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Lawrence D. Legates Sr., 84
MILFORD - Lawrence D. Legates Sr. of Milford died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 84.
Mr. Legates was born Jan. 26, 1918, in Farmington, son of the late Willard and Delema Sullivan Legates.
He was an Air Force veteran of World War II, serving in the South Pacific.
He was a service mechanic for Townsend Brothers Chevrolet, Dover, for 16 years, retiring in 1980.
Mr. Legates loved gardening, hunting and fishing and was a great NASCAR fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bertha D. Legates; two sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence D. Jr. and Maggie Legates of Milford and Norman "Skeeter" and Cordelia Legates of Frederica; a daughter and son-in-law, Marion and Richard Good of Felton; two grandchildren, Lawrence D. Legates III and Jennifer Legates of Baltimore; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be 12:30 p.m. Friday in Berry Short Funeral Home, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 146 S. State St., second floor, Suite A, Dover, DE 19901; or to the American Heart Association, 600 DuPont Highway, Suite 104, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Marlyn R. Busker, 74
HARRINGTON - Marlyn R. Busker of Harrington died peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in her son's home. She was 74.
Mrs. Busker was born in Millington, Md., daughter of the late James and Helen Rowlinson.
She retired as a customer service representative from Reichold Chemical Co. in 1990.
Mrs. Busker enjoyed putting puzzles together and reading. She especially enjoyed being around her family and spoiling her grandchildren. In her spare time, she did volunteer work for the Modern Maturity Center, Dover, and Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Busker, in 1952.
She is survived by a son, Charles L. Busker Jr. of Harrington; two daughters, M. Mischelle Mumford of Dover and Valerie S. Klinger of Lancaster, Pa.; three brothers, Col. H. Gilson Rowlinson of Plano, Texas, James J. Rowlinson of Apopka, Fla., and Edward N. Rowlinson of Lewes; five grandchildren, Philip C. and Sara E. Busker of Harrington, Jenna M. and Kaitlin N. Klinger of Lancaster and Britney L. Mumford of Dover.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.
Arrangements by Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington.
Helen W. Carpenter, 80
MILFORD - Helen W. Carpenter of Milford died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. She was 80.
Mrs. Carpenter was born Sept. 21, 1922, daughter of the late James and Sarah Williams, who had lived in Milton.
She and her husband lived for more than 50 years on a farm outside Ellendale, and she was a school bus contractor for, first, the Milton school district, and then, after consolidation, the Cape Henlopen school district, for 50 years.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Carpenter was a past matron and lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 9, and a past Noble Grand of the Hope Rebekah Lodge, Chapter 24. She attended the Milton Wesleyan Church, and was a member of the Mason-Dixon Chapter 143 of the NCT Camping Club.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, W. Cecil Carpenter of Milford; a daughter and son-in-law, Jerry Ann and Don McLamb of Milton; a son and daughter-in-law, the honorable William C. Carpenter Jr., Superior Court judge, and Marilyn Carpenter of Wilmington; a sister, Dorothy Martin of Milton; and four grandchildren and the wife of one, Sandra G. McLamb, Donald R. McLamb Jr. and Tracy McLamb and Sarah Allison Carpenter, all of Wilmington, and Richard L. Powers Jr. of Miami.
Services will be 3 p.m. Sunday in Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call two hours earlier.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
The family suggests memorial contributions to The Bayhealth Foundation, Milford Home Health, 640 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.
Donald Custer, 78
MILFORD - Donald Custer of Milford, formerly of Exton, Pa., died, following a lengthy illness, Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, in the home of his daughter, Susan L. Cooper of Chadds Ford, Pa. He was 78.
Mr. Custer was born in Spring City, Pa., son of the late Asa and Anna Speice Custer.
He graduated from Spring City High School.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corp as a staff sergeant stationed on Guam.
He retired from the DuPont Corp., Chestnut Run, in 1985 and moved to Milford. He also was a nurseryman, and was co-owner of Custer and Beam Tree Nursery, Downingtown, Pa. After retirement, he founded Hemlock Harbour Nursery, Milford, and operated it until the time of his death.
He was an avid race fan and enjoyed going to the sprint car races, fishing on the Delaware Bay, and winters with his friends in Palmetto, Fla.
He was a member of the Delaware United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elinor; and his son, Terrance.
In addition to his daughter, he is survived by a son-in-law, W. Tyson Cooper of Chadds Ford; a dear friend, Mary Day; and three grandchildren.
Memorial services will be 11:15 a.m. Sunday in Slaughter Neck Methodist Church, Argos Corner, Milford.
Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to Slaughter Neck Methodist Church, Ethel Graham, Treasurer, 10266 Coastal Highway, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements by ABC Cremations, West Chester, Pa.
The Rev. Mabel V. Erskine, 94
CLAYTON - The Rev. Mabel V. Erskine of Clayton passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in her daughter's home in Dover, surrounded by her family. She was 94.
The Rev. Erskine was born April 9, 1908, in Cheswold, daughter of the late William T. and Ethel O. Argo.
She lived in Clayton for 90 years, and resided in the same home for 88 years.
The Rev. Erskine dedicated her life to the Lord's service. She was ordained as a minister in 1940, after many years of religious study and evangelical training. She attended Wesley College.
She served as the pastor at Holden's Methodist Church, near Sudlersville, Md., for 25 years, and at Delaney's Methodist Church, near Clayton, for 28 years. She retired in 1983.
The Rev. Erskine, devoted to her family, also loved to serve others. She enjoyed reading the Bible, gospel music and fellowship with family members and treasured friends. Her guidance and prayers will be missed by so many. She leaves a legacy of service to others and an abiding faith that will be of comfort to those who loved her and were inspired by her encouraging grace.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stacy Erskine; three brothers, Herbert Purse, Orville Purse and Lambert Argo; a beloved sister-in-law, Marguerite Argo; and a niece, Nancy Lea Argo.
She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law; Verma Doris and Thomas Kelley of Dover; eight grandchildren and the husband of one, William T. Kelley of Lewes, Larry Kelley, Darlene Kelley, Lisa Kelley, Tammie Hamilton, Norma Everett and James Claytor, all of Dover, and Sandy and Dennis Potter of Smyrna; a nephew, Wayne Argo, and Mr. Argo's wife, Sandy Argo, of Virginia; a niece, Karen Sue Davis, and Mrs. Davis' husband, Roger Davis, of Felton; and a host of cherished friends and partners in Christ.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call one hour earlier.
Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.
Edward Lawrence 'Eddie' Fassel, 55
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Edward Lawrence "Eddie" Fassel of Fort Lauderdale, formerly of Slaughter Beach, Del., died peacefully Sunday, Sept. 29, 2002, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 55.
Mr. Fassel was born in Milford, son of J. Louise Fassel and the late Conrad H. Fassel Jr.
He was an U.S. Navy veteran.
Mr. Fassel held many positions while working for American Express and retired as the director of training and education.
He enjoyed traveling and lived in many areas including Houston, Texas; Phoenix; and San Diego.
Mr. Fassel was the past president of the Houston chapter of the Association of Information Systems Professionals. He was an accomplished home remodeler. As an avid traveler, he enjoyed many friendships all over the world. A gifted writer, he recently published his first novel, "Chameleon: Hanging By My Tale". He was one of the kindest and gentlest friends, a true friend, the kind of friend a person could only hope for in a lifetime. A compassionate, caring, pick-you-up-by-your-bootstraps and set-you-straight kind of friend. He will be truly missed in both the tangible and cyber world. He will be remembered by his unbeatable hugs and colorful personality. His literary skills touched people across the world.
In addition to his father in 1999, he is preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Brown, in 1994 and a niece, Sheila Bowers, in 1992.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by a sister, Janet Jerread of Millsboro; an aunt, Fay Freeman of Felton; two nieces, Holli Wood of Millsboro and Christina Stiles of Cape Charles, Va.; and a nephew Justin R.C. Wood of Millsboro.
Memorial services will be 4 p.m. Wednesday in Memorial Fire Co., Bay Avenue, Slaughter Beach.
Instead of flowers, Mr. Fassel requested donations to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720-1633.
Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.
Charlene M. Louth, 78
NEWPORT - Charlene M. Louth of Newport died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, in Christiana Hospital, Newark. She was 78.
Mrs. Louth was a cashier for Hearn Bros. for approximately 10 years. Before that, she worked at Grants, Wilmington.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence P. Maulo Sr.; and her second husband, Clarence J. Louth.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence P. Jr. and Lois J.L. Maulo of West Chester, Pa.; and three grandchildren, Peter Maulo, Rebecca House and Katherine Maulo.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 tonight in the Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 E. Justis St., Newport.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.
The family suggests contributions in her memory to the Wilmington Church of The Brethren, 27 Belmont Ave., Wilmington, DE 19804.
Sen. Frederick C. Malkus Jr., 86
CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Sen. Frederick C. Malkus Jr. of Cambridge died of pulmonary fibrosis Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, in Dorchester General Hospital. He was 86.
Sen. Malkus was born on July 1, 1913, in Baltimore, the son of the late Frederick C. and Louisa Rhein-ish Malkus, moving to the Eastern Shore as a young child.
He attended Dorchester County public schools, graduating from Western Maryland College in 1934 and the University of Maryland Law School in 1938. He financed his education by trapping muskrats.
Sen. Malkus served in the U.S. Army from 1941 until 1946, serving with the first U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a major. He received five major battle stars in the European Theater.
He served as supervisor of the Farm Security Administration for Dorchester, Talbot, Wicomico Somerset and Worcester counties.
Sen. Malkus' career spanned 50 years representing District 37, Maryland's largest legislative district. He became a member of the House of Delegates in 1947, serving until 1951. He served in the Maryland State Senate from 1951 until retiring in 1994. Upon his retirement he was the longest serving state legislature in the U.S.
He served on the Legislative Policy Committee from 1955-1994; was president pro tem from 1975-1994; chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee from 1955-1966; member of Judicial Proceedings Com-mittee; Executive Nominations Committee; Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas; Special Joint Committee on Economic Development Strategy; member, Tort and Insurance Reform Oversight Committee from 1988-1993; Senate Chairman, Joint Committee on Judges of the Orphan's Court 1989; member, White Paper Committee on Striped Bass, from 1987-1990; and member, Governor's Task Force on Trees and Forests from 1990- 1994.
Sen. Malkus was named as Maryland State Official of the Year, Maryland Municipal League, in 1961. He served as a delegate to the 5th Constitutional Convention in 1968. He earned an honorary doctorate of let-ters from Western Maryland College in 1980. Gov. Harry Hughes named him Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay in 1983. The Frederick C. Malkus Bridge was named for him by the state legislature in 1987. He was awarded the First Citizen award by the Maryland Senate in 1992, and was awarded the Lifetime Achieve-ment Award from the Law Enforcement Officers of Maryland in 1993. He was awarded an associate's de-gree of arts from Chesapeake College in 1994. Western Maryland College also named him as Alumnus of the Year in 1994.
Sen. Malkus was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cambridge, honorary member of 29th Division Association, VFW Post 88, BPO Elks District Deputy, Tri State Area 1957, BPO Elks No 1272 Ex-alted Ruler 1959, trustee of Western Maryland College from 1962-1985 and Trustee Emeritus 1985, and life member of Dorchester Post # 91 American Legion, where he received the Public Service Aware in 1994.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann "Maggie" Malkus of Cambridge, whom he married on Aug. 9, 1958; a son, Frederick C. Malkus III; two daughters, Margaret Elizabeth "Betsy" LaPerch of Fairfax Sta-tion, Va.; Susan Moorer Malkus of Fairfax, Va.; three grandsons, Richard Christopher LaPerch II, Stephen Malkus LaPerch and Thomas Kevin LaPerch.
Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cambridge. The Rev. Alfred E. Taylor and Rev. C. Edward Pruitt will officiate.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at Thomas Funeral Home, Cambridge.
Burial will be in Old Trinity Churchyard near Church Creek.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Western Maryland College, Frederick C. Malkus Jr. Scholarship Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, ATT: Beverly Staub, 2 College Hill, Westmin-ster, MD 21157.
Jon Edward 'Stony' Reihl, 46
ROCK HALL, Md. - Jon Edward "Stony" Reihl of Rock Hall died Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, in Dover. He was 46.
Mr. Reihl was born on Feb. 7, 1953, in Chestertown, the son of Leonard C. Reihl of Baltimore and Doris R. Swan of Rock Hall.
He worked as an active waterman on the Chesapeake Bay and the waters of North Carolina, and ran an auto body repair business.
Mr. Reihl was a member of the Sgt. Preston Ashley Squadron 228 Sons of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry T. Reihl.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his former wife, Valerie Murray Reihl; and two brothers, Wil-liam L. Reihl of Rock Hall and David C. Reihl of Fairlee.
Graveside service will be 3 p.m. today at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Wesley Chapel Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 626, Rock Hall, MD 21661.
Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Rock Hall.
Arline Sue Scoon, 70
ROCK HALL, Md. - Arline Sue Scoon of Rock Hall died of heart failure Sunday, Oct. 17, 1999, in Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis. She was 70.
Mrs. Scoon was born in and was a lifelong resident of Rock Hall, the daughter of the late Oscar and Margie McGinnis.
She was a homemaker.
She enjoyed needlepoint for a number of years, and enjoyed traveling.
Mrs. Scoon was a member of the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post #228 Ladies Auxiliary, Rock Hall, and a member of the Rock Hall United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Hill.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, J. Robert Scoon.
Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Co. Ambulance Fund or their building fund, P.O. Box 577, Rock Hall, MD 21661.
Arrangments by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, Rock Hall.
Leslie Matthews Dobson, M.D., 88
MILFORD - Dr. Leslie Matthews Dobson of Milford and Lewes died Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in his home. He was 88.
Dr. Dobson was born on Aug. 14, 1911, in Millsboro, the sixth child of John and Julia Dobson.
He attended elementary school at Phillips Hill School, a one-room school house, and graduated from Millsboro High School in 1929, valedictorian. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 1933 with a Pre-Med B.A., and Jefferson Medical College in 1937.
Dr. Dobson was commissioned first lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps in June 1937.
He completed an internship at Delaware Hospital, 1937-38, and a radiology residency at Presbyterian Hospital in 1938-39. He worked for DuPont Company in Louisiana and Beebe Hospital and Clinic, Lewes, before being ordered to active duty with the U. S. Army Corps in October 1940. He served at Fort Hancock, N.J., until April 1941, when he was ordered to the 221st Hospital, Bermuda, where he served as radiologist and acting executive officer until October 1944. He was promoted to major and served in Mississippi until his discharge in 1946.
He was certified by the American Board of Radiology in 1948 and completed refresher courses in Mem-phis, Tenn., the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. He served Sussex and Kent counties as chief radiologist from 1945 to 1982 at Beebe Hospital, Lewes, Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, and Kent General Hospital, Dover. He secured radiologists for each of these hospitals, retiring in 1982 at age 74.
He served on the Milford City Council, the Milford Memorial Hospital Board and the National Blue Shield Board of Directors. He was well-known for his carpentry and architectural talents, which were contributed to the Avenue United Methodist Church, the Milford Memorial Hospital and the Shawnee Country Club. His involvement in the Milford community included leadership with other parents in support of integration of the Milford public schools in 1954. He leaves a legacy of compassion, integrity, service to others and justice for all.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Margaret M. Dobson; and a son, James J. Dobson.
He is survived by his second wife, Marjorie Dobson; a son, John C. Dobson of Miami; two daughters, Carol M. Dobson of Dover and Susan D. Hair of Harrisburg, Pa.; and six grandchildren.
Service will be Friday at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 North Church St., Milford, where friends may call from 11:30 a.m. until service.
Burial will be in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Student Financial Aid Fund payable to Alumni Annual Giving Fund of Jefferson Medical College, Att: Joan Schott, Jefferson Medical College, 1020 Locus St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Arrangements by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.
Gertrude 'Tootie' Price, 61
RIDGELY, Md. - Gertrude "Tootie" Price of Ridgely died Saturday, Nov. 6, 1999, in Kent General Hospi-tal, Dover. She was 61.
Mrs. Price was born on Sept. 29, 1938, the daughter of Linwood and Ida Bell Warner.
She was educated in the Caroline County public school system.
Mrs. Price, or "Tootie" as she was affectionately known, worked for Campbell Soup, later becoming self-employed as a licensed day care provider.
She was a lifetime resident of Caroline County. She was meek, humble and quiet of spirit, and with a heart of gold.
Mrs. Price was a member of Allen AME Church in Thomastown; she visited other local churches as well.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, James E. Price.
She is survived by five children, Patsy Pearson of Greensboro, Sandra Dee Washington, Randolph Wash-ington and Andre Washington, all of Ridgely, and Defhawn Price, whom she raised, of Greensboro; a step-son, Kevin Flamer of Virginia Beach, Va.; four brothers, Harrison Warner of Pittsburgh, Robert Warner of Dover, Larry Warner of Greensboro and Roy Lee Warner of Harrington; four sisters, Betty Lee Avery of Do-ver, Regina Sampson of New York, Diane Brugess of Richmond, Va., and Beverly Warner of Greensboro; nine grandchildren; a son-in-law, Guy Pearson; a daughter-in-law, Collette Washington of Ridgely; step-mother, Alberta Warner of Ridgely; special friend, Paul Burgess of Riley, N.C.; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Replanted Zion U.M. Church, Ridgely.
Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at the church.
Burial will be in Cokers Cemetery, Greensboro.
Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Eaton.
Frances Knight Norris, 86
BRIDGEVILLE - Frances Knight Norris of Bridgeville died of congestive heart failure Monday, Nov. 8, 1999, in Life Care at Lofland Park, Seaford. She was 86.
Mrs. Norris was born on March 13, 1913, in Lyndonville, Vt., the daughter of the late William G. and Isabelle S. Knight.
She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in home economics, and from Lyndon State College with a degree in elementary education. She belonged to the Chi Omega sorority.
Mrs. Norris taught elementary school in the Woodbridge School District in Bridgeville from 1962 until 1977.
She was an avid bridge player.
Mrs. Norris was a member of the Christian Science Church, Easton, and a member of the Seaford Golf and Country Club.
She is survived by a daughter, Barbara N. Allen of Seaford.
Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Hardesty Funeral Home, 202 Laws St., Bridgeville, where family and friends may call two hours prior to service.
Burial will be private.
Douglas E. Hastings, 63
DOVER - Douglas E. Hastings of Dover died of pancreatic cancer Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 63.
Mr. Hastings was born on Oct. 14, 1936, in Milford, the son of the late Nelson T. and Martha Culver Hastings.
He served in the National Guards.
He moved from Laurel to Dover in 1968 to work for General Foods as a sheet metal shop foreman for 31 years, retiring on Sept. 19, 1997. He also taught sheet metal work at Kent Vo-Tech in Dover.
Mr. Hastings was a second-degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate.
He was a member of the Smyrna-Clayton Moose Lodge #2046, a member of the Sliver Lake Tavern Fish-ing Club, former member of the Camden-Wyoming Moose Lodge and president of the former Wildcat Arch-ery Club.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Brent Hastings; and a brother, Dwayne Hastings.
He is survived by a son, Todd D. Hastings of Dover; a daughter, Brenda Redlich of Dover; a sister, Dolores Morgan of Laurel; and four grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or Delaware Hospice Central Division, 911 S. DuPont Hwy., DE 19901
Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover.
Bessie L. Farrow 57
DOVER - Bessie L. Farrow of Dover died Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999, in her home. She was 57.
Mrs. Farrow was born on March 27, 1942, the daughter of Joseph and Vivian Hagar Peterson.
She worked as a secretary for the family business, Capital Seamless Floors, Dover.
She was a member of Wesley Church of Dover, a member of Denton American Legion, and a member of Harrington Moose Lodge.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Charles J. Farrow of Dover; two daughters, Vivian McKinney of Harrington and Sarah Harris of Dover; a brother, Claude Peterson of Felton; a sister, Sarita Reed; a grandson, Troy Harris of Dover; and two granddaughters, Samantha Harris of Dover and Bonnie Rae McKinney of Harrington.
Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Trader Funeral Home, Dover.
Burial will be in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover.
