Dorothy A. Allen
A Mass of Christian Burial for Dorothy A. Allen, 88, of Dover, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8, in the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover, where friends may call beginning at 9 a.m. Mrs. Allen died Saturday, May 3, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mrs. Allen was born Oct. 17, 1919, in Brooklyn, N.Y., daughter of the late George and Catherine Fredericks Arrington.

She was a member of the Church of the Holy Cross and the Dover Lioness Club.

Mrs. Allen and her husband owned and operated several businesses in the Camden area. She kept the books and did the paperwork for their dairy farm, grocery store, liquor store and Allen’s Auto Sales.

In her later years, Mrs. Allen served as president of the Lioness Club and served on a committee on problems of the Aging for Kent County.

She loved the challenge of the stock market. She loved and enjoyed her family and friends and going out to eat.

Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her husband, O. Alvin Allen; and grandson, Mark A. DiFelice.

She is survived by daughter, Brenda Allen DiFelice of Wilmington; a brother and his wife, George W. and Joan Arrington of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; a sister and her husband, Audrey and Clarence Billings of Milford; a grandson, Joseph A. DeLar of Wilmington; and many nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

Arrangements were by Trader Funeral Home, Dover.

Virginia Jeanne Brickley
A celebration of life services for Virginia Brickley, 78, of Dover, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call beginning at 1 p.m. Mrs. Brickley died Saturday, May 3, 2008, in the Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia.

Mrs. Brickley was born Jan. 20, 1930, in Wilkinsburg, Pa., daughter of the late Stanley S. Harner and Virginia E. Werner Harner.

She grew up in Wilkinsburg. After high school she graduated from Miss Conley’s School of Business in East Liberty, Pa., in 1948.

On Feb. 25, 1950, Mrs. Brickley was married to Robert A. Brickley, beginning her lifelong homemaker career. Throughout her life and in support of her husband’s military service she moved her family more than 30 times.

Some of the highlights of her moves include Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., Pittsburgh, Pa., Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, Fort Bliss, Texas, Germany, Chicago, Ill., Rapid City, S.D., Burlington, N.C., Huntsville, Ala., and Letterkenny Army Depot, Pa.

In 1972 she orchestrated her family’s move to their permanent location, Dover.

Mrs. Brickley enjoyed her family, bowling, and Nascar racing.

Throughout her and her husband’s life together she belonged to the Officers’ Spouses Club.

Mrs. Brickley is survived by her husband, retired Maj. Robert A. Brickley of Dover; children, Stephen A. Brickley and Joanie Scheirer of Wescosville, Pa., retired Sgt. 1st Class Reid S. Brickley of Austin, Texas, David P. and JoAnn Brickley of Middlebury, Conn., and Amy S. Brickley and Matthew Murray of Seattle, Wash.

She also is survived by her grandchildren, Suzanne and Todd Metrision, Sgt. Sean and Amanda Brickley, Stephanie Brickley, Elizabeth Brickley, and Pfc. Thomas Brickley; her great-grandchild, Makayla Brickley; and her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin “Chip” and LaVonne Harner.

Dr. Everett D. ‘Dave’ Bryan
Funeral services for Everett D. “Dave” Bryan, 71, M.D., of Dover, were held Saturday, May 3, in St. John’s Lutheran Church, Dover. Mr. Bryan died peacefully Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home.

Dr. Bryan was born in Lewes, son of the late Everett D. and Gertrude D. Bryan.

He graduated from Dover High School and Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, and served in the U.S. Public Health Service in Philadelphia before returning to Dover to begin his 30 years in the general practice of medicine, retiring in 1996.

Dr. Bryan was a member of the Medical Society of Delaware, Kent County Medical Society, and a life member of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians.

He was known for his historical research, articles, displays and lectures on the early mercantile history of Delaware, including his peach slide show, “The Fuzzy Phenomenon,” and his sweet sorghum pressing demonstrations at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village.

His hobby was collecting and researching antique Delaware pottery, bottles and cans. He donated the latter two collections to the Delaware state museums. A portion of these can be seen at the Museum of Small Town Life in Dover.

Upon retirement, he wrote a local history book, now out of print, called “Ho! For Collins’ Beach!” documenting an 1800s resort northeast of Smyrna.

He was interested in the Confederate raider “Alabama,” on which a relative served, and spoke on the subject for various organizations. He performed musically on saxophone, guitar and novelty musical instruments in various settings, including many years in a nursing home ministry with his wife and granddaughter, Theresa.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Justin Christmas.

Dr. Bryan is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose; two daughters and their husbands, Mary L. and Donald Christmas and Laura R. and Robert Kaehler; a brother, Terry A. Bryan, D.M.D., and his wife Margaret; six grandchildren, Theresa Kaehler, Robert Kaehler, Michael Kaehler, Moriah Kaehler, Kamilia Kaehler and Alexander Kaehler; a step-granddaughter, Shannon Brenner and husband Michael; and two step-great-grandchildren, Jonathan Brenner and Timothy Brenner.

Interment was private.

Arrangements were by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Elwood B. ‘Woody’ Conard
Elwood B. “Woody” Conard, 91, of Westminster Village, Dover, died Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Westminster Health Care Center, Dover.

Mr. Conard was born May 5, 1916, in Philadelphia.

Before moving to Dover, where he lived for the past six years, he lived in the Drexel Hill area.

He attended Drexel University on a football scholarship.

Mr. Conard served in the U.S. Navy and was a D-Day participant. After leaving the military, he worked in sales, selling service recorders.

He was a Phillies fan, and was a member of Spring Haven Golf Club.

Mr. Conard is survived by a niece, Colleen O’Brien of Wyoming.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Westminster Village Community Center, Dover.

Interment was in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.

Chief Master Sgt. Larry Dale Davis, USAF (Ret.)
Funeral services for Larry Dale Davis, of Camden, were held Tuesday, May 6, in Torbert Funeral Chapel, Dover. Mr. Davis died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Davis was born in Albion, Neb., son of the late John Davis and Daisy Coatney Davis.

He was husband of Lynn Marie Hilferty Davis, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage.

Mr. Davis was a veteran of the Vietnam, Gulf and Iraq wars, having served in the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force reserves, retiring as a loadmaster supervisor after 37 years of honorable service.

Mr. Davis was a member of the Marantha Baptist Church in Camden.

He kept busy with his hobbies of collecting memorabilia from the Old West and World War II. He also loved to fly, restore old cars and was an avid reader.

In addition to his father, Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his two sisters, Louise Coy and Mildred Tanner.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Michael Davis of Camden; and his daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Arjan Jansen of the Netherlands.

Interment was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

Nathalie R. DiSilvestro
A memorial service for Nathalie R. DiSilvestro, 62, of Dover, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2008, at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may call beginning at 6 p.m. Mrs. DiSilvestro died Friday, April 18, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mrs. DiSilvestro was born Aug. 22, 1945 in New Jersey, daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Murtha Rockwell.

While living in New Jersey she worked in accounting and most recently enjoyed life as a homemaker. She enjoyed crafts, art and being with her family. She also did volunteer work for New Jersey Ladies Auxiliary Fire Company.

Mrs. DiSilvestro is survived by her husband of 21 years Patrick DiSilvestro, three children John Sanflippo of Dover, Sandra DiSilvestro of Brick, N.J. and Marie Williams of Williamstown, N.J.; a sister, Regina Bilton of Middletown; and a grandson, Anthony Williams.

Interment will be private.

Brenda Joyce Dunlap
Funeral services for Brenda Joyce Dunlap, 56, of Dover, were held Monday, May 5, in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover. Ms. Dunlap died Friday, April 25, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Ms. Dunlap was born Jan. 29, 1952, in Austin, Texas, daughter of Rebecca Alexander, now of Dover, and the late Joseph D. Alexander.

She was educated in the Capitol and Caesar Rodney school districts. She worked at Woolco for 11 years in Dover.

Ms. Dunlap enjoyed life and lit up the life of anyone she encountered. She enjoyed singing and eating different foods. If she wasn’t trying to get a recipe, she was trying to get someone to buy her some food at the Delaware Home for the Chronically Ill, where her sister worked.

Her family will miss the person they called their “baby girl,” who was the love of their lives and who will light up heaven as she did her home on Earth. She will be missed, but her family knows she’s in a better place, where there will be no more suffering, no more pain and no need for them to cry together.

In addition to her mother, Ms. Dunlap is survived by five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Joseph Jr. and Norma of Capperas Cove, Texas, Abdul Nasir and Lorraine of Richmond, Va., Donald and Bertha of Tampa, Fla., Michael of Pennsylvania, and Ricky, David and Shawn, all of Dover; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Bernice and Elmer, and Patricia and Linda, all of Dover; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Interment was in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, west of Dover.

Patricia Ann Ference
A Celebration of Life services for Patricia Ann Ference, 72, of Dover, will be held at noon Wednesday, May 7, at Luther Towers Building 1, 430 Kings Highway, Dover. Mrs. Ference died peacefully Sunday, May 4, 2008, at the home of her daughter, Ann.

Mrs. Ference was born Dec. 5, 1935, in Old Town, Maine, daughter of the late Frederick and Corinne LaBelle Paul.

She moved to Dover in 1988.

Mrs. Ference was a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert and Eugene Paul; her sister, Dorothy Morgan, all of Old Towne; and a brother, Joseph Paul of Roslindale, Mass.

Mrs. Ference is survived by her husband of 53 years, Clarence “Bud” Ference of Dover; two daughters and their husbands, Ann and Robert Dombrowski of Dover and Corinne and Richard Burgholzer of Clayton; and two sons and their wives, John and Donna Ference of Hahira, Ga., and Joseph and Cherie Ference of Dover.

She also is survived by two sisters, Phyllis Nason and Laurie Cammack, both of Bangor, Maine; six grandchildren, Joseph Ference Jr. and his wife Cassie, Patrick Ference, Laurie Ann and Patricia Dombrowski, all of Dover, Danny Holmes and his wife Monica of Clayton, and Stephaine Ference of Hahira; and three great-grandchildren, Zackary and Allyson Holmes of Clayton, and Areianna of Dover.

Johnson service
A memorial service will be held for Clem R. Johnson at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, 2008, in the Pippin Funeral Home, 110 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Mr. Johnson died Jan. 30, 2008. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

Master Sgt. Gary K. Lynn, USAF (Ret.)
Funeral services for Gary K. Lynn, 64, of Dover, were held Tuesday, May 6, in the Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming. Mr. Lynn died Friday, May 2, 2008, at his home.

Mr. Lynn was born Feb. 20, 1944, in Plainfield, N.J., son of the late Ellsworth and Patricia Campbell Lynn.

He served his country proudly for three years in the U.S. Army and 19 years in the U.S. Air Force, ending 22 years of service with the rank of master sergeant, having served several tours in Vietnam, retiring in 1985.

After his military career, he took his most recent position with the state of Delaware working in radiation control.

Mr. Lynn was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Mr. Lynn is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gail Lynn of Dover; his twin brother, Gordon D. Lynn of Little Falls, N.J.; a brother and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Mary Lynn of Fishkill, N.Y.; two sisters, Joan McLaughlin of Richmond, Va., and Gail Hensel of Orlando, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Interment was in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

John Joseph ‘Jack’ McDonough
John Joseph “Jack” McDonough, 64, of Dover, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, in his home.

Mr. McDonough was born July 24, 1943, in Kearny, N.J., son of the late John and Ann Dillon McDonough

He lived in North Arlington, Woodbridge and Iselin, N.J., before moving to Dover in March.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Mr. McDonough was a loving husband, dad and grandfather.

He enjoyed woodworking and pro football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.

Mr. McDonough was a member of American Legion Posts No. 40 and 8. He also was a member of the American Legion Post No. 471, Iselin; American Legion Post No. 87, Woodbridge; and the American Legion Post No. 102, Linden, N.J. He was past commander of the Middlesex County, N.J., American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cheryle Glinowiecki McDonough; a son, Sean P. McDonough of Perth Amboy, N.J.; a daughter and son-in-law, Meghan S. and Scott Schoemer Laurence Harbor, N.J.; and his grandchildren, Scott W. Schoemer Jr., Savannah R. Schoemer and a grandchild due in November.

Services and burial will be private.

Arrangements are by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Ida Virginia McGinnes
Celebration of Life services for Ida Virginia McGinnes, 87, of Dover, were held Monday, May 5, in the Trader Funeral Home, Dover. Mrs. McGinnes died Thursday, May 1, 2008, in Mallard Bay Health Care Nursing Center, Cambridge, Md.

Mrs. McGinnes was born Aug. 14, 1920, daughter of the late J. Edward and Laura R. Bassford Weaver.

Mrs. McGinnes was the last of 15 children in her family.

She was a homemaker who had lived in Dover her entire life. She enjoyed playing cards and playing the Delaware lottery.

Mrs. McGinnes was preceded in death by her husband, Harry D. McGinnes, in May 2007; a daughter, Florence Galloway, in 2000; and a stepdaughter, Harriet Rench, in March 2008.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry Allen McGinnes of Cambridge, Richard Fierstein of Huntingtown, Md., and Albert Fierstein of Frederick, Md.; a stepson, Harry D. McGinnes of Crestview, Fla.; three stepdaughters, Florence Eckeard of Kenton, Jane Fierstein of Huntingtown and Sandra Burr of Keysville, Va.; 18 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Charlene Missler
Charlene Missler, 72, of Dover, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mrs. Missler was born June 27, 1935, in Pocatello, Idaho, daughter of the late Clark and Virginia Campbell Forge.

She enjoyed life as a homemaker.

Mrs. Missler enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows and was a sports enthusiast, especially Nascar. Her early hobbies included activities with the American Legion Auxiliary, Jobe’s Daughters and cake decorating.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry Missler; four children and the spouses of two, Cindy and Hartnett of Dover, Terry Missler of Seattle, Chuck Missler of Seattle and Kimberly and Wayne Luciano of Sandtown; a sister, Patti Perkins of Startup, Wash.; two grandchildren, Joshua Hartnett of Marydel and Crystal Miles and her husband J.R. of Dover; and a great-granddaughter, Haley Jo Miles of Dover.

Mrs. Missler’s wishes were to be cremated and her family will be celebrating her life privately.

Arrangements were by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Lt. Col. Fred W. O’Nions, USAF (Ret.)
Fred W. O’Nions, 75, of Dover, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford.

Born in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Harry and Gladys Davies O’Nions.

He graduated in 1954 from the University of Pittsburgh where he was enrolled in the R.O.T.C. program. While in college he was a member of the swimming and diving teams and was selected as an All-American.

Upon graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force and served as a navigator. Some of his achievements included the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in aerial flight on two occasions and the Distinguished Flying Cross. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, he retired from the service in 1974 with more than 20 years of active duty.

Upon his retirement he served with the Capital School District as instructor of the R.O.T.C. program.

Mr. O’Nions was a member of the Military Officers Association, the Air Force Association, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and the Delaware Economic Council.

In his quieter moments he enjoyed being with his family and friends along with fishing, camping, sailing and cooking.

He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

Mr. O’Nions is survived by his wife, Valerie J. O’Nions of Dover; his son, David F. O’Nions of Wilmington; a stepdaughter, Theresa J. Homlish and her husband Michael of Newark; two stepsons, Robert T. Jeffries of Greenwood and Philip C. Jeffries of Dover; his sister, Margaret Krey of Westminster, Md.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to military services and burial at 1 p.m. Friday, May 16 at Arlington Va. National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Dover.

Naomi D. Reed
Funeral services for Naomi D. Reed, 86, of Dover, were held Monday, May 5, in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, Dover. Mrs. Reed died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mrs. Reed was born June 25, 1921, in Smyrna, daughter of the late Olin Bryan Davis and Hallie E. Newton Davis.

She was the owner/operator of Doris’s Beauty Shop on State Street in Dover for many years, retiring in 1987. After her retirement, she worked part time in the Sears department store office.

Mrs. Reed was a member of the Delaware Hairdressers Association and was at one time its president.

She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word jumbles. She was a big sports fan. She loved all Philadelphia sports teams and the Washington Redskins, and enjoyed watching Nascar.

Mrs. Reed is survived by her husband of 66 years, Nelson B. Reed of Dover; two sons, Nelson Brian Reed of Felton and Ronald D. Reed of Hartly; three daughters, Deborah Archambault, Sandra Reed and Terri Hunter, all of Dover; her brother, William Davis of Cheswold; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Interment was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

Gisela B. Reynolds
Funeral services for Gisela B. Reynolds, 75, of Dover, will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call starting at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home. Mrs. Reynolds died Friday, May 2, 2008, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mrs. Reynolds was born Aug. 25, 1932, in Liegnitz, Germany, daughter of the late Otto and Gertrud Lebefromm.

She was a homemaker and an avid bowler.

Mrs. Reynolds is survived by her husband, Weldon B. Reynolds Jr. of Dover; a son, James H. Reynolds and his wife Sonie of Hartsella, Ala.; a daughter, Susan G. Holliday and her husband Charles of Frederica; a brother, Horst Lebefromm and his wife Margot of Germany; a sister-in-law, Ilse Lebefromm of Germany; four granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

Interment will be at Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.

Mollie Rodbell
Mollie Rodbell, 86, of Dover died Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Ms. Rodbell was born June 12, 1921, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Isaac and Lottie Argo Rodbell.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, cleaning and taking care of animals.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Helyne Rodbell, Ada Rodbell and Pearl Singleton; and a brother, Wesley Rodbell.

Ms. Rodbell is survived by three nephews, Leroy Singleton and his wife, Lynne, of Dover, Charles Singleton and his wife, Tracey, of Florida, and David Singleton of Dover; her caregiver and best friend, Marge Hufford and her husband, Bruce, of Dover, and her loving companions Topsy, Cookie and Snooky.

Interment of cremains will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 9, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

Arrangements are by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Pierre V. Stevens
Celebration of Life services for Pierre V. Stevens, 61, of Dover, will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 11, in the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, where friends may call beginning at 7 p.m. Mr. Stevens died Friday, May 2, 2008, in the University of Maryland Hospital, Baltimore,

Mr. Stevens was born Oct. 3, 1946, in Canonsburg, Pa., son of the late Howard and Emma Vandale Stevens.

He attended Duke University in Durham, N.C., and graduated from California State University in California, Pa., in 1970 with a B.S.Ed. in English education. Upon graduation he moved to Dover, where he was a teacher of English from 1970-1979 at Dover High School.

Mr. Stevens participated in curriculum development, and was the local Delaware State President of American Federation of Teachers. In addition, he was an advocate for all teachers as a leader, as he helped to accomplish the Capital School District’s first professional contract.

He volunteered on a number of committees for the Department of Education and was a member of the Delaware Association of English Teachers and wrote articles for their English Journal.

Deciding to leave teaching, he moved into a career that encompassed his love of cars.

Mr. Stevens worked for a variety of car dealerships throughout Delaware and also in Salisbury. Md. He then moved into the financial world, where he worked at Morgan Stanley-Dean Witter, Wachovia Securities and Wachovia Bank, where he remained until his death.

He was a warm, giving, extremely intelligent and well-spoken person.

Mr. Stevens served on several state appointed committees, including the Governors Advisory Council to the Delaware Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health as a full member, having chaired subcommittees on Employment and Child Mental Health. He also was co-chair of the Professional Standards Counsel for Delaware Department of Education.

He was a founding member of the board of directors, and president of the board from 1999-2006 of Positive Outcomes Charter School, one of the first charter schools in the state. He felt this was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Mr. Stevens had a wonderful sense of humor, and it was not unusual that he have 10 books stacked by the bedside, all in some stage of being read. He was known for his eloquent speaking ability, but most of all his love of people and his overwhelming desire to help others, no matter who they were.

He passionately loved his work, Duke basketball, the Pittsburgh Steelers, learning and Nascar. He liked to build and fix things, complete crossword puzzles in ink, and enjoy his friends and family as a devoted husband and father.

Mr. Stevens is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Ann Williams Stevens of Dover; his sons, Marc Pierre and Andrew Williams Stevens; a brother and sister-in-law, Howard O. and Linda Stevens of Severna Park, Md., and their children Amy and Laddy; his sister and brother- in-law, Mary Jane and Charles Roskosz of Santa Cruz, Calif., and their children Amy and Dean; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jane Ellan and Warren Golde of Lewes and their children Todd and Meredith; his aunt, Anna Mae O’Leary of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.; and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.

Interment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery, Dover.

Joseph Douglas Tull
Funeral services for Joseph D. Tull, 87, of Dover, were held Monday, May 5, in the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Dover. Mr. Tull died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.

Mr. Tull was born April 27, 1921, in Philadelphia, son of the late Damon W. and Cleo R. Tull.

He was a son of the Parsonage, as his father before him was a pastor and presiding elder. He received his formal education in Philadelphia.

Mr. Tull was converted at an early age at his home church, St. Matthew A.M.E. in Philadelphia. He was a graduate of the Philadelphia College of the Bible, and attended Temple University in Philadelphia. He was the recipient of an honorary doctoral degree from Monrovia College.

Mr. Tull was ordained an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and began his pastoral sojourn at Ben Salem A.M.E. Church, where he served for one year. Other pastorates include Allen Chapel A.M.E. in Atlantic City, N.J., followed by Bethel A.M.E. in Milford, where he pastored from 1969 to 1977. He then was appointed presiding elder of the Dover District of the Delaware Conference in April 1977 by Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand.

He remained as such for 26 years and supervised 20 churches in the Dover district.

He was a member of the trustee board for the Delaware Conference, consultant for the Board of Examiners, treasurer of the First District Ministerial Education Fund, and treasurer of the Delaware Conference. He was the founder of the “New” John Wesley A.M.E. Church Deliverance Center in Dover.

He had been employed by the U.S. Post Office for 22 years, and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1942 to 1946 in the 92nd Buffalo Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged as a master sergeant having served in World War II in Italy. He also was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal.

Dedicated to kingdom-building and service to humanity, Mr. Tull had a host of accomplishments in many arenas of life. He was a positive influence in the lives of many young black men. He also was a substitute teacher for many years in the Milford School District.

Mr. Tull was the first black to speak at a Milford High School commencement ceremony; was instrumental in breaking racial barriers for membership in the Milford Fire Co.; was a former member of the Milford Fire Co.; was the first black to run for mayor in Harrington; was instrumental in development of subsidized housing for low income persons; built 80 units of town houses and apartments in Milford; served on the board for an additional 12 units of single family houses in Milford, Lucia Circle; was past president of the Milford Housing Development Corp.; has a street named for him, Tull Way; served on the board of directors of the Harrington Senior Center and Harrington Day Care; was a member of the Delaware Community Reinvestment Act Committee; was a member of the Foundation Board Bayhealth Medical Center, and was president of the board of directors for the Topoko Foundation, and a private medical center.

On Dec. 6, 2006, he was presented the Omega Religious Award by Psi Iota Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. of Dover, and was honored at the “Back to Bethel Homecoming Celebration” in Milford, by the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, which presented him the American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol on March 5, 2007, at the request of Delaware Sen. Thomas R. Carper, in honor of Black History Month, along with a distinguished Buffalo Soldier Award.

Mr. Tull is survived by his devoted wife, Charlotte; seven children and the spouses of two, the Rev. Deborah Tull-Speakes, Charles and April, Harry, James and Barbara, and Wanda and Carolyn Browne, and Faith Ann Lamb; 10 grandchildren and the spouse of one, Jamal and Bernadette, Jeremiah, Jamie, Vanessa, Terence, James, Ian, Dominque, LaTonya, and Cherdae; and two great-grandchildren; Shara and Jamal Jr.

He also is survived by four brothers-in-law and their wives, Andrew and Bessie Sullivan, Philip and Evelyn Dixon, the Rev. Walter and Constanvila Dixon, and Harry and Debbie Dixon; charter adopted families, Charles and Shamaine Moore and their children, Seleena, Catrena and Chaz, Theresa and Donnie Barlow; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

Interment was in the Mount Zion A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Ellendale.

Arrangements were by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.

Copyright 2008© The Dover Post Co. All Rights Reserved.