DOVER - Charles Frederick "Fred" Stites, age 86, of Dover, died peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Fred was born in Bridgeton, N.J., the son of the late Mark and Emma Stites. He graduated from Bridgeton High School and began a lifelong career in production agriculture. He farmed with his brother in New Jersey for 2 years at which time he met and married his life and farming partner, Elva Heil. Fred moved to Delaware in 1952, starting his own farming operation growing vegetables prior to converting to dairy in the late 1950's. Fred operated the dairy farm for 20 years at which time he sold the cows and continued as a grain farmer until his retirement in 2005. Even then, he helped his son with his farming operation as needed until suffering a stroke in 2008. He was active in the farming community serving as a Director for Kent County Farm Bureau and the Southern States and Agway Cooperatives. He was a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau and People's Church of Dover. Fred was predeceased by a brother, Robert Stites; and a sister, Elanor Chew. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elva (Heil) Stites of Dover; his children, Fred Stites Jr. of Townsend, and Patricia Stites of Kemah, Texas; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the People's Church of Dover, 46 South Bradford Street, Dover DE 19904. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.