MILLSBORO - Charles "David" Coverdale entered into his eternal home on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at The Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. He was born Dec. 12, 1946 at Milford Hospital. He was the son of the late Charles D. and Elma (Brown) Coverdale. He graduated from Milford High School Class of 1965. David served in the United States Army from Dec. 1966 to Jan. 1972, as a Medic during the Vietnam War. He attended Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown.
Dave was given an opportunity by Mr. William Dickerson and Mr. George Chaney to assist them in the Trucking Industry after an auto accident in 1974 left him confined to a wheelchair. Dave didn't know just all this opportunity would open up for him, as he made many friends along the way and excelled in the Industry.
Dave loved his family and provided a great life for them. As his children grew up, he was always sharing in his children's activities including three-wheeling, golfing, fishing, hunting and many school and church activities. He was the scorekeeper and coach for his church softball team and they won a championship. He pulled floats through Holiday parades and helped wherever he could. In 2014, he was blessed with the birth of his grand-daughter, Lillian Grace "Gracie." He and Gracie held races around the kitchen, with Gracie on her tricycle and she always seemed to win the race. He was there for his children when they had families of their own and always gave great wisdom. He loved animals and enjoyed the companionship of his cats and dogs he had over the years.
Dave loved to hunt and fish. Some of his best hunting memories involved deer hunting on the Island Farm near Broadkill Beach, with his friend Dick Passwaters, and duck hunting on the Broadkill River with his father and his son, Dean. Dave fished on the Delaware Bays and the Ocean. He loved to be on the water with his friends, family and neighbors aboard. Dave entered many fishing tournaments and with Captain Tommy Baldwin at the helm, many trophies were claimed at the tournament events. His family always said he could do everything you and I could do, but walk, and he did, as he led a very active life and enjoyed life to its fullest.
Dave also loved to cook. He made his mom's lima bean recipe and his macaroni and cheese was requested at all family dinners. He had a great sense of adventure and loved to travel and see places. He enjoyed taking rides to local places and finding new restaurants to eat at.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Connie; his son-in-law, Keith Estrin; and his beloved Bichon, Chilli.
Dave is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deborah (Jennings) Coverdale; son, Dean and his wife Mary, whom he affectionately called his favorite daughter-in-law; daughter, Amy and her husband Wade, and their four-legged son Rusty; and daughter, Cara and her daughter, Gracie.
The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at The Delaware Hospice Center for the great care that was provided to Dave and the kindness and helpfulness shown to the family… they are truly a special group of caregivers.
Dave will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors and church family. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 4 p.m., with a time of visitation starting at 3 p.m. Family suggests memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, be made to Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, DE 19947 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Burial will be private.