John W. Redman, 53

CLAYTON - John W. Redman, of Clayton, passed away at his residence on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, with his loving family by his side. He was 53. Born in Wilmington, on Aug. 17, 1955, he was the son of Harry E. Redman Jr. and the late Lillian M. (Robinson) Redman. John graduated from Middletown High School in 1973, where he played football for four years under the direction of Coach Bill Billings. Following graduation he enlisted with the Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he met Kathryn "Kathy" Cottrell at work. He then traveled to North Carolina to be with her. On Jan. 3, 1979, they were united in marriage and together raised two beautiful daughters. For the past 20 years they have resided in Clayton. John was an avid Dallas Cowboy's fan, enjoyed shooting pool especially in the Busch League and loved rock and roll music and took great pride as the lighting technician for several local bands. Aside from his family, John's passion in life was riding his Harley and traveling, which he and his wife did extensively for the past 6 years. When he wasn't traveling, he loved being home with his family. For most of John's career, he was a long haul tractor trailer driver working for Johnson Control's for a number of years and most recently Wal-Mart. John was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Redman; a sister, Lenore McVey; and a nephew, Robert Lewis Koeller. He leaves many wonderful memories to his wife of 30 years, Kathy; their two daughters, Laura Redman and her husband Beau of Smyrna, and Victoria Massey and her husband Lloyd of Marydel; three sisters, Linda Shifflett and her husband Harry, Carolyn Tarkka and her husband Steve, and Patsy Dominick; a brother, Harry E. "Bud" Redman III and his wife Sarah; four very special grandchildren, Michael, Jared, Alyvia and Lilly; his mother and father-in-law, Jim and Mary Lou Cottrell of Middletown; as well as many dear friends and neighbors. Funeral services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad Street, Middletown, where family and friends may visit one hour prior to service and on Tuesday evening from 6-9 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Delaware Humane Association, 701 A. Street, Wilmington, DE 19801; or to the SPCA, New Castle County Shelter, 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713. On-line condolences may be sent to www.daniels-hutchison.com.