Obituaries

Glen Leland Wilson, 80, of Selbyville, Del., formerly of Sterling Park, Va., passed away on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice in Milford, Del.

Wilson was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served during the Korean War, retiring as a master gunnery sergeant after 22 years of service. He worked as the regional service manager for California Computer Products in Northern Virginia before retiring.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Laura Belle (Agee) Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Ann (Christopher) Wilson; daughters, Judith Klim of Robinsville, N.J., and Cheryl Clark of Selbyville, Del., and the joy of his life, his grandson, Glen Leland Wilson II of Laurel, Md.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway; Bethany Beach, Del., where friends and family may call after 10 a.m. at the church. A graveside service with military honors is to be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, at Oak Lawn Cemetery; 1250 S. Main St.; Hanover Twp., PA 18706-4097.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Wilson’s name to the Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Doris H. Smith, 87, of Selbyville, Del., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at Atlantic Shores Nursing Home in Millsboro, Del.

She and her late husband, Preston G. Smith, owned Smitty’s Radio and TV in Selbyville for more than 30 years. She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Selbyville, where she was a member of the Friendship Circle and the Women of Faith. She had also been a member of the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.

Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Elta (Leasure) Holloway, husband, Preston G. Smith, two brothers, Ralph and James Holloway, and grandson, Billy Smith. She is survived by three sons, William “Jeffrey” Smith of Selbyville, James L. Smith of Dagsboro, Del., and Gerald P. Smith of Dagsboro; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, with burial in Redmen’s Cemetery in Selbyville, Del.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Delaware Hospice; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963 or Salem United Methodist Church; P.O. Box 410; Selbyville, DE 19975.

Carole Caldwell Reynolds, 65, of Selbyville, Del., died at her home Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.
Reynolds retired in 2004 from Gore and Associates of Elkton, Md., where she received “Excellent” and “Distinguished” ratings during her employment. She moved to Selbyville in 2006 to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Beatrice Caldwell. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Henderson and granddaughter, Lindsey Henderson of Selbyville, Del.; son, Chris, and granddaughter, Katie Henderson of Rising Son, Md.; grandson, Arron Henderson of Williamsburg, Va.; and brother, Richard Caldwell of Wilmington, Del.

A memorial service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at 4 p.m. at 35102 Watersedge Way, Frankford, Del., 19945.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Deby’s Animal Rescue; 9615 East 9th St.; Indianapolis, IN 46209.

Joan Pusey Powell, 77, of Denver, Colo., formerly of Georgetown, Del., passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at the St. Anthony North Hospital in Westminster, Colo.

Powell was a special-needs assistant for many years. She was a great, loving, giving woman who never asked for anything in return; she loved without fail and was totally unselfish.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Rittie Atkins Pusey; husband, Robert Powell; daughter, Virginia Harr; brother, Ray Pusey; sister, Fayetta Jaroszewski; and three grandchildren. She is survived by daughters Joyce A. White of Denver, Colo., and Rita J. Morris of Milton, Del.; a son, Kenneth White Jr. of Denver, Colo.; a brother, Paul A. Pusey of Georgetown, Del.; two grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, at the Millsboro Cemetery.

Milton H. Murray, 94, of Haverford, Pa., formerly of Bishopville, Md., passed away on Aug. 20, 2010, at the Westgate Nursing Home in Haverford, Pa.

Murray was a retired civilian employee of the U.S. Army, for which he worked in the Procurement Department as an accounting official, and he was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was very active in his church, and “Uncle Milton” was a very caring, generous and trusting man with a big heart, always willing to help anyone in need that he could. Forty years ago, he helped a young couple buy James Funeral Home, making it James & Watson Funeral Home; later it became Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro and continues to this day with a Watson undertaker practicing. This deed has helped thousands of Sussex Countians and others over the years, and he is greatly responsible for that.

Murray was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Addie Bunting Murray. He is survived by his cousins, Marion G. Irvine, Alex Irvine, Janice Dobrin and Harold; many friends, past and present, other cousins and extended family in Delaware.

Services was to be graveside, at the Bishopville Cemetery in Bishopville, Md., on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at 1 p.m. Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Watson Funeral Home; 211 S. Washington St.; Millsboro, Del.

Elsie Mae Lynch, 102, of Gumboro, Del., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at the Atlantic Shores Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Millsboro.

Lynch was a poultry grower for Townsends Inc. for most of her life, before retiring in 1999; she was a very independent businesswoman, hard working, always willing to lend a hand, and she put others’ needs before her own. She was a member of the Gumboro United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Silas and Martha Baker Wilkerson; two husbands, George Blizzard and Clarence Oliver Lynch; four brothers, Roy, Silas, Jesse and Manford Wilkerson; and sister, Virgie Long. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 24, with interment at the Line Church Community Cemetery, Whitesville, Del.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Gumboro United Methodist Church, c/o Aliene Baker; 34647 Millsboro Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966.

Michael W. Kelly Jr., 67, of Dagsboro, Del., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at home.
Kelly retired from Perdue Farms, where he served as the plant manger in Salisbury, Md. and Georgetown, Del. He had previously worked for International Paper in Georgia for 10 years. He was happiest and at peace when on his boat, fishing, or sitting in his yard, feeding the birds.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael William Kelly, and stepson, Pepper Lee Rust. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Free Kelly of Sardis, Miss.; wife, Sandra Pepper Kelly; a granddaughter he raised as a daughter, Savannah Rust; daughter, Rhonda Kemp of Germantown, Tenn., stepdaughter Penny Atkins of Seaford, Del., grandchildren Dede, Jennifer, Christian and Julie; step-granddaughter, Cameron Morgan, and great-grandson, Aidan.

Services were to be private and at the discretion of the family.

Earlis B. “Butchie” Hall Jr., 50, of Georgetown, Del., departed this life on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford, Del., after a long illness.

During his life, Hall worked several jobs, most recently as a cook at Hocker’s market in Clarksville, Del. He loved cooking, music and electronics, and had a real talent for drawing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earlis B. Hall Sr.. He is survived by his mother, Ann F. Williams; brother, Enos Hall; several half-brothers and -sisters; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services and burial were to be private.

Aldon D. Hall, 99, of Clarksville, Del. was called home to his eternal rest on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010.
He was a hard worker and owned his own lawn care business before retiring. Hall was a longtime member of Union Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee and member of the cemetery committee. He loved the annual camp meetings and prayer bands.

Hall also enjoyed gardening and hunting and would donate the fruits of his labor to the annual church harvest home, friends and neighbors. He loved watching and playing baseball. He and his wife were also foster parents for the state of Delaware for more than 30 years. Aldon will be remembered as a quiet, hardworking, respected, wise, and honest man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James G. Hall and Beatrice Williams Hall; stepmother, Maggie Rogers; wife, Louise V. Hall; two sons, Norman Hall and Monroe Pettyjohn; daughter, Gwendolyn Braxton; and brothers Leon, Elmer and Clinton Hall. He is survived by three sons: Aldon S. Hall, Kenneth Ferebee and Lafayette Ferebee; three daughters, Agnes Coleman, Leona Hall and Lucinda White; 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, with interment in Union Wesley United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions maybe made to the Union Wesley United Methodist Church; 32137 Powell Farm Road; Frankford, DE 19945.

William “Bill” Mitchell Gray, 75, of Bishopville, Md., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at home.
He was a lifetime farmer and co-owner and operator of Gray’s Produce for more than 30 years. He was also a U.S. Army veteran.William "Bill" Mitchell Gray, 75

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Edna Mae (Marvel) Gray; wife, Sue Mitchell Gray; and stepson, Gary Hudson. He is survived by a brother, Robert “Bob” Gray of Bishopville; two sisters, Betty Ann Gray and Mildred “Millie” Drew of Bishopville; stepdaughter, Debbie Winter of West Ocean City, Md.; three step-grandchildren, Adam Winter, Brian Winter and Justin Hudson; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, with burial in Bishopville Cemetery in Bishopville, Md.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733; Salisbury, MD 21802.

Patricia A. Ford, 77, of Ocean View, Del., passed away on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at Renaissance Health Care in Millsboro, Del.

Ford was a member of the art class at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center and enjoyed gardening and reading. She was also a volunteer at the Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. Ford was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, who will be missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Walter J. and Margaret E. Axford, Ford was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph L. Ford, and daughter, Linda L. Ford. She is survived by two daughters, Lora L. Jones of Havertown, Pa., Deborah A. Ford of Reston, Va.; six grandchildren, Eric Lewis, Leigh Crawford, Matthew Crawford, Kristen Ramsey, Richard L. Jones and Amanda Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Bryanna Ramsey.

A memorial service was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, with interment to be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society; P.O. Box 163; Salisbury, MD 21803; or Make A Wish Foundation; 3411 Silverside Road; Wilmington, DE 19810.

Sarah H. Wootten, 86, of Millsboro, Del., passed away on Aug.13, 2010, at Atlantic Shores Nursing and Rehabilitation in Millsboro.
Sarah was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also loved her dog, Heidi.

Wootten was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Francis Thomas Hitchens; her husband, Ralph J. Wooten; and a brother, William Hitchens. She is survived by her children, Shirley Baker of Greenwood, Del., Ralph James Sr. of Millsboro, William of Harrington, Del, Robert of Dover, Del., Gerald of Millsboro, Barbara Truitt of Salisbury, Md., and Ralph Elisha of Seaford, Del ; 16 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and her special friend, Walt Bratten.

A funeral service was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, with interment in Carey’s Cemetery in Millsboro, Del.

Ira R. Truitt, 89, of Milton, Del., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at his home in Milton.

Truitt was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Philippines. He received several medals, including the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal and two Bronze Stars. He retired as a staff sergeant. Never forgetting his obligation to his fellow soldiers, he served in the VFW Honor Guard unit as a charter member, wielding his World War II-era rifle up until his death, despite fighting bone cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes.

Truitt and his wife also ran a chicken farm for Townsend’s for 50 years; he was their oldest farmer when he retired. He was a member of the VFW Posts in Millsboro and Milton, and a member of both Grace United Methodist Church and Zoar United Methodist Church; and an honorary member of the Indian River Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Milford Bradford Truitt of Willards, Md.; wife, Margaret Peterson; son, Marvis; and three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Darlene “Joy” Smith; brother, Melvin; sisters, Mary Alice Mumford, Janet K. Ketterman and Loretta; four grandchildren, Tammy, Luray, Kim and Mike; six great-grandchildren, Heather, Tommy, Tina, Timmy, Kyle and Robert; and nine great-great grandchildren, Stacy, Amanda, Mikey, Dominic, Lianna, Matthew, Nathan, Chance and Morgan. He is also survived by many extended family members and all those who he claimed as his fellow comrades in the VFW.

A celebration of Truitt’s life was scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 19, with interment in Carey’s Cemetery, where he will receive full military honors.

Thomas W. Power, 80, of Fenwick Island, Del., and Arlington, Va., died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Del. He was an attorney for more than 40 years and the founder of Power and Power Attorneys at Law in Washington, D.C. He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, Md., a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Jesuit seminarian.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W. Power Sr. and Rita C. (Mulvey) Power. He is survived by his wife, June Boykin Power; son, Mark T. Power of Armonk, N.Y.; three daughters, Tracy J. Power of Washington, D.C., June P. Blockin of Larchmont, N.Y., and Grace C. Kalnas of McDonald, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and one brother, Dr. James M. Power of Mitchellville, Md.

A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, with burial to be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. A memorial service is to be held in Washington in October.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Catholic Charities; 1201 Pemberton Dr., Suite 1A; Salisbury, MD 21801.

Eileen F. O’Connor, 81, of Ocean View, Del., formerly of Long Island, N.Y., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del.

O’Connor retired in 1993 from the Travelers Insurance Company. She loved to sing, sew, knit, read and travel, and was an avid animal lover.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Eileen (Breen) Tolworthy. She is survived by her five daughters, Eileen C. Foremna, Kathleen A. Palermo, Ann M. Sweeney, Elizabeth Cahill and Margaret E. DiNuzzo; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was to be held in Long Island, N.Y. Burial was to be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in O’Connor’s name to the Tunnell Cancer Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Ralph E. Marvel, 80, of Dagsboro, Del., died Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at his home.
He had been a power plant operator for the DuPont Company in Seaford and retired after 27 years. He was a life member of the Millville Volunteer Fire Co., and was one of the original members of the fire department’s Scuba Dive Team. In 1972, he was selected as the fire department’s Fireman of the Year for rescuing two children who had fallen through the ice on a local pond and received a Letter of Commendation from the President of the Unite States for his heroic efforts. Marvel was also a member of the Delaware State Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame. In addition to being a scuba diver, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he also had his captain’s license and took divers on charter trips.

Marvel was preceded in death by his parents, Renzie and Ruth (Christ) Marvel. He is survived by his wife, Betty F. Marvel of Dagsboro; four sons, Emerson Marvel of Walnut Creek, Calif., Gary Marvel of Elizabethtown, Pa., Jeff Marvel of Dagsboro, Chad Marvel of Dagsboro; and one brother, Paul Marvel of Frankford, Del. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18, with burial in St. George’s Cemetery in Clarksville, Del.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Millville Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 64, Millville, DE 19970; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Stephen F. “Steve” Hoenigmann, 56, of Millsboro, Del., passed away Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del.
Hoenigmann graduated from Thomas McKean High School in Wilmington in 1971 and served on the U.S.S. Jesse L. Brown. In 1975, he moved to Millsboro, where he started his career as a reporter and editor for the Sussex Post. His career also included stints with the Daily Whale and Delaware Wave.

Hoenigmann was a founding employee of the Cape Gazette. He worked as an outdoors columnist and award-winning production and Web editor for the Cape Gazette.
“Steve was a dedicated journalist and editor,” said Gazette Publisher Dennis Forney. “He had an innate talent for designing interesting pages with a special eye for pleasing balance between stories, headlines and photographs. His good humor and love for community journalism were always appreciated and will be missed.”

Hoenigmann was a former member of the Sussex Family YMCA board and former member of the Millsboro Chamber of Commerce; he was an avid surf-fisherman and golfer.
In addition to his mother, June (Hoffman) Hoenigmann, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Joella M. Hoenigmann. Along with his father, William F. Hoenigmann, he is also survived by his brother, Marty F. Hoenigmann of Newark, and David Hoenigmann of Eau Claire, Wis., and Michelle Gayheart of Delaware City; and stepsisters, Catherine Holter of Liberty, Pa., Margaret Calvert of Hollidaysburg, Pa., and Barbara Maguire of Wausau, Wis.

All services were to be private, with entombment at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963; or to Delaware SPCA, Sussex County Shelter, 22918 Dupont Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Eleise H. Caetto, 89, of Ocean View, Del., died at her home on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, after a long illness.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed taking care of her family, gardening, crafts, sewing and cooking.

In addition to her parents, Homer and Gladys (Dickson) Harrison, Caetto was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph. She is survived by two sons, Joseph M. and Robert J. Caetto; a daughter, Sandra Fowler; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, with burial in Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Caetto’s memory to the Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford, DE 19963.

Marian N. Villalon, 87, of Fenwick Island, Del., died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010. She was born in Washington, D.C.

Villalon was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mildred (Wyne) Robbins; her husband, Edward Villalon, and two sons, Brian and Bruce Villalon.

Services and burial were to be private.