Russell K. Legates, 84

HARRINGTON - Russell K. Legates, of Harrington, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in his home with his loving wife and son by his side. He was 84. He was born in Milford, the son of the late Harry E. and Bertha Mae (Thompson) Legates. He graduated from Harrington High School as Valedictorian of the class of 1942, and attended the University of Delaware. He was a senior clerk at the Harrington Post Office and retired in 1983 after 30 years of service. He was a 52 year member of the Temple Lodge 9, AF&AM, of Milford, a 32 degree Mason, and belonged to the Scottish Rite Consistory. He was Past Patron of Kent Chapter 11, Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Legates was a member of Prospect U.M. Church since 1936, and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. He was Sunday School Superintendent for over 35 years, chairman of the Administrative Board, a member of the choir, and a Certified Lay Speaker. He was leader of the Methodist Youth Fellowship for many years. He was Past President of the Southern Delaware Postal Employee Federal Credit Union and Chairman of their Supervisory Committee for many years. He was also a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge 534. He was a member of the Harrington Senior Center and Past President of the Member's Organization, and a member of their chorus. He was a volunteer for the Center and carried Meals on Wheels for more than ten years, was Co-Chairman of their annual bazaar for many years, and helped distribute surplus food commodities for twelve years. He also volunteered for the Harrington Food Pantry. Mr. Legates also served on the Board of Assessment for the City Council of Harrington and participated in reading to 1st graders at Lake Forest Elementary School. He was a member of the Harrington Alumni Association. Mr. Legates enjoyed traveling and had traveled extensively throughout all 50 states, many parts of Canada and Mexico, as well as many countries in Europe, South America, Africa, and the Holy Land. Mr. Legates was also interested in genealogy. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. James Edward Legates and two sisters, Virginia M. Dean, and Delema Shockley. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanette Legates of Harrington; son, Dr. David R. Legates of Middletown, nieces and nephews, Rodney Legates of Franklinton, N.C., Glenn Legates of Creedmoor, N.C., Rev. Bruce LeGates of Oxford, N.C., and Barbara Annis of Franklinton, N.C. Funeral Services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 , in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington Visitation with a Masonic service will be Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. The family would like to thank compassionate Hospice staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Prospect Methodist Church P.O. Box 42, Harrington, DE 19952; Harrington Food Pantry, c/o the Lake Forest Church Assoc., 200 Weiner Ave. Harrington, DE 19952.