Obituaries

Richard Wayne Fitchett, 52

Richard Wayne Fitchett, 52, of Georgetown died Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at home.

Fitchett was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved fishing and going out to eat.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lynn Simpson Fitchett; his parents, James and Norma Lee Justis Fitchett; one son, Jason Fitchett and wife Toni; one daughter Tracey Fitchett; sisters Norma Jean Bew and Florence Armentrout; grandchildren Jaidyn and Gage Fitchett.

Funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21, at 12:30 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington Street Millsboro. Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to help offset medical and funeral expenses. Contributions may be mailed to Lynne Fitchett, c/o Watson Funeral Home, PO Box 125 Millsboro, DE 19966.

Elmer S. Stokes, 83

Elmer S. Stokes, 83, died Sept. 17, 2006, at home, after a long illness.

Stokes was born in Ocean City, N.J., on Aug. 5, 1923, to John J. and Anna Schaffer Stokes, after which the family moved to Havertown, Pa., where Stokes attended Manoa Elementary and Havertown Junior High schools. The family then relocated to Lewes, at which time Stokes enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, in 1942.

He received numerous citations and medals for his valorous combat service in the various Asiatic and Pacific Theaters of World War II, including Iwo Jima and Tarawa, as well as Good Conduct and Sharpshooter Medals. Following his honorable discharge from active duty in 1946, Staff Sgt. Stokes returned to the U.S. but continued service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves until 1950, at which time he began his lifelong career as a master carpenter and commercial building contractor located in Dover. He continued in his “retirement” as a consultant superintendent/estimator for several commercial contractors in Kent and Sussex counties.

Later he became a charter member in the Delaware Marine Corps League, Diamond State Detachment, where he served in the Color Guard until 2004. Throughout the years until age 80, he was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, Moose Club and Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks. He could usually be found in his workshop, constructing some beautiful piece of furniture or cabinetry, WWII-era model ships and airplanes, or hand-painting his Marine Corps figurine flag holders for family and friends to enjoy. He also enjoyed attending harness races in Harrington and Dover, dog races while vacationing in Florida, and playing the slots anywhere.

He is survived by his sister, Virginia Beel of Lewes; five daughters, Alice Doeppe and husband Jerry, Mitzi Allen, Priscilla Clark and husband Robert, Barbara Nielsen and Ingrid Stokes; three sons, Christian Stokes and wife Kasey, Buster Loud and wife Diane, and Robert Loud and wife Penny; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and two nieces. He will be dearly missed by his devoted friend and housekeeper, Kathy McBride of Lewes, his favorite cat buddy, Slazenger, and loving cocker spaniel “granddaughter,” Summer Clark. Stokes was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Perpetua O’Brien Stokes.

A memorial service and internment was scheduled for Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery located at 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro. For directions, telephone (302)934-5653.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be sent to Delaware Hospice — Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, 301 Ocean View Blvd., Lewes, DE 19958 or the Alzheimer’s Assn., of Sussex Co., P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947.

Sylvester E. Thompson, 61

Sylvester E. Thompson, 61 of Millsboro, Del., died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.

Thompson enjoyed fishing, hunting and NASCAR. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. He had been a chicken catcher for 40 years. He had been a life-long resident of the Millsboro area.

He is survived by his mother, Bertha Mae Thompson; daughters Sylvia Norman, Barbara Norman and Laura Norman; brothers George Thompson and Bruce Thompson; one sister, Mildred Harmon of Lewes; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, George Thompson, in 1989.

Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. at Dickerson Chapel A.M.E. Church, Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior. Internment will be at Old Field Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to the American Heart Association 20771 Professional Park Blvd. Unit 1, Georgetown, DE 19947.

William Walter ‘Dustey’ Long , 67

William Walter ‘“Dustey” Long, 67, of Harrington, Del., died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006 at home.

Long was very close to his granddaughters, Sophie Marie and Amanda’ his closest friends, Bill and Joyce Handley and their son J.J, whom he taught how to hunt and was very proud of; god-daughter Jen Brittingham; and Virgina Brittingham, who helped take care of him while he was so sick and was always there for him.

He loved to fish, hunt and do gun-reloading, and collecting guns. He was a member of Zoar United Methodist Church in Millsboro. He had been involved with the youth while attending. He coached Little League. He was a member of VFW Post 6984 Milton, and the American Leagon Post 28 in Oak Orchard. He reitired in 1996 from Sussex Correction Institute in Georgetown after 37 years of service. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Harriet Willey Long; one son, Dustey William Long; Carol A. Littleton; Billie Lynn Littleton; Frances J. Hayden and husband Robert Reed; Robert V. Hayden; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clayton and Cecil Townsend Long.

Funeral services were scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro, with internment at Delaware Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to Delaware Hospice Kent Division, 911 S. Dupont Hwy. Dover, DE 19901.

Vernon Isaacs, 56

Vernon Isaacs, 56 of Millsboro, Del., died Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, at home.

Isaacs loved country music and playing the guitar. He had been in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He is survived by his cousin, Irvin Betts and wife Nancy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Alton Isaacs, in 1960.

Graveside services were scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at Carey’s Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Sharon T. Church, 63

Sharon T. Church, 63, of Ocean City, Md., died Friday, Sept. 15, 2006, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Church had been a nurse and had retired from Atlantic General Hospital. She was a member of Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City and Bethany United Methodist Church in Sinepuxent, Md.

She is survived by her husband, James “Bud” Church; one son, Ken Church and his wife, Michelle; and one daughter, Valerie Phillips and her husband Glen; two brothers, Robert and Roger Taylor; and two sisters, June Smith and Shirley Whitman; five grandchildren, Hunter Phillips, Hailee Phillips, Houston Phillips, Chase Church and Wyatt Church.

Funeral services were scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 2 p.m. at Atlantic United Methodist Church, Baltimore Avenue and 4th Street in Ocean City, Md., with internment at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Md. Friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Ocean City Paramedic Morale Fund, PO Box 158 Ocean City, MD 21842; Berlin Fire Co. 214 N. Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811; or Berlin Little League, PO Box 514 Berlin, MD 21811.