Norman Charles Blackiston, woodworker, welder

Norman Charles Blackiston, 70, of Millsboro, formerly of Dover and Sudlersville, Md., passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

"Charlie" was born in Chestertown, Md., Oct. 3, 1947, son of the late Norman Blackiston and Hilda (Burris) Blackiston. He was a graduate of Sudlersville High School, class of 1965 in Sudlersville.

Charlie first worked as a tractor-trailer driver and welder for Centreville Tag-A-Long Trailers in Centreville, Md., before starting his teaching career for the Queen Anne's County High School for 15 years as a welding instructor. He then managed Boyd's Welding in Camden until 2009, and was currently employed as a school bus driver for Dutton Busing in Millsboro.

Charlie was a past member of the Sudlersville Volunteer Fire Company, and was a current member of the East Sussex Moose Lodge 2542 in Roxana. He loved working with his hands, and could build anything. He was a talented woodworker and welder.

Charlie also loved traveling, especially his trips to the Outer Banks, N.C., Florida and Alaska being his all-time favorite trip.

He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Phyllis L. Blackiston; a sister, Joanna (Ken) Boudreaux, along with a niece and nephew of Houston, Texas; four stepsons, Charles Scannell, Michael (Joanne) Scannell, Timothy Scannell and Thomas (Janine) Scannell; and six grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 9, at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, where friends and family may visit after 9 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Charlie's name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.