Ira Warren Weitzel, 78

SMYRNA - Ira Warren Weitzel, of Smyrna, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, surrounded by his family at home. He was 78. Mr. Weitzel was born Dec. 5, 1930, in Rochester, N.Y. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He was an entrepreneur who enjoyed tinkering, drawing and sketching. He enjoyed making wind chimes, bola jewelry, and loved fishing. Ira was especially fond of his dog Coby, and he loved his grandkids. He is survived by three daughters, Ruthie I. Blair and her husband Robert of Smyrna, Suzanne Jordan and her husband Paul of Tucson, Ariz., and Karen Weitzel of Philadelphia; a son, Carl Weitzel of Rochester, N.Y.; a sister, Helen Plummer; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one great-great-grandchild; three step-great-grandchildren. Burial will be private. The family asks contributions be made in Ira's memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 5610 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808. Arrangements are by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium Inc., 29 South Main Street, Smyrna. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.