Clarence Hurd, 92

VIOLA - Clarence Hurd, of Viola, died Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, in the Delaware Veterans Home. He was 92. He was born in Millington, Md., son of the late Arthur and Mattie (Moore) Hurd. The family later moved to Delaware where Mr. Hurd lived the remainder of his life. Mr. Hurd was a veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving during World Word II. He was a member of the Viola Methodist Church, a member of the Harrington Moose and was a charter member of VCF Ruritan Club, becoming an honorary member in his last year because of illness. He enjoyed children and as his son was growing up he served as a Scout Master. Mr. Hurd had many different occupations in his life. He worked on roads, drove a dump road, worked in the shipyards in Wilmington and Chester, all before joining the Marines. After serving his time with the Marines he came home and opened a grocery store in Viola for three years and then had his own trucking business for 12 years. He ended his working career working for the state of Delaware, Department of Justice as a State Detective, retiring after serving 10 years. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed camping with "The Happy Hour Gang" going to Florida every winter. In addition to parents, Mr. Hurd was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Louise Warren Hurd in July 2008; his first wife, Emily Spence Hurd; a son, Clarence Hurd; one sister, Susie Webber; and two brothers, Walter "Hubby" and Arthur "Pete" Hurd. Survivors include his step-son, Herbert Moore and wife Frances of Viola; one granddaughter, Lisa Irwin of Dover; two great-granddaughters, Melissa Townson of North Carolina, and Shelby Hurd of Dover; four sisters, Julia Thorpe of Magnolia, Pearl Cahall of Florida, Martha Allen, and Mary Ann Simmons, both of Dover; one brother, Ralph "Jim" of Milford; three step-grandchildren, Linda Carter and her husband Nick of Felton, Russell Moore and his wife LeAnn of Viola, and Nancy Jo Hendricks and her husband Jack of Harrington; three step-great-grandchildren, Jason Carter of Felton, Nathan Moore, and Jessica Moore of Viola; three great-great-granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be 1 p.m. today in Melvins Funeral Home, where friends and family may call one hour prior. Burial will be in Sharon Hill Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Viola Methodist Church, c/o Betty Frazier, P.O. Box 1, Viola, DE 19979; or to VCF Ruritan, P.O. Box 9, Viola, DE 19979.