SMYRNA - Donald Ray Pepper passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. He was born Apr. 14, 1930 in Arden, DE, the son of the late Walter and Mildred Pepper. Mr. Pepper served his country with honor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired after many years of service with Electric Hose and Rubber Company and later from Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library. Don was an avid walker and loved to walk the hills and woods in Winterthur. Other enjoyments included going to the horse races and spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Walter D. Pepper and Randy Simmons; and a grandson, Christopher Pepper. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Nell; his daughter, Laurie Crossland and her husband, David of New Castle; his son, Curt Simmons and his wife, Kelly of Middletown; four grandchildren, Tyler Crossland, and Austin, Sean and Jillian Simmons; and extended family members. Memorial services with military honors will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. in Bear. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heartland Hospice House, 5661 Ochletree Lane, Wilmington, DE 19808. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com