Ronald E. Dearstine Sr., devout Baptist

Ronald E. Dearstine Sr., 83, of Lewes went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, July 6, 2020, at his late residence. He was born July 24, 1936, in Washington, D.C., son of the late George L. and Lilly Jarboe Dearstine.

Mr. Dearstine was formerly of Berwyn Heights, Md., and relocated to Lewes 27 years ago. His career spanning 37 years with the Department of Defense first began with photography and evolved into processing film and film editing of many of the most important military events of his era. He had served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves.

As a devout Christian and while attending various Baptist churches over the years, he had participated as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, trustee, and in many other church activities.  He was a member of First Baptist Church in Lewes and Calvary Baptist Church in Georgetown.

He could often be found playing with his beloved dog friend Emma as well as spending time on the water and boating, which was a pastime he loved.

He passed away just shy of his 84th birthday and would have celebrated his 65th anniversary in August with his wife Nancy Harbin Dearstine, who survives him.  Also surviving are three sons, Ronald Dearstine Jr. and James Dearstine, both of College Park, Md., and Thomas Dearstine (Molly) of Glenelg, Md.; two brothers, George Dearstine (Janet) of Seabrook, Md., and Wayne Dearstine; and his granddaughter, whom he was especially fond of,  Erin Kassouf (Andrew) of Belaire, Md.; six additional grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may visit Thursday July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Due to the dangers associated with the spread of COVID-19, all attendees shall wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times while attending any aspect of the funeral services. Private burial will be at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, Md.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Lewes Bldg. Fund, 1001 Kings Highway, P.O. Box 25, Lewes, DE 19958, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963

Please visit Mr. Dearstine's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.