Daniel Backus, 85

DOVER - Daniel Backus, 85, of Dover, left to be with the Lord Friday morning, June 12, 2009, at Capital Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Daniel was born on March 30, 1924, in Kenton, son of the late Matthew Backus and Rebecca Gay. He worked as an operating engineer for Local 542 for 25 years. He was a member of the Swaukin Temple #60, a 32nd Degree Past Master of St. John Lodge #7, and a member of the American Legion Atlas Post #9 in Smyrna. Daniel is survived by his wife, Doris Backus; six daughters, Rebecca Yarbrough of Dover, Carolyn Permell of New Castle, Mildred Gatson of Dover, Diane McDaniels of Vineland, N.J., Rev. Valerie Smith of Alexandria, Va., and Evangelist Stephanie Mitchell of Pappilion, Neb.; five sons-in-law, two sisters, one brother, three sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, in the Calvary Baptist Church, Route 8, Dover. Viewing will be from 9-11 a.m. and a Masonic service from 11-11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Sharon Hills Memorial Park, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be sent to Alzheimer's Association, Julie H.C. Bailey Training Center, 100 S. Main St., Suite 211, Smyrna, DE 19977. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.