Obituaries

09/05/10

Dorothy A. Budd Greenwell -- Dorothy A. Budd Greenwell, 80, of Salisbury, Md., and formerly of Delmar, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury. She was born in Salisbury, a daughter of the late Paul S. Jones and Jeannetteᅠ Hastings Mills and her husband, James B. Mills. "Dot," as she was known to her family and friends, was a lifetime member of St.ᅠ Stephen's United Methodist Church in Delmar, where she was active in the Deborahᅠ Circle Ladies Group. She worked for many years as an administrative assistantᅠ for United Insurance Company in Salisbury and also for Dr. Earl M. Beardsley ofᅠ Salisbury. For many years she also worked as a volunteer at the patient information desk at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. She was very active in her community and her memberships included theᅠ Laurel Senior Center, the Women of the Moose, Chapter #1208 in Salisbury, the Newᅠ Century Club of Delmar and the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportationᅠ Union #430. During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Delmar Little League,ᅠ she was honored as a past treasurer of the Mothers of the Delmar Little League,ᅠ which she served for many years. Dot cherished the special memories made with her family and especially lovedᅠ spending time with her grandchildren. She loved sports and was a faithfulᅠ Baltimore Orioles fan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Barry Budd; her husband, Philip S. Greenwell; and her former husband, James K. Budd. She is survived by two sons, Gary W. Budd and his wife, Terry of Delmar and J.ᅠ Gregory Budd and his wife, Linda of Delmar; and four grandchildren, Mickey, Erin,ᅠ Carlee and Robbie. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22, at St. Stephen's Cemetery Park in Delmar. The Rev. Phyllis Walton will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 101 E. State St., Delmar, DE 19940 or Snethen United Methodist Church, c/o Jan Frey, 4203 Delmar Rd., Delmar, DE 19940. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.


Ray D. Foskey -- Ray D. Foskey, 84, of Laurel, passed away at Elkton Rehabilitation and Care Center in Elkton, Md., on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010. Ray was born in Laurel, a son of the late Joseph R. Foskey and Edna Taylor Foskey. Mr. Foskey proudly served his country in the United States Army, participating in the Battle of the Bugle with General George Patton. He later retired from the United States Postal Service as a Laurel supervisor, from 1960-1987. He was past commander of American Legion Post #19 in Laurel. Ray was a talented singer, participating in Kings United Methodist Choir and in the cortet, Choirs of Nanticoke. He was a member of Kings United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher for many years. Mr. Foskey was a proud American and took much pride in his service and the American flag. He enjoyed fishing, making jokes and spending time with his family. Ray is survived by his son, Alan Foskey and wife Vanessa of Elkton; his sisters, Esther Kenney of Wilmington and Kay Crouse of Salisbury, Md; his pride and joy - grandchildren, Brandon Foskey of Texas and Brett Foskey and Brooke Foskey, both of Elkton; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Taylor of Salisbury. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral, Laurel, where a viewing will be held one hour before the service. The Rev. Dale Evans will officiate. Interment will follow with full military honors in Laurel Odd Fellows Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray Foskeys memory to American Legion Post #19, P.O. Box 329, Laurel, DE 19956 or Kings United Methodist Church, c/o Hanna Collins, 14272 Wootten Rd., Laurel, DE 19956. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.


Kathryn W. Bailey -- Kathryn Kay White Bailey, 92, of Seaford, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Kay was born in Princess Anne, Md., to the late Frederic J. Flurer and Della Sharrett on April 25, 1918. In her early years, she assisted her parents in the operation of the family business in Princess Anne. Later during World War II, she worked at the Manhattan Shirt Company in Salisbury, Md. making military uniforms. After the war, she was employed at several commercial establishments in the Salisbury and Easton areas. In 1949, she moved to Blades and took a job with Walker Garments. She was an excellent seamstress and made many of her own clothes. In 1951, she began working at Duponts Seaford Nylon Plant where she was assigned to various areas of operations and ended her 32-year career as a labatorian in Process Control. After retirement, she worked as a product promoter in supermarkets all across the Delmarva Peninsula. Also following Dupont she joined the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered many hours for several years until her health failed. She was a worldwide traveler to more than 45 countries, and crossed the USA six times visiting all 50 states. Most of all she enjoyed her yearly summer vacations to coastal Maine. Kay had a passion for growing and caring for flowers and plants and took great joy in photographing them all. Being a grandmother was also a great joy in her life. She was a member of the Dupont Golden Girls, former member of the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Nanticoke Senior Center, Sussex Bird Club, AARP Chapter 1084 and the Red Hatters. Kay is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald K. Bailey; son, Linwood J. White and wife Thelma of Havertown, Pa., grandchildren, Eric N. White and his companion Micaela Grass of Northport, Maine, Alyssa J. White of Wayne, Pa., Jennifer Chadwick of West Chester, Pa. and Robert Chadwick and wife Kate of North Cape May, N.J.; and great-grandchildren, Myles and Maura Chadwick. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford, where friends may call one hour before the services. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice Inc., 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.


Craig S. Whaley -- Craig S. Whaley, 40, of Laurel, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at home. He was born in Salisbury, Md., a son of Woodrow "Woody" Whaley and Elizabeth "Jaye" Whaley of Laurel. Craig will be remembered for his sense of humor, especially making the ladies laugh. Quite the jokester, his smiles and laughter will be missed by many. Craig loved to read the Bible and loved the Lord. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother, Scott Whaley and wife Kim of Laurel; a sister, Kara Beth Whaley and fianc← Donnie Donovan both of Laurel; a special and close nephew, Adam McGinnis; and nieces and nephews, Kristen Whaley, Kelsey Whaley, Katlin Whaley, Kenzie McMullen and Kailen McMullen. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel, where a viewing will be held one hour before the service. Pastor Ken Deusa and the Rev. Dale Evans will officiate. Interment will follow in Laurel Odd Fellows Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Craig Whaleys memory to the National Tourette Syndrome Association, 42-40 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11361-2820. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.


Bradley Kyle Hirneisen, 44 Bradley Kyle Hirneisen, 44, of Delmar, passed away at Nanticoke Hospital on August 19, 2010, after a lengthy illness. Born in Ephrata, PA on November 24, 1965, Brad was the son of Malcolm Kroninger and the late Flora Kulp Eisenhard. Brad enjoyed life, loved horses and was a talented musician. Prior to his illness, Brad was employed at Dominos Pizza in Seaford. He will be dearly missed by his family, many friends and his faithful companion, Maisey. In addition to his father, he is survived by his daughter, Heather Hirneisen of Fort Lauderdale, FL, a sister Lynn Hirneisen of Lititz, PA, his friend and caregiver, Joan Robinson, and his girlfriend, Gina Shapley. A memorial service honoring Brad will be held on Tuesday, August 31, at Christ Lutheran Church, 315 Shipley Street, Seaford, at 6 p.m. Charitable contributions in Brads memory may be made to the Peninsula Cancer Care Center, 701 Middleford Road, Suite 1A, Seaford, DE 19973


Verleada A. Tull -- Verleada A. Tull, 67, of Seaford, died Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010. Mrs. Tull was retired from Sussex County where she was a clerk. She loved cross-stitching and her dog, Rusty. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, W. Haines Tull; one son, Christopher Parker and his wife Sara; and two stepdaughters, Julia Lynn Tull and Kimberly Ann McCane. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford, where friends may call one hour before the services. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford.


Ernest T. Dukes Sr. -- Ernest Trehearn Dukes Sr., 79, of Seaford, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at Newark Manor, Newark. Born in Galestown, Md., the son of the late Blanche Trehearn and Franklin P. Dukes, he was an electrician at the duPont Company in Seaford before retiring. He was a member of Blades United Methodist Church, and Hiram Lodge #21 Seaford and an Army veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Jean Windsor Dukes; a son, Ernest T. Dukes Jr. of Seaford; a daughter, Debora D. Hearn and husband Doug of Seaford; and a brother, Verlon E. Dukes of Secretary, Md. A graveside service wil be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 27, in Blades Cemetery, Blades. Arrangements are in the care of Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford.


Norma Jane Hearn -- Norma Jane Hearn, 86, of Delmar, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at Delmar Nursing Home. Mrs. Hearn was born in Melson on June 22, 1924, a daughter of the late John Thomas Layfield and Ethel Mae Layfield. She was a homemaker and had previously worked at Townsend, Inc. in the hatchery. Norma is survived by her sons, Levin Layfield and wife Sylvia of Delmar, Md., Richard Hearn and wife Trudy of Green Creek, N.J., Gary Hearn and wife Kay of Georgetown and Tommy Hearn and wife Dottie of Salisbury, Md.; a daughter, Sandra Whitelock and her husband Roger of Delmar; a brother, Jack Layfield and wife Mary Ellen of Salisbury; and a daughter-in-law, Jackie Hearn of Laurel. Fifteen grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Hearn; her sons, Kenneth Hearn and James Hearn; a brother, Louis Layfield; and a sister, Catherine Perdue. A funeral service was held at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel, on Friday Aug. 6. The Rev. Donald Murray officiated. Interment followed in Laurel Hill Cemetery.


Larry L. Morris -- Larry L. Morris, 70, of Seaford, was guided peacefully into Heaven on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010, surrounded by family and friends at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for over a year. Larry was born on July 5, 1940, to Everett Alan and Beatrice Morris who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Monica Morris. Their 30th wedding anniversary would have been on Aug. 28. Larry is also survived by his son, Gregory L. Morris and children Hannah, Emma and Garrett; his son, Troy D. Morris and wife Stacy along with their three sons, Koby, Blake and Brady; and his stepson, Robert M. Culver, wife Elizabeth (Liz) and their son, Riley. His brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Janet Morris, were at his bedside when he left this earth. He also leaves several very special nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry graduated from North Dorchester High School, then joined the U.S. Army and worked on the family farm. He had a 31 year career with DuPont in Seaford. He also owned his own landscaping business for several years and kept busy working with friends Linda, Mary and Sue at Seaford Florist. He was an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Larry was a quiet man but loved life and all it had to offer. Summer was his favorite time of year and he enjoyed many years of camping, fishing, making poor attempts at the game of golf, working in the yard and caring for his diverse assortment of pets. His greatest passion was travel. Along with his wife and close friends, Doug and Cyndie Figgs, Larry always looked forward to the next adventure. A celebration of life will be held at Central Worship Center, 14545 Sycamore Rd., Laurel, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12. Family and friends may visit at the church between noon and 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, P.O. Box 72, Seaford, DE 19973. Arrangements are in the care of Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford.


Donald L. Baker -- Donald L. Baker Sr., 71, of Laurel, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. Mr. Baker was born in Laurel, a son of the late Pius and Delema Baker. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine for 20 years. When he retired, he had worked at Solo Cup and Marshall Products. He was a member of the American Legion Post #19 in Laurel and the Delmar VFW Post #8276. An avid baseball card collector, he was also a proud member of AA since 1976. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with his wife. He is survived by his wife, Rita Baker of Laurel; his sons, Donald L. Baker Jr. and wife Donna of Laurel, Stewart S. Baker and wife Karen of Snow Hill, Md. and Michael A. Baker and wife Kara of Laurel; and a daughter, Kris Collins and husband Doug of Laurel. He was a devoted and loving grandfather to Donald Baker III, Brandy Baker, Samantha Baker and Scott Baker. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel, on Monday, Aug. 23, where a viewing will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pastor Joe LeCates will officiate. Interment will full military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. Memorial contributions may be made in Donald Bakers honor to: American Legion Post #19, P.O. Box 329, Laurel, DE 19956. Online condolences may be made by visiting, www.hsdfuneralhome.com.


Steven A. Hare -- Steven Ashley Hare, 51, of Frankford, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, at his residence.ᅠ Born in Seaford, the son of Deanna Jean Hill and Gilbert Marvin Hare of Bridgeville, he was a self employed painter. He was a 1976 graduate of Seaford High School. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a son, Matthew R. Windsor of Seaford; a daughter, Ashley N. Hare of Frankford; a brother, John W. Hare and wife Luann of Summerville, Ala.; a sister, Rebecca L. Keim and husband George of Seaford; his companion, Norma G. Johnson of Frankford; and nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23, at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford, where friends may call one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Delaware/Eastern Maryland Office, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801.


Elaine E. Butler -- Elaine E. Butler, 83 of Seaford, died on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at Genesis Health Care Center after a long illness. Mrs. Butler is survived by her husband of 64 years, Howard R. Butler; a daughter, Aimee Baysinger of Harrington; two sons, Scott Butler of Montana and Ben Butler of England; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.ᅠ Funeral services and burial will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Cranston Funeral Home.


Robert C. Patterson Sr. -- Robert C. Patterson Sr., 82, of Seaford, passed away on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, with his family by his side at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Born Jan. 15, 1918, he wanted to be remembered as a family man, one that always took care of his family. Born one of five children to Dr. James and Mabel Patterson, he was the husband of Catherine M. Patterson who preceded him in death in 1988. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Bracey and Elizabeth Manogue and a brother, Samuel Patterson. Robert is survived by two sons, Robert C. Patterson Jr. and wife Charlotte of Seaford, and Ronald Patterson and wife Jane of West Virginia; four grandchildren, Robert Patterson III, Sandra Thomas, Darren Patterson and Scott Patterson; great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise Collins of Seaford; and several nieces and nephews. Robert worked the family farm all of his life until retiring in 2009. He was an avid hunter and trapper. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford. Friends may call at Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford one hour before the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice Inc., 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Delaware SPCA, 22918 Dupont Hwy., Georgetown, DE 19947.


Ralph E. Mahan -- Ralph E. Mahan, 86, died Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010. After serving the U.S. Navy during World War II, Ralph studied at the University of Chattanooga, University of North Carolina and Purdue University. He taught at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia; Lord Baltimore School, Ocean View; Seaford High School; Delaware Technical & Community College; and extension classes for the University of Delaware. He also served as a supervisor for the Delaware Department of Education and Indian River School District.ᅠ He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; daughters, Brenda Johnson and husband, Leslie; Beverly Palmer and husband Ralph; Jennifer Temple and husband, Douglas; son, James Mahan and wife, Peggy, and former son-in-law, Carl Stevens. Other survivors include his grandchildren: Leigh Nelson and husband, Patrick, Page Johnson; Adam Palmer and wife, Hannah; Jackie Palmer, Rachel Stevens; Emily Stevens; Annie Mahan and Samuel Mahan; and a brother, C. Ray Mahan and wife, Bonnie of Chattanooga, Tenn. ᅠ He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.ᅠ A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, at St. Johns United Methodist Church, Seaford, where Ralph enjoyed serving and worshiping since moving to Seaford in 1958. Visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to St. Johns United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 299, Seaford, DE 19973 or Delaware Hospice Inc., 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements are in the care of Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford.ᅠ


Joseph D. Jordan -- Joseph Daniel Jordan, 3 months, of Laurel, passed away at home on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. He was born in Fishersville, Va., a son of Charles and Jackie Jordan of Laurel. A loving and happy child, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Patricia Jordan of Laurel; maternal grandparents, Joyce and Randy Manley of Staunton, Va.; and aunts and uncles, Kayla Manley, Moriah Manley, Brooks Manley, Jamie Miles, Donna Jordan, Donna and Mike Adams and Dale and Ed Truitt. A funeral service will be held at Laurel Wesleyan Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 22, where a viewing will be held one hour before the service. Pastors Ken Deusa and Ben Sorrells will officiate. Interment will follow in Blades Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com.ᅠ


Carol A. Gogola Zahner -- Carol Ann Gogola Zahner, 71, of Seaford, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at Pinnacle Health Center, Smyrna. Born in Nanticoke, Pa., the daughter of the late Marie McCarthy and Thomas Gogola, she was a geriatrics aide for Geriatric Services of Georgetown. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in Seaford. Carol is survived by two sons, Donald A. Kvedrowicz of Harrington and Joseph W. Zahner Jr. of Ocean View; a daughter, Christine M. Hessenkemper of Bricktown, N.J.; and two sisters, Mary Lou Dietrich and Ester Green both of Nanticoke, Pa. She is also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph William Zahner Sr., in 2001. Services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford. A committal service will be held at 11 a.m. at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, with burial in the cemetery.