John L. Oliver Sr.

DOVER - John L. Oliver Sr., of Dover, died Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, in Kent General Hospital after a long illness. He was a member of Holy Cross Parish and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Oliver was retired from Sears with 35 years of service. Mr. Oliver also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time with his family and beloved dog, Chewy. Mr. Oliver is survived by his sons, John L. Oliver Jr. and his wife Robin of Mason, Ohio, Stephen M. Oliver and his wife Linda of Smyrna; daughters, Patricia DePlasco of Magnolia, Mary Beth Alexander of Dover; brother, Joseph Harry Oliver of Clements, Md.; sister, Delmus Russell of Clements, Md.; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Betty Jean Oliver in 2003; and by his father, Martin Lamar Oliver; his mother, Helen Elizabeth Scott; and his brothers, Robert Martin Oliver and James Bernard Oliver. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Holy Cross Church, 631 South State St., Dover. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.delmarvaobits.com or traderfh@aol.com.