Robert E. Garvey, Air Force veteran

Robert E. Garvey, 87, of Millsboro passed away at home Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Wilmington June 6, 1932, to the late J. Elmer and Pauline Garvey.

He graduated from Conrad High School in 1950 where he played football and baseball. Shortly after graduating from high school, he was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals farm team.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and served four years active duty. In 1955, he joined the Delaware Air National Guard where he served 33½ years, retiring as a colonel in 1988. Bob was also co-owner of Hitch-N-Go in Hockessin for six years.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Marie Shannon Garvey, in October 1952, with whom he shared 67 ½ years together. They were blessed with two children, son Robert Brent, who predeceased him in 1992, and daughter, Sandra R. Collier.

Bob is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter Sandi and her husband Rick Collier; daughter-in-law Anita Garvey; four grandchildren, Kim Garvey, Rob Garvey, Stephanie Baker and Nikki Collier; and one great-grandson, Brent Baker. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Garvey (Dottie) and sister Thelma McCandless.

Bob was a member of Long Neck United Methodist Church, and a former member of Calvary United Presbyterian Church in Wilmington.

A private memorial service and internment will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or by calling 1-855-448-3997. 

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