Donald Wilken McElwee, Sr., age 83, of Newark, DE, living on the same road for 83 years, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Delaware Hospice in Milford, DE. He was born on March 19, 1933 in Wilmington, DE and was the son of the late Wilken Lamont and Myrna Viola Thompson McElwee.
He graduated from Newark High School. He was a truck driver, a dispatcher at M&G Convoy, Bakers and DuPont; a Security Guard at Gore Associates and director of U.S.A. Truck Driver Training Academy. He also taught motorcycle safety. Don was also an expert witness for the State of Delaware for tractor trailer accidents. Don was also a trustee at Pencader Presbyterian Church.
He coached Capitol Trail youth football, umpired for Canal League and Capitol Trail and was a member of 4-H. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. The family is most grateful for the care and compassion provided by Delaware Hospice, particularly nurse Latrina and aide Melissa as well as the staff at Walgreens in Deer Park Plaza.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy McElwee and 3 children: son, Donald “Gus” W. McElwee, Jr. and his wife, Mary of Lincoln, DE; daughter, Mryna Fair and her companion, Tony Ward of Newark, DE and daughter, Grace Matoy and her husband, Mike of Newark, DE; sister in law Betty A. Walker and her husband Glenn, best friend Michael Kline. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, 3 nephews and his beloved cat, Bud Lite.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Douglas McElwee who passed away in 1980.
Services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 11AM at R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may visit beginning one hour prior. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made too “Delaware Hospice” and mailed to the funeral home.