Milford - Maurice Edward Blessing was born Sept. 3, 1931 near Hickman/Vernon, Del. to Florence Morgan Blessing and William Blessing, Sr.
During his youth, along with three older brothers, his parents would settle on the new family farm in Houston, Del. Maurice would go on to enlist and serve in the United States Air Force for four years. In 1954, he married his hometown sweetheart Jean Sapp and finished his military service career in Louisiana to return home to work alongside his father on the family farm. Happily married, the young couple would be blessed with two children, Bentley (1961) and Rhonda (1968). Sadly, he was widowed in 1987. Eventually, he and his family would be blessed again with the addition of his new wife Patricia for the next 22 years.
His adult farming life originally began as a dairyman but eventually blossomed into a substantial, thriving farm entity known as Tantrough Farms in which he partnered with his brother, Floyd, for small vegetable production/harvest, grain production/harvest, and beef cattle. It was a partnership that would sustain three generations until its subsequent end upon the death of his brother. Upon the closure of one chapter, Maurice opened another by proudly partnering with his son, Bentley, and grandsons, Garrett and Christopher, to form Twin Creek Farms, LLC a new farming entity that would take treasured family farms along with sage wisdom and experience and preserve a farming legacy for generations to come. Maurice also took his knowledge of the farming industry/community and served on a number of farm-related service organizations and boards over the course of his lifetime; however when it came to farming he was most satisfied when he was on the seat of his tractor, walking a field, or surveying in his infamous red truck.
Maurice Edward Blessing, surrounded by his loving family returned to his heavenly home on Feb. 20, 2018. Maurice was a devoted Christian at a young age and though life handed him painful loss and struggles at times it was his constant belief in God and true salvation that kept him pursuing his walk through this life. He was a man of character, unconditional love and kindness, old-fashioned integrity, generosity, and a big spirit that matched a big man. He was a dedicated husband, dad, and pop-pop, son, and brother. He was a rare gem in this world, a real "Blessing", and we are all the better for having known and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Blessing, Sr.; wife, Jean Sapp Blessing; wife, Patricia Ann Hackett Blessing; brothers, Russell Blessing, William Blessing, Jr., Floyd K. Blessing, and Clifford P. Blessing.
He is survived by his children, Bentley G. Blessing and wife Cindy, Rhonda K. Blessing Kercheval and husband Brad, Bryant Moxley and wife Lisa, David Moxley and wife Sherri; grandchildren, Garrett Michael Blessing, Christopher Bentley Blessing, Cassidy Jean Kercheval, Casey Reece Kercheval, Connor Brady Kercheval, Caroline Ashley Morgan Kercheval, Anna Moxley, Sarah Moxley, Joanna Moxley, and Michelle Moxley, Mindy Evans , and Missy Yoder; mother-in-law, Ella Mae Hackett; brother-in-laws, John P. Lemmon, Clarence Hackett, Dwight Hackett, Jan Hackett; sister-in-law, Susan Hackett.
Family will receive visitors on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Avenue, Milford DE 19963; Funeral Services will be Monday, Feb. 26, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Independent Bible Fellowship Church, 6797 Milford Harrington Highway, Harrington DE 19952. Interment will follow at the family plot located at Milford Community Cemetery, 300 S. Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, DE 19963.
Memorial donations in memory of Maurice can be made to the following organizations:
Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000; Boone,NC 28607
International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Avenue; Richmond, VA 23230
For condolences please visit www.rogersfhmilford.com