DOVER - Howard Tuxward, of Dover, passed away Friday December 23, 2011, at his home with family. He was born on July 18, 1926, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late, Sophus and Emma Schafer Tuxward. He was a member of Masonic Union Lodge # 7 in Dover. Howard moved for Brooklyn, N.Y. to Kent County, Delaware with his family in 1936. At 17, he joined the Navy during WWII in 1944, and served in the Pacific area of operations as a gunner's mate 2nd class. He then served in the Naval Reserves until 1951, in addition to employment with the State of Delaware Highway Dept. In 1952. Howard joined the Delaware State Police retiring as Captain of Dover Troop 3 in 1972, after which he worked for 17 years in the Public Defender's Office in Dover as an investigator. Howard always loved golf, fishing, boating and hunting. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn J. Tuxward; son, Howard V. Tuxward; and daughter, Hope A. Brown. He is survived by wife, Marjorie I. Tuxward of Dover; son and his wife, John W. and Carol Tuxward of Willow Grove; son, Brian L. Tuxward of Hartly; son, Jeffrey Tuxward of Hartly; three step-daughters; two step-sons; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and six step- grandchildren. Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Trader Funeral Home in Dover, DE., where friends and family may call one hour before the time of the service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family request that memorial contributions be given to Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE. 19901. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.delmarvaobits.com or traderfh@aol.com.