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Richard Wayne Pepper, of Felton, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.
Richard was born on September 9, 1931, in Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, to the late Granville and Marion Pepper. He graduated from Dover High School with the Class of 1949 and was drafted into the United States Army in the spring of 1953.
Richard worked as a union carpenter for many years before beginning a career at Holiday Park in Greensboro, Maryland, where he remained until his retirement.
Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his best friend, the love of his life, and devoted wife, Esther Pepper. Some of his fondest memories included traveling the world, camping, enjoying game days with close friends, attending game nights at church, and, above all, spending precious time with his family.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his son, David Warrington; daughters, Marlene Dougherty and Marie Kemp; granddaughter, Tammy Saunders; and grandson, Robbie Wojtkowski.
He is survived by his beloved wife of seventy-four years, Esther Pepper; sons, Marty Warrington (Joann) and Monty Pepper; and daughters, Nada Kimball and Donna Pepper. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his family legacy.
Funeral services will be held at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus Street, Dover, Delaware, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Visitation will take place from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m., with services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Odd Fellow Cemetery, located off Route 10 in Camden, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to either of the following:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Felton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 247, Felton, DE 19943.
Richard will be remembered for his love of family, his cherished friendships, his many adventures, and the lasting memories he created with those fortunate enough to share in his life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
