Edwin John "Bud" Pickhaver, Sr.

Edwin John Bud Pickhaver, Sr., age 79, of New Castle, DE, passed away on December 4, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. A native Delawarean, Bud was born in Newport on April 7, 1936, the son of the late Edwin H. Pickhaver and Madeline Keene Pickhaver. He graduated from William Penn High School in 1955 and was a member of the first marching band as a drummer, and served many years as an active member of the New Castle/William Penn Alumni Association. While still in high school, he joined the Delaware Air National Guard Crash Team in 1953, and served for 22 years retiring as a Sr. Master Sergeant. Bud had a great love for his country and was also a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Captain Paul N. Dill, Chapter 2 for several years in numerous roles, his happiest being in the Honor Guard. His greatest treasure was his fully restored 1953 Willys Jeep that he proudly drove in numerous parades. Bud was also an active member of his community serving numerous positions at the Wilmington Manor Fire Company and Good Will Fire Company. Safety and first aid were the roots of his being which placed him into several positions in his career, starting off with General Chemical retiring after 33 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement in 1989, he then went to work as supervisor and director at M. Davis and Sons, and Bancroft Construction. Bud was a master woodcraftsman and was always his happiest working on a project in his shed, and he also truly enjoyed crabbing. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Patricia A. (Sheats) Pickhaver; his daughters, Victoria P. Lenoir (Michael Sr.) and Tracey L. Hoopes (Paul); four beloved grandchildren, Michael LeNoir, Jr. (Danielle), Benjamin Lenoir, and Courtney and Katie Hoopes; three adored great grandchildren, Alexandra, Mason, and Nathan LeNoir; sister, Jacqueline Morrow (Doug); brother-in-law, Charles R. Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only son, Edwin J. Jay Pickhaver, Jr. in 1970; and sister, Sharon E. Taylor. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, were family and friends may visit after 9 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Will Fire Company, 401 South Street, New Castle, DE 19720.

Edwin John "Bud" Pickhaver, Sr.

April 7, 1936 - December 4, 2015