Raymond T. Spykerman, retired aeronautical engineer

Raymond “Ray” T. Spykerman passed away at Beebe Healthcare Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, after a brief illness. Ray was born to the late Raymond Walter and Maryella (Fea) Spykerman Sept. 14, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the eldest of two children. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard "Dick" Spykerman.

Ray is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Spykerman; three daughters and sons-in-law: Lynn, Lisa and Tom Davies, and Stacy and Roberto Rockwell; five grandchildren: Samantha, Lorraine, Stephen, Tori and Quinn; one great-grandchild, Ava; one nephew, Dan; and great-niece and -nephew: Logan and Payton.

Ray earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering from University of Michigan. He was an aeronautical engineer and worked for Boeing, General Electric, and Lockheed Martin, where he retired from in 2000. He traveled extensively worldwide for work, including Russia, Egypt, Colombia, Vietnam, Africa, and China. He lived in Glen Mills, Pa., for 30 years and moved to Milton in 2013. While in Glen Mills, he served on the Garnet Valley School Board for 13 years and previously served as a township supervisor in Chester.

Ray loved to fish from the beach or the pier at Cape Henlopen State Park and would spend hours with friends or family enjoying his favorite pastime. Ray loved his country and made it a point to hang his flag on every national holiday. He had a deep respect for those who served in the armed forces.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends and family may call at 10 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org.

Visit Mr. Spykerman’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.