Melvin Lee Wachter, 86

HARRINGTON - Melvin Lee Wachter of Harrington died Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, in Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Lewes. He was 86.

Mr. Wachter was born in Washington, D.C., son of the late Harry D. and Nellie (Sier) Wachter.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II, and was at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941.

Mr. Wachter worked at Sea Watch International in Milford for 60 years, working as a truck driver and then as a warehouseman, retiring in 2003.

He loved NASCAR and was a Dale Earnhardt fan.

Mr. Wachter enjoyed fishing and while serving in the U. S. Army he was a golden glove boxer.

He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Aurora Wachter, in 1999; a son, Melvin L. Wachter Jr.; a grandson, Armando Sanchez; a sister, Lula Hargett; and a daughter-in-law, Alicia Sanchez.

He is survived by seven daughters, Atlanta Wachter of Louisiana, Viviana Zavala and her husband Andres of Texas, Petra Hernandez and her husband Juan of Chicago, Ill., Soledad Wyatt and her husband Clifton of Harrington, Maria Sanchez and her fiance Albino of Seaford, Eva Sanchez of Georgetown and Rosa Bryant and her husband Charles of Indiana; seven sons, David Wachter and Harry Wachter, both of Maryland, Juan Sanchez and his wife Minerva of Texas, Melquiades Sanchez and his wife Maria of Lincoln, Isidro Sanchez of Texas, Julian Sanchez and his fiancee Consuelo of Georgetown and Juan Sanchez and his fiancee Eugenia of Ellendale; 42 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Ave., Milford.

Graveside services will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Lincoln Cemetery, Clendaniel Pond Road, Lincoln.