C. Robert Lykens, Assistant Superintendent (Ret.), 74

MAGNOLIA - Bob Lykens, of Magnolia, died Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. He was 74. He was born May 11, 1935, in Bridgeton, N.J., but grew-up in Salem, W.Va. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Bob served in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper from 1953-1956. After military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Education from Salem College in Salem, W.Va. He received a Master's Degree in Vocational and Technical Education from Glassboro State College in New Jersey. Post-Graduate work included Doctoral studies at West Virginia University. Bob's career in education spans more than 35 years. He began his teaching career at Lawrence High School in Marietta, Ohio, where he taught Machine and Architectural Drafting. He served Conrad High School in Wilmington as a Drafting and Building Construction teacher from 1963-75. In 1975, he returned to West Virginia where he was appointed Director of United Technical Center in Clarksburg, W.Va. In 1985, Bob returned to Delaware, and joined the POLYTECH School District (formerly Kent County Vocational School) as a school Principal and later became the Assistant Superintendent, where he served until his retirement in 1996. Bob's work history includes owning Hickory Hill Builders and Contractors in Oxford, Pa., and as an occupational specialist for RCA where he worked in Egypt. He enjoyed construction, wood working, and built and drove antique sprint cars. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dr. Rebecca Fox-Lykens; two sons, Michael and wife Denise Lykens and Dr. J. Scott and wife Tina Lykens; two stepchildren, Lura and Jason; six grandchildren, Deanna, Cassi, Rachel, Kendall, Spc. Benjamin, who recently returned from serving in Iraq, and Andi; and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Mr. Lykens to Temple University Lung Center, Office of Patient Relations, 3401 Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 A graveside service for all who wish to attend will be held at Sharon Hill Memorial Park on Monday, June 8 at 4 p.m. Friends and family are invited to the Lykens family residence for refreshments and fellowship following the service. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.