Hoyer, 76 LINCOLN - George Anthony Hoyer, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, July 26, 2012, after a short battle with cancer. George was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., the son of the late George James and Emma (Rommell) Hoyer. Following the untimely death of his mother during his infancy, George was lovingly raised by his father and second mother who he considered his 'Mom', the late Mary E. (Manning) Hoyer. In 1954, George joined the Massachusetts National Guard, Hurley Rangers. After moving to Delaware, he transferred to the Delaware National Guard. George began his career as a machinist at the Rumpstitch Machine Works in Milford, advancing to the Civil Service Machine Shop at the Dover Air Force Base. He moved on to I.L.C. in Dover, where through the years, he was involved in the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. He ultimately retired on disability from Dentsply/Caulk in Milford. George was a Life Member of the Milford Elks Lodge # 2401, and the Calvary United Methodist Church. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family, especially during the holidays. He did not have a mean bone in his body, and if he could share a meal with you and make you laugh, he was a happy man. George was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, a kind and loving soul. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Allen Hoyer in 1960. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, B. Louise (nee: Hallowell); his children, George 'Artie' Hoyer (Julie), of Lincoln, Carole Nichols (Mike), of Dover, and Glenn Hoyer (Monta), of Lincoln; his brothers and sisters, Evelyn Verona, of San Antonio, Texas, Mary Gervan (Jim), of Long Neck, Michael Hoyer, of Milford, Thomas Hoyer (Sandy), of Dover, and Elizabeth Posados (John), of Mary Esther, Fla.; grandchildren, Tina Nichols, Justin Nichols (fiancee' Kristin Eder), Dana Hoyer; step-grandchildren, Jerid Wallace (Tuesday), Noel St. Clair (Ray), and Carrie MacCarroll; 10 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 30, 2012, at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, where the Milford Elks Lodge. Ritual will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, and friends may call one hour before. Burial will follow at Milford Community Cemetery, N. DuPont Blvd, Milford. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or Calvary Church, 301 SE Front Street, Milford, DE 19963.