Charles William Opdyke, 69

DOVER - Charles William Opdyke, of Dover, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, in his home. He was 69.

Mr. Opdyke was born May 14, 1938, in Little Creek, to Irene Burris Opdyke and the late Charles S. Opdyke.

He graduated from Dover High School in 1954.

Mr. Opdyke was a farmer.

He loved to sit at the kitchen table talking about the weather, tractors, cars and the latest episodes of the History, Discovery and the RFD channels.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Opdyke belonged to the Praise Group-Joyful Noise, the Historic Antique Car Club of Delaware, the Farm Bureau and the Little Creek United Methodist Church.

He was in the National Guard and was an honorary member of the Little Creek Volunteer Fire Co.

Mr. Opdyke is survived by his mother, Irene Opdyke of Dover; the love of his life, his wife of 36 years, Mary Ellen Opdyke; four children, Pamela Marvel and her husband Bruce, Donald "Duga" Opdyke and his wife Emily "Tiny," and Ronny and Ricky Mayhall, all of Dover; his sister, Vera Conner of Frederica; nine grandchildren, Angela, James, Drew, Marie, Mark, Crystal, Kyle, Olivia and David; nine great-grandchildren, Alexis, Megan, Drew, Tyler, Aliyah, Chasta'Dae, Celebrity, Meia and Jeremy; his best friend, John Bartsch; and two faithful companions, his dogs, Belle and Linze.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Little Creek United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 485, Little Creek, DE 19961.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.