Carlton D. Pepper, 84

LAUREL -- Carlton D. Pepper, age 84, of Laurel, passed away at Lifecare at Lofland Park, Seaford, on Sept. 26, 2008. He as born in the Milton area on April 17, 1924, a son of the late Charles and Beatrice Pepper. Mr. Pepper proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as a senior master sargent with 23 years of service. He later worked for the IBM Co. and retired after 20 years of service. He was an active member of the Laurel American Legion Post 19, serving as past commander. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge in Delrio, Texas, and a member since 1942 of The VFW Broadkiln Post 6984. Carlton is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Helen Pepper. His sons, Jay Shields of Laurel, Mark Pepper and his wife Sandy of Maybrook, N.Y., and Glenn Pepper and his wife Lisa of Seaford; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Pepper. A funeral service will be held at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, on Tuesday at 11 a.m., where a viewing will be this evening from 6-8 p.m. Internment will follow in Cool Springs Church Cemetery in Harbeson. The Rev. Linda Williamson will officiate. Contributions may be made in his memory to the American Legion Post 19, P.O.Box 329, Laurel, DE 19956.