Rufus William Joseph, Lewes businessman

Rufus William Joseph of Lewes passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Cadia Renaissance in Millsboro.  

Rufus was born Aug. 4, 1939, in Lewes. He was the son of the late Moulten and Blanche Joseph.  He graduated from Lewes High School in 1957.

In his younger years he worked in construction, operating heavy equipment. In the 1980s he started working in the mobile home industry and started his own business, B & R Transporters Inc. He also worked quite a few summers at the Holly Lake Campground. He never really retired as he always wanted to keep busy. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing, dirt track racing, having coffee with his friends every morning, and spending time with his family and friends. He was also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Ann Joseph, in March 2018, and son, Michael R. Joseph in June 2009.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Bobbie Joseph of Lewes; stepson, Mark Parks and wife Lisa of Warner, N.H.; grandchildren, Brianna Joseph and Brice Joseph, both of Lewes, Julian Parks and Hailey Parks, both of Ocean View, Serena Simmons of Allentown, Pa., and John Michael Joseph of Lincoln; his sister, Nancy Burbage of Ocean Breeze, Fla., and Lewes; great-grandchildren, Victoria Parks and Layla Parks; several cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 12, at 1 p.m., in the chapel of Short  Funeral Services, 416 Federal St.,  Milton, where  friends may call after noon. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Lewes.  All attending must wear a mask and adhere to gathering and distancing protocols.  

Online condolences may be submitted to:  www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.