Rev. Dr. Donald O. Clendaniel Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Wed. Aug. 10th, 2016. He has joined God's Church triumphant. Dr. Clendaniel was born in Milton in a home on Federal Street on Apr. 21, 1924. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Henry David and Eliza (Webb) Clendaniel; and his devoted wife of 66 years, Helen Dickerson Clendaniel. Dr. Don graduated from Milton High School 1942. That summer Dr. Don took a job at Fort Miles, Lewes tying steel for the construction of lookout towers on the beach. He attended Wesley College for one semester before joining the US Navy. He was a Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class aboard the LST 389 and served in the European Theater of Operations. He took part in the Normandy Invasion. Taking liberty just before WW II ended, he married his high school sweetheart, Helen Dickerson. They were married in the Ellendale Methodist Parsonage on September 24, 1945 at 7PM. The Pastor was Rev. Barlow. Dr. Don graduated from the University of Delaware in 1951. He received his Master of Sacred Theology from Temple University and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University. He was an ordained elder in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference for 50 years, serving churches in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Dr. Don led building campaigns in Church Hill, Md., Calvary Church, Milford, Kent Island UMC, Kent Island, Md. and St. Matthews By The Sea, Fenwick Island. He is survived by his son, Rev. Donald O. Clendaniel II of Charleston, SC; a daughter, Karen C. Ambrose of Myrtle Beach, SC; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Dr. Clendaniel served on multiple boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church and was president of several ministerial associations on the Delmarva peninsula. He was past commander of the VFW Post 6984 Broadkill; grand chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Lion's Club; past chaplain of the state's Senate of both Maryland and Delaware; Coast Guard Auxiliary; Milton Town Councilman and founding member of the Milton Historical Society. He is the author of five books- God's Greatest Gamble, Six Spiritual Dynamics, Edge of Conflict, The Good Ol' Days, Success and Happiness. An accomplished musician, Dr. Don played the piano, organ, harmonica, drums and accordion. He was an avid sportsman, with a great love for boating and hunting. World travelers, Dr Don and Helen toured extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the United States, but no place was more near or dear to his heart than his beloved Milton. He was a native Delawarean and true son of the Chesapeake. Dr. Don's love and devotion to God's Church and community was far reaching. From his book Success and Happiness he quotes, "We are here on earth to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever, as well as to discover what His plans are for each of our lives. We are destined to live eternally with Him---it is His gift to us, provided we put our complete trust and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ." A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11 am in the chapel of Goshen UM Church, 103 Mulberry St., Milton, DE 19968 where friends may call after 10 am. Interment will follow at Goshen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Clendaniel's memory can be made to: Goshen UM Church, 103 Mulberry Street, Milton, DE 19968 or the Milton Historical Society, P.O. Box 112, Milton, DE 19968. Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton.