Edward H. Schabinger, 90

DOVER - Edward H. Schabinger of Dover, formerly of Smyrna and Middletown, passed away peacefully Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, in Westminster Village, Dover, with his family by his side. He was 90.

Born in Dover on May 16, 1917, he was the son of the late J. Harold and Eleanor (Spruance) Schabinger.

Mr. Schabinger was a graduate of the University of Delaware.

In May 1941 he joined the U.S. Army.

In 1953, he and his family moved from Smyrna to Middletown, where they purchased a small farm.

For more than 45 years Mr. Schabinger worked as a county agent for the University of Delaware Extension Service.

Devoted to the preservation of Delaware agriculture, Mr. Schabinger was one of the cofounders of the Ag Alumni for the University of Delaware, as well as a cofounder of the Delaware Agricultural Museum, Dover.

Mr. Schabinger served on the Soil Conservation District board for over 40 years, as well as the Delaware Agricultural Museum board in Dover.

He served on many bank and insurance companies' boards in New Castle County for more than 30 years.

Following in his father's footsteps, Ed was the horse superintendent of the Delaware State Fair, a position he held for more than 30 years.

In his honor, the fairgrounds named one of their large horse barns after him - The Schabinger Pavilion.

Mr. Schabinger's hobbies included raising and training Shetland and Welsh ponies, sometimes as many as 30 or more at one time.

He also enjoyed feeding out beef cows on the family farm.

Mr. Schabinger was a well known gentleman, who was loved and respected by his many dear friends.

His journey in life was filled with many admirable accomplishments.

He leaves many cherished memories to his loving wife of 65 years, Phyllis (Greenwood) Schabinger; one son, John Schabinger and his wife Charlinda of Prior Lake, Minn.; and a brother, Robert Schabinger of West Virginia.

Funeral services will be noon Monday in Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where family and friends may call one hour prior to service.

Interment will be in Old St. Anne's Cemetery, Middletown.

Instead of flowers, contributions can be made in Mr. Schabinger's memory to the American Diabetes Association, DE/Eastern Shore Office, 100 W. 10th St., Suite 1002, Wilmington, DE 19801; or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E. 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.daniels-hutchison.com.