Milbourn ‘Mel’ B. Craig Jr., popular Rehoboth worker

Milbourn “Mel” B. Craig Jr., 78, of Rehoboth Beach passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at his home.  He was born in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 20, 1942.

Mel and his family lived in Oxnard, Calif., and Kilmarnock, Va., before settling in Ellicott City, Md.  He was a graduate of Howard County Senior High School and was a member of the FFA and Lions Club.  Mel also helped run a food booth at the Howard County fair and clerked for auctions. He worked for the State of Maryland as a commercial tax assessor for 29 years before retiring to Rehoboth Beach. 

Following his retirement, Mel began working for the City of Rehoboth Beach in Building and Licensing.  He worked there for two years before becoming Director of Public Works, a role he held for 15 additional years.  Mel enjoyed riding the Boardwalk in his city truck, and talking with residents and workers of Rehoboth.  He was also an original member of the First State Tractor Club. He kept the city streets, Boardwalk and beach clean and maintained.  Mel sincerely loved working with his staff, the people of Rehoboth Beach, and the community in which he lived.  He was loved by many, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Marie (Sempeck) Wolfel. He is survived by his beloved husband, Duane Willis; his cousin, Marjorie Gardner; and many dear friends.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Mel’s memory to the Rehoboth Beach Rescue Squad, 219 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE  19971, or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 200 2nd St., Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Mel’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.