Gary Alan Menden, 74

FREDERICA - Gary Alan Menden, passed away Thursday, Oct. 09, 2008, in Bay Health Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was born on Feb. 19, 1934 in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Harvey and Isabel Holloway Menden. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Menden was retired USAF MSGT jet engine mechanic, with 26 years of service and two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received many awards for sustained superior performance. He received various technical training and furthered his education at Delaware State College. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, bowling, and reading. One of the things he will be remembered for is his street ministry at the sight of the original Dover Newsstand. He was an active member of the Magnolia United Methodist Church for the past 18 years and there, he often served as Lay Speaker and he would sing in the church choir. In the past five years, he continued his ministry through song with the Joyful Noise Praise Team. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Menden, and sister, Gretchen Aquisto. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Emily Grace Menden of Frederica; son and his wife, Gary A. and Barbara Menden Jr. of Wyoming; two daughters, Patti Hess of Ontario, Canada, and Diane and her husband, Stefan Topper Sr. of Summerville, S.C.; son, David Menden of Ontario, Canada; two step-daughters, Kimberly and her husband Scott Newhouse, of Lincoln, and Sandy and her husband Jeff Hodgson, of Milford; brother and his wife, Warren and Sue Menden of N.J.; granddaughter, Nicole Topper; grandsons, Stefan Topper, and Evan Topper; granddaughter, Morgan Menden; grandsons, Todd Menden, and Conner Menden; step-grandchildren Scotty Newhouse, and Noah Hodgson; and a step-granddaughter, Julianna Hodgson. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia United Methodist Church in Magnolia. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to Magnolia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 256, Magnolia, DE 19962. Letters of condolences may be sent to www.delmarvaobits.com or traderfh@aol.com.