Louis Richard Wingate, proud veteran
Louis Richard Wingate, 63, affectionately known as Lou, Louie, Dickie, Dad, and Gomer but his favorite title of all was Grampy, of Lewes, passed away surrounded by loved ones Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. He was born Aug. 29, 1959, in Seaford, son of the late John C. and Cynthia C. (McNatt) Wingate, and the brother of Jack Passwaters, William “Billy” Passwaters, Catherine “Annie” Newcomb and John "Bobby" Wingate.
Louis graduated from Woodbridge High School and attended Sussex Vo-Tech. Louis married Melanie Stephens Wingate in 1998, and they were just four months away from celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. He was the proud father of Josh Wingate (wife Jenn Wingate, daughter Emma), Andy Sheppard (wife Sarah Sheppard) and Bailey Wingate. His granddaughter, Emma Wingate, was his pride and joy. Louis was employed by Dentsply Sirona for 33 years and also served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation machinist mate for 10 years, specializing in the F-14 Tomcat.
Louis was an active man who enjoyed volunteering as a Little League umpire, fishing, music, spending time with family and playing with his granddaughter. He will be warmly remembered as a boatsman who did a lot of fishing but not a lot of catching, someone who loved making others laugh, and a dedicated practical jokester.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Annie, Billy and Jack; and his dogs Reggie, Riley and Bentley. He is survived by his wife, children, granddaughter, brother Bobby (wife Roxie Wingate), several nieces and nephews, his cat Smudge, and his dog Nicky. Louis was deeply loved; he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many coworkers.
A memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at Parsell Funeral Homes, Atkins-Lodge Chapel in Lewes. Friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at 1 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947, bvspca.org/donate.
All who are unable to attend the funeral in person are invited to join via livestream by visiting: parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10855928/LTWebcast.
Visit Louis’ Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
