William H. Macklin Jr., enjoyed entertaining, cooking
William Hubbard “Mac” Macklin Jr., 88, of Milford passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Delaware Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Lincoln to William H. Macklin Sr. and Ethel Dean Macklin.
After graduating Milton High School, he obtained his X-ray technician certification in Philadelphia, Pa. He was employed in several local hospitals over many years. After enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps, he was transferred to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital, Denver, Colo., until his honorable discharge in 1963. He was also employed at Webb Paving Co. as office personnel, as well as obtaining his real estate license serving the surrounding communities.
In 1984 he entered entrepreneurship with Charles “Chuck” Kable, purchasing the historic Marshall House on Front Street in Milford; it was renamed The Banking House Inn Restaurant. In 1984, they lovingly restored the 1787 mansion and received an Outstanding Improvement Award.
In 1986, they accepted six awards from The Chronicle for its favorite restaurant poll, as well as receiving admiring recommendations from area food critics. Word spread quickly of the restaurant’s impeccable reputation for fine food and entertainment. They had the pleasure of hosting many family and community events. He spoke of many colorful stories with guests such as President Joe Biden (senator at the time) and wife Jill hosting their southern Delaware Christmas events. Other popular guests were Darla from the “Little Rascals” TV show, and David Hawk – Mr. USA & Mr. World bodybuilder, just to name a few.
The people person that he was, he enjoyed entertaining and had a flair for cooking but also enjoyed stepping out at his favorite restaurant where everyone knew his name. His interests included playing the piano, a competitive card game and spending hours on a puzzle, and he was an avid reader of a good book. He was fond of animals, feeding stray cats begging at his door.
He was well known in the community where he never met a stranger, immediately engaging them in conversation or a comment with his quick wit and dry humor. Preceding him were sisters Edith “Jessify” Reedy, Irma Schurman and Audie Wilkins. He leaves behind his brother Charles Macklin (Joyce); a son, William “Blair” Macklin (Cheryl); grandchildren, Nicole Macklin and Robert Macklin (Laurie); four great-grandchildren, Cole and Landen Macklin, Joshua Hodge and Rylee Farris; and several nieces and nephews, and their families.
We are truly thankful to all his family and many friends who were there for him up to the end. The local hospice team went above and beyond with their compassionate care for him and the family. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, delawarehospice.org, or a favorite charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Rogers Funeral Home, Milford. Visit rogersfuneralhome.com to view his memorial page and sign the virtual guest book.
