Charles E. Van Auken, known as Candy Man
Charles E. Van Auken, 92, (Candy Man) of Milton and formerly of Lewes/Angola, passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, at Harrison House of Georgetown. He was born Oct. 29, 1925, in Rome, Pa., to the late James and Hazel Van Auken.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, and his brothers Vernon and Wayne.
In 1943, he graduated from Rome High School with perfect attendance throughout his 12 years of schooling. In 1944, he moved to Delaware where he would settle in Georgetown and work for Georgetown Lumber. He then became a salesman and truck driver for Layton & Co. in the late 1940s. In 1947. he married Margaret Rogers. He joined the U.S. Army for a brief time in late 1951-52 during the Korean war. In the mid-1950s, he was a salesman with Libby, McNeil, & Libby for many years. In the 1980s, he moved on to work for Perdue Farms in Georgetown in the supply department. He would later semi-retire and become a part-time delivery driver for Gamco Supply. In the late 1990s, he volunteered hundreds of hours annually driving veterans from Millsboro to the VA Hospital in Elsmere, so they could get the care they needed. Finally, he was last employed from the 2000s with the City of Rehoboth Parking Division. He retired from all employment at the age of 87.
For many years he enjoyed bowling in leagues, crabbing on Rehoboth Bay, fishing, watching sporting events, reading and collecting Zane Grey books, and traveling. He traveled to all 50 states in his lifetime. In his life, first and foremost, he enjoyed his family. He would regularly visit them, offer any help he could, and even bring goodies. Whenever he traveled to Pennsylvania and Florida for annual friend and family visits, he would bring home fruits and vegetables to share with friends and family and make his rounds when he returned.
For over 50 years, he made homemade black walnut fudge around Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the ‘90s, his sweet fall treat became more popular as he added more varieties and offered it to the many new friends he had made. He loved sharing his sweet treat. He had a kind and giving heart. He enjoyed socializing with friends and was a member of the Amvets Post 2 Long Neck and American Legion Post 28.
He is survived by his daughters Sandy Davidson and her husband Bob of Milton, and Susan Wilkinson of Milton; his grandchildren Scott and Stacy Wilkins of Milton, Robert III and Meghan Davidson of Germantown, Md., Tyler Davidson of Milton and Megan Davidson of Milton. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law Pat Van Auken of Georgetown; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m., in the chapel at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call at noon. Pastor Marvin Jones will officiate, with interment at Millsboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in his honor to help veterans at www.support.amvets.org or help local seniors at www.cheerde.com.
