Karl William Munsell, 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. Born in Newark, N.J., Dec. 4, 1945, to the late Ervin W. and Frieda E. Munsell, Karl moved with his family to Lewes in 1947. He grew up in Quakertown and attended the Lewes School on Savannah Road, graduating with the Class of 1963.

Shortly after graduation, Karl answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy in September 1963. Following basic training in San Diego and technical training at Great Lakes, he served aboard the USS Saufley and later the USS Rushmore. During his naval service, he sailed across the Mediterranean, Europe, Nova Scotia and the Caribbean, visiting ports in Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Norway and Scotland before receiving an honorable discharge in 1966.

Upon returning home to Delaware, Karl worked several local jobs, including positions at the American Canning Co., J.C. Penney, Doxee Clam Factory and King Cole before finding his true calling as a skilled machinist. He dedicated 14 years to NCR in Millsboro, followed by time at Hocker's Machining in Lewes, and concluded a long, respected career at Seaford Machine Works, retiring in 2001. In April 1969, Karl married Sara Headley, and they welcomed their daughter, Kari Lynn, in August 1972.

A true jack of all trades, Karl was happiest when he was outside and staying busy in the yard. In his younger days, he was known around Lewes as a bit of a "wild child" – famously joking that he used to tow the local Lewes police around town. He loved fast cars and could often be found drag racing his 1967 Barracuda at the U.S. 13 Dragway in Delmar.

Karl was delightfully ornery, loved to tease, and believed in honesty – you never asked for his opinion unless you were ready for the unvarnished truth. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: listening to classic country music on Willie’s Roadhouse, visiting tractor shows with his good friend Tom Daisey, teasing the waitresses at the Harvest Diner, and wandering the aisles of Lowe's and Harbor Freight.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Frieda Munsell. He is survived by his wife, Sara; his daughter, Kari; his brother, Ervin Munsell; his sister, Dolores Stevenson; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and many friends who will dearly miss his sharp wit and authentic spirit.

A memorial service with military honors will be held with visitation beginning at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 5, at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, with a memorial service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Karl's honor to Delaware Hospice.

Services are in the care of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown.

Online condolences may be shared at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.