Arthur M. Abrams Sr., 80

Arthur M. Abrams Sr. of Smyrna, formerly of Newark, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, in his home. He was 80.

Mr. Abrams was born in Wilmington, son of the late Rufus Melvin and Mary Augusta (Porter) Abrams.

He moved to Lewes in 1995, and then relocated to Smyrna in 2004.

Mr. Abrams served as the chief custodian of the Christina School District for 25 years.

He enjoyed gardening, WWF wrestling, antique cars and country music. He cherished his wife Evelyn and enjoyed nothing more than being with her. He took great delight in spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Donna Lee Abrams and Sue Abrams; and a beloved grandson, Aaron Abrams, in 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn L. (Wright) Abrams; five daughters, Linda Jean Allen of New Castle, Jacquelyn Williams of Smyrna, Terri Sue Miller of Marydel, Md., Debra Marie Honacher of Smyrna and Dawn Lynnette Sullivan of Manchester, N.H.; two sons, Arthur Melvin Abrams Jr. of New Castle and Mark Allen Abrams of Newark; five sisters, Jean Spry of Newark, Dolores Urillo of Newark, Anna Schrader of Townsend, Ruth Bourden of Wilmington and Betty Smith of Northeast, Md.; two brothers, Paul Abrams of Millsboro and William Abrams of Newark; 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce Street, Smyrna.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, where friends may call at 10:30 a.m.

The Rev. Mike Haley will officiate.

Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, Kent County Chapter, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19903.

Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.