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John William Royal Sr.
World War II veteran
John William “Bill” Royal Sr. age 83 of Woodland, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at his residence. Born in Eddington, Maine, he was the son of the late Viola Kelley and Thayer L, Royal. He was an administrator in the Seaford School District, retiring in 1983 after 30 years of service. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving as a colonel in the European Theater. He retired from the Army National Guard with the rank of brigader general. He had a degree in business administration and a master’s degree in English. He was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Seaford, and he attended Woodland United Methodist Church.
He was an original owner of Seaford Flowers; a member of Virgil Wilson Post 4961, Veterans of Foreign Wars; a member and past commodore of the Nanticoke River Yacht Club; president emeritus of the Woodland Ferry Association; past president and current corresponding secretary of the Sussex County Animal Association; and he was an avid reader who read every book written by James Herriot, DVM.
He is survived by a son, John W. “Jack” Royal Jr. and his wife Barbara of Rehoboth Beach; two daughters, Roxanne Royal of Laurel and Amy Royal of Seaford; a granddaughter, Erin Royal; and his beloved pets, Ivy, Holly, Petee, Dusty, Hannah, Faith, Maggie and Puff.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceeded in death by his wife, Gertrude Prettyman Royal in 2002.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 24, in Woodland United Methodist Church, Woodland. The Rev. Richard Bridge will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sussex County Animal Association, 5174 Wooddland Ferry Road, Seaford, DE 19973.
Patricia Ann Dukes Foss,
licensed practical nurse
Patricia Ann Dukes Foss, 72, formerly of Baltimore, Md., Newport News, Va., and Kissimmee, Fla., passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at The Hamptons At Cypress Station in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Foss was born May 24, 1935, in Crawfordsville, Ind., the daughter of the late Oakley and Leona Bir Dukes.
Mrs. Foss graduated from Sparrows Point High School, Baltimore. She lived in many different localities and worked as a waitress, a licensed practical nurse and as a beautician while living in Virginia and Florida. She enjoyed karaoke singing, duckpin bowling, gardening and NASCAR racing. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Dukes. She is survived by her seven children, James F. McEllis and his wife Patty of Folsom, Calif., Charles O. McElhose and his wife Theresa of Baltimore, Cynthia Fann and her husband Kenny of Houston, Texas, Ronald K. McElhose Sr. and his wife Valerie of Houston, Texas, William D. Hodges of Newport News, Va., Dale A. Hodges and his wife Nancy of Gosport, Ind., and Mark A. Hodges of Baltimore; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and four siblings, William Dukes and his wife Barbara of Hummelstown, Pa., Donald Dukes and his wife Cindy of Lewes, Darrell Dukes and his wife Heidi of Milton, and Darlene Tzannakos of Lewes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, Route 1 north of Five Points, Lewes, with the Rev. James Hreha as celebrant. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to Mass and from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, June 25, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be at Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
Paul E. Widenor Jr.,
retired defense engineer
Paul E. Widenor Jr., 86, of Millsboro, formerly of Queenstown, Md., passed away Wednesday June 20, 2007.
Mr. Widenor was born in Belvidere, N.J., Sept. 6, 1920, to the late Paul E. and Susan Kern Widenor. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. Mr. Widenor retired as an engineer for the Department of Defense.
He was a member of the New Life Bible Fellowship Church in Millsboro, and former member of the Kent Island United Methodist Church. Mr. Widenor was also very active in Gideons International.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Dorothy Roschy Widenor; two daughters, Marlys Dickerson and her husband Jack of Centreville, Md., and Sandra Widenor of Queenstown; a brother, Malcolm Widenor and his wife Marcia of Long Island, N.Y.; and three grandchildren, Desra Dickerson, Whitney Bambary and Brandon Bambary.
A memorial service will be at noon, Tuesday June 26, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, Long Neck Road, Millsboro. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions in Paul’s name to Gideons International, P.O. Box 155, Lewes, DE 19958 or to the New Life Bible Fellowship Church, 24771 Cannon Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Evelyn Alvertine Meyer,
Baltimore native
Evelyn Alvertine Litzau Meyer, 88, of Chestertown, Md., died June 19, 2007, at Chester River Hospital Center in Chestertown. Born Feb. 19, 1919, in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Catherine Brauer Litzau.
She graduated from Western High School, class of 1936, and worked with Sears and Roebuck Co. In 1941 she married William Edward Meyer; they resided in Baltimore, where she raised her family. In 1960 they moved to Chestertown. Mrs. Meyer was a member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church on Augusta Avenue in Baltimore. She enjoyed reading, traveling and playing cards with friends. Mrs. Meyer was predeceased by her husband in 1993 and a daughter, Diane Miller, in 1999.
She is survived by her daughter, Cathie M. Blakeney of Chestertown; a sister, Thelma Bonnet of Baltimore; five grandchildren, Raymond Blakeney of Rehoboth Beach, George Blakeney of Chesapeake City, Md., Sharon Kegley of Elkton, Md., Tonia Rembecki of Middletown, and Steve Miller of Earleville, Md.; and five great-grandchildren, Raven, Danny, Garrett, Abbie and Colton.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, June 22, at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, where relatives and friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be in Chester cemetery . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Worton United Methodist Church, c/o Cathy Blakeney, 120 Pine St., Chestertown, MD 21620. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown.
Sarah G. Collins,
nursing assistant
Sarah G. Collins, 85, of Whaleyville, Md., died Saturday, June 16, 2007, at Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Berlin, Md.
She was predeceased by her parents, Simon and Sarah Jane Morris Leonard; a daughter, Viola Cuffee in 2005; five brothers, Sylvester Leonard, Harry Leonard, James Leonard, William Leonard and Frank Leonard; and one sister, Lilly Hudson.
Survivors include her husband, Russell Collins of Whaleyville; a son, James R. Leonard of Salisbury, Md.; a son-in-law, James E. Cuffee of Selbyville; a sister, Viola Hall of Selbyville; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends.
Sarah had been a nursing assistant in the healthcare industry. She was a member of Curtis United Methodist Church in Bishopville, Md. She sang in the choir, ushered and was a lay woman in the church. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved to cook for her family. She definitely loved God. She was generous to everyone she was around.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 23, at Curtis United Methodist Church, Bishopville, where friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. The Rev. Lester Justice will officiate. Interment will be in Curtis cemetery , Bishopville. Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Virginia M. Simpkins,
loved arts and crafts
Virginia Marie “Ginny” Simpkins, 70, of New Castle, gracefully left the arms of her family into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, June 16, 2007. Her face glowed peacefully as she entered eternal life.
Born in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Davis and Georgia May Taylor Robinson. Ginny was a peaceful person. Her compassion and kindness were felt by many. She had an unconditional love for children and enjoyed listening to stories about the amusing things the children in her life would say and do. Mrs. Simpkins liked arts and crafts and the painting of various craft designs. Before her health failed, Ginny enjoyed leisurely afternoons in her yard and flower gardening.
Ginny’s beloved husband, Phillip J. Simpkins, Sr., passed away August 30, 2001. Left to cherish her memory is her son, best friend, and caregiver, Phillip J. Simpkins Jr., with whom she lived. Ginny is also survived by her devoted daughter, Barbara A. Hart and her husband, Jerry D. Sr., of Cleveland, Va.; sister, Dottie Leounes and her husband, Harry Perakis of Lewes; brothers, David P. Robinson of Cheswold, Victor A. Robinson and his wife Frances, and Vernon E. Robinson and his wife Judith, all of New Castle; grandchildren, Jerry D. Hart Jr. and Brian K. Hart; and great-grandchildren, Ethan and Harley Hart.
Services were held Thursday, June 21, at Gebhart Funeral Home. Burial was in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle.
Those that wish to send flowers, the family requests either indoor or outdoor live plants.
E. Pennell Thynge,
photographer, printer
E. Pennell Thynge, 86, of Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2007, at Christiana Hospital.
Born in Chester, Pa., Mr. Thynge was the son of the late Howard and Florence Waterhouse Thynge, father of the late Ronald Bruce and grandfather of the late Ryan Weaver. He attended Chester High School. He worked for Spencer’s Printing before he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941. He served his country during World War II in Battery B, 313th Field Artillery Battalion of the 80th Division and was honorably discharged in 1945. He married Betty Jo Hoover on June 15, 1946. Afterward, he set up business as a commercial photographer in Chester, and in 1952 he started a printing/lithographing business. In 1977, he set up a print shop at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, Pa. where he worked and taught apprentices the art of printing through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act. He retired in 1984. He was a member of East Gate Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golf and RVing throughout the continental U.S. He was also fond of playing cards, board games and playing the organ for himself and any audience. His sense of humor will be deeply missed.
Mr. Thynge is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Jo Hoover Thynge; his daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Chet Andruskiewicz of Newark, and Patricia and David Weaver of Hudson, N.H.; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Mary Pat Thynge of Wilmington; his sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and John Dusi, of Florida; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 23, at Mealey Funeral Home, Limestone and Milltown roads, Wilmington, where friends are invited to visitation after 1 pm. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2306 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805; East Gate Presbyterian Church, 34806 Church Lane, Millsboro, DE 19966; or to Delaware Hospice, Inc., 3515 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810.
Richard “Dick” Spicer,
butcher, business owner
Richard “Dick” Spicer, 68, of Orlando passed away June 13, 2007, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
He was born in Georgetown, relocating to Orlando in 1958. Richard was a butcher in his earlier years. He owned Macks Market on S. O.B.T. and Spicer’s Market in Orlando (Lockhart). He was a contractor for several years until retirement. Richard loved his family and had many, many close friends. He was an avid NASCAR fan and Gator football fan who enjoyed being with friends for races and football games. His favorite race car drivers were Tony Stewart, #20, and Ross Robinson, #7. His favorite food was tomatoes, which he grew and shared with everyone.
Dick lived life to the fullest, and the welfare of his family and friends was always his top priority. One of the last requests he made to his wife, Deloris, a few months ago was that everyone be happy and have a celebration when he left this world. He made the request because he felt he had lived a wonderful life and was ready to go when God was ready for him.
He was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and Elks. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy Alan; his mother, Mary; his father, John; and brothers, Johnny and Alton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Deloris; sons, Mark and Tim; daughters-in-law, Erin and Ali; grandchildren, Nikki, Delnaey and Seth; his “little boy,” Stormy the dog; three sisters, Helen Mumford of Georgetown, Ann Hudson of Millsboro and Pat Gordon of Georgetown; seven nieces; four nephews; 13 great-nieces; and eight great-nephews.
Richard would want to extend a special “thank you” to his loving niece, Kim; nephew, C.R.; great-nephew, Ross Robinson; and best friend, Jimmy Walker, for the loving care they took of him in his last days while visiting his Delaware family in Georgetown.
Services were held Wednesday at Cary Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home on Faribanks Avenue in Winter Park, Fla.
Local arrangements were by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director Inc., Dover.
Lt. Col. Charles Fredrick,
retired U.S. marine
Lt. Col. Charles “Chuck” Fredrick, USMC (Ret.) died Wednesday, June 13, 2007 after a short illness. A resident of Vantage House in Columbia, Md. at the time of his death, he called many places home over his long military career.
Lt. Col. Fredrick was born in Hoboken, N.J., on May 10, 1921, son of the late Charles Fredrick Abrams and Ella Lowoss-Shaylor Abrams. He graduated from Lyndhurst High School, Lyndhurst, N.J.; received a B.S. degree from Lambuth College, Jackson, Tenn., and an M.A. from George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1942, Chuck served as a combat infantry officer with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific throughout the war, and after the war as a company commander in Tientsin, China; Okinawa, Japan; Newfoundland, Canada; and Turkey. Chuck was a graduate of the Command Armed Forces Staff College, Intelligence Staff Officer School and Amphibious Warfare School. He was a combat infantry officer in the Korean War where he was awarded, among other honors, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
He was a company commander at the Inchon Landing, at the capture of Seoul and the Chosing Reservoir campaigns. After the Korean War, he served on the Marine Corps Inspector General Staff and at the Pentagon on the Staff for Naval Intelligence. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked for Westinghouse at the Westinghouse Defense and Space Center and as a staff member of the Safety Council of Maryland.
Chuck loved music, and was an accomplished trumpet/cornet player starting at age 8. He served as band director of the Goldenaires dance band for 6 1/2 years. A writer and composer of many odes, lyrics and quips, he also enjoyed difficult crossword puzzles.
In addition to his parents, Chuck was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Turner Fredrick, who died in 2006. He is survived by a son, Douglas P. Fredrick of Long Beach, Calif.; a nephew, H. Edward Maull and his wife Peggy of Lewes; their children, Karen E. Maull, Carolyn T. Maull and Christina H. Maull; a nephew, William Bivona and his wife Nancy of Narragansett, R.I.; and a niece, Doris Pickup and her husband Jack of Warrick, R.I.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 23, at Bethel Methodist cemetery , Savannah Road, Lewes, with the Rev. Jack Cohen officiating. The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to the local branches of the Disabled American Veterans or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Ida C. Cooper,
mother of the church
Ida C. Cooper, 72, of Ellendale, died Saturday, June 16, 2007, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford.
Ida was a mother of the church and a devoted mother and grandmother. She always put her children’s needs ahead of her own. She loved to sing gospel music. She was a member of Grace & Mercy Church in Greenwood.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ceola Cooper Reese; and a sister, Mary Sue Drayton, in 1979.
She is survived bv her children, Larry Cooper and James Cooper, both of Wilmington, LaVan Cooper of Ellendale, Patricia McCaleb and husband Andrew of Bakersfield, Calif., and Coretta M. Cuffee and husband Jullion of Dagsboro; special friends, Lula Mae Martin and James Mills; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, June 22, at Mt. Zion AME Church, Rt. 16, Ellendale, where friends may call at 10 a.m, with Pastor Joyce Mizzel officiating. Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Park, Milton.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Deborah J. Lowe,
nursing assistant
Deborah J. Lowe, 52, of near Georgetown, died Friday, June 8, 2007, at home.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Justice Lowe.
Miss Lowe was a certified nursing assistant for 28 years at the Green Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Millsboro.
Deborah is survived by her grandmother, Margie Lewis of Millsboro; her father, Preston Lowe of Georgetown; four sisters, Patricia Brittingham of Millsboro, Gail Dorman of Dagsboro, Kathy Lowe of Georgetown and Tammy Lowe of Selbyville; a special cousin, caregiver and friend, Lisa Blackwell of Georgetown; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial services will be 5 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at the Millsboro VFW Post 7422, Rt. 113, south of Millsboro. The Rev. Robert Hudson will officiate.
The family asks that contributions be made to the Blackwater Fellowship Church, c/o Wayne V. West Sr., Treasurer, 29080 Timmons St., Dagsboro, DE 19939.
Interment was private.
Arrangements by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro.
Robert K. “Bob” Jones,
Verizon worker
Robert K. “Bob” Jones, 53, of Millsboro, died Saturday, June 16, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes.
He was born Dec. 17, 1953, in Baltimore City, Md., to the late Guy R. and Bernadette K. Tullis Jones. Mr. Jones worked for Verizon as a cable splicer for 28 years. He was an avid fisherman and loved guitars, roller skating, boating and jet skiing. He had an amazing ability to spot “road treasures,” finding valuable items lost along the highway. He loved animals and was a supporter of the SPCA. He was a very kind person, soft-spoken and always there for someone when they needed him.
Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Sharon Sheaffer Jones of Millsboro; one brother, Raymond R. Jones Sr. and his wife Peggy of Smithsburg, Md.; one sister, Nancy Ann Snyder and her husband John of Woodstock, Md.; several nieces and nephews; and his special canine friend, Daisy, his beloved Lab.
Services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, or noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday. The Rev. Allen Miller will officiate. Interment will be in Millsboro cemetery , Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Delaware SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Billy Echo Taylor Jr.,
journalist, activist
Billy E. Taylor Jr., 46, of Dewey Beach, passed away Thursday, June 14, 2007, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 7, 1961, in Baltimore, Md., son of Billy Echo Taylor Sr. of Baltimore and the late Joann C. Gosnell Taylor.
Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Taylor graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in computer technology. He was a writer of short stories and plays and reported for the Coast Press in Sussex County as well as contributing to other Delaware newspapers and periodicals. He was an active participant in local Democratic Party initiatives. In recent years he was a prolific political writer, public advocate and elected member of the Delaware Democratic 14th District Committee.
In addition to his father, he is survived by a sister, Rosemary Fitzsimmons of Mineral, Va.; a brother, Jim Taylor of Powellville, Md.; two nieces; seven great-nieces and nephews; and many friends.
A memorial will be held at Sunset Park, located at the bayside end of Dagsworthy Street in Dewey Beach at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21. All who knew Mr. Taylor or who will miss reading his work are invited.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 100 West 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801.
