was summoned to his rest by his heavenly father Monday, July 20, 2009. Born Sept. 26, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pa., John was one of six children born to the union of Charles M. and Cecelia E. Sterrett Coursey.
Mr. Coursey served with the U.S. Navy in Malta and Puerto Rico with distinction. Following an honorable discharge, he worked in the propane business 45 years and was the owner and operator of Nanticoke Propane until his death.
His faith and his family were central to his life, and he was a devoted member of Faith Tabernacle Congregation Church in Philadelphia. John survived two wives, the late Shirley Coursey (nee Troutman) and Alberta M. Coursey (nee Morris) and was the proud, nurturing father of 10 adoring children. John will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loving memories of him will be cherished for years to come.
Surviving him are his loving and devoted wife, Joyce E. Coursey (nee Korn); and their three sons, Daniel of Newark, and Aaron and Trent of Millsboro. Also surviving him are his seven children with his late wife, Alberta M. Coursey: Rhonda Coursey-Pratt (Larry) of St. Louis, Mo.; Sandra Miller (Bill) of Fairview Heights, Ill.; John of Tecumseh, Okla.; Michael (Becky) of Hampton, Va.; Sharon Harry (Sean) of Smyrna; Crystal Hooper of Laurel; and Alberta Feil of Centerville, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his four brothers, Marshall of Lafayette Hills, Pa.; Melvin of Ulysses, Pa., and Albert and Charles of Millsboro.
A service celebrating the life and journey of John Coursey will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 24, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Friends and family may call two hours prior the service. Interment will be at Indian Mission Cemetery, Millsboro.

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Harvey E. Brandner, retired supervisor
Harvey E. Brandner, 90, of Seaford, died Saturday, July 18, 2009.
Harvey retired from the Dupont Company in Seaford in 1979 after 27 years. He was a supervisor and a union representative. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving on a supply ship in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Elks Club in Seaford for 35 years. His wife Odetta E. Brandner died in 2004. Harvey is survived by his son, Harvey Brandner and his wife Lori of Rehoboth Beach; his daughter, Kay Bleile and her husband Scott of Seaford; grandchildren, Terry Lee Warrington, Bonnie Kaye Myers, Scott Bleile and his wife Melissa, and Heather Lynn Bleile; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Seatta Murray of Clarksville.
Funeral services were held at Christ Lutheran Church, Seaford. Burial was in St George’s Cemetery, Clarksville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 315 N. Shipley St., Seaford, DE 19973; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements by the Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford.

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Gordon W. Warren, Sussex contractor
Gordon Wayne Warren, 58, died Saturday, July 18, 2009, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born March 30, 1951, to Isabel Webb Collins of Milford and the late Luther P. Warren.
He served in the army earning the rank of sergeant. While stationed in Germany, he had the opportunity to travel to parts of Europe, including France and his most memorable, Denmark. He worked in construction for more than 30 years and at one point owned his own business. He contracted out jobs for Kent and Sussex counties and for the government, earning high respect from all he worked with. He was very dedicated to his work, always going above and beyond. He had a very loyal employee, Carroll “Tiny” Staub, who worked for him many years, right up to the end. Wayne would say he was the best worker he ever had and couldn’t have asked for better. Wayne appreciated all the hard work Tiny and Bubba put in on the last jobs; they made him proud.
He had been a member of the Moose Lodge, Modern Maturity Center and the American Legion. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and helped to sponsor girls softball teams from Sussex County, traveling with them to Ohio for the nationals. For almost three years, he rarely missed a Saturday game of bingo at the Milford Center where his Aunt Delma, whom he adored, had lived. He brought her and the other residents so much joy. He was always helping others. He loved spending his summers at the beach. He was an avid fisherman who participated in annual surf fishing competitions, even winning a few. He could be found at Coursey’s Pond fishing after a long day at work. He rarely missed a game of Texas Hold-‘em with the boys. He loved the outdoors, watching sports, NASCAR and classic movies.
He loved to dance to the classics and enjoyed listening to almost all genres of music. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He loved life, living it to the fullest, having no regrets and happy he had a good life. He was an honest, hardworking man, full of pride and integrity, and will be missed dearly.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Suzie Keefer and her husband of Baltimore, Md.; three grandchildren, Jordan, Ryle and Ireland; his sisters, whom he adored, Robyn Warren of Wilmington, Celine Eisele and her husband Louis and their son Dayne of Milton, Linda Lambert and her husband Rick and their daughter Stephanie of Middletown, Diane Hoffer and her husband Lee of Illinois, and Theresa Atherton of Florida; his brothers, Ralph Warren and his companion Noreen McFry, Buddy Warren and his wife Michelle, Johnny Warren and his wife Sheila, Gary Warren, Dale Warren and Kevin Warren; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind so many loving and wonderful memories to his very special friend, Jennifer Baker, who was with him to the end.
Memorial services will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at his residence, 862 Tub Mill Pond Road, Milford. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 100 West 10th St., Suite 207, Wilmington, DE 19801. Arrangements handled by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.

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Joyce E. White LeCates, church member
Joyce E. White LeCates, 86, of Laurel, passed away Monday, July 20, 2009, at Lifecare at Lofland Park, Seaford, where she was a patient the past two-and-a-half years. Mrs. LeCates was born Sept. 2, 1922 in Berlin, Md., to the late Estole G. Sr. and Georgia Parsons White.
She worked for Oliver Jones Country Store for many years until she retired. Joyce was a lifelong member of Hickory Hill United Methodist Church, Millsboro, where she held and served in many offices and activities of the church.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Ivan B. LeCates in 1995; and two brothers, Estole G. White Jr. and Marion E. White. Mrs. LeCates is survived by her two sisters, Ann W. LeCates of Laurel and Edna Sullivan of Delmar, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, July 25, at the Hickory Hill U.M. Church, 32433 Mollyfield Road, Millsboro, where friends may call at noon. The Rev. Betty Jo Magee will officiate the service.
Interment will be at Carey’s Cemetery near Millsboro. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Alfred ‘Buddy’ Bailey Jr., Townsends retiree
Alfred Joseph “Buddy” Bailey Jr., 78, of Harbeson departed this life Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Delaware Hospice Center In Milford.
He was born to the late Joseph Bailey and Marie Ames Aug. 5, 1930, in Silver Beach, Va.
He was employed for 53 years at Townsends Incorporated. He was a loving and kind person who always kept something going. He was always willing to help others and there was never a dull moment when he was around.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He leaves to cherish fond memories a devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Bailey; two children, Shanette Bailey of Millsboro and Alvin Bailey of Harbeson; one sister, Joann Harris of Millsboro; two brothers, James Bailey of Harbeson and Calvin Green of Easton, Md.; two grandchildren, Dwayne and Jameir Bailey of Millsboro; eight sisters-in-law, Naomi Morris, Arinthia Peacock, Anna Reed, Bessie Reed, Janice Willis and Cleo Redden all of Millsboro, Christine Chestnut of Lincoln, Ella Lewis of Harrington and Luvenna Satchell of Milford; six brothers-in-law, Alfred Reed, Leroy Reed, James Dixon, James Satchell and Rudie Drummond all of Millsboro, and Sonny Reed of Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. 
He attended the St. Johns 2nd Baptist Church in Mt. Joy for 41 years where he was a trustee, bus driver and sang for all choirs.
He loved his grandboys. He would always take the time and make sure that the boys were taken care of and got good grades in school. He valued the time he spent with them and cherished every waking moment. He leaves to cherish his memories his two kids, Alvin Bailey and Shanette Bailey who he dearly loved and would do anything for. There was nothing that he would not do for his family regardless of the situation or circumstance. That wa the type of man Alfred “Buddy” Bailey will always be remembered as. He will be missed.
A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 26, at St. Johns 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy near Millsboro. A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. A committal service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday July 27, at the church cemetery.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.

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Alvin L. Smith, retired stenographer
Alvin L. Smith, 87, of Lewes, died Monday, July 20, 2009, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. He was born April 14, 1922, in York, Pa., son of the late Alvin L. Smith Sr. and Mary Ellen (Striebig) Smith.
Mr. Smith graduated from York High School in 1940 and attended Thompson College. He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army (1943-1945) earning five bronze medals, the American Campaign medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Al worked three years for the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. as a stenographer. He also worked as business manager for Suburban York S.D., West York Area S.D., Memorial Osteopathic Hospital and Columbia General Hospital.
He was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, Ocean View VFW Post 7234, American Legion Post 28 Oak Orchard/Riverdale and the Red Lion Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his wife Ruthann; and his sisters Beatrice Rowe and Evelyn Kendig. He is survived by a niece, Patricia Walters of York, Pa., and a nephew, Gregory Kendig of Dover.
A graveside service with Masonic service and military honors was held at All Saints' Cemetery, near Angola. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Home of the Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.

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Edwin O. Pepper Sr., noted firefighter
Edwin O. Pepper Sr., 90, of Georgetown, died Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at Harrison Senior Living, Georgetown. Mr. Pepper was born in Georgetown, the son of the late Otha Jacob and Emma Dorman Pepper. He graduated from Georgetown High School, class of 1936. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II. He was a mechanic at the DuPont plant in Seaford for 37 years, retiring in 1977.
In January 1949, he became a member of the Georgetown Fire Company Inc., serving as treasurer from 1963 to 1967 and director from 1968 to 1972. This year he was awarded the 60-year lifetime fireman award. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Georgetown.
On Dec. 2, 1946, he became a member of the Independent Odd Fellows Union Lodge No. 3 and in 1951 served as Noble Grand. He had 63 years of service. He became a member of the State Grand Lodge in 1952.
He served on the Georgetown Town Council from 1949 to 1967. He was president of the Georgetown Little League from 1970 to 1971.
He was also a member of the Georgetown American Legion Sussex Post 8.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Violet P. Pepper in 2002; and two brothers, Earl and Chester Pepper.
He is survived by two sons, Edwin O. Pepper Jr. and his wife Helen of Georgetown, and William W. Pepper Sr. and his wife Crystal of Harrington; four grandchildren, Eric B. Pepper and his wife Cathy, Joseph "Joey" E. Pepper, Holland P. Pepper and William Walter Pepper Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Michael and James Sinnott; a step-grandson, Ted Roberts and a step-great-granddaughter, Brittany Roberts.
Funeral services will be held with full fireman's honors at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 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.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Georgetown Fire Co. Inc., P.O. Box 77, Georgetown, DE 19947.