John Ward Bashore, 69, of Newark, DE, passed away unexpectedly August 24, 2014 at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Bainbridge, MD on March 30, 1945, John was the son of the late Henry Ward and Waitie Florence Viars Bashore. He was a 1963 graduate of Newark High School and a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving during the Viet Nam War. A very talented and creative man, John was a true entrepreneur. He was self taught and loved learning. He started several companies and also worked with his hands building homes. John also owned a 50 acre farm and raised hay for his sons’ horses. He enjoyed being on the water, where he spent many happy times sailing, fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay. He was also a dog and cat lover, rescuing countless stray animals. His first love was his family and his devotion to them will always be treasured. He will be dearly missed by many.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Lou Bashore of Newark; two sons, Robert Ward Bashore and Lauren Daggett and John Michael “Tony” Bashore and wife Ruth; his stepmother Margie Bashore; his aunt Eva Mae Turman; his niece and personal assistant Eva Potter; 6 sisters, Shonie Parrett, Rene Williams, Susanne Boatwright, Victoria Feldstein, Carol Burke, and Beth Bashore; and 2 brothers, Brooks Johnston and Ben Bashore and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Renard Joseph George.

Services honoring his life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday August 30, 2014 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711 with a visitation at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.