11/03/09

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Allan C. Lambertson, great tattoo artist
Allan C. Lambertson, 62, of Seaford, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at his residence.
Born in Salisbury, Md., Allan was the son of the late Raymond Carroll and Elizabeth Mae (Wise) Lambertson. Allan worked the Perdue poultry plant in Georgetown in the maintenance department, retiring in 2004. He served in the Coast Guard and then in the Army in Vietnam for two years. When returning home, he joined the local American Legion post and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Allan was a great tattoo artist, wood craftsman and a “Harley Davidson” man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his one son, Ronald L Lambertson and wife Lisa of Temecula, Calif.; one daughter, Sherri Lynn Lambertson of Milford; one sister, Ruth Ann Polite and husband Donald of Lewes; one brother, Barry Lambertson and wife Lynn of Lewes; and two grandsons, Ryan and Eric Lambertson, both of Temecula. Allan is also survived by two nephews, William Polite of Lewes and Abram Lambertson of South Carolina; one niece, Nancy Dixon and husband Jon of Jacksonville, N.C.; and four great-nieces and great-nephews.
A chapel service and interment will be at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 6, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, with full military honors.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium Inc., 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

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John F. Boyer Jr., retired state trooper
John F. Boyer Jr., 80, of Delaware City, died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville in Hockessin.
Born in Wilmington July 2, 1929, son of the late John F. Boyer Sr. and Elizabeth Duling Boyer, Mr. Boyer was a 1948 graduate of Conrad High School. He began his career as a member of the Delaware Memorial Bridge Police and would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as part of the 223rd Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Boyer continued in public service as a trooper with the Delaware State Police. During his career, he was the first officer assigned to Troop 2A (now Troop 9) in Odessa and served as President Richard Nixon’s personal escort during his visits to Delaware. He retired from the state police with the rank of sergeant after 19 years of service.
Following his retirement, Mr. Boyer established Boyer’s Lawn Service, which was instrumental each winter in snow removal for Delaware City. He was very active in the Delaware City community, including 63 years of service with the Delaware City Fire Company. A life member of the company, he was a past rescue captain and a member of the board of directors. He was also a member of American Legion Post 13.
Known as “Jake” to his police department colleagues and “Jack” to his many friends in Delaware City, Mr. Boyer was widely admired as a hard worker, a devoted family man and a wonderful provider. His excellent work ethic was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. In his leisure hours, he greatly enjoyed cheering for his favorite team, the Phillies, watching NASCAR (especially Cale Yarborough and Jeff Gordon), and, in earlier years, hunting muskrats.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Catherine A. Walling Boyer; daughter, Lynn M. Williams of Lewes; son, John L. Boyer (Amy) of Bear; stepdaughter, Georgiana Williams of Delaware City; stepson, Wally W. Poppe (Tammy) of Delaware City; sister, Carol Stewart of Delaware City; sisters-in-law, Jane Huff and Louise Walling; brother-in-law, Francis Weaver; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks to dear friend and caregiver, Rose Yarbro, and to the staff of the Franciscan Care Center for their many kindnesses to Mr. Boyer during his illness.
A funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 214 Clinton St., Delaware City, where visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware City Fire Company, P.O. Box 251, Delaware City, DE 19706; or to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 523, Delaware City, DE 19706.

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William ‘Bill’ Taggart, abuse counselor
William “Bill” Taggart, 50, of Milford, formerly of Claymont, and Vista, Calif., died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at home.
Bill was born in Wilmington, the son of Marina Hill and Joseph Taggart. Bill was a graduate of Claymont High School and attended San Diego City College in California. Bill worked as a counselor for the state of California drug and alcohol abuse program. He enjoyed bowling at Milford Bowling Lanes, playing cards, traveling and fishing, and he loved his music. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Michael Taggart in 2006, and John Taggart in 1989.
He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Marina F. and Richard Hill of Milton; two sisters, Sharon Cash of Milford and Patty King of Ellendale; one brother, Paul Taggart of Wilmington; his grandmother, Jeanette Jackson of New Caney, Texas; his companion, Donna Dale of Milford; two aunts, Peggy Powers of Newark, and Grace Brent of Princess Anne, Md.; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call after noon. Burial will be in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Bay Road, Frederica. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Bayhealth Cancer Center, 21 W. Clarke Ave., Milford, DE 19963.

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Carole Norgan Wheeler, dog trainer
Carole Norgan Wheeler, 65, died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Wilmington.
Carole was born in Beebe Hospital in Lewes, in 1944. She grew up in Seaford, and after graduating from Seaford High School, attended Goldey Beacom College. Carole returned to Seaford and worked in retail sales for many years and for a time as a professional wallpaperer and training dogs; she retired in 2007. Carole enjoyed crafts including stained glass making and sewing. She had a great love of animals and enjoyed spending time with her cats and golden retriever. She also loved growing roses in her garden, but perhaps her favorite pastime was reading nonfiction.
Carole is survived by her parents, Cyrus and Katherine Norgan of Seaford; sister and brother-in-law Denise and Gene Crockett of Seaford; daughter and son-in-law Lisa Carole Hastings-Sheppard and David Sheppard of Wilmington; and loving aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The memorial service was held at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 300 N. Pine St., Seaford. A private graveside ceremony at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Lung Cancer Partnership at 222 N. Midvale Blvd., Suite 6, Madison, WI 53705.

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Charles F. Wooleyhan, retired pipefitter
Charles F. Wooleyhan, 80, of Wilmington, passed away at his residence Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009.
Born in Wilmington, Mr. Wooleyhan was the son of the late Charles and Nellie Cecelia Aiken Wooleyhan. A member of the Pipefitter’s Union, he worked as a welder for over 20 years. His memberships included the Prince of Piedmont Lodge, the Elks Club, F. O. Eagles, and the Moose Lodge. He was also a life member of the Police & Fire Rod and Gun Club. His brother, James “Jesse” Wooleyhan, predeceased him.
He is survived by his brother Joseph “Pat” Wooleyhan of Wilmington; his sisters, Theresa Howe of Millsboro and Gerry Romano of Wilmington; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at Mealey Funeral Home, Wilmington, Interment followed at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice Inc., 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.

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Marshall C. Kline Jr., lab technician
Marshall C. Kline Jr., 70, of Elkton, Md., died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at home.
Marshall was employed as a lab technician for RMR Corp. in Elkton, and he also worked for Keystone Overhead Door.
He is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Rae D. Kline; three sons, Joseph A. Kline of Newark, K. Michael Kline and wife Susan of Luray, Va., and Wayne D. Kline and wife Jennifer of Rehoboth; one brother, James A. Kline of Seaford; three grandchildren, Katherine and Scott Kline of Luray, and Ellen Kline of Rehoboth. He was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Kline and Marshall C. Kline Sr.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
At the request of the family, please omit flowers. They suggest contributions to Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research of Newark, or the Cecil County SPCA c/o Gee Funeral Home.

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Robert Shaffer Sr., Sussex businessman
Robert “Bob” R. Shaffer Sr., 59, of Seaford, passed away Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford.
He was born in Seaford, son of the late Raymond and Helena Betts Shaffer. Bob served with the U.S. Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated an auto parts sales and service shop for many years in the Georgetown/Stockley area. He was a member of the Scottish Rite. He served with the Merchant Marine and was a civil service plumber for the naval facility in Lewes.
He is survived by his loving companion, Bonnie Wilkinson; his sons, Robert and Adam; a brother, James; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at the chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Millsboro. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Bob’s memory to the DEBORAH Hospital Foundation, 20 Pine Mill Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015.

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Susan ‘Becky’ Flowers, enjoyed reading
Susan Rebecca “Becky” Flowers, 61, of Millington, Md., died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Chester River Hospital Center, Md.
Born July 25, 1948, in Chestertown, Md., she was the daughter of the late James and Florence Wallace Powell. She was a lifelong resident of Kent County. On March 25, 1967, she married Morgan Flowers. Becky enjoyed reading romance novels and loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Douglas Wayne Flowers; a sister, Peggy Elseworth; and two brothers, Robert Powell and Kenny Powell.
In addition to her husband she is survived by a daughter, Sharon Sewell and her husband Charles of Lincoln; a sister, Patsy Wilson of Sudlersville, Md.; two brothers, Jim Powell of Smyrna and Louis Powell of Millington; three grandchildren, Amber Chaffins, Alaina Sewell and Shane Sewell; and also survived by a daughter-in-law, Melody Anthony of Kent Island, Md.
Funeral services were held at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Millington. Interment was in Millington Asbury Cemetery.

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Harriett A. Holtzclaw, Eastern Star member
Harriett A. Holtzclaw, 96, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Seaford.
Harriett was born in Georgetown, daughter of the late Rodney and Lizzy Lynch Pride. She was a past member of the Milford Order of the Eastern Star. She loved reading and taking care of her yard, especially pulling weeds.
Harriett was preceded in death by her husband, Everest “Hawks” Holtzclaw in 1975.
She is survived by her nephews, George Weekes and his wife Kay, and Ryan Weekes and his wife Ollie; niece, Josephine Weekes; and good friends, Larry and Sherry Daisey and Anne Shaffer.
A graveside service was held at Union Cemetery in Georgetown.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Harriett’s memory to the American Cancer Society, Sussex County Unit, PO Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21805.

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Frederick T. Harpster, Milton retiree
Frederick T. Harpster, 82, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at Bayhealth at Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford.
A retired quality control expert in the hosiery industry, Fred was born in Danville, Pa., the son of the late William Herrold Harpster and Erma Smith Harpster.
He lived in Holyoke, Mass., and in Washington and Asbury, N.J., before moving to Delaware in 1950 where he was employed by the old Portland Hosiery Mill on Atlantic Street in Milton. From 1965 to 1970 he lived in Siler City, N.C., where he was employed by Kellwood Corporation. He returned to Milton in 1970 and worked for the Marclay Hosiery Mill in Milford. He retired in 1989 from ILC in Frederica, which dealt in government contracts.
Mr. Harpster was a 1945 graduate of the old Washington (N.J.) High School. He served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947, a year of which was spent in Korea with the occupational forces. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
He was an avid freshwater fly fisherman and often traveled to northwest New Jersey to fish in the mountain streams of that region where he spent his youth. To his friends and acquaintances, he was considered an expert on fishing. He was also a skilled small-game hunter.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard.
He is survived by a son, Frederick W. “Rick”; and a daughter, Wendy Harpster and her fiancé Bill Woodall of Milton; one brother, Bruce W. Harpster of Venice, Fla.; four grandchildren, Stephanie Harpster of Milton, Brian, Corrine and Craig Harpster of Millsboro; two great-grandsons, Keilo and Jayden King of Milton; three nephews; and two nieces.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, Milton. Interment was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Home of the Brave Veterans Shelter, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963.

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Patricia Ann Whiteoak, former DeBraak owner
Patricia Ann Whiteoak, 68, of Elkton, Md., passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Union Hospital in Elkton.
Mrs. Whiteoak was born March 13, 1941, in Milford, to the late Bradford and Lorana Dawkins.
She is survived by her sons, Robert F. Whiteoak Jr. and his wife Karen of Rising Sun, Md. and W. Kenneth Whiteoak of North East, Md.; brother, Brad Dawkins Jr. of Texas; grandchildren, Trish Whiteoak, Ashley Whiteoak, Cody Whiteoak and Emily Whiteoak; and great-grandchild, Luke Walther.
Mrs. Whiteoak was a longtime owner/operator of the DeBraak Inn in Lewes and the owner/operator of the Long Creek View Bed & Breakfast in Chesapeake City, Md.. She was a member of various community organizations and an avid gardener. She loved spending time with her family and touched many lives throughout her life.
She was predeceased by her son, Kevin J. Whiteoak, who passed away in 1993.
Services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3rd and Bohemia Ave, South Chesapeake City, Md., where friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Contributions may be made to the Meeting Ground Homeless Shelter c/o R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 South Queen St., P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911.

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Charles E. Bennett Sr., air traffic controller
Charles "Charlie" E. Bennett Sr., 81, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Renaissance Health Care in Millsboro, with his family by his side. He was born Dec. 19, 1927, in Pacific Grove, Calif., son of the late Maxon and Jessie (Lee) Bennett.
Charlie enjoyed a long career as an air traffic controller at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. He also served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean conflict and with the Naval Reserves.
He was a member of American Legion Post 28, Millsboro.
Years ago, Charlie was a participant on the game show "The Price Is Right." He bid on and won a home in Cape Coral, Fla.; what a win it was! Charlie was an avid reader, loved all animals and faithfully supported animal shelters, and he was a true believer in playing the lottery. Charlie always had a joke to tell and loved to keep his friends entertained.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Elenor (Edmondson) Bennett; two daughters, Joan Marie Gilman and her husband Arthur of Culpepper, Va. and Barbara Jean Stone and her husband Jimmy of Annapolis, Md.; a son, Charles E. Bennett Jr. and his wife Debbie of Fountain Valley, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Bennett and his wife Pat of Kingman, Ariz.
Friends may call at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, and again at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 5. Funeral services will begin at noon Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to the SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.