Alvin C. Donophan, 89

FELTON - Alvin C. Donophan of Felton passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, at home, with his loving family by his side. He was 89.

Mr. Donophan was born at Mastens Corner, Felton, son of the late Clifford G. and Angeline Donophan.

He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Forest Grove, Dover.

Mr. Donophan served his country proudly in the U.S. Army, and was in the active military for over 20 years.

During his time in the service, he was in World War II and the Korean Conflict. During this time, he served in five major battles and survived an attack in Germany which left shrapnel in his back.

Mr. Donophan engaged in hand-to hand-combat in St. Lo, France. His troop was on the heels of Hitler and on the verge of his capture when they were ordered to stand down.

He was part of another outfit that landed a day after D-Day in Normandy, France as part of the Battle of the Bulge, and in another victorious battle, he was one of only 13 survivors out of a more than 300-troop regime that survived.

During the Korean Conflict, Mr. Donophan was in charge of troop training.

He acquired many awards, medals and citations, to include three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal-sixth award, Meritorious Unit Citation, American Defense Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Star, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Expert Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button-World War II and a Sharpshooter badge with Rifle Bar.

After reenlistment in 1951 at Fort Dix, he met a German soldier who was serving as an American solider who he previously released after being ordered to execute him, He thanked him for saving his life.

After his discharge from the service, Mr. Donophan spent the next 11 years in civil service in charge of food service at the Kimbrough Army Hospital at Fort Meade, Md. He retired from there as an executive chef.

As a child, he used to ride with Dr. Chipman on house calls. He also enjoyed riding his pony from Mastens Corner to the Delaware State Fair as a child, and staying there all week, showing his pony.

Mr. Donophan was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He will be remembered as a kind and gentle-hearted person who leaves behind many happy memories for his family and close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Nelson, Charles, Money and William; and his sisters, Elsie Hutson, Louise Greer and Mary Morris.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mable Donophan; his sons, Stephen R. Donophan, John A. Donophan and David P. Donophan, all of Felton; his daughters, Gloria Nelligan of Harrington and Mary Ann Donophan of Hollywood, Fla.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington, where friends may call Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Sandtown.