Patrick E. Quillen, veteran, owned Quillen Signs

Patrick E. Quillen, 80, of Lincoln, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.  

Pat was born in Durham, N.C., son of the late Charles E. Quillen and the late Amy (Johnson) Quillen. He graduated from Lewes High School Class of 1962 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  

He owned and operated Quillen Signs in Milton for over 40 years before his retirement in 2009. Following his retirement and passion for fly fishing, Pat began refurbishing bamboo rods, aptly naming them “Born Again Bamboo.” Just as Pat gave these old, broken bamboo rods new life, that is exactly what Jesus did for Pat.

Pat was a man who treasured and embraced God’s creation. In addition to his love of fly fishing, Pat loved bird-watching and feeding all the animals in his backyard, from birds to squirrels to deer. He also enjoyed shooting clay pigeons, playing golf, and shooting pool.

Pat was a faithful member of Eagle’s Nest Church before joining Crossroad Community Church. He loved studying the Bible and taught discipleship classes for years, helping others to learn about God’s Word and to strive to become more like Christ.

Pat was the patriarch of his family and their spiritual leader as well. He will be remembered by his family for his love of Christ and the love of his family.      

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ellen Mast. Pat is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Margaret (Beideman) Quillen; three children, Teresa Townsend and her husband Allan, Tim Setzer and his wife Sheila, and Mark Quillen and his wife Kim; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Pat is also survived by six siblings, Kathy Engel, Connie Mast, Chuck Quillen, Irene Bradford, Kevin Quillen and Steven Quillen, his lifelong brother from another mother, Lloyd Purcell; and several nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, March 10, at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, followed by a memorial service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Pat’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.