George Ira Clendaniel, 93

LINCOLN - George Ira Clendaniel, of Lincoln, died suddenly on Saturday, June 7, 2008, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, Milford, with his beloved family at his side. He was 93.

Mr. Clendaniel was born on June 24, 1914, in Lincoln, son of the late George Wilkins Clendaniel and Jenny (Masten) Clendaniel.

After graduating from Milford High School, he was employed by Victor Lynn Trucking Co., followed by Masten Transportation, which became TIE.

He worked more than 45 years in the trucking industry, achieving the position of vice president. He retired in 1979.

Mr. Clendaniel also served on several transportation associations.

Mr. Clendaniel enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and duck hunting.

He loved playing sports as a young man and faithfully attended his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's sporting events.

He was the ultimate Phillies baseball fan, rarely missing a game on TV or radio.

Upon retirement, Mr. Clendaniel and his wife, Carrie, traveled extensively throughout the United States, eventually spending their winters in Bonita Springs, Fla., and summers in Slaughter Beach, where they developed great friendships.

He thoroughly enjoyed socializing with his friends, playing cards and helping others with projects.

He was the undisputed checkers champion, rarely losing to family and friends.

Mr. Clendaniel maintained an active lifestyle and a sharp mind to the very end. He will be sorely missed by all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carrie Lynch Clendaniel, in 2001; three sisters, Etta, Sarah and Bertha; and two brothers, Roscoe and William "Dutch."

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, George Jr. and Martha Welch Clendaniel of Pittsburgh, and Gary and Norma Bennett Clendaniel of Fair Hill, Md.; five grandchildren, Kristen Clark and Kelly Clendaniel, both of Pittsburgh, Wayde Clendaniel and his wife Jessica of Newark, Meade Clendaniel and his wife Meredith of Davidson, N.C., and Ryan Clendaniel and his wife Tricia of Avondale, Pa.; and five great-grandchildren, Marin Clendaniel of Davidson, Cassidy Clendaniel, Alissady Clendaniel, Logan Clendaniel and Payton Clendaniel, all of Avondale.

Friends may greet the family from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln.

Instead of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to Lincoln United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Lincoln, DE 19960.